I have yet to find a store-bought cake mix that is firm enough to carve, so my problem is Step 1: what do I put in the oven? So far I've only sculpted fondant and am ready to try carving some cake!

Sarita

I am working on the same issue, and trying to learn how to carve a cowboy boot. But, from my research thus far, you can freeze your cake for a couple of hours and that will help with carving. Also, use a strong cake, like a pound cake verse a sponge.
I found a cute pattern for a boot, but can't find instructions either. And, these threads can go for weeks, and it is hard to find the answers.
Good luck!
Kim

This is a durable cake recipe that also taste really good!! It was recommended by Sugarshack on her blog. These are basically like the WASC. You can add a box of pudding mix to your recipe and it will make it more dense...and also freeze the cake slightly to make it easier to carve. Hope this helps

http://cakecentral.com/recipes/6093/durable-cake-for-3d-in-chocolate

http://cakecentral.com/recipes/1972/durable-cake-for-3d-and-wedding-cakes