I'm looking for the quickest and easiest way to make the top and swags on the side of a buttercream cake out of buttercream. I did some masking with wax paper but I'm wondering if there is an easier way! They do not want fondant or that would be the obvious choice!

TIA

Edibleart

I forgot to mention that they cake that they have selected is on the front cover of the Wilton Tiered Cakes book. Of course it is done with fondant so that is why I'm wondering about the best way to convert it to buttercream!