Hi GGirl, I tend to use fondant to cover a cake as its too soft and takes longer to set for model /topper work, although you can mix it with Tylo powder to stiffen it up. I use Renshaws Gum paste/Flower and modelling paste for models which don’t take to long to make, although if I need longer to make a model I use Laped modelling paste which has a higher fat content and therefore doesn’t crack. I believe is Italian and this is my preferred material, the only place I have been able to get it in the UK is Zoes Fancy cakes, however be warned its very expensive compared to the others as its such good quality but ZFC is the cheapest, Zoe uses if you have the time have a look at her YouTube channel for free tutorials as she is far the best person online for teaching. You can get Renshaws really cheaply online at cake-stuff.com. I too have just started out about a year ago and have found its really trial and error, so get a few of all and start playing around with it, you will then find your preferred material…Good luck
