The first time I tried to make 3-D characters, I used fondant with a tiny amt of gumpaste mixed in. They were really cute, but after I set them aside to dry........I guess the fondant was too soft, because they kind of sank and spread.

Usually, when I see great figures on CC, the pic description just says "all figures and decorations fondant" or something like that. But is this true? Do other people have stiffer fondant? (I used Satin Ice) Or is it common practice to add something?

Should I add more gum paste? Or just use gumpaste by itself? Or modelling chocolate? I am at a loss, but I am trying to do some more figures for Christmas adn I really don't want them to turn into squat blobs.

I would be so appreciate of any help anybody can lend.
Thanks very much.

I think gumpaste alone will dry too quickly and cause lots of cracking.
Alot of people use fondant and gumpaste 50/50.
I prefer marshmallow fondant mixed with tylose powder. It works well for me.
I would tell you to look at my pics, but you know how that goes at the moment.
Actually you can see them at Flickr (link below), if interested.

When I have done figures I have added tylose to MFF or MMF I also add a little extra powdered sugar or cornstarch with the tylose to stiffen it up from the get go, mold and form and it stays put while the tylose helps it to dry out.

Thanks for the suggestions. I definitely had nowhere near 50% gumpaste in my fondant.
Can you tell me what the biggest differences are between using a 50/50 mix of fondant/gumpaste vs MMF with tylose?

Both methods work great...I prefer tylose because it's easier...I don't have to make a separate batch of gumpaste.

how much tylose powder do you use?

how much tylose powder do you use?

Edee...I just responded to your PM .

Where do you get tylose powder??

I've always gotten in on-line. Usually when I'm ordering something else, I'll add a jar to my cart even if I don't need it.

http://www.globalsugarart.com/product.php?id=17057&name=CAI%20Tylose%20Powder

I recently ordered from Earlene's site and added tylose to it...the picture shown is the same as Global's, but I received CK's brand.

http://www.earlenescakes.com/store/tools.html