Hi everyone!

I have an order for a cake topper that I need to ship, and I would love input for what to use for the structure of the piece. I will be making a fondant Chihuahua coming out of a gift box, and I would love your suggestions on what to use for the base/structure for the gift box as well as for the box lid. I don't want to use pure fondant because that'll get pretty heavy and will get expensive when it comes to shipping. 

Attached is the picture I'm using for inspiration :)[postimage id="4670" thumb="900"]

Thanknyou ou in advance for your input!!

Rice Krispies are your best friend.

I've never used Rice Krispies for any of my forms... How hard are they when they set? Will they completely dry, or do they remain malleable? It makes me nervous with shipping if they don't dry hard and firm

Oh it will be hard and firm all right. Lovely topper, all the best with it.

You can use storyfoam for the base and top covered in Fondant.

Styrofoam is what I was originally thinking, but I wasn't sure how to get the fondant to stick (I don't want to use buttercream since I'm shipping it in warm weather). Any suggestions?

Thank you!!

I rub shortening on the styrofoam.  At first it looks like it will not stick but let is sit and as it dries keep smoothing it and it will stick very well.

The orange portion is a double barrel styrofoam.  If you look at my gallery the Own is a styrofoam egg.

http://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/3352827/arabian-nights

Sorry the OWL

http://www.cakecentral.com/gallery/i/3343702/owl-themed-baby-shower

Thank you!! That's a great suggestion! 

I made a Pete the Cat topper that was shipped without issue.  I used RKT for his body which I covered in fondant with tylose powder added.  His head, arms and legs were all fondant with tylose added.  I allowed him to dry for about four days before I shipped him.  

I inquired at the post office as to the best way to ship him (Canada to the US) and was told to package him inside a box with Styrofoam "peanuts" and to then pack that box inside another box for added protection.  I was also advised to ship via air as apparently those packages are handled less.

I hope that helps.