gumpaste

Yes there are a lot of different recipes for gumpaste, Shema.
For a very quick gumpaste I mix 1 teaspoon of tylose powder (CMC, tylopur, etc) to 500gms of ready to roll fondant. Knead thoroughly and you can use immediately.

To make gumpaste from scratch:
Firstly make a batch of royal icing - using either egg whites or meringue powder - and beat until at the 'soft peak' stage.
Add to this 3 tablespoons of tylose powder - sprinkled slowly over the mixture as you beat it slowly (in a machine). Once it has thickened put onto your work surface.
Rub some shortening on your hands and start to knead the gumpaste.
Add more powdered sugar as you knead until the gumpaste can be pinched between your fingers and not stick to them.
Put into a zip lock bag and you can let mature overnight.