This may sound like a really crazy question, but has anyone ever used or thought of using Play Dough or Sculpy just for practice cake figures? I see so many cute figures here on CC & I can't afford to waste good fondant or gumpaste just practicing. Anyone with suggestions?

I've always said that working with fondant/gum paste is about the same as playing with Play Dough. There are a few differences, but I think it would be a great way to practice.

I would practice with polymer clay. It's probably cheaper and won't dry out so fast. Actually, I don't think it dries out until it's baked. It also comes in prettier colors.

When my boys were little, I used to make the play-dough (super cheap). I practiced with it all the time. It dosnt give the same "feel" as fondant, but it let's you practice making the correct shapes/sizes.

HTH

TammyH