So I'm trying to make gumpaste figures and I can't even roll it into a smooth ball without the gp cracking. I've tried kneading in crisco and using slightly wet hands and then I made it more of a 50/50 gp/mmf mix. Still no avail.

PS - It's supposed to be a chocolate brown but the color on my camera phone was a little off. How do I fix it? It's not dry....it just won't come together...

I'd knead in some more Crisco, I've been able to salvage pretty dry gumpaste with it, you just need a lot of patience

I was trying to find a way to make a ball out of gumpaste without it cracking and I came upon this post. I was wondering what your final solution was to this? I have added a lot of shortening and it still doesn't seem to work. I have also tryed to apply alot of pressue and keep it warm but nothing seems to be working for me. I am frustated because I am trying to make some heels for shoes and a face for an angel and it is not working. Please help

If it is gp (not fondant) knead in egg white and maybe a bit of shortening.
If it is fondant shortening and a bit of water should do the trick.

Try microwaving it, then rolling it into a ball...

I use MMF + tylose, and the mic gets rid of all my cracks.

Thanks for the tips. I tried them but still it is not working. I get the same result as the first post by candy177. I am at a loss. Could it be the gp I am using. It is Wilton brand and it is a new package. When opened there was not much dried bits on it at all. I can not get a ball out of it.

Because you added alot of color it could make it behave different.

When rolling a ball though, you need to press it really hard between your hands, and roll it in your palms. I've recently learned if you are right handed, roll with your left hand counter clockwise and if you are left handed roll with your right hand on top, clockwise. This is suppose to help make a smoother ball.

But either way, you need to use some pressure. And with gumpaste you have to work quickly.

Oh my goodness. I have tried to practice making figures and can't make a round ball without huge cracks like you posted. I am frustrated beyond belief.

I have tried using Crisco and that didn't help. I have tried half gum paste and half fondant - nope. I have tried with and without coloring - nope. I have tried working it longer and shorter - nope.

I have been patient until it needs to be thrown across the room. Not sure my patients will hold out much longer.

Oh my goodness. I have tried to practice making figures and can't make a round ball without huge cracks like you posted. I am frustrated beyond belief.

I have tried using Crisco and that didn't help. I have tried half gum paste and half fondant - nope. I have tried with and without coloring - nope. I have tried working it longer and shorter - nope.

I have been patient until it needs to be thrown across the room. Not sure my patients will hold out much longer.

susieq01...have you tried microwaving before forming into a ball?
It works, it's like magic, LOL!

Kneading some glycerin into the gumpaste will help soften and prevent it breaking down that shortening can sometimes do. Knead in small amounts at a time until the gumpaste is soft and pliable.

HTH

Michele

I have had several instances where I purchased WIlton gumpaste and it was dried and crusty when I opened it! And usually I don't have time to return it because I am working on the cake! I usually try to add some shortening to it and it does help some. I think they (Wilton) needs to evaluate their package. The last time I bought I think a brand from CK maybe and it was fine.