I'm just wondering the best way to go at making & attaching the leaves/stem of a pineapple shaped cake.

I'm thinking MMF mixed w/ tylose. If I have to I will use gumpaste.

Should I?

---Make them ahead & let them dry then attach them to the cake?

---Make them as I go, attaching them as I make them & put papertowel in between until they dry?

---Put them on wire or toothpicks when I make them to make it easier to stick in the cake?

I'm sure there are other ?s I'm forgetting to ask, but any tips are appreciated. I won't have many b/c the top of the pineapple is only 3"