How far in advance can I make models for a cake?

I've also never attempted models,so any advice would be VERY welcome!

What do you mean "models"? Are you talking fondant figures or dummies?

It will depend on the medium you use. Gumpaste dries faster than fondant so it will not need as much time but you have to work faster with it because of that. Fondant gives you more play time. What I have used is a 50/50 ratio. It gives me the strength of the gumpaste but allows me more time to "play" like the fondant.

It would also depend on how big/thick your pieces are. Small pieces can dry very fast (even an hour is enough for some) and larger pieces can take days or even a week.

There are a lot of you tube videos that will show you how to do some gum paste modeling (our own aine2 has some awesome ones out there). Tonedna has some great gum paste flower tutorials on youtube as well.

Here's a link for aine2's videos (she has more than 20 right now)

There are a lot more video's on youtube but these are 2 of my favourite one's to view.

If you have more specific questions please feel free to ask.

HTH!

If you mean fondant or gum paste figures you can make those weeks ahead, as long as they are kept dry and out of strong light which can fade colours.

I was thinking from fondant.

I really know nothing about it,so I want to start practicing in advance.lol