I am going to make a farm themed cake for my son's first birthday. So far I have made 2 practice cakes and the second one turned out great. My question is how far in advance can you make the animals if they are out of fondant? It would be alot easier to make them a few days ahead if it would be possible, but I wasn't for sure if that would work. Thanks for any input!

You can make them weeks ahead of time. If you want them to stay pliable, be sure to put them in an airtight container. Be sure to keep them out of sunlight, as they will fade. You can also make flowers way ahead of time. HTH

That is very helpful. One more question then. So if I would like to cut out the number "1" to be able to add to the cake and have it hard, then would I just need to leave the fondant covered, but out (not in an airtight container)?

Correct...or you can mix it with some gumpaste or tylose powder. Something I do is put a candy stick on the back of a number to stick into the cake further...makes it stand upright.

Oh, I forgot to add that when I put the stick on the back, I attach it with melted candy melt that I have colored to match the number. HTH

When I make a fondant cut-out or figure I do NOT cover it..... just allow to dry at room temp (in a safe place) unless it is very humid where you live. It will dry hard in a day or so. If you make it thick enough you can embed the stick in the item....most of the time I use 2 toothpicks unless it is a very heavy/large item.
Yes, mix in some gumpaste, Tylose powder or GumTex. It doesn't take much - maybe a teaspoon to a golf ball size hunk of fondant.

Thanks for all of the info! You all have been very helpful! I can't wait to make the final cake for his birthday. I will post a picture of it as soon as I can. Still have 3 weeks before the party. Thanks again!

Good luck.