Would really like to see some photos of a topsy turvy cake done in only buttercream. Any suggestions? I've not only had such bad luck with fondant....but I really don't like the taste. I'm making a topsy turvy for a benefit in a couple weeks and I'd like to frost it in all chocolate butterceam. Should I be thinking of something else?
If I were you, and this was going to raise money (therefore look as good as you can possibly do it)....stick with fondant. Topsy turvy=mandatory fondant in my book. Unless you are a buttercream God with experience doing a topsy turvy. Which I'm not. And I've not come across many others that can pull it off either.
Im sorry jamie..In not a disrespectful way..i have to disagree with you. 
Check all my topsy turvys, the majority are done in buttercream.
http://designmeacake.com/tturv.html
Edna
My first two topsy turvys were in fondant and no problems...great cakes, held up, etc...My last one...sigh....done just last Saturday...was buttercream...A WASC with key lime cheesecake filling...The entire bottome layer collapsed on the way to the party...Humiliating...This was for a verrrrryyy wealthy couple and I was soo embarrassed...Anyway...It's almost like the fondant holds everything together like a girdle (hee! hee!)...
Yep, I stick with my comment. 
Naturally, dear Edna, you would be considered highly experienced in that arena, and one of the BC God's. Someone like me, never having done it in BC before would really have to try it a few times and definitely not practice it on a cake for a benefit.
How about modeling chocolate instead of fondant?
http://www.joyofbaking.com/ModelingChoc.html
Or perhaps Choco-pan?
http://www.globalsugarart.com/cat.php?cid=920&s=&name=Choco-Pan%20Rolled%20Icing
Gorgeous BC TTs Edna!
Yep, I stick with my comment.
Naturally, dear Edna, you would be considered highly experienced in that arena, and one of the BC God's. Someone like me, never having done it in BC before would really have to try it a few times and definitely not practice it on a cake for a benefit.
I know is scary...but it aint that bad. I do love working the buttercream.
Fondant is beautiful but buttercream can be beautiful too.
Look at this.. TT..buttercream, swags!...all big no no's!..But then with good consistency of buttercream( I use crusting buttercream) It can be done.
It might fall down once, but that's what practice is for!.. 
Edna 
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