I've seen a couple recommendations that a clay gun was used to make long strands of marzipan or fondant. I searched for one, but there are so many to choose from and some say they are hard to clean. I saw one from sugarcrafts that was specifically suggested for marzipan. Is that the way to go or is a cheap small one ok? I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to make a long enough strand with the small clay guns. What do you think?

I bought the green plastic one from Michaels in the clay section. It works well; cost about $10. It helps if you knead some crisco into the fondant to make it softer. I had previously bought the metal one and after one use, the silvering on the inside came out all over my fondant!

I've been in business a long time. Hand rolling fondant ropes sometimes is terrific and sometimes a pain. I have wanted to buy an expensive "gun" but wanted to try one first. I bought a green gun at a local craft shop but it was very difficult to push through and when I put more fondant into it, the first part came out separated and very lumpy.

I am going to try again because I didn't add crisco to soften the fondant as I wasn't thinking obviously. I appreciate that info and will try again as I have a party this week I think the rope around the edge will look great.

Probably too the crisco will soften the fondant enough that it won't be so hard to force through.

Thanks for that info.
Carol
The Flour Shoppe

I bought the klay gun from Sugarcraft (the black and red one) and it was much smaller than I expected but worked well. For small projects, it'd be okay. IMHO, not worth the $30 I paid. For larger projects, I use a cookie press.

That green plastic one from the modelling clay department at Michael's is great. With a coupon, I think I paid around $6 for mine, and I figure if I break it, no biggie, I'll just go get another. It came with a lot of discs, too. We had the red and black Sugar Craft gun at the bakery and I am not too sure it was any better than the cheapie I had at home, except that it made longer strands. I'd say, go get the green one (I think the brand is Makins Clay) and try it out and see if it comes near what you're looking for. Then think about spending more cash on a "nicer" one later if you think you'll really use it.

Deanna

I bought the green plastic one too. It has worked fine and using crisco to soften it up is a great tip. I also bought some of the clay cookie cutters and the impression mats from the same section. Next, I want to buy the face molds. Fun stuff!!!

Ooooooh, yeah, the face molds! My ballerina cake has a face from a Sculpey mold. I use the clay impression mats quite often but have used my "special-for-cake" impression mats maybe once. The clay mats are so much bigger they work better. And the clay cutters make really good gumpaste cutters. Gotta love the craft stores. Think outside the box!

Deanna

I can't wait to go check out Michael's clay section! I think I'll go with the cheap one and upgrade later if it's something that I find I'm using often.