I have seen several photos of cakes with toppers that appear to be made out of gumpaste. Especially like letters and numbers. I was wondering how these were done? It appears they might be shaped with wire, then covered in gumpaste or fondant. If so, what type of wire and what gauge? I was thinking a wire jig might work to shape something like this, but does anyone have any other suggestions??

Thanks,
Emilie

I have examples here of two different kinds and both are from gumpaste but do not need any on the inside.

The first one is just gumpaste rolled out to approx half inch thickness, embossed then left to dry. The second is just rolled out into a sausage shape thinner at the ends and then placed in the shape of the number and left to dry flat.

Hope that makes sense. Jx

http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2005650
http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1786097

The numbers that I make to go on top of my cakes are free-formed out of fondant then I insert small wooden skewers in them after they are made. I let them dry for several days (usually like 3-4 days). The skewers are put in them so I will have something to stick in the cake. There are no wires in mine. There are several on my photo page if you would like to look at those.

I don't think you'll need wire, just hand shape them out with either fondant or gumpaste and after a few days, once they are dry, they should be sturdy enough and will hold their shape. I too would insert a small skewer to stick in the cake so that they stand upright.

Use gumpaste. Fondant may not be hard enough, depending on how long you let it dry and how big they are. Gumpaste will be dried in a day or two.

I am doing this same thing tonight!