I have been asked to make a cake for a charity in May (high end charity, $150.00 a ticket for dinner at the country club - whew). The theme of the party is Kentucky Derby. I will make a display cake out of dummies and the winner gets a coupon for a free cake from me. I am just opening a shop and just did the local Bridal Show, so great advertising! My cakes are usually 2 to 3 tiers with fondant, colorful and kinda crazy. Using dummies I can't make a whimsical unless I use cardboard wedges underneath. Any thoughts to share?? I was thinking first layer cut out horses in brown fondant, second layer cut out hats, third layer roses and a trophy on top BUT that doesn't sound very crazy - where are the wires on the top, or huge gumpaste bow or letters - I don't know - just rambling now.I am sure all of you have some great ideas -PLEASE share!!
I have a pan that is a horse shoe, I always get stuck doing the cake for a few Derby parties. So I usually use that. I cover that in butter cream and fondant.
Sorry I couldn't help more.
Patricia
I've been asked to do the same thing, but my charity dinner isn't quite as high priced as yours...anyway, yours sounds like a great idea. It may not be quite as "funky" as you would normally do, but this may appeal more to the group who is going to be there. Besides it sounds beautiful. I say go for the design you have in mind.
You could do wires coming out of the cake with roses on the end.
I would also try to incorporate the logo for this year on the cake somewhere.
I think a tierd cake done in green{grass} with a white picket fence would be cool. You could do some horses on one tier, maybe grazing or something. One the other tier you could make some of the jockey silks to go around the outside. Those could be really colorfull. I would stay away from the Derby emblem though. I was going to do a cookie with the emblem last year for an auction but thought I better not with the copyright issues. Since this is for an upscale auction you don't know who may be attending. Have fun, looking forward to pics.
Lara
renkly, I am sure that I am speaking for the rest of the kids when I ask, hun, we need to see pictures!!!
Post them puppies, darlin, we could all use inspiriation LOL!!! (well at least I can 
)
In other words (mine i reckon), I wanna see cake !!!!! You've got my ears all perked or eyes, whatever, dang. LOL. OK OK I'll ask nice. "Pleeeaaaaaaaaze, may we see some of your cakes????" (with sugar on top)
I have lived a few miles from Churchill Downs my whole life. Here are just a few things that we associate with the race: A Hot Air Balloon Race, a Steamboat Race and a big parade. Those are different but definitely Derby! Or how about this, do the famous Twin Spires from Churchill Downs! That would look really cool on top of your cake. Hope this helps, good luck on your business!
OK you guys are awesome. love the ideas.
I don't know what the Churchill Towers are BUT it sounds perfect, I'll look it up.
As far as a Derby Hat goes is that different than a regular hat, ladies summer hat?
I didn't think about the copy rights for the logo -hmmmm
Ok know about sending pictures - you have to understand - we have two sides of the brain and for me only one side works. I am so proud of myself that I can join this forum and find where I wrote and then answer again. This is BIG deal for me. Someone sent me a pm and it took me days to find it.
I have no idea how to post a picture.My DH has started my web site www.funcakes4u.com but my recent cakes are not on there. I surely would not know how to do that.
I have been reading on this site for almost a year and just got the hang of talking and finding it again. Post a picture I can't imagine learning that.
So I'll just keep using the side that works and you'll have to imagine it WHICH for you talented ladies is no problem at all.
Happy Baking,
Renkly
Like I sadi
You could make a race track going up the tiers. Make frosted cookie horses running the track, along with other special events that go along with the derby(A Hot Air Balloon Race, a Steamboat Race and a big parade)etch in the background. With the bundle of roses on a horseshoe for the top tier with a banner across stating KY Derby.
tincan baby I love that idea because it ties it all in. My idea was three different looks and I didn't like that. Yours makes much more sense. I know I want to use fondant horses and paint the back ground so your thoughts tie it all together. Thanks for sharing
I would make the etchings in the background out of fondant cut-outs unless my drawing is really good! lol....
I painted a cake last week with food coloring and it turned out fantastic. A really neat look. I think as long as you blend the colors and do an image. grays browns for track, blues yellows for sky it could work, very light. I think painting cakes is the new way things are going and I want to keep practicing it. I am not selling the cake so I want to try it. And then the 3d with the fondant. Scarey but you have to keep challenging yourself to learn! Right?
Good for you...Post a picture please when done.
Dallas Foam makes whimsical cake dummies.
http://www.dallas-foam.com/store/cakedummies.html
Theresa 
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