Hey -
Maybe this has been talked about a thousand times already, but in the event that it hasn't, I'm going to. 
Have you seen this thing?
http://www.makinsclay.com/US/eng/products/ultimate.htm
I got one (the non-professional) version at Michael's for $4.99. I've been playing around with it and fondant for a bit and it's super, super fun. I'm in the middle of what I'm doing with it, so no pictures, but man - it's nice to get a consistent, even rope! So many possibilities! Love it!
Christy
Yep! There is all kinds of fondant-applicable stuff there!
I bought one last weekend but haven't used it yet. I also bought some soap molds. They were about $1.50 cheaper than the candy molds in the next isle at Michale's. They are a bit sturdier and made of the same plastic. There is a pasta roller in the clay mold isle for $25.00. With a 50% off coupon you only pay $12.50, it's great for gum paste.
Good Morning -
Yep - there is so much good stuff in that aisle and much cheaper than comparable cake products (or pasta machines).
My ropes are varying thicknesses because the discs come in various sizes. They aren't perfect this time because I was rushing a bit, but much better than had I done them by hand!
Christy
I needed some chocolate seashells of a larger size than what was offered in the candy aisle, as they needed to be filled with ganache. I went around the corner to the soaps aisle, and TaDa! there was the exact size I needed. They are made deeper than candy molds, so I was able to use them without worrying about overfilling the ganache.
Theresa 
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