Hi- I'm new to this site but am quickly becoming addicted!!! I was just asked to do my 1st cake for a friend's daughter's 2nd b-day. She is requesting an elmo theme. What would be my best approach: elmo cupcakes for the kids, and a regular cake for the adults (minus the gobs of red icing!)? --How easy are the edible transfers- would that be a better route-- I'm open to any suggestions. There will be 30 adults and 15 kids approx. Also will the "no taste red" coloring be best-- I've heard the other red is too bitter when used in large amounts. Nothing too complex--- I've just finisheed Wilton course 1 and I am currently taking the fondant and gumpaste course. THANKS!! 
Here is a pic of one I did. You could do the character pan and then place on a 1/4 sheet cake. It was really cute and the "fur" look all the kids seem to really like.
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_116643.html
I don't have a picture handy but I am a (less than professional) decorator and did the cutest Elmo cake for my sons second birthday. It was the Wilton pan of just his face. All you had to do was smooth the eyes with white, his mouth with black and then I just globbed red all over. Then I took a small spatula and evened it all out, to get the furry look! The pan gave instuctions on this way and a way to star it. I like the real look. I was also worried about getting the pan and only using it once, I have made it several times now for friends. Elmo is classic. I will get the photo up in the next day if you want.
I'm all about simple and few colors! As for red icing, I cheat and buy mine by the pound at the local bakery!
Good luck,
Samantha
here's one that I did. I was leary of all the red icing.. so used chocolate transfers to make elmo, drawer, dorothy, crayons, etc
here's the tutorial i followed on chocolate transfers..
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/1130405797051689275vlRrCy
she has great tutorials!!
good luck and have fun!
Here is one I did last week for a party for triplets. I made one layer of the cake plain vanilla (for the kids) and one with a coconut/chocolate chip filling for the adults. Elmo is gumpaste. When I delivered him he was holding the number 2 in his raised hand.
Good luck!
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