Thanks so much for the advice. I'll start tomorrow because for one cake I'm making a rolex watch and I have to paint it with silver lustre dust and I have a feeling everything will need time to dry plus I figure I'll need to do numerous coats.
Thanks again!
I usually go with gumpaste but I have been branching out to fondant to save some $$. How are you placing the figurings I think really determines what to use. Are they people standing, sitting, full bodies or just the top half.
personally I don't like gumpaste, I use the Wilton fondant for figures which dries pretty firm.
I use this as well. Depending on how much time you'll be putting into the sculpting, the fondant will give you more working time. Gumpaste is great for flowers though.
I use fondant plus tylose powder for my figure modelling.
If I need something sturdy but something that will remain pliable while I'm modelling it I use a 50/50 mix of gumpaste & fondant.
If I want something rock hard that dries quickly I use gumpaste.
For little things that don't need to be too sturdy I use fondant or modelling chocolate.
For something that tastes nice I use modelling chocolate, sometimes mixed with fondant.
I always use 50-50. But every time I make a figurine, it has cracks in it. I can't even roll a ball without cracks. Anyone have a suggestion to fix that?
I always use 50-50. But every time I make a figurine, it has cracks in it. I can't even roll a ball without cracks. Anyone have a suggestion to fix that?
I use crisco on my hands while I am working with g/p. It helps keep it soft a little longer and keeps cracking down to a minimum.
I had to make figures this past week, and also played around with things. I love how gumpaste dries, but as your working with it, it tends to crack and not look so neat. I tried the mixture of fondant and gumpaste, and definitely liked the look better. The only problem with mixing fondant in, or using just fondant alone, is it might not dry as quick and hard as gumpaste will. If you decide to use just gumpaste, you will want to use a good amount of crisco when needed to keep it smoother.
I use shortening as well which helps with the cracks. I put in on my work area and hands. I also sprinkle cornstarch for gumpaste and powdered sugar for fondant.
For one cake my figurine will be laying down (a hunter tied up) and the other figurine will be a deer (the one who is doing the tying up). For the other cake it'll be a rolex watch. I think most of you are saying 50/50. Does that sound okay for the above mentioned figurines?
Gumpaste is so dry that it's not worth using except when absolutely necessary. Mix about 2 level teaspoons tylose powder in with one pound fondant and it's a dream to work with and dries very hard.
Take care when making items in advance that they they are kept out of the light, as colors can fade. Especially pinks and purples.
I like to use Satin Ice Fondant with 1/2 tsp. tylose powder to 1/2 lb. fondant. To help prevent the cracks make sure your fondant is well kneaded before you start to make your figure. I agree a very thin coating of crisco on your hands will help to roll a smooth ball. I think it takes practice and you just have to try different things to see what works best for you. For me, pure gumpaste hardens too quickly.
My Grandsons love eating the figures so when I am making figures for a kids cake I try to make them from pure fondant when I can. Fondant being soft has a tendancy to squish down so you have to be sure to use extra support while you are waiting for it to dry and it will definitely take longer to dry.
I'm just starting a new project with figures. Last night I prepped the fondant. (added tylose powder & colored) I can't wait to get started. I love it when the ideas in my head start to come to life! 
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