Looking For Some Figure Modelling Tips And Ideas.
Decorating By BakingGirl Updated 22 Mar 2007 , 1:35pm by Spoiled1
I have not done much in the way of figure modelling yet, but I have enjoyed the cakes I have done with 3-D figures, and they have been well received. The most recent cake I did had animals on it, and I have to admit I struggled quite a bit making them. In particular I found it quite hard to attach limbs and make it look natural. In the end I pulled out the legs from the main body on most of the animals so that everything was made as a whole rather than sticking bits on. Then I attached heads separately. I know nothing beats just doing it myself and eventually I will find my own way of expressing myself, but I would love it if you would share your own tips on figure modelling.
So if you would like to share how you put your figures together, how you attach limbs, how you dry your figures without sqashing something, I would love to hear about it!
I am also interested in hearing what medium you use to model. Do you have a favorite type of gumpaste?
Finally, if you can recommend books on the subject I would be thrilled.
the techniques for fondant/gumpaste are very similar to those used for polyclay. Many on here have talked about using the instructions for polyclay figures, and the books about polyclay to do fondant/gumpaste.
if you google figures polyclay, lots of sites of instructions will come up.
be sure to also look in the template gallery for some instructions that have been posted there.
and here's aine2's website which has some great tutorials too: http://extra-icing.blogspot.com/
Thank you Doug!
I had not thought to look in the template gallery, I will definitively have a look.
Anybody else have anything they want to share reg. figure modelling?
Hello.
Maisie Parrish is brilliant at modelling. Here is the link to her site.
http://www.maisieparrish.webeden.co.uk/welcome/4515112250
She has many great, easy to follow books which can be found on her web site in the on-line shop.
Another good book is 'the home guide to cake decorating' by Jane Price.
I really enjoy making models with modelling marzipan, its nice to work with and smells lovely.
Hope that helps.
Thank you Lexie for the links. I have put some of those books in my shopping cart on Amazon now. Great tip!
Now for anyone out there who knows. Is there a perfect ratio of gumpaste to fondant for modelling? I have tried to make a Curious George figure this evening but find that the gumpaste I was using just dries too fast. I did not mix any fondant in because last time I did that the resulting mix was too soft and the figures drooped before they had time to dry. Tonight I found that the surface of the gumpaste would not smooth out when I rolled balls or sausages, I could not get rid of the cracks.
Any tips?
In particular I found it quite hard to attach limbs and make it look natural.
BakingGirl,
I too have been having trouble with my figures staying together. I can make my figures look pretty good until you have to move them, that's when they fall apart. 
I have purchased fimo/polyclay books and they are great for getting ideas for different characters and instructions that way, but not so great with the instructions on keeping all the parts together. They use allot of wires and unedible items to hold them together. I too would love to hear some of the tricks of the trade.
Thanks,
Ok, one last try....
Can anybody tell me what is the best way of sticking bits of sugar paste together? I have tried sugar glue (dissolved gumpaste), it sticks like crazy but it is very messy and if it spills it leaves marks.
Also what is a good fondant / gumpaste ratio for pliable modelling paste which gives you time to fiddle around with it until you are happy with it, without it cracking and drying too soon?
have a look at
http://www.how2cakes.com
i have a few tips there
cheers
Nati
Spoiled1, gumpaste glue can be made a few different ways, one is to grab a bit of gumpaste, soften it in your fingers, add a bit of water soften it some more, put it in a container and start adding water bit by bit, until you have a thick paste that you can use for glue. Another way that franjmc taught me is to sprinkle CMC over hot water, mix it well, and let it sit for a few hours, you will then have a thick liquid that you can use as glue.
cheers
Nati
Hi Nati,
Thanks so much for posting the link to your website. Great tutorials!! Thank you for being generous enough to share you knowledge.
BakingGirl,
I have been searching this site (and have found a few others) on the ratio for the fondant/gumpaste. So far it seems it is a personal preference as it has been said 50/50 and 30/70 depending on your feel. I haven't had that much experience with it yet I don't think to really "know" what feel I am going for. I have lots to learn yet and Love this site for everyones knowledge and willingness to help.
Good Luck & Happy Baking!
Jules 
I found this on the site after searching some more....
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-174231.html
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