Hi there,

I'm trying to make fondant donkeys (bizarre i know) but the fondant is cracking before i can finish modelling.

Is there anything else that i can use? i'm still learning how to do things, so am quite slow modelling - need something that will stay pliable and let me correct my mistakes!!!

Can colour the stuff or perhaps paint it afterwards. Any thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

modeling chocolate

I think it helps to use 1/2 gumpaste-1/2 fondant. That definetely increases the pliability of it. Also if it starts drying out, rub a tiny amount of crisco/solid shortening on it. Plus are you keeping parts that are done under syran wrap??

If she's just using fondant now, adding gumpaste will only make it dry out faster.

What kind of fondant are you using? When I use MMf I sometimes add some of the white candy melts along with the marshmallows. Seems to help alot for me.

Kory, what is modeling chocolate ?

You should try modelling with marzipan! Because of the high fat content you can keep working it for ages. I worked on an animal for an hour until I was happy with it.
It is not like modelling paste. You can keep attaching bits and it will be able to be reworked.

I love it. Just remember to use icing sugar or veg fat not cornflour. cournflour will cause marzipan to ferment.

Fondant, on its own, doesn't usually get crumbly and dry when you are working with it. Have you mixed something into your fondant? Is your fondant old? Coloring the fondant before sculpting shouldn't affect the fondant as long as you are using a good color. Hopefully, you're not using grocery store food colors. I'm not certain what the end result would be if you are. Make certain you are kneading your fondant well before you begin working with it and that you are keeping the part you are not actively working with covered.

When I use fondant for modeling I use 2 tsp tylose powder mixed into 2 lbs fondant. The tylose gives the piece more stability and helps with drying, but you have to be very careful and not put too much tylose in or it will crack badly.

Again, remember to knead, knead, knead. For sculpting you really can't overwork the fondant.

i was using regalice with colouring paste and a little icing sugar to stop it sticking - maybe i used too much! Will buy some modelling chocolate. Cant make MMF as i dont have a microwave (ultimate scratch baker cos my kitchen is too small for a microwave!)

Thanks for everyone's help!

What fondant are you using Bettinashoe? That stuff sounds great!

I have always found fondant to dry out fast. If you roll it out and leave it within about 5 mins it will start to dry and get a leathery texture.

I do live somewhere hot though.

If you take a long time to model the fondant will become drier from the exposure to air. Thats why it always has to stay covered under plastic.

had a go with marzipan while i'm waiting on my cocoform to arrive! quite cute, but is he donkey like?

The donkey in my pics is made from all fondant. I died the fondant the color I wanted first for the body and painted the rest with gel food coloring and vodka. I used MMF fondant, (which I find is a little more greasier than fondant made with gelatin) worked in a little crisco in areas where it was drying and just propped up the areas, like his head, for it to dry in place. I live in Kentucky so it's humid sometimes. Just keep working with it.

lissyUK, that is an ADORABLE donkey that you made! Thank you for the question, as I have had the same problem too.

For sculpting I use either Wilton or Fondex, Sasha_Sweetie, usually Wilton. It tastes bad but no one eats the sculpture. You do have to keep your fondant covered if you are not working with it, no matter what type it is. I've occasionally had problems with crumbling but find that is either related to not kneading the fondant enough or weather related.

Thank you everyone. quite pleased with her. My friend who the cake is for wants to open a donkey sanctuary, so the cake will keep her going until she's able to!

Great. That donkey rocks. I think you have done a fabulous job!

Thanks Sasha. Marzipan is awesome. Wont use anything else for fiddly stuff now!

I dont mean to go off track here...but can someone pls pls pls pls pls give me a good marizan receipe...The last time I tried it it came out like a water dough

your donkey is so cute!