I will be attempting to do the Minnie as pictured and need some advice. I was thinking rice crispy treats for the body and head. And gumpaste for the ears and arms. I am worried about the arms staying in place. Anyone have any ideas/advice?

Thanks in advance,
Jess

http://www.erivanacakes.com/photos/Kids-Birthday-Cakes/Minnie%20Mouse%20Cake%202.jpg

I usually use floral wire. Like 18 gauge. Its pretty sturdy and will stay in place.

I agree with debidehm. Use a dowel rod, but I would paint it with food coloring and vodka. The vodka with evaporate, so it is ok to use on childrens cakes for painting small areas. Or spray paint it if you have an airbrush. Hope this helps! Can't wait to see the finished product. Good luck!

If would use one wooden dowel from the head, into the cake. This serves as minnies neck, as well as the dowel to hold the foam eggs
Use one smaller styrofoam egg (laying on its side) to be the head and snout.
Use another larger egg, standing on its fat end to be the body. Cut the bottom of this egg off to make it level.
Thinner wooden dowels for arms. These get stuck and glued into the larger styrofoam egg body.
Loop wire into the shape of ears. Leave a tail to stick it into the styrofoam egg head.

After assembly, glue and fondant.
I have attached a picture that may help understanding how I would do it.

Green - wooden dowels
Red - styrofoam eggs
Purple - wire