I need to make a gumpaste figure of a man doing an arched handstand. I've only made basic figures. I know that I would need to make a wire armature but I've never made one before. What wire should I use? How will I shape the wire for this particular figure? How do I add the gumpaste to the wire armature? The figure is for a wedding cake topper so it will be dressed in a tux. How would I add the clothes? Really will appreciate all the help I can get. Thanks.

I like to use the 1/8" wire for making armatures and will use this guage when making a complicated figure over 6" tall. I posted a tutorial on my blog where I used an armature (this one was made using a purchased 'human' wire armature because it can be a bit difficult to wrap the wire tightly so it is solid; most art stores, like Pearl Paint, carry these in-stock).

Here is a link to how we made a figure about 16" tall (if I were creating your dancing figure I would follow the same method and once the 'body' is built I would add the clothing in pieces):

http://confectionarydesigns.blogspot.com/p/events.html