I have the hardest time trying to get things to stick together when I make characters or things made out of fondant or gumpaste. I actually switched from fondant to gumpaste because the fondant never dried and it was impossible to keep things together. Even with the gumpaste, it is hit or miss with things "sticking". Ears fall off heads, limbs don't want to stay, and everything else I make falls off itself. I use water to make things stick, but in a last second crisis ended up gluing on an arm with chocolate.
What's the trick to make it stick?

Use edible glue. Add about 1/4 tsp. of Tylose powder to about 1-2 Tbsp. of warm water. Stir and let it sit until it dissolves and is clear. Works great, but you just want to use a small amount. If you use too much, it will cause your pieces to slip apart instead of sticking. HTH

Where can I get Tylose powder? Is it only available online?

Dissolve gumpaste in warm water for a glue-like consistency. This should work fine for you. Also, if you keep it covered, it will last a good, long time. I keep all my bits of gumpaste and let them harden... when I need to make glue I have a ready supply!

Does the gumpaste glue work better than just wetting the gumpaste peices I'm working with?

yes gumpaste glue works better and then you don't have to worry about the tylose powder.

Fantastic. Thank you. I'll try it tomorrow!!

I like the gumpaste better than the tylose glue, (personal preference) But if you use the gumpaste glue, make sure to store it in the fridge when not in use, or it will get mildew, (Lesson Learned).

Absolutely. It is of a thicker consistency. Now, things like arms, etc. need to be "propped" overnight in most any situation. What I do is build my figure, then I use a ball tool to make an indentation - just like a true socket in humans. I put the glue in the socket and apply the arm. Then I roll a bit of bubble wrap to fit the space between the surface of whatever the figure will sit/stand upon. The bubble wrap props the appendage up, but does not cause any indentations or wrinkles in the surface of the arm.

Little things like eyes, noses, ears, etc. will adhere immediately.

Also, a good rule of thumb for a figure is 50/50 gumpaste and fondant. I actually go about 60/50 gumpaste to fondant. It gives you time to work with the figure while forming it, but dries hard on the surface so you can proceed fairly quickly.

HTH!

I'll heed your warning. I prefer to learn from other people's mistakes

Yes, it does, Win. Thank you.

It worked! It worked! I made the gumpaste glue last night and this morning my peices were nicely stuck together. THANK YOU!!!

Wonderful!!! So glad you had success!

Mine mildew in the summer time, and it is fine in the winter.

It seems like the problem has already been resolved, but here's some extra advice, in case you need an alternative...
I mix 1 tbsp of merinque powder with 1 tbsp of warm water and use that as "glue". For "heftier" gumpaste creations, I also sometimes use toothpicks and small wooden skewers to give the creations some internal support; most people don't eat the gumpaste sculptures (from my experience) so you don't have to worry about people getting poked from a toothpick. As a previous post mentioned, I also "prop" up certain appendages of gumpaste sculptures to help them dry in their proper shape. Hope this helps. Happy baking and creating!

Thanks. Extra tips are always welcome!

OMG i have been also struggling with my figures to stick together! i am so glad i read this thread, thanks everyone it will be so much easier when i go to do my "in the night garden" figures tonight!

AI need to save this thread; not sure how to except by replying. I love this site :)

Definitely dissolve the gum paste into water. This is how I was taught to do it in the Wilton decorating classes and it always worked for us.