Hi, I'm new here too. But I've used gumpaste for the first time recently and love working with it. I think you can make your own but I bought mine ready made from Michaels Craft store. It's kind of like working with clay-except is edible. I like it because if I "mess" up I can just squish it and start again! 
Here is link that explains gumpaste. HTH
http://www.baking911.com/decorating/cakes_gumpaste.htm
Gumpaste is simalar to fondant, though it dries hard. It can be rolled very thin and is used alot to make the realistic looking flowers as well as other things.
You can make it homemade or by premade. If you have never worked with it before, premade would be the best to use, as you get to see what to expect consistancy wise on it and such.
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