Okay so Im in the process of working out the details of my dummy cakes for the convention. Id say there is nothing like the last minute, but since Im actually planning on working on them this weekend and in the past have waited until the week of the convention, this is actually early for me.

I am planning on piping or painting a swirly scroll like pattern up the side of the cake. The pattern will start in a central location and move up and away from there.

My debate is
Do I pipe/paint the design only on the sides of the cake working my way up where each tier picks up the design?
-or-
Do I pipe/paint the design up the side, along the top of the tier, and then up the next one?

On one hand Im thinking if I pipe this design up the side, along the top edge then up it will make it look very busy. On the other hand, Im worried about a disconnect from one tier to the other.

Does one look better than the other? Do you have a preference of which you like better?

How about this. Pipe the sides then have the tops of the tiers in a matching color?

Coloring the tops a different color is an idea. There will only an inch showing all the way around, so I'm not sure that is enough to really matter one way or another. I'm probably over thinking it at the moment. I have a habit of that.

I don't think so. All stencil can get a bit busy. Go with your gut, GF!

Oh but my gut keeps changing its mind.

Why not do a practice run? Stack up your dummies and do a little piping just on the sides. See how you like it. Then, fill in the tops and see if you like that better.