How do i get the gumpaste to dry out or harden and about how long should it take? is it best to add color to the gum paste before i make the decorations or should i wait and paint them after they have hardened?

gumpaste dried with exposure to air. it doesn't take long for small pieces - and really doesn't take a very long time even for larger items, but it varies with size and thickness.

Some items i start with white and dust after drying (I used grated pastel chalks), some items I use a colored paste and also dust after for additional depth and color. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish, IMHO.

ahhhhhhh...... yeah now i really feel like a ditz.... lol...
mostly just little things I've made by hand (no tools except my trusty lil knife) for a baby shower cake...a bottle, a rattle, diapers and diaper pins and abc blocks.....
i do have one bigger piece which is the baby cradle for the top of the cake.....
hey thanks for the help yall are awesome.