Hi there,
I want to make a Jojo figurine to sit on top of a small cake and at first, I thought of making it out of fondant (I'm familiar with it and have used it to do figurines before) but I wanted to try candy clay (which I've never used before).
I bought some yesterday (Wilton's already coloured and all) and it was hard as a rock! I tried microwaving it for a bit but that didn't work. After handling it for a while, it soften just a bit but when I tried to roll it into a ball it didn't work, you can see cracks everywhere and it just didn't incorporate nicely... 
Do all of you experts out there know why is this not working? can I do anything to it so it's usable?
I might go back to my trusted fondant but I wanted to try something different...
Laura
Hi Laura!
Did you use corn syrup with it? Here's a recipe from this site for Candy Clay for modeling figures.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1985-Candy-Clay-for-Modeling--3D-Figures.html
HTH!
Mirjana
I've not used the pre-made candy clay...can't imagine why it would be so hard. Maybe it was old and had been on the shelf too long. I have been making my candy clay. I was in a hurry and had to have some immediately and so I only let my clay sit for about 30 minutes to an hour before I used it and it worked fabulously. I use the candy clay recipe here on CC. 1 bag of candy melts to 1/3 cup of corn syrup - melt the candy in the microwave then pour in the syrup and stir...it immediately starts to form a doughy ball. If you get liquid coming off it, just drain it off and put the clay ball on wax paper and flatten out a little bit. I used paper towels to get the rest of the liquid off of it. Let it sit for a little while until it is somewhat dry and put in plastic wrap overnight (or if you're willing to rush something like me, just knead it and use it!! I do not guarantee the results!!
)
Sorry, I have only made candy clay before, but when it is really hard I just keep handling it until the heat from my hands softens it up. Don't know if it works the same with store bought. Hope someone who knows can help you soon. The home made recipe is really easy to make, and use. It is in the recipe section if you want to try it sometime. Good luck.
I knew I'd get some good advise here!!!!
I will definately try the home made one. I usually make my stuff but I thought I'd try the wilton one... 
that'll teach me, better stick with what I know!!!!
One question with the home made one... will it get hard once I finish modelling it? (like hard enough to keep the figurine for over a long period of time kind of like gumpaste flowers).
Thanks again! 
... sorry! I just used gumpaste for the first time this weekend. The candy clay should hold it's shape but it definately doesn't get as hard as gumpaste. Not nearly as sensitive either. I had problems with my gumpaste bows cracking as soon as I started to fold them over to make the loop. Maybe I did it wrong but the candy clay loops I made two weeks ago are holding their shape but they are still chewy (yes, I had to try one lastnight). My FIL was at the house and he saw them and was like, "Oooo, are these candy? Can I have one of them?" He ate like six big bow loops - I was done with them so I told him to eat all of them if he wanted. They were flavored with Lorann strawberry flavor.
I guess the question is what do you want your figures for... if you want to keep them for a long time, it's better to use something like gumpaste or even fondant so they really hard.
If kids are going to eat them right away, maybe candy clay is better.
fytar, I think you are rigth and the stuff I bought was too old. I'm returning the unused portion and getting candy melts instead.
Thanks again for your comments and suggestions. You guys rock! 
Laura
I don't think the premade stuff which is called Kandy Klay is the same as the Candy Clay you make with the candy melts and corn syrup. It has a different texture to me. And I don't think it is as populer as Wilton thought it would be, so what is on the shelves could very well be old.
I have also only used homemade candy clay..but assume they have to be similar ...so that if the micro or hands arent warming it and softening it much that it is old or something. I havent been brave enough to try figures or anything with it just roses as it seems to melt too easily. I like a mix of 50/50 gumpast and fondant for figures ...well..unless you want to eat them..lol
TexasSugar, I agree! I don't think they are the same thing. When you guys mentioned the candy melts and corn syrup, I was wondering what the heck did I buy then?
It is completely different than what I imagine this recipe (candy melts and corn syrup) would be.
I now understand why this Kandy Klay thing was not popular!!!! I'll never buy it again!!!! 
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