I am asked to do a beer mug (wood grain style) and have no issue with the wood grain effect, but I am covering the cake in peanut butter buttercream, then covering in fondant. 

Opinions please.....should I:

1.  Cover round tier first, then make the impressions, paint, etc.?

2.  Make the impressions, then cover the round tier, then paint, etc.?

3.  OR, should I make the impressions, cut out the rectangular pieces of wood grain (fondant) and apply them separately like laying tile? 

Thank you all !

i vote #1 and you might want to consider modeling choco or use mc in combination with the fondant -- kneaded together 50/50 or so --

and after it is applied you need to act quickly to get your impressions in before it sets up --

best beer caking to you

Oh, never mixed MC with fondant before......hmmmmm.....will have to research that one to see parts to parts.....certainly would taste great!  I normally use bought brand fondant......don't know if I could mix with it....

Thanks!

i mix it with satin ice--  i make my mc though -- it's a nice product