I recently was asked where I find my supplies for constructing gingerbread pieces. Over time and by trial and error, I have narrowed down a few sites. What works for some people may not work well for others, but these are what I like to use. Below are some websites that I like too frequent for inspiration and products. 

Products:

1. www.simicakes.com Items sold here: Isomalt and molds. You can watch tutorial videos produced by them on YouTube and Sydney, the owner, has classes available. Tip: to make your isomalt creations last longer on your gingerbread pieces, make sure you spray them with PME glaze.
2. www.evilcakegenius.com Items sold here: Tons of cake supplies that translate to working with gingerbread. You can watch tutorial videos produced by them on YouTube. Example of items I have purchased from them is chocolate transfer sheets, rolling pins, and stencils.
3. www.etsy.com Items sold here: wafer paper and cookie cutters. I have found wafer paper images already printed by sellers that work within gingerbread themes that I would need. I order direct from sellers, eliminating owning an edible printer. I own an edible printer but do not print enough images to keep the ink from drying up. This site is a great place to look for molds as well. 
4. www.karenportaleo.com Items sold here: Edible Oil paints, these paints are my absolute favorite. It may be because I have an arts background, but the ease of working with these paints is worth trying. I have tried other edible paints that work okay but the coverage on dark gingerbread with this product works the best, even if using white. There is no cracking over time with this product.

Inspiration:

1. www.pinterest.com Inspiration: Great for finding images and putting them on a private board for your eyes only. Share if you would like, but for competitions, best keep your ideas to yourself. For example, I have a Pinterest board titled “Gingerbread Ideas 2023” within that board are sub-categories like “Peppermint House”, then I add images to that board for quick reference. 
2. Create your own mood board- print some of the images you have found and glue them onto a foam core board. Have near your gingerbread piece as you construct; it will help you stay focused on your overall theme, color, and scale.