I am thinking about doing a small cake for my 10 month old's baptism this Sunday (because I have another cake assignment and I will have extra cake/white fondant. . . otherwise, I wasn't going to make anything ).

Here's an invitation that's similar to the one I used for her: http://www.zazzle.com/rsvp_damask_burgundy_bow_wedding_response_card_invitation-161095691244685239

I thought I'd try to match the design with a little bit of the black scroll work along the bottom of a white fondant covered cake. I'm talking maybe an 8" round cake 4/5" tall--very simple. Maybe I'll put pink roses on top. I've never attempted anything like it, so I was thinking maybe I should do a black dust or sponge through a template (which I don't have ).

I was looking for a print I could print out and cut to make my own stencil, but wasn't sure of the best way for a novice to pull this off. Anyone do it freehand??

You might be able to make a template or pattern form one of these. First link is google images - black floral lace, second link is google images - black flowered damask.

http://www.google.ca/search?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1W1ADFA_en&biw=993&bih=510&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=black+flowered+pattern&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

http://www.google.ca/search?um=1&hl=en&rlz=1W1ADFA_en&biw=993&bih=510&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=black+flowered+damask+pattern&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

Oops! I think I posted the same link twice. They must be one and the same even though I did two different worded searches. Oh well, pretty patterns on them anyway!

Yes, but then what's the best way to paint? Black dust of some sort? Sponge on food dye?

The problem is, my stencil is made from firm paper (otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to cut out the pieces with my Exacto knife). It's not firm enough to spread on top of, KWIM? I think I'm going to have to do it the hard way, marking the lines somehow through the stencil and then piping on the royal icing.

Ugh! I wish I had time to purchase a professional stencil