Hello everyone:

Have been asked to do a Ben 10 birthday cake for two young brothers. As I have no children - I've just started researching. Found him on Cartoon Network; found some images; still have to figure out all his alien powers (sheesh - how many characters are there?); found inspiration from all the wonderful Ben 10 cakes in the Gallery. I have a fair bit of time, so am not panic-ing yet.

BUT my big question is....how do you get that *lovely* Ben 10 green color ?

Any suggestions on that - or any other helpful hints on this cartoon for that matter - would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks everyone

Are you writing about that bright green in the logo? I would use Americolor neon green as my major color, with a bit of leaf green mixed in to darken it a bit.

Cool characters though, huh?

Theresa

There are 10 different aliens... I don't know their different powers but my 4 y/o daughter watches this cartoon. All the alien transformations center around his watch. When Ben10 decides to become an alien, he turns the watch dial to that alien and then he transforms. Because the show is centered around the watch you could use that as a main focal point. Also, the grandpa, Ben10 and his sister (or cousin, not sure who she is) all travel around in an RV... that too could be a focal point. If you are planning on making 3d aliens then I would ask the mother to find out which alien character is each boy's favorite and work with their chosen aliens. Have fun!

I would print out the pics of the aliens off the Net, then have them made into edible images. Bake off some rectangular cookies to fit the image, and slap them on the sides. That way he can have his aliens, and can eat them, too! (yes, poor attempt at humor).

Theresa

I originally though Chocolate Transfer, but I was not sure how well that would go over, since kids have a tendency to let chocolate melt in their hands.

But - you can make the chocolate transfers, then attach them to the cookies!

Use chocolate which has been thinned with oil or shortening as the glue. Regular chocolate will separate from the cookie.

Theresa

...I meant the birthday boys' names on top...not the aliens...

I ran this by my older two boys who both LOVE the show and are avid Ben 10 fans. They both though a topper made of fondant or gumpaste of the Omnitrix (the watch thing he uses to change into aliens) and cookies or chocolate transfers of some favorite aliens would be "awesome" and "totally wicked", as they put it. Gotta loves boys.

p.s. laura_d_v...

My research this afternoon revealed early Ben10 and the Ben 10 Alien Force...

I'll violate some Ben 10 code if I don't go with the teenage Ben - correct?

THANKS - Pat

Ben 10 Alien Force just started, the first episode was April 18th. Haven't watched it, but I understand there are a few more aliens in there and a new character, Kevin Eleven.

You might want to ask the mom for confirmation on his fav aliens and such, if you plan on incorporating them in to the cake. But the old aliens are still there as well. Also, I have been informed that the Omnitrix (watch thing) in the new show looks different. But we were at Target today and they still only had toys from the original series.

There's alot you can do with this cake. I'm looking forward to seeing a pic of it.

You are right! A whole new set of aliens. Oy! I'd love to have the action figure rights on this series.

IF - and that's a big 'if' - I can get good pics from Cartoon Network, I'm MAY try chocolate transfers of all the aliens and do a 2 tier stack.

Bottom would have original ten aliens and top would have the new ones- including an outline of mysterious Alien X. That way the cake itself could be simple with green buttercream and borders...

You're right about the watch. The original one looked all complicated with sections for each alien. The pictures on Cartoon Network show it now as pretty streamlined with a simpler center.

We'll see - I think I'm getting a little too ambitious when you combine the time and my skill.

THANKS for the info. It helps a lot.
Pat

I understand this thread is from when I first received the request, but wanted to update and thank everyone who gave me advice on the character, guidance on technique, and the courage to even try! THANK YOU all CC-ers.

Had to go to Plan B because my chocolate piping is terrible , so no aliens as I originally envisioned. I did the logo only for cake and cookies, and used the Ben 10 colors.

The character is fondant - wish I had a better view of his arm outstretched with the Omnitrix. Made two full "Bens" and even an extra torso 'cause the arms kept falling off! Whichever one still had arms yesterday went on the cake. Any advice on this? I used toothpicks, fondant glue and a lick-and-a-prayer.

The boys and their friends seemed to like it - one even shreiked when he saw the cookies.

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1222074

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1222082

THANK YOU again everyone. You are a wonderful group.

Wow! The cake and cookies look great!
My boys are wanting Ben 10 for their b-days in November, so I may be coming to you for advice on making Ben.

I'm sure the kids loved it and as I said, everything looks awesome!

Laura

I second the leaf green and neon.

As for Ben10, there are WAY more than 10 aliens now. I'm also so glad that the Ben10 phase only lasted a year in this house. I couldn't stand the show. OC now I have a pile of Ben10 aliens in my basement that DS told me to sell! LOL! He's eyeballing Bionicles now. Geesh.

Happy shapeshifting.