My daughter wants a 3D Spyro ( the purple dragon from the video game) on her cake. I'm attempting to shape one out of fondant. Is this the best material to use? How can I make it less soft so it will hold it's shape as I handle it and not droop and wilt. He has wings, too! Should I use some sort of frame? (I don't know if my terminology is correct... I'm VERY new at this!)

Also, Spyro stands on a volcano with lava flowing. Any suggestions on how to make the lava so it actually looks like it's flowing?

If anyone can help I would appreciate it immensely!

Hi, maybe you should try using gumpaste or a fondant/gumpaste mix. Whenever I've used gumpaste it starts firming up as I'm working w/ it. Can't help w/ the volcano tho, sorry.

I will try that. Thank you.

What about tinted piping gel for the lava?? Alot of people use it for water? why not lava??

Adding a little GUM TEX powder to the fondant helps.

you could use poured sugar for the lava maybe

Piping gel gives great lucid sheen, and perhaps layered rice paper and wood skwers for his wings. Edible markers work great on rice paper as does dusting and lustre dust.

Thanks so much. This is very helpful.

Oh I still remember playing that game as a kid. I would suggest you use gumpaste instead or fondant mixed with tylose powder. For the wings, I would make them separate and let it dry. When Dry, attach it to Spyro's body. Not sure about the frame but if I were to do it, I would just free form it with my tools and hand. As for the volcano, I think piping gel is a great idea or maybe use some type of jelly or preservative and just tint it more to a desired color.

If you are makinh Spyro huge, I would suggest you use rice krispy treats in the inside, that way it wouldn't be too heavy and wouldn't take so long to dry.

Thank you for all the very helpful suggestions. I had a suggestion from BKieth who has a cake business to use the Rice Krispie treats. (Waiting for it to cool as I type!) I'm not making it huge but using fondant mixed 50/50 with gumpaste and since I really don't want to waste any more time (or money) I'm going to stick with that, no pun intended! I think I've got the volcanic lava figured out from all the suggestions. As for the wings, I've decided not to attempt edible materials but go with tissue paper and toothpicks instead. I'm not a professional and haven't even had any classes in decorating cakes. I'm just a mom whose winging it (no pun intended there either!) But I've learned a lot just from this site and all the helpful responses I've gotten. Thanks again and wish me luck and if it comes out not too embarrassingly awful I may take a photo and post it.

BTW, I'm also making Cinder and Sparx as well as Spyro. Just call me crazy!