Cake Decorating Community - Cakes We Bake

Dear experts (and anyone else that has an idea for that matter),

I want to make a square base about 5 inches square on which to place a cake topper, so that it can be taken off a top tier and repositioned on a bottom tier so the cake will work for 2 parties.  What do you think is the strongest medium to use for this - pastillage, modelling paste, gum paste?  I don't really want it to be solid as it will be too heavy for the cake it will stand on.  I would prefer to have it like an upside down empty box.... The topper shouldn't come out too heavy as it will be a silhouette and a kind of plaque.  Any ideas appreciated, thanks

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Hi Katy,

Im a little confused as to what you want to do but out of the three mediums you mention pastillage is probably your best bet, it is not affected by humidity like the other two.  

Well Katy
Why not get a square of styrofoam? I have used them as a top tier of a cake with my topper/decoration on top. At my bulk store I have seen them as small as 6x3. I have two cake dummies covered in fondant I use to fiddle on. They are pretty sturdy.
You can certainly cover a dummy, put on the topper, remove it, & use it again in anything you want.
Hope this helps.

@Karen - sorry, I thought while I was writing this that I wasn't explaining it very well.  That could be because I really only have a vague picture in my head of what I want the finished product to look like.  I've never worked with pastillage but am keen to give it a go as it seems to give a lovely finish.

@June - that's a good idea June, thanks.  Maybe I'll try a styrofoam square and cover it with pastillage - I'll be experimenting this week to see how it comes out.

Not sure covering with pastillage will work Katy. But that said, never tried. A hint. Just before you put on your medium, mist your styrofoam to make it slightly damp. What I find works for me is either put on 2 layers. 1st one thin, mist, 2nd layer medium thickness. Seems to work on the smaller sizes. The bigger 10-12" I have made the fondant very thick so it works on the 1st application.
:0)

Thanks June.  As I say I have never worked with pastillage, so any advice is taken on board and gratefully received.

Hi Katy,

I think that June's idea of the styrafoam square is a good idea, if you use this I wouldnt use pastillage as it sets very quickly and may crack, it also doesnt have as smooth a finish as say fondant or modelling paste.

Thanks Karen
That was the other downside to using pastillage I forgot to mention. I have 1 cake dummy that has had fondant on it for over a year. Kinda beat up looking, but good to practice on. No major cracks, fondant is still smooth. 0)
I agree with June 100%...styrofoam covered with fondant...is the perfect combination for a beautiful, finished topper. Easy to handle and transport from cakes.

Brilliant guys, thank you so much.  Styrofoam it is then and the pastillage can wait for another time - especially as I already have ivory coloured fondant which is the base colour of the cake!

Yeah, can't wait to see it, Katy.

Me 2!!! :0)

lol guys, nor can I!  I'm still trying to decide the patterns for the 2 tiers and what's going to go where.  Been experimenting all afternoon and still not sure.  Looks like this might be a 'seat of the pants' thing.

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