I made this cake as a favor for my sister-in-law. Her daughter's tutor was graduating from college. She wanted a "beachy" cake with a "tropical" look. This was my first 3-tier cake and I was very nervous!!! The flowers and palm trees - RI. The cap, mortar board and tassle - Fondant. The diploma - Gum paste and the piping - BC. I was told that the cake was the hit of the party.