Shape and mold fondant into an adorable Autograph Dog for your graduates this year. This cutie will look great on top of a cake at your graduation party.
Post sponsored by Wilton.
Did you ever have a stuffed autograph dog?
I had several, including one that I received for my middle school graduation. When I was a young girl, having my friends write special messages on my stuffed dogs was so precious. The first dog I ever received, sat on my shelf for many years. I loved reading the kind words over and over again.
When I spotted one while shopping a few weeks ago, I was inspired to make an edible version and knew I could use the Wilton method of modeling fondant to create a really cute one.
I typically use modeling chocolate to decorate my fun food but thought I'd give fondant a try. I think this fondant dog turned out really cute.
Ingredients
white fondant - To make the dog's body.
black fondant - For the graduation cap, ears, and eyes.
tylose powder - This will make your fondant hold its shape.
clear piping gel - Use this to attach the fondant pieces together.
Supplies
fondant tools
silicone mat
small square cookie cutter or knife
clay extruder - To make the grad cap's tassles.
Items used to create this project can be found on Amazon.com (commission earned for sales)
Wilton Measure-N-Shape Sizi...Shop on Amazon 
Wilton Decorator Preferred,...Shop on Amazon 
Wilton - 710-2303 Wilton De...Shop on Amazon 
Wilton Clear Piping Gel, 10...Shop on Amazon 
Wilton 6-Piece Nesting Fond...Shop on Amazon 
Wilton W609105 Food Writer,...Shop on Amazon
Instructions
To create an autograph dog using fondant, I followed the step-by-step instructions on the Wilton site for creating the Dolly Dachshund. UPDATE: this post is sadly no longer available. Follow the picture above as a guide to shape your dog.
You can use a Measure-N-Shape Sizing and Blending Tray to measure out just the right amount of fondant for each part of the animal or just eyeball the measurements.
Once you have the right amount of fondant, you follow the instructions for shaping each part of the animal.
One of the most important aspects of creating figures out of fondant is to use Tylose powder, It will help to harden the fondant so it keeps its shape.
You need to add the Tylose powder as you work and there really is no specific amount to use. We would just measure enough fondant and dip it in the powder then knead it in. The fondant should start to feel a bit stiffer, but not so stiff that you can't work with it.
Once the Tylose powder is added, you can begin shaping your fondant.
To make your own fondant autograph dog, follow the instructions for making the Dolly Dachshund, only use white instead of brown, and add black ears.
I kept my ears a little shorter and more squared off at the top, so they looked like stuffed animal ears, not real dog ears.
The instructions will show you how to use the fondant tools to create each part of your dog and where to use Clear Piping Gel to attach pieces together.
It will also show you where to add toothpicks for support. For the dog, you'll need them in the legs and head.
To hold pieces up while they are drying it's best to use sponges. I grabbed some paper towels, which stuck a bit. The sponges work great.
I added a graduation cap to my dog as the finishing touch.
To make the hat, take a ball of black fondant and hollow it out using a fondant ball tool. Attach it to the dog's head using piping gel.
Roll out a small amount of black fondant and cut out a square. Attach it to the black cap using piping gel. Allow the hat to dry for at least 30 minutes.
Press some gold fondant through a clay extruder fitted with a multi-hole disc. Cut off about 2 inches and press one end together. Attach it to the center of the square. Roll a tiny ball of gold fondant and press it onto the center of the square.
Allow it all to dry before signing the dog.
Use a food coloring marker to write on the dog.
You can create all the messages yourself, or allow party guests to do so.
These autograph dogs can be used on top of a graduation cake or all on their own.
How cute would this look sitting next to a diploma cake?
As part of the Wilton Sweet Treat Team, I have been compensated and given free merchandise and classes in exchange for sharing my experiences with you.
If you have a chance, I highly recommend taking classes at the Wilton School in Chicago.
I created everything shown in the pictures above during one of their cake-decorating classes.
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Esohe edgal says
how can I known how to design beautiful cakes
The Partiologist says
I cannot believe how real this looks! I don't think I had an autograph dog but it looks like it's never too late, I could make myself one! )
beth says
Thanks, Kim. I thought autograph dogs were so cool when I was a kid. I'm sorry you missed out on that experience:)
S Marie says
This is so awesome! I have quite a while before we'll be having a graduation party, but I will absolutely be keeping this in mind when we do! Thanks so much for sharing!
beth says
Thanks! I do hope you have fun making your own autograph dogs for your future graduates.
Mary Johnson says
That is such a wonderful and cute idea! So clever. Now, if I only knew a graduate... 🙂
beth says
Thanks, Mary.
Mary says
The cutest thing ever!
Sugartown Sweets says
I really couldn't believe that this was not a stuffed dog. You've amazingly recreated this autograph cutie and brought back memories of the one I had one in elementary school..6th grade I think! What a fun class with making all those adorable fondant figures. The little boy is my favorite along with the dog!
beth says
I'm happy this project brought back memories for you! It was really fun to make and I loved the class at Wilton. If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend taking classes at their school.