Question: should I mix my fondant with gum paste before I cut out my lettering? I want to attach the letters to a wire. Thanks

I do unless they're going to lay flat against the cake. If I'm putting numbers or letters on wire I either mix it 50/50 our use gumpaste only.

I also roll mine a little thicker when I put them on wire.

Thanks Mamawrobin. I will give it a try

I am very new to the baking world. So, I apologize in advance if this question sounds dumb. But, what kind of wire do you use and where can I buy it?

You can use craft wire or florists wire. Depending on how heavy the gumpaste accent is you will have to use 20/ 22 gauge or above (the lower the number the thicker and stronger it is).
Once you've done that remember to use a flower pick or a straw to insert the wire into the cake, that way you're not contaminating the cake and it won't lean and rip your fondant.

Hi!

When I do my lettering I just apply Tylose to the fondant. The tylose acts as a hardening agent. Stiffents the fondant very quickly. When I use wire I use 18 gauge. It is a very heavy wire. Strong enough to hold up my letters/numbers.

The first cake I posted I have a #4 that is fondant and tylose. It is inserted with a wooden skewer attached to the back.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1692197.html

The second cake is also tylose and fondant. There is a 18 gauge wire attached to the INSIDE of the letter. I inserted it when it was still fresh. Then let dry inside.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1621712.html

The last cake is gumpaste only. Also attached the same way as the
second...
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1618603.html

HTH

NJOYCAKES and Mikel79,

Thank you soooo much.. This really gives me a better understanding. Can't wait to get started!

BTW, Mikel79 your cakes are beautiful!!

as a note I stick my wire into the letter before it dries or I make a tiny hoe in the letter with a toothpick then let it dry and thread the wire through when ready to place on the cake.