Cake Decorating Community - Cakes We Bake

Ok, this may be a stupid question, but that's never stopped me before. ;-)

The cake dummies you can buy online from ebay and different cake supply sites, are they just plain styrofoam or is there something more to them? I want to practice some techniques, just don't want to make all these cakes that aren't going to be eaten or I and hubby end up eating them. ;-)

What about the styrofoam you find in craft stores, are they ok to use for practicing? How about if you want to make a cake to display and not take apart? Also, for those display cakes do you need to spray them with something to preserve them?

Thanks,
Terry

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Replies to This Discussion

yes you can use the craft store styro , i have ! and its still looking good

I have worked with both.  The ones that has a smother surface works better when applying the fondant (obviously); but the others work as well if you use a thicker fondant to hide those little bumps (hate them), unless you know you are going to use lots of details and they will be hidden anyways.  I have never sprayed anything on them after finished, and they look great months after months.  

I'm with Gail and Sandra.  I had never used a dummy cake before my last cake (Fabulous at Fifty topper) and I used both a 'cake' dummy for the real thing and plain old packing styrofoam to practice on.  Both worked equally as well.  I did dampen the dummy down with just a little water before putting the fondant on as I wasn't sure if it would stick to it.  Back in February, I went to a cake exhibition and was talking to the suppliers their about their display cakes.  They had all been made for some time and carted round to all the shows and they had used nothing to preserve them.  

I too have used both. The craft quality is not as smooth at the designated cake dummys, and I have actually covered the craft ones with a thinner layer of fondant first, then gone right back over it with a thicker layer and then it is very smooth. I've even used the tiny little green floral Styrofoam that is meant to be a conduit for water. It's a softer Styrofoam and can make a mess, but if you are looking for a small little dummy to practice on, it will work. I have never sprayed any of mine either. If stored properly, they will last for years. Unfortunately, if you want to reuse the Styrofoam again, I'd say forget it. It's a pain in the rear to remove the fondant from, and the dummys are cheap enough that I wouldn't bother. (Been there/done that and ruined a perfectly good dummy finished cake).

Thanks for the replies.

Could anyone recommend a store/site to get a good deal on cake dummies?

For immediate, Michaels or JoAnns' with the 40% coupons...

But I have purchased mine on Ebay...I will look for the seller.  They were great dummies, all different sizes and shapes for a great price.

I have bought mine at our local craft store called Mangelsen's in Omaha, Nebraska. They supply everything cake related and have a huge supply. For craft type, Micheal's, or Hobby Lobby with their coupon, as Sandra mentioned.

the only place i can ge them is at acmoore ! and on line , but somtimes the $1. stores have some , OK NOW  there is lots of new commers , i noticed that some do not reply to a ???,or say thank you , if i find the dont comment back or say thank you , i will never comment on there work again , thats why i left the CC SITE !! I HOPE MY FRIEND AGREE !  this is a freinds site, we all help ea other , just had to vent about it ! lol   

Linda Wolff said:

I have bought mine at our local craft store called Mangelsen's in Omaha, Nebraska. They supply everything cake related and have a huge supply. For craft type, Micheal's, or Hobby Lobby with their coupon, as Sandra mentioned.

I did say thanks earlier, but just so it's clear, thank you to everyone for their replies and help. I do appreciate it.

SORRY TERRY I WAS NOT TALKING ABOUT YOU, IF YOUR ARE NEW AND WE ARE TALKING ABOUT HELPING OR YOUR HELPING US , THATS WHAT CWB , DUZ , WE ARE ALL HERE FOR EA OTHER AND I THANK YOU FOR REPLYS , AND WELLCOME TO THE BEST CAKING SITE YOU WILL EVERY KNOW , AS YOU GO ALONG YOU WILL SEE THE CAKERS THAT WON'T HELP YOU ,ALL MY FRIENDS WILL I WILL ALSO , AND HOPE WHEN IN NEED IF YOIU HAVE THE ANS FOR ME YOU WILL POP ME A NOTE , ; ) GALI   

Terry Bingham said:

I did say thanks earlier, but just so it's clear, thank you to everyone for their replies and help. I do appreciate it.
I'm glad I didn't upset anyone, just wanted to get it cleared p sooner rather than later. I am fairly new and really enjoy this site and hope tone able to help whenever I can. :-)

COOL , AGAIN WELLCOME TO CWB , YOU WILL ENJOY IT ,;), IV ONLY BEEN DOING CAKES SINCE MARCH 2011 , AND NEVER HAD A LEASON , ONLY THE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS HERE , AND IV SEEN YOUR LADY BUG CAKESNNAWESOME JOB, I LOVE LADY BUGS

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