Help! Everytime I make a cake the base covering of fondant I can put on smooth and without problems, my problem now is that any fondant or gumpaste decorations I use look cracky, dry and discolored (due to the dryness). How to I get them to look smooth and not lose their bright color. I appreciate any help soo much!

Well a couple of things. Use more shortening, if you are using Tylose or something similar then don't use as much, or.....after you get finished with them, use a steamer and they will look shiny