i see alot of people refer to tylose added to fondant or gumpaste. what exactly is it, is it helpful, and how do you use it? thanks

Tylose is a powder that when added to fondant helps it harden and dry faster. It's good for modeling figures, flowers, etc. You mix about 1 teaspoon of Tylose into about 8 oz. of fondant, and knead it well. Make sure when not being worked the fondant is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or it will dry out on you.