Okay so I didn't read correctly & tried "painting" some gum paste decorations with gel type food coloring. I've had them in front of a fan for 2 days & of course they are not dried yet! Any ideas--other than starting over?

Are you talking about the Americolor food coloring? I have had no problems painting with that stuff ~ I actually prefer it to the Wilton jar colors. As long as it's not too heavy a concentration of color, it should dry just fine. You could try putting your items in the oven with the light on, since you are using gumpaste. HTH!

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I did use Wilton gel colors but will try the oven with light on. They are "painted" rather heavy as I needed black & dark red. I made cut outs of poker chips & the different cards types (hearts, spades, etc) for a casino cake.
Also, has anyone ever tried to split & layer a carrot cake? Any advice?

..........anyone ever tried to split & layer a carrot cake? Any advice?.....

Have done it often. What size cake?
I don't put pineapple *in* my carrot cake - I use it as the filling.

I have split and layered a carrot cake. I don't have any advice because I don't see any difference.

I've done that to carrot cake......little messy (didn't cut as smooth as say a white cake), had to be a little more careful... if the cake size is large enough I would make sure I use a cake board to transfer torted layers so they won't break.

A cool oven with the light on should do the trick unless the coating is too heavy.

HTH
bj

I mix my gel colors with either vodka or pure lemon extract for painting...the alcohol makes the "paint" dry quicker.

THANKS to all! I wasn't sure if I would be able to torte the carrot cake due it not being as firm. And from now on, will use vodka or lemon juice to "paint"!!

Chill the cake well........almost fzn but not hard.
As was said, make sure you have a cake board or cooling rack to slip between the 2 cut pieces, making the removal of the top piece easier.

.......from now on, will use vodka or lemon juice to "paint"!!.........

NO, No, no.......NOT JUICE! It has to have alcohol in, and juice doesn't. Vodka, or any other clear, white spirits is the best.

I have often torted carrot cakes, and usually do so after removing from freezer and letting it sit for a little while. Have not had problems doing so, but it must be moved onto something else quickly and gingerly.

Not to hijack the thread but when lemon extract is used does'nt it leave behind a lemon scent/flavor?
When it is cooked the alcohol evaporates but the flavor is left behind, so does the same thing happen when using it to paint?
Always wondered this, I use vodka so no flavor or scent is left, but I've seen the Cake Girls use the lemon and I always wondered if their cakes smelled like a huge lemon!

Lemon or vanilla extract does leave a faint smell. Maybe some people can taste it but I didn't. I still prefer vodka over any other choice.