What Guage Wire To Use???

Decorating By toddsgirl Updated 2 May 2006 , 3:24pm by mjones17

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toddsgirl Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 4:36pm
post #1 of 12

I want to have some fondant butterflies coming out of the top of a cake I am doing this weekend. I bought some wire at my local cake supply shop that is #28 and it is not nearly strong enough to hold them up. It is just falling over. What guage do you all use? I would like it to be white if I can find it. Can anyone give me some info on this? Thanks.

11 replies
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redhare Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 6:44pm
post #2 of 12

sorry no advice but wanted to give you a bump

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KHalstead Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 6:47pm
post #3 of 12

I use 22 caliber all the time for small flowers and butterflies.........I don't think it comes in white ( at least I have never seen it) but it does come in silver and it's not noticeable at all on a cake......

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BCo Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 6:47pm
post #4 of 12

glad you asked this- I was just about to post the same question. I'll be waiting for a response too!!! Thanks!

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Samsgranny Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 6:54pm
post #5 of 12

One more question on the same theme...how do you attach the wire to the butterfly? Royal icing (the butterflies are made with royal). thanks!

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toddsgirl Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 7:48pm
post #6 of 12

KHalstead - where do you get your wire?

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smashcakes Posted 4 Apr 2006 , 7:54pm
post #7 of 12

i use about a 22 also, depending on size of butterflies. you can get it in the florist section of your local craft store. and yes, attach with a dab of royal icing

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mjones17 Posted 1 May 2006 , 8:03pm
post #8 of 12

Do we need to wrap it before we stick it in the cake or is it food safe?

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Pyxxydust Posted 2 May 2006 , 1:20pm
post #9 of 12

Hey guys - there was a similar topic I just replied to about the wires - looks like this is a hot issue today! Anyway, I just took a gumpaste flowers class and he said to NEVER stick wires right into a cake. He was at a wedding where there was a $26,000 wedding cake with tons of gumpaste flowers and when the bride and groom cut into it - the wires had rusted all over the cake. Ugh. You could use floral spikes, or someone suggested sticking a straw in first and the wire in the straw, or someone else suggested wrapping it in Saran Wrap press and seal. However, apparently the floral tape is not considered food safe so I wouldn't put it in just with that either.

Hope that helps!

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kettlevalleygirl Posted 2 May 2006 , 1:23pm
post #10 of 12

$26,000. for a cake!! Wow!! Like to see a picture of that!!

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Pyxxydust Posted 2 May 2006 , 1:29pm
post #11 of 12

Me too! He didn't sound too impressed with it. He said the designer was more concerned with making sure every piece of cake had a flower with it as opposed to the overall design. He was too polite to say so, but I think he felt it was pretty hideous, rather than elegant. Still, I want to see what $26,000 can buy you in cake!

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mjones17 Posted 2 May 2006 , 3:24pm
post #12 of 12

I went to michaels and for $1.99 I bought wire that was in sticks (yes I am lazy) in the floral part. So how shall I close off the end of the straw so that the end doesn't go into the cake? I guess I could always just cover the wire. Again the me being lazy thing......lol. Also can I stick the bees to the wire with hot glue?

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