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Making 3D Characters

post #1 of 11
7/17/12 at 6:38pm
Thread Starter 
Hi All!

I want to start practicing making small 3D characters like animals, little people, but I'm not sure what icing to use. I have tried to use Wilton's Ready Made gumpaste, but when putting the head on the body of a girl, the weight of the head squished the body. It was way too soft and I kept adding PS to it (I think the food coloring I added made it extra soft).

What is the best icing/material to use for 3D characters and can you give me the recipe?

Thank you in advance!
Tasha
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post #2 of 11
7/17/12 at 6:47pm
I made my first 3d cake yesterday. I can't say that a certain icing was better. I used wilton, mmf, and duff goldman fondant. I found the the more you work the fondant the softer it gets, unless you happen to get a new batch at the store, then that is already soft. I found that if you do it in increments, letting the first layer of fondant get slightly firm to the touch before adding the next piece, seemed to help me. But then again, I am new to this, so I just wanted to add my two cents.
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post #3 of 11
7/17/12 at 6:53pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you, ConfectionsAK.
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post #4 of 11
7/18/12 at 10:43pm
When using fondant or gumpaste to make figures with, it's best to let each part dry separately overnight. Once they're dry, you can assemble them together.

I prefer to make figures out of modeling chocolate though. It's faster and you don't have to wait for the pieces to dry overnight. Plus, it's easier to blend in seams with chocolate vs. gumpaste.

I've got a modeling chocolate recipe on my blog: http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com/2011/03/how-to-make-modeling-chocolate.html
- Angela

http://www.facebook.com/SugarSweetCakesandTreats
http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com

MMF Recipe & Tips (Regular, Jello & Candy Melts): http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com/p/marshmallow-fondant-mmf-recipes.html
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- Angela

http://www.facebook.com/SugarSweetCakesandTreats
http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com

MMF Recipe & Tips (Regular, Jello & Candy Melts): http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com/p/marshmallow-fondant-mmf-recipes.html
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post #5 of 11
7/19/12 at 6:16am
Thread Starter 
Thank you, AngelFood4! That is so helpful. I made modeling chocolate for the first time but it intimidated me a bit. How do you color it? I read that you need cocoa butter mixed with the gel color, but never did it.
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post #6 of 11
7/19/12 at 6:35am
I've used modeling chocolate 3 times and added Wilton gel colors when I needed it to be colored. Remember the off white color of "white" chocolate will effect the final coloring so you will need to add more color for a blue or red. HTH
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post #7 of 11
7/19/12 at 8:14am
I have very good luck using Wilton fondant with Tylose powder added. I don't use Wilton for covering cakes (most of mine are bc, anyway) but it's great for figures.
Some of my favorites:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hjscakes/4298814436/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hjscakes/3913264640/in/photostream
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hjscakes/4113711674/in/photostream
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
See. There is no "Someday"!
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Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
See. There is no "Someday"!
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post #8 of 11
7/19/12 at 8:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrsMcTasha

Thank you, AngelFood4! That is so helpful. I made modeling chocolate for the first time but it intimidated me a bit. How do you color it? I read that you need cocoa butter mixed with the gel color, but never did it.



Once you have the modeling chocolate made and it has set, you can knead in the gel colors. Don't knead too much or else it starts to break down and melt from the heat of your hands. Usually, I'll knead in some color, let it cool down for a few minutes then continue to knead. No need to add cocoa butter.
- Angela

http://www.facebook.com/SugarSweetCakesandTreats
http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com

MMF Recipe & Tips (Regular, Jello & Candy Melts): http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com/p/marshmallow-fondant-mmf-recipes.html
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- Angela

http://www.facebook.com/SugarSweetCakesandTreats
http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com

MMF Recipe & Tips (Regular, Jello & Candy Melts): http://sugarsweetcakesandtreats.blogspot.com/p/marshmallow-fondant-mmf-recipes.html
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post #9 of 11
7/19/12 at 9:02am
I mix my modeling chocolate with fondant...it's excellent to work with, sets up like fondant but gives the flexibility and extra time of modeling chocolate. I use about 1:3 ratio. I just made Winnie The Pooh this way...way easier than fondant alone.
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post #10 of 11
7/19/12 at 9:17am
I like to use Satin Ice with Tylose powder added. Some people like to use a 50/50 mix of gumpaste and fondant. If I am making a person I like to make the body and head and let them both sit awhile before putting them together. When adding the arms I attach them to the body as soon as I make them and use cotton, paper towels or something to support them until they dry in position.

I have been wanting to try usind modeling chocolate but haven't had the time to play with it yet.
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post #11 of 11
7/19/12 at 2:02pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you for the great advice everyone. I am going to play around with your suggestions to see which one I live best.
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