So - I'm making a cutting cake to go on top of a cupcake tower. 8", 6" round stacked. The bride wants this scrolled tree (see pic of stamp they're using) to start at the base and wind up to the top. One figure.

I want to do it in fondant. Do you think I should roll ropes of the fondant and curve them up the cake, or should I roll the fondant flat and cut with a template and xacto knife?

Also - I'm planning to put a fondant ribbon (same color as the tree) around the base of both tiers. I'm thinking the tree branches should go over the top of the ribbon? Opinions please...

I would make ropes and curve them up the cake.
Depending on how wide the ribbon is, yes let some of the branches come down onto the ribbon -- unless the ribbon is very thin at the bottom of the tier.

Thanks - I did a trial yesterday and I think that's what I'll end up doing.

Anyone have a trick to making a tree bark pattern on tiny ropes of fondant?