Drying correctly is very important. I admit, it is a somewhat tedious process. It usually takes from 5 to 10 hours depending on the thickness to completely dry a figurine. Start at very low temperature to prevent cracks in the dough. Here is an approximate scale of temperature that I used:

So a gradual increase of temperature is optimal. When the drying is done, the figure should smell like fried sunflower seeds, salty. The color would be a creamy pale yellow, a fried dough color. :o) If the piece has not completely dry it will fall apart as time goes by.

Watch for cracks: while baking as soon as a crack appears patch it up using a small, slightly diluted in water piece of dough. Smooth over and put back in the oven.

Once the creations are all dry it is time to paint them.

Painting...