What would make some good carving tools? I can't afford the gumpaste/fondant tool set but would like something similar in shapes.

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&resnum=0&q=gum+paste+tools&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=1026054109370053812&ei=gXtLS92bN5L-tQOJl_TrAQ&sa=X&oi=product_catalog_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CCAQ8wIwAg#ps-sellers

These? It's a good basic set....about $20.

do you mean modeling tools? If so you could check out polymer clay tools and playdough tools. I don't have any fondant tools either. I just improvise with things I already have.

I have seen wilton gumpaste tools at Hobbylobby and they have 40% coupons every other week.

http://shop.hobbylobby.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=89785&dep=75&cat=60&subcat=5&Search=Y


Joann or Michaels have 40 or even 50% off coupons.

Oh oh oh.....ok. Well, butter knives, pencils, pen caps, push pins....rulers, spoons, the end of ball point pens...ummmm, skewers.....look around. Everything hand held is an opportunity to be used in another way. Whatever looks like it will make an impression you like, or make a slit, or curve, or, or, or....anything! Marbles, don't forget marbles. Large marbles. And fish tank "half marbles", ya know those flat kind of marbles....can be used for frilling.

I use knives and the handles on craft brushes and toothpicks.