Fondant for figure modeling should be firm, hold its shape well, and set quickly. The ideal option is flower paste (gum paste). This paste is suitable not only for sugar floristry. It can be rolled out to an ultra-thin layer of 1-2 mm and shaped into any form. Delicate flower petals and clothing elements will look incredibly natural and lifelike. With the help of flower paste, experienced pastry chefs create truly incredible things. What Beginners Should Use for Cake Figures
If you are just starting to master working with sugar paste, use a modeling paste. If you plan not only to model but also to cover cakes, a versatile fondant is your best assistant. As a last resort, you can add CMC thickener to any standard fondant. You can also make your own modeling paste at home. How to Make Fondant for Figures
Here is a simple recipe for modeling fondant. You will need: 0.5 kg of powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon of glucose syrup; 1 teaspoon of CMC thickener; 3 tablespoons of water.
Mix 300 grams of powdered sugar with the thickener. Dissolve the glucose in warm water. We now have two containers: one with liquid, the other with powder. Pour the contents of the first container into the second and mix thoroughly. Spread the remaining powdered sugar on the work surface and knead the resulting mass until you reach the desired consistency. Store the fondant tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or a cellophane bag. How to Model with Fondant
The technique is identical to modeling with clay. You need to take a piece of fondant, knead it a little, and form the base of the figure's body part. If the character is going to stand on the cake, model the legs first. Roll a sausage shape and divide it in half. Form the feet on each half by pressing one end against the work surface. Join the legs together. For better adhesion, you can glue the parts with molasses, royal icing, or edible glue.
You can model legs using another method. Roll one thick sausage shape – this will be both legs at once. Form the feet. Use a toothpick to make an indentation – draw the boundary between the left and right legs. Insert a toothpick vertically into the top center for structural stability. We will attach the character's torso to it. For the torso, roll a ball or a thick sausage, and give it its final shape. Make the arms following the example of the legs. Form the head from a ball. Ears, muzzle, nose, and other protruding parts should be made from separate, smaller pieces of fondant. How to Make Fondant Figures
If your sugar figures are going to be sitting, you won't need a toothpick frame. Let's look at figure modeling using the example of a sitting baby elephant. First, you need to sculpt the torso. Roll an oval, then shape it into a pear with a wide top. Now it's time for the hind legs. Attach them to the bottom sides of the standing pear, as if the elephant is doing a split. Make the top of the front paws slightly slanted; this will make them easier to attach. Secure the "arms" on the sides, bringing them slightly forward.
Important: the baby elephant's head is slightly tilted to the side, so it needs support. Insert a toothpick where the neck should be. If your characters assume complex poses, always use supports – figures can deform during the drying process. Model the head from fondant in a rectangular shape, with the top slightly narrower than the base. Now form the forehead, brow ridges, eye sockets, and round cheeks. We will make the trunk and ears from separate pieces. Mark the smile line, add the eyes, and don't forget the tail. How to Make Colored Modeling Fondant
The fondant prepared according to our recipe will be white. During preparation, it can be colored with food coloring. Powdered coloring is best mixed with the powdered sugar and CMC. Gel food coloring is added during the kneading stage. If you need different colors, divide the finished mass into several parts and knead each with a drop of dye. Alternatively, you can model the figures from white fondant and paint them after they are completely dry. Tools for Working with Fondant
Making fondant figures for a cake with your own hands is quite simple, especially with the help of special tools. A true must-have among them are modeling tools. They are very convenient for marking eye placements, cutting out a smile, smoothing the inner surface of the ears, and shaping petals. If you are really struggling with modeling, don't worry – with the help of silicone molds, you can have perfect figures. Simply fill the mold with fondant, wait for it to set, and then paint the character. Or, you can purchase ready-made figures.
Many are also concerned about how to make fondant decorations so that all elements are identical. With special plungers, it's very simple! Roll out the fondant, press the plunger against it, push the button, and you're done. This way, you can cut out decorations of any shape – stars, flowers, leaves. Using this method, you can create gorgeous cake decorations. Cut out petals and leaves with a plunger, and form them into a flower on top of the cake. And in its center, place a miniature figure of Thumbelina. Conclusion
Don't be afraid to create and try something new, and you will definitely succeed! To make things easier for you, here are a few tips on where to find everything you need.