I was recently asked to make a cake in the shape of an antique fan for someone who colloects antiques. Does anyone have suggestions on how to do that? I thought of shaping one from a sheet cake but i like the 3D look more but not sure how to get it to stand up and look authentic.

Well first of all you need to draw it out and see how big you want to make it..You will have to build a PVC type stand for it so this is where the planning comes in...Once you have some sort of idea about design and size...then you can construct a stand.

For 3D: Cake base. Anything vertical can be RKT since it's sturdier than cake.. I can picture the blades being modeling chocolate.

Maybe?

I was also wondering about the cage around the blades? blown sugar would look great, but i have never done that and wouldnt have a clue how to even try?

hmmm...are we talking about a hand fan here or an electric one? I'm picturing a Victorian silk folding fan unfolded with lacy texture on it, lying on a sheet cake. Lots of fine tip work to make a tassle on the handle, lacy edging, etc.