One day in advance, make marquee letters. Download the PDF for the GRAD letter template and print it. Tint fondant gold following QuickCount formula provided. Using fondant roller and its pink guide rings, roll out gold fondant to 1/16 inch thickness. Use template to cut out GRAD letters. Place letters on cornstarch-dusted board.
Roll out remaining gold fondant to 1/16 inch thickness. Create letter borders by cutting strips in the following measurements:
- Letter G: 3/8 inch x 10 inches for inside of G; 3/8 inch x 18 inches for outside of G
- Letter R: 3/8 inch x 4-1/2 inches for inside of R; 3/8 inch x 7 inches for bottom inside of R; 3/8 inch x 24 inches for outside of R
- Letter A: 3/8 inch x 3-1/2 inches for inside of A; 3/8 inch x 24 inches for outside of A
- Letter D: 3/8 inch x 12 inches for inside of D; 3/8 inch x 21 inches for outside of D
Use damp brush to attach borders to letters. Trim off any access. If needed, use spatula to help crease and form corners. Let fondant letters dry 24 hours. Reserve remaining gold fondant for a later step.