Flourpots: I used MMF, that I made in my Kitchenaid mixer. When I rolled out the fondant to cover the entire cake I used shortening to keep it from sticking to the surface, however when I rolled out the colored fondant for the cutouts I used cornstarch. HTH!

Excellent...thanks so much.

Wow your cake looks great, nice job. I'd like to know how you got the balls all the same size. Mine always look a little funny. Thanks

the bears are really cute too

Getting the fondant on the cake is always a problem for me as well. I have the Wilton mat but hate it because it slides. I'm interested in trying the vinyl idea but wouldn't that slide as well? I've just been smearing shortening onto the countertop directly and eyeball the size...a few prayers help as well.

That is an amazing cake for your first one. Absolutely lovely!!

Your first attempt is amazing girl! You obviously have some great talent!

I don't know, I have never had a problem with getting my fondant on the cake....I use my rolling pin...roll the fondant up on the pin and then kind of drape it out over the cake, slowly rolling off the pin. Works like a charm every time!