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Cracking Gumpaste

post #1 of 12
12/6/06 at 8:47pm
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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...
LL
Nathan born - 08.14.01
married Chris - 10.17.05
Audrey born - 05.14.08

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Nathan born - 08.14.01
married Chris - 10.17.05
Audrey born - 05.14.08

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post #2 of 12
12/6/06 at 11:24pm
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
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Ursula
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regards from Shanghai, China
Ursula
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shanghai-schroeder/
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post #3 of 12
8/18/11 at 1:57pm
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 icon_cry.gif
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post #4 of 12
8/18/11 at 2:13pm
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.
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post #5 of 12
8/18/11 at 2:39pm
Try microwaving it, then rolling it into a ball...

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

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post #6 of 12
8/18/11 at 6:48pm
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. icon_cry.gif
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post #7 of 12
8/19/11 at 10:20am
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.
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My Weight Loss Support Group is The Chunky Monkeys!
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post #8 of 12
11/23/11 at 3:50pm
Oh my goodness. I have tried to practice making figures and can't make a round ball without huge cracks like you posted. icon_cry.gif 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.
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post #9 of 12
11/23/11 at 3:51pm
Oh my goodness. I have tried to practice making figures and can't make a round ball without huge cracks like you posted. icon_cry.gif 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.
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post #10 of 12
11/23/11 at 4:27pm
susieq01...have you tried microwaving before forming into a ball?
It works, it's like magic, LOL!

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post #11 of 12
11/23/11 at 6:21pm
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
Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Galations 6:9, NLT

Author of "The Sugar Fix" cookbook and "Bloomin' Garden" DVD.
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Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.
Galations 6:9, NLT

Author of "The Sugar Fix" cookbook and "Bloomin' Garden" DVD.
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post #12 of 12
11/23/11 at 7:36pm
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.
"Variety is the Spice of Life"
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"Variety is the Spice of Life"
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