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Help with Gum Paste/Fondant Figure Modeling!!!

post #1 of 141
10/13/10 at 9:21am
Thread Starter 
When forming figures using fondant and gum paste (mainly gum paste!) how do I keep it from forming cracks and lines? I've tried dabbing vegetable shortening on my hands and smoothing out the figures with some success, but need a better solution! Any help would be appreciated - just don't want imperfections taking away from the look of my figures!

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post #2 of 141
10/13/10 at 10:34am
I've found that some gum paste recipes work best for flowers and other recipes work better for figures. So you may want to experiment with different recipes.

Also, make sure your gum paste is very well kneaded and soft. Kneading in a little shortening will help make it smooth.

One thing I've found that works well for me is to completely cover what I'm working on with shortening. For example, when I make a head... first I roll the gum paste into a smooth ball, then I completely coat it with shortening before I start forming the head and facial features. This gives me a longer working time and also makes the gum paste easier to shape. This helps both gum paste and gum paste/fondant mixtures. You can continue to coat your piece with more shortening as you work to keep the gum paste from drying and cracking. When you finish, the gum paste will absorb the excess shortening and dry. HTH
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Follow my blog... http://judyscakes.blogspot.com/
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post #3 of 141
10/13/10 at 11:09am
Thread Starter 
Thanks so much! I'll definitely give your suggestions a try - they're much appreciated!! icon_smile.gif

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post #4 of 141
10/14/10 at 12:03pm
I use MMF with tylose mixed in for figures, and I ALWAYS microwave the piece I'm about to work on before-hand, so it dries crack-free.

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post #5 of 141
10/14/10 at 12:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks FlourPots! Does the tylose do that well at stabilizing the fondant? I have to admit, I have not tried making MMF yet - been relying on Wilton fondant so far. Would you mind sharing your recipe/method for making MMF? Thanks so much for your help!

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post #6 of 141
10/14/10 at 2:36pm
I think it does...I've tried gumpaste/fondant, but it dried too quickly for my taste.

I posted the modeling recipe in the comment section of my most recent photo upload...the baby items.


(I'll PM you some more info, since it was impossible to fit it all in there)

Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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post #7 of 141
3/18/11 at 9:31am
Flour Pots! Your work is impeccable!!!
I would also Love some tips if you don't mind sharing?? icon_smile.gif
I <3 CAKES
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I <3 CAKES
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post #8 of 141
3/18/11 at 2:21pm
Thank you!!

..and sure, I'll PM you the info.

Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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post #9 of 141
3/20/11 at 9:15pm
Omg! flourpots I just saw your work and you are amazing! I hope to be able to that someday! THanks for the great tips as well!
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post #10 of 141
3/20/11 at 9:53pm
What perfect timing! I just started my first figure using Aine2's tutorial today. Not bad but not good so far either. I have been using gumpaste which is new for me. It seems sticky one minute and dry and cracked the next. I want to try the fondant/tylose mix.

Anyway, when I got on CC tonight here was this post. Flourpots, would you mind sending any helpful tips you have? Your work is beautiful.

TIA

Cindy
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post #11 of 141
3/21/11 at 11:06am
Thank you both so much icon_smile.gif



...I'll PM you the tips.

Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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post #12 of 141
3/24/11 at 8:36am
Me, too!!! Me, too!!! That is some of the best work I've ever seen.
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post #13 of 141
3/24/11 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by FlourPots

Thank you!!

..and sure, I'll PM you the info.



Can you PM it to me, too??
Your stuff is amazing and I'd love to read what else you have to say about it!
Thanks! icon_biggrin.gif
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post #14 of 141
3/24/11 at 10:09am
Thank you so much...really.

If you only knew how unworthy I feel, LOL )


PM's are on the way icon_smile.gif

Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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Flickr Cake Pics: http://www.flickr.com/photos/partyflours/

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post #15 of 141
3/24/11 at 10:16am
You really are fantastic! Would you please send me the info too? I have been struggling a little with my figures so any help would be greatly appreciated!
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