Couple of questions -

1.  Had anyone ever taken a sculpting class to better learn how to make figurines?  It just doesn't come naturally to me.  If there are any particularly good books or videos I'd appreciate it. My internet is wonky at best so if I'm going to watch a video I'd want to be worthwhile!

2.  Fondant.  I live in a VERY small town, where the only thing available is Wilton.  I can get some online - what's worth my money?  I'm new to fondant and would trust the advice of the experienced!

Thank you!    

Books:  I use library books on working with clay, wood carving, sculpy , even glass creating can give some help   Wilton GumTex/&/or fondant  is ok for learning   I have done mostly small creations that can be seen in my photos on this site  

Check pgs 2, 12,15  & 17 especially in my photo album  

Afraid I Couldn't find that  - could you send me the link?

Thanks!

Sorry to take so long to get back to you but I didn't have access to a computer other than my phone and I can't do links on it :(   Here are links to the pix I mentioned:  https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/1271520/pilgrims-bounty      https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/1271520/pilgrims-bounty      https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/1271520/pilgrims-bounty         https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/3418146/dear-baby-in-buttercream         https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/2105011/birdfeeder          https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/1323695/keep-em-barefood-amp-pg                https://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/1323699/polar-bear  

Here's a link I found posted by Sandra - might be helpful to you:  https://www.cakecentral.com/forum/t/852059/cute-sitting-boy-tutorial

Oh crud!!  With the problems this sight has — especially with pictures— I guess you can’t actually see my pix:(   Sorry-I tried to help 

I prefer to make my own fondant.  I use Liz Marek's fondant recipe.  It makes about 4 pounds of fondant, is super easy to whip together, and doesn't cost much in ingredients.  You just need to be prepared to kneed a lot once you finish the mixer portion.  I have found this fondant to be the easiest to work with.  I have tried Satin Ice in black and found that it dried pretty quickly.  I have also tried Cake Craft fondant and that was especially sticky.  I have also used Wilton in the past and found that easy to work with but it isn't the best tasting, plus it can get costly.

I also make my own fondant using Liz Marek's recipe.  Regarding the "lot of kneading", I divide the ball into four sections and knead the smaller sections separately, which is much faster and easier.  I then wrap them individually, which makes them easier to use than one big ball.

https://sugargeekshow.com/recipe/fondant-recipe/

There are dozens and dozens of videos on modeling and all of them have merit.  I don't think I've ever watched a single one that didn't teach me something.  Just Google whatever type model you wish to make.  Many sites (Pinterest posts lots of them) do pictorial tutorials, as well, which I prefer to the videos.

Wow, that recipe looks great!

thanks everyone.  Unfortunately my...professional education lacked quite a bit in some areas.  The instruction for fondant was less than great and it was a horrible experience.  I’d really like to get more proficient and comfortable with it.

Thanks again!

KatyN, you really should give it a try.  I've never know anyone who didn't like it and it is really easy to make (if you have a heavy duty stand mixer).