Top 10 Fondant Modeling Tips

Hi Friends, 

Happy fourth of July! This week we're sharing our 10 Fondant Modeling tips for cake toppers. Fondant toppers are a fun and creative way to add a personalized touch to any cake. Although we've been making toppers for years, we recently started to make even more detailed cake toppers. Here are our go-to tips to help you with your fondant modeling:

1. Plan your figure: Before you begin, have a clear idea of what you want to create. Use reference images online to help you visualize the final appearance and size. This will help guide your modeling process. When I create a specific character, I find that the images of the character, as well as inspirational cake designs are extremely helpful. Look for images that show different angles and details of what you want to model.

2. Prepare your fondant to the right consistency: Fondant should be pliable but not too soft, not too
hard, and not too sticky (our favorite recipe is here). It should feel like a firm clay. Knead it well before you start working with it to make it more pliable. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds to help soften it. If it's too sticky, dust your work surface with powdered sugar and knead on top of it, feeling for workable firmness. If you're making toppers that need to dry extra firm, add a touch of gum tragacanth to the fondant you will model (I like to dip a piece of fondant into the gum). 

3. Break it down: When modeling figures, it's best to break down the design into smaller workable sections. Modeling detailed figures can feel overwhelming, so start with one section and spred the work out across multiple days to make it more manageable. After modeling a specific section. Let that dry at room temperature and keep your working fondant wrapped in plastic wrap.

4. Use fondant modeling tools: Fondant tools can make the process easier and help you achieve more precise details. Some essential tools include  shaping tools, silicone brushes & stainless steel tools, and small paint brushes for applying edible glue or water. For flat fondant pieces we like to use fondant rollers (made of POM plastic which is softer on your hands) and a smoother.

5. Start with simple shapes: If you're new to fondant modeling, begin with simple shapes and gradually move on to more complex designs. For example, start with round spheres, cylinder shapes, or cones, and combine them to create fun figures. For most of these toppers, the head is just a rounded sphere, and legs and arms are rounded cylinders.

6. Add details gradually: Build up your design by adding small details one at a time. For example, with the fairy in the green and yellow dress on this cake, I started with a round face, then I made the dress, and arms and legs (across different days). Then I made the eyes, mouth, and ears on a different day. Finally, I put it all the pieces together and created the final flower antenna, headband and dress detail. There are also two toothpicks towards the back holding this topper to the cake board.

 

7. Support structures: If you're creating larger or more intricate toppers, consider using support structures to help them maintain their shape. I like to use wooden skewers or toothpicks to help a topper stay strong and attached to the cake. When attached well, the customer can pick up their cake with the toppers attached. In some instances I also use floral wire for small and difficult to attach pieces. For this cake, the mermaid cat on top is held by a large skewer that also goes all the way through the cake. This added a lot of stablity for both the cake and topper.

8. Let it dry overnight: Once you've finished modeling your fondant topper, let it air dry overnight at a minimum. Many times I like to start any topper work no later than a Monday or Tuesday for a cake the following weekend. Drying helps the fondant hold its shape and prevents it from sagging or losing details.

9. Decorate the cake: After your fondant topper has dried, you're ready to place it on your cake! Add any additional details such as rosy petal dust for cheeks or clear for a touch of shine. Honestly, I have to remember this one myself, I get so caught up in modeling that I overlook dusting cheeks or adding shimmer. For adiditonal painted details, use food-safe markers or edible paints. For good placement drive your toothpicks and skewers down into the cake board. 

10. Price it right: Modeling figures takes days of planning and working so it's important to keep that in mind with pricing. I used to not charge enough mostly because I was unsure on what I could accomplish exactly. Now that I feel more comfortable with what I can provide and how long this takes, I am much more confident with pricing. This 6" fondant cake with the various details was in the 450 range. 

Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't flawless. With time and practice, your fondant modeling skills will improve.

If these tips were helpful for you, tag us on social @cakecouturelove!

Happy cake decorating!

Christie