is there a video or tutorial ... on how to make a fondant or marzipan christmas elf.. one that sats up? tia

You could try on youtube looking for polymar clay vids. Work with that is very similar to working with sugar pastes.

http://www.wilton.com/technique/Elves

http://www.hotkey.net.au/~lexiep/ChristmasElves.htm

These are really cute. I have a picture of one in my gallery. There are instructions on a sitting elf too.
If you can't locate it, google Cakes by Lexie and they are under her projects.

thanks everyone.. i have seen the wilton one.. looked on youtube.. and have seen the one that cags31 shows. like that one best of all. i do have all kinds of books on polymer clay. i will look at those too.. just looking around for the best one.. and like i said ... like the one cags31 sent. already had it in my favs.. thank you all, again. for posting..