Hello experts,

I am doing a three tiered cake and want to make an initial "S" for the top 6 inch tier in black. It would be standing vertically. I have made three so far and none has worked. I have been through the forums and seem to follow the advice but don't know what I am doing wrong.

I am using Black Satin Ice and adding tylose powder to it. Kneading it well.. firs one, I rolled it into a rope and went around the template and stuck skewers at the bottom. the edges have cracked and doesn't look neat.

The second, I used a clay extruder and it broke into three pieces..

The third one,rolled it out and cut with an exacto knife.. edges are not smooth and doesn't look presentable..

Should I just save myself the hassle and buy a topper? Are they pricey? I need it for Thursday and wont be able to order online to will have to check Michaels..

Roll it out about 1/4" thick - which is pretty thick.  Make sure you have a new, CLEAN blade in your exacto.  I find that after just a few cuts in fondant or gumpaste, my blade needs to be cleaned off because it gets sticky.  Your topper will have to dry for a couple of days before it can be moved.  then you can add the skewers or whatever you are using to stand it up.  I have a bunch of cakes in my galleries that I did this for.

Here's one: