I have been using cake drums for a base for my cakes with ribbon glued on them but the cake drums are so expensive. I was just wandering what other people use. I would prefer something that I do not need to get returned to me but something that adds to the decor of the cake. Any great ideas??

You could make your own foil-covered drums using foamcore or several layers of cardboard, or you could save the D-I-Y labor cost and find a new supplier. (drums aren't so expensive when you buy in larger quantities or don't buy them at Wal-Mart.)

http://www.vikingimporting.com/index.php?cPath=146&sort=2a&page=1&osCsid=9e9a06693f75859a977a7b36b4784f4d

http://cakedeco.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?p_catid=250&page=1

http://www.bakedeco.com/nav/search.asp

http://bakerycrafts.com/Home/Items/tabid/69/SrchStr/drum/Default.aspx

I use the drums because they look nice, they're strong and easy. But I also charge an equipment fee for every cake to cover the non-cake base and support system that goes into the cake.

Wow! Those links are cheaper!! Thank you so much~

i use drums up to 3 tiers and then 1/2 inch MDF.

I make mine with several layers of cardboard. My friends and family give me all their unwanted cardboard boxes; I cut them(dear Neela helps) ; glue them together(make my own glue too) and neatly cover them in a foil. Good Luck!

my cake supply store salesperson told me just to take 3 cardboards and cover them in foil because that's all a drum is anyway, and its cheaper. I dont' glue the cardboards together ... the foil holds them together.