i used the billowing technique, i started with 2x1 squares and stretched them out a little bigger for the first 3 layers (bottom to top) than went to a 1/2 x 1 for a couple more rows than the last tiny ones were 1x1 filling each one with buttercream to stick to the cake took HOURS!! but didn't even notice i had fun making this one. I did not take pictures during the process sorry.