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Cake Decorating: In Progress - Wedding Cake Topper
119 kudoz

In Progress - Wedding Cake Topper

Finished Wedding Cake

Finished Wedding Cake
Wedding Cake Topper
Topper
Side View
Back View
Finished Wedding Cake

Learn It

This project was made as part of a Craftsy course:
Handcrafted Sugar Flowers »
Difficulty:

Category: Cake Decorating

Type of item: Food

For: Other

Style: Romantic, Traditional

Materials

Gumpaste, floral wire, food safe gel colors, various forming tools - As taught in Jacqueline Butler's Handcrafted Sugar Flowers course. Topper requires some finishing touches that will be done at the venue. This project was more advanced for my skill level, but may be easier for others with more experience.

What was your inspiration?

Jacqueline Butler's creations are among my absolute favorites.

What are you most proud of?

I finished!! :-)

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

If you anticipate needing a certain number of flower buds, for instance, make that many and then some more! It was helpful to have a good selection of flowers of varying sizes to choose from when creating the topper. If you're like me (and I don't have much experience at designing toppers) I create as I go.

 

85 comments

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HueyGM on craftsy.com
HueyGM
18 hours ago    Flag as inappropriate
Such beautiful and flawless work. Totally professional.
PedroCampos on craftsy.com
PedroCampos
Mar 24, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
Lovely ! <3
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Mar 24, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you very much!
Helenlloydcakes on craftsy.com
Helenlloydcakes
Mar 18, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
This is lovely,
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Mar 20, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!
girlietow on craftsy.com
girlietow
Feb 25, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
I've just finished watchng Jacqueline Butler's tutorial and seeing your finished cake give me hope that I perhaps will be achieve something half as good as yours! Thank you for the ranunculus instructions - I have long admired them on other websites inc. Jacqueline Butler's but just could not find any hints or tips on making them. Now I will be able to have a go! Your cake and flowers are absolutely beautiful!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Feb 25, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much! Just be patient, listen to the music you like best, and have fun! Would love to see pics on this site when you're done!
Cherie Anne on craftsy.com
Cherie Anne
Jan 08, 2013    Flag as inappropriate
Wonderful! Your work is gorgeous!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jan 12, 2013   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you! And, Happy New Year to you and your family!
CatherineMason on craftsy.com
CatherineMason
Nov 24, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is gorgeous - all your flowers look flawless! Your ranunculus explanation is really good - thanks for posting it. It has inspired me to try one - I've been looking for some tips for a while, and yours seem really clear.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Dec 30, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you soo much!
Florgunde889800 on craftsy.com
Florgunde889800
Nov 23, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Amazing Talent!!!! congratulations!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Dec 30, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!
Maria jacomino on craftsy.com
Maria jacomino
Nov 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
I loved Jacqueline Butler's class. Very well explained and detailed. Love to see her again teaching roses and other flowers. Thank you Craftsy !!!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Nov 11, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I agree, Jacqueline is such a great teacher!
Sugarybits on craftsy.com
Sugarybits
Nov 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
wow, this is just beautiful!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Nov 11, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much!
Absolutely swee on craftsy.com
Absolutely swee
Oct 28, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is beautiful x
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 28, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 28, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 28, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
yas0178 on craftsy.com
yas0178
Oct 27, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful, I love to learn how to do this. I think I will take up the class. Stunning cake.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 27, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!
Yogi66 on craftsy.com
Yogi66
Oct 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is really beautiful ! I love your pointy petals on the filler flowers and your description on hoe you made the ranunculus was helpful - did you mention how you got the height on your topper? I missed that- did you use a dummy or make gumpaste mound?
billsusan936856 on craftsy.com
billsusan936856
Oct 25, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you for your comments! Let's see - - - I used a 1-1/2 inch green, porous styrofoam ball cut in half. When building my filler flowers and buds, I use 26 or 28 gauge cloth covered wire for flexibility. I've used 22/24 before, but when I cluster my flowers together for placement into the styrofoam, I got too much breakage and too many spaces because the stems of the flowers were too stiff and didn't conform together as nicely. Of course, for the larger flowers, I'd used a heavier gauge wire since I'd be placing them in the styrofoam one at a time. As for getting the height - you need to decide how high you want the top of your arrangement to be. In my project, I think the top of the topper was around 6 inches above the top flat surface of my top 6inch round tier. As Jacqueline suggests, start at the top of you styrofoam ball, place your larger flowers first, then fill in around them. Work in a spiral / circular motion around the styrofoam as much as possible - AND DON'T LEAVE A SPOT UNTIL YOU ARE DONE! It is almost impossible (without removing work you've done) to make adjustments to an area you've filled in higher up on the styrofoam when you've got a bunch of flowers around and below the area you are trying to make adjustments to. Now . . . if you've built your flower(s) on 2 inch pieces of floral wire, but need them to be 6 inches tall - - - remember that placing them in the styrofoam will add about an inch of height (for a total of 3 inches now), so you will need to floral tape a 3 inch section toothpick (with a pointy end) or 3 inch section of heavier gauge wire (18, 20 or 22 gauge) to the end of your flower and place it in the styrofoam. Make sense? This method also worked well for me because I cluster a lot of my filler flowers / buds, etc., before placing them in the styrofoam. Even if they are the correct height, I still floral tape a section of heavier gauge wire to the end so that I have a small point of entry into the styrofoam. All the clustered stems were too thick and make too many and too big of holes in the styrofoam. Especially if I were moving the cluster around to get the exact positioning I wanted - I ended up leaving a trail of holes and the styrofoam would start to break apart. ALSO, I can't state more strongly how helpful purchasing a long set of angled tweezers was!!!!! Got mine from Jennifer Dontz web site for around $11.00. Anyway! Hope this helps. For me, describing floral arranging with words is clumsy at best! Hope you are able to pick out some tips and tricks from this!
audrian8 on craftsy.com
audrian8
Oct 19, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Amazing!!!!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 19, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
Livy2205 on craftsy.com
Livy2205
Sep 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
That cake is stunning ! Very beautiful work !!! But could you please tell us how did you get that volume ? Did you stick the flowers into a styrofoam ball or something like that ? Can you please help me ? Thank you.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 27, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I finally got around to discussing how I assembled the sugar flower arrangement, if you are still interested. Just check out my reply to "audrian8" above. Sorry it took me so long!
KathyHybarger on craftsy.com
KathyHybarger
Sep 24, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
gorgeous!! I would like more instruction on making the topper and placing on the cake. I didn't find that in the class on Sugar Flowers. I would also like to know how to make the ranunculus. Love them!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Sep 25, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much! Let's see, for the ranunculus, I made the centers first - using the green coloring that Jacqueline uses in her course. I formed a ball about the size of a large pea (or small marble). To make the indentation in the center, use the end of your ball tool, then I used graduating sized piping tips to press into the gum paste and make the "circle" marks around the indentation made by the ball tool. Very important to affix this to your cloth covered floral wire and let dry completely!! For the petals, I used circle cutters. I used my pasta roller, to roll out the gumpaste as thin as I could get it. Placed the circle on foam pad and used the end of my small roller (or large ball tool) to cup the circle slightly (not frilling), then I set the circle in a former (or in a spoon if you don't have any formers) to let dry / set for about 3-5 minutes. Enough time so that when I pick up the circle, it doesn't flop around - holds its shape. On some of the circle, I experimented with making marks for the petals - I ended up making very light veining on the petals using a petal veiner I had. I think Jacqueline makes hers more pronounced, but I don't know what she uses to get the effect. The main trick (for me) to get the delicate, almost see through effect that I like, is to roll the gumpaste as thin as you can, cup it, let it dry a bit --- AND THEN!!!! when you are ready to place petal on the flower center, barely use any water - - just DAB a DOT at the location on the petal that will be touching the center. I tried adhering the petals to the center like I would a rose petal, using more water around the edges of the petal, etc. - - but I did not like the look. I wanted more "space" between the petal and the center and between the petals themselves once I started to layer. Using that extremely small amount of water in one spot made the difference for me in all my experimentation. I also tried placing 3 petals around the center versus 4 petals around the center, I liked the 3 petals around the center best. Once you've placed the first 3 petals around the center, hang upside-down to dry. I was making quite a few ranunculi, so I had an assembly line going. By the time I finished the 3 petals on all the centers, the first one I did was ready for the 2nd row. I used a toothpick maneuver the petals so that there was space / air between as I liked. Use the size circles as your flower gets bigger, so that you have 3 petals going around as much as possible. I made some smaller and some larger just depending on what I liked and to make sure I had choices to fill spaces in the topper that I would not anticipate, but end up with anyway! The only other suggestion I have is to search Google for a YouTube tutorial. I only found one, but wasn't the "look" of the flower I wanted, but was good for getting some suggestions and mechanics to start with. Please let me know if this helps or if I can try and clarify more. Good luck! Oh. . . Jacqueline gave some really good tips on creating the topper when I asked her the same question. You may be able to search her blog / discussion questions in this Craftsy forum. I'll try and give a few of my instructions above, when I answer the question for "Livy2205" above.
Bite Me Bakery on craftsy.com
Bite Me Bakery
Oct 11, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you for explaining ranunculus, its on my list to try
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Oct 27, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I finally got around to discussing how I assembled the sugar flower arrangement, if you are still interested. Just check out my reply to "audrian8" above. Sorry it took me so long!
decoración de q on craftsy.com
decoración de q
Sep 22, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful work!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Sep 23, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!
desma22002 on craftsy.com
desma22002
Sep 12, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Really pretty!!
billsusan936856 on craftsy.com
billsusan936856
Sep 12, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you for taking the time to look! and, I really appreciate your kind comment!!
Elorac53 on craftsy.com
Elorac53
Sep 03, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Amazing!!!! so beautiful!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Sep 03, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!!
The Dream Cakes on craftsy.com
The Dream Cakes
Aug 27, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
wow!! thsi is simpy superb!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Aug 27, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!!!
Di Hovde on craftsy.com
Di Hovde
Aug 22, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Absolutely Beautiful :)
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Aug 22, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you much!!
Susiesharmony on craftsy.com
Susiesharmony
Aug 20, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
amazing work.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Aug 20, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
I appreciate it!!
Myn on craftsy.com
Myn
Aug 18, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Stunning!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Aug 20, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks!
Alieth on craftsy.com
Alieth
Aug 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Perfect
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Aug 13, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
Lulucakes on craftsy.com
Lulucakes
Aug 09, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous work!! Can I plee ask what cutters you used for the roses or if you followed a tutorial, I make them now but nervous because I have a large wedding cake coming up with all roses, they would cover the whole first tier which is a 14" yikes!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Aug 09, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much! PART 1 of the Rose Tutorial that helped me out so much can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYkPhb-_gDg&feature=relmfu PART 2 is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZjpkFTc2O4&feature=relmfu For my rose centers, I used some that I had made in advance and let dry completely . . . . and I also used some I bought at Michaels Arts & Crafts to try them out. Both worked fine. Once you get the basics down, just play with how YOU like them to look. But this is the tutorial that helped me the most. Hope it helps you too. Your cake sounds like a beautiful design!! If you get a chance, you should post it when it's done so we may all enjoy your work too! Good luck and let me know if I may help. Oh! As to the cutters, I used petal cutters - both the individual metal petal cutters, AND the ones pictured in the tutorial (pink plastic 5-petal cutters). Just depended on how large I wanted the roses to be and what "look" I enjoyed.
JacquelineB on craftsy.com
JacquelineB
Craftsy Instructor
Jul 18, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Wow! Beautiful!
JacquelineB on craftsy.com
JacquelineB
Craftsy Instructor
Jul 18, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful...I know there is a lot of work here!
G-Ma Linda on craftsy.com
G-Ma Linda
Jul 03, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful topper and your fondant work is excellent!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 03, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!!
Caramelruffles on craftsy.com
Caramelruffles
Jul 02, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
OMG I got tired just reading that lol the 300 filler flowers would have knocked me out ! so time consuming and i would imagine they are all pulled flowers ? if I had a hat I would be taking it off to you ! well done you for your patience levels !!!! theyre so stunning i'd be starring at them all the time :)
shill4127750341 on craftsy.com
shill4127750341
Jul 01, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Absolutely beautiful and a lot of work. Congratulations!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
Caramelruffles on craftsy.com
Caramelruffles
Jul 01, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
really stunning ! how many hours of work do you estimate it took ?
mrscreative on craftsy.com
mrscreative
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks. I love them! :)
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Okay, ready??? here are the stats - - - 300 white filler flowers (see Jacqueline Butler's course), 300 small filler buds, I made 100 hydrangeas, but only used between 30-40, I made about 12 varying sized roses, but only used 9, I believe there were 6 ranunculus (of varying sizes), about 10 larger buds, a dozen of those tiny "pulled" green leaves, and finally about 10larger leaves. WHEW! As to time, I worked (as you may imagine) sporadically over a couple months, so it's hard to say what it wold have been if I just sat down and "did it". I do know, the more I did of one thing, the faster I got and I started to devise an assembly-line type of production.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Okay, ready??? here are the stats - - - 300 white filler flowers (see Jacqueline Butler's course), 300 small filler buds, I made 100 hydrangeas, but only used between 30-40, I made about 12 varying sized roses, but only used 9, I believe there were 6 ranunculus (of varying sizes), about 10 larger buds, a dozen of those tiny "pulled" green leaves, and finally about 10larger leaves. WHEW! As to time, I worked (as you may imagine) sporadically over a couple months, so it's hard to say what it wold have been if I just sat down and "did it". I do know, the more I did of one thing, the faster I got and I started to devise an assembly-line type of production.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Okay, ready??? here are the stats - - - 300 white filler flowers (see Jacqueline Butler's course), 300 small filler buds, I made 100 hydrangeas, but only used between 30-40, I made about 12 varying sized roses, but only used 9, I believe there were 6 ranunculus (of varying sizes), about 10 larger buds, a dozen of those tiny "pulled" green leaves, and finally about 10larger leaves. WHEW! As to time, I worked (as you may imagine) sporadically over a couple months, so it's hard to say what it wold have been if I just sat down and "did it". I do know, the more I did of one thing, the faster I got and I started to devise an assembly-line type of production.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Okay, ready??? here are the stats - - - 300 white filler flowers (see Jacqueline Butler's course), 300 small filler buds, I made 100 hydrangeas, but only used between 30-40, I made about 12 varying sized roses, but only used 9, I believe there were 6 ranunculus (of varying sizes), about 10 larger buds, a dozen of those tiny "pulled" green leaves, and finally about 10larger leaves. WHEW! As to time, I worked (as you may imagine) sporadically over a couple months, so it's hard to say what it wold have been if I just sat down and "did it". I do know, the more I did of one thing, the faster I got and I started to devise an assembly-line type of production.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jul 01, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Okay, ready??? here are the stats - - - 300 white filler flowers (see Jacqueline Butler's course), 300 small filler buds, I made 100 hydrangeas, but only used between 30-40, I made about 12 varying sized roses, but only used 9, I believe there were 6 ranunculus (of varying sizes), about 10 larger buds, a dozen of those tiny "pulled" green leaves, and finally about 10larger leaves. WHEW! As to time, I worked (as you may imagine) sporadically over a couple months, so it's hard to say what it wold have been if I just sat down and "did it". I do know, the more I did of one thing, the faster I got and I started to devise an assembly-line type of production.
mrscreative on craftsy.com
mrscreative
Jun 30, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous! What is the flower called that is green in the centre and looks similar to a rose? So pretty.
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 30, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Ranunculus - Jacqueline Butler uses them quite a bit in her designs - I just love them!
mrscreative on craftsy.com
mrscreative
Jul 02, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
They are so pretty. How did you make them? I've had a go but mine look nothing like yours ha ha!! Thanks
vmeakins802084 on craftsy.com
vmeakins802084
Jun 29, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
This is a truly beautiful topper, very well designed. However, on such a small and symetrical cake it looks a bit off balance. Probably looks better from and different view. How would it look to center the bouquet a bit more and trail the stephanotis down the side just a bit more?
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 29, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thanks for your comments and perspective! The bride and groom specifically requested off-center. My inspiration was one of Jacqueline Butler's off-center designs. Thanks again for taking a look and offering your feedback.
ribana on craftsy.com
ribana
Jun 25, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
very nice work, finishing very good, you've got a great eye for colors in all your cakes , very well done !
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 25, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
Kims Cakes on craftsy.com
Kims Cakes
Jun 18, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Really pretty
boladeduro on craftsy.com
boladeduro
Jun 16, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
nice
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 16, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
smokeyjoe.lw@gmail.com on craftsy.com
smokeyjoe.lw@gmail.com
Jun 14, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Beautiful!
sugarshack on craftsy.com
sugarshack
Jun 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Gorgeous!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 13, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
Kaylee Grodin on craftsy.com
Kaylee Grodin
Jun 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
What a gorgeous bouquet!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 13, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 13, 2012   Flag as inappropriate
Thank you so much!!
BonnyMiss on craftsy.com
BonnyMiss
Jun 13, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Stunning work!!!
SugarArtBySusan on craftsy.com
SugarArtBySusan
Jun 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Thank you!
towenby@comcast.net on craftsy.com
towenby@comcast.net
Jun 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
gorgeous
Sally Ryan on craftsy.com
Sally Ryan
Jun 11, 2012    Flag as inappropriate
Amazing!!!!! These are just perfect.

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