I kept reading on here about using clay extruders, so today I bought one wtih a 50% off coupon @ Michael's. Now what? What do you all do with it? I'm guessing I can use fondant in it to get different textures and shapes. Can I also use gumpaste in it? Any advice would be appreciated!
yes to different shapes and textures (easy to do hair, fur, tassels, ropes, etc.)
yes to gumpaste
for both may have to soften a bit.
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advice: P L A Y ! !
this is K-1 time again
you have legal permission to be a kid and make a big mess finding out what it can do.
just reuse the same fondant over and over trying all the the disc inserts.
now.....
go....
P L A Y !!!
have fun!
What brand extruder did you get? I'm between to Michaels, and both of them just opened about 3 mons. ago but one is in an area where I go 5 days a week. I keep looking for the Makins Professional Clay Extruder and this Michaels sell another brand. I forgot the name of it but if you tell me I'll remember. I haven't called or visited the other Michaels yet; I'm curious to know if different stores carry different brands.
hope you got the green Makins one, the silver one sold at Michaels is crap.
Oh no, did I buy crap? Michaels' only carried one type: Walnut Hollow. Has a black handle and a silver top? If that's the crap one, what makes it crap?
KayMc, did you buy the extruder on the link? If so, its different than the silver extruder that doesn't work very well.
http://poly-clay.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-clay-extruder.html
The plain silver one is a piece of junk. To me it is anyway. its extremely hard on my hands no matter how soft I get my fondant or gumpaste. I gave up using it long ago.
I have the Makins Ultimate Clay Extruder (green with twist handle) and I LOVE IT....I make borders, bows, quilled flowers, hair, ropes, script, and so many other things. You'll need to add shortening to your fondant way more than you would just for kneading. I would replace mine in a New York minute if something were to happen to mine. It's one of my tools that I couldn't do without. 
I also have the Makins Ultimate Clay Extruder and I find an excuse to use it on almost every cake I make! I made a music-themed cake day before yesterday and I used it to make the staff lines, the long part of the notes, the treble clef sign and the lettering. Right now, I'm finishing up a 1963 Mustang and I'm using it to make the fenders, the grillwork, and the chrome around the doors and windows. Last week, I made some hamburger-shaped cookies and I used it to pipe out a flat ribbon (think fettucini!) that I turned into the onions. I really don't remember what I did before I got it (not much, I guess!), but it's been a Godsend!
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