How Do I Cut Out Intricate Designs In Fondant?
Decorating By perfectcakebyshirley Updated 11 Mar 2019 , 5:47pm by SandraSmiley
I need to cut out peace signs (using an exacto knife) from fondant to stick on the side of a cake - any tips on how to do it cleanly? No matter what I do, the fondant keeps stretching when I cut it, and it ends up looking messy. Should I let it dry a little first?
that is too funny.. I am doing the exact same thing, cutting peace signs for nieces cake for next month.. okay I am just practicing right now, but so far... I have found that if I use the exacto knife that is flat across the top, I use it to make a rough cut around the circle inside and out. I can then extract the piece from the rest of the fondant, then use a smaller blade and remove the excess and get my perfectly round peace sign with out the "pulling" effect from trying to cut around the piece while attached to the rest of the fondant.
I have an exacto kit with 50 different blades in it. if you dont have one.. invest.. they are only like 7-10 dollars. best thing ever.
Another tip I had a lot of luck recently in cutting the lettering design plaque for a cake I'm working on and it turned out great. I drew out the design in reverse on paper and outlined with black marker. Then I rolled yellow fondant on a piece of clear vinyl. It was thin enough that I could cut it by tracing it with my X-Acto on my light box. To apply it to the cake or in my case the gumpaste plaque, I brushed on a tiny amount of water, flipped it over and positioned it where I wanted it and rubbed on the back and then gently peeled off the vinyl. Everything came off slick as you please except the dot for the "i".
I recently did a cake w/ peace signs, too. I knew that getting them to look right by cutting them would be a hassle, so I did 2 things:
I bought a chocolate mold ($2.00) for some larger ones and then I bought a cheap peace sign pin at Michael's and used some Amazing Mold Putty (food safe and about $10 using a coupon at Michael's--you'd use about $2 worth for the mold) to make smaller ones.
I was happy to have both items for my stash because I'm sure that I'll use them again.
So quick & easy.
HTH
Rae
In addition to letting your fondant dry for a few minutes, don't try to cut all the way through the fondant while your template is in place. Use a pastry wheel or your Xacto knife to just trace around the template. Then, you can remove the template and make your cuts without worrying about the template moving.
Along with the other suggestions, you might also want to roll your fondat as thin as you can. I found it easier to cut this way.
Good luck! 
In addition to letting your fondant dry for a few minutes, don't try to cut all the way through the fondant while your template is in place. Use a pastry wheel or your Xacto knife to just trace around the template. Then, you can remove the template and make your cuts without worrying about the template moving.
Ditto. I also rub the surface with shortening so the thinly rolled out fondant sticks to it and keeps it in place while it's being cut. Once cut and trimmed out, let it sit for a few minutes before trying to move it. Pick up the cutout with a very thin trowel/spatula.
I love tiggy2's comment! I have the cricut on my wish list. I do so many cutouts.
great ideas, I am going to try some of them. Like I said I am trying different techniques right now, the more the merrier!!
also.. what is with the peace signs.. tye-dye themes lately? are we headed into the 60's? again.. or dear lord.. not the 70's.. I couldnt handle the disco !!! 
Thanks everyone! I was able to get it done by letting them air-dry before cutting. Unfortunately, I ended up putting them one the cake upside-down! Oh well!
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