I have never used rice paper and only learned of this technique on this website. I have a wedding cake to do (1st one)and is a butterfly theme. I was thinking of buying fake 'feather butterflies' originally but I think it would be more impressive if actually edible. I've considered royal icing too but all I've ever worked with is buttercream. (Bonus Question: also, would I normally stick butterflies on the sides with royal icing or with toothpicks inserted/hidden)Opinions or tips anyone>? 
I would use Royal Icing as a glue.
Wafer Paper is used for butterflies.
I would use color flow- the rice paper is delicate plus expensive to some extent. I believe course 3 (the old book) has the buttureflies on it. just copy it and make alot in case of breaking. one of my cakes has a yellow butterfly made from the color flow.
you can get edible paper ( rice paper ) like 100 sheets for under 10 bucks at bakery craft!
You can also purchase wafer sheets with butterflies already printed on them!
However, since you already have them, I think that you should print a sheet and try it. If you spread them very very lightly with gel, they will curl a bit and you can bend them into the correct position. Even if you dont, you can cut them in 1/2's and stick each 1/2 in a string of black or brown buttercream (body) and add some tip #1 antenna's.
It'll be great...but you should definatley practice some all ways to see what looks best! Good luck!
I just found that I had replies to my question. I thought I would be notified by email automatically if I had a reply but I never had that notification. So I just thought it must have been a stupid question and no one thought it was worth a reply. I didn't realize help was there all along. I just found my way back here after being a little more knowledgeable about navigating this website. A little embarrassing to admit. But anyways I have been on here so much since that question and have finished that cake ( fake butterflies, but looks pretty good I think..It's in the round wedding cakes category uploaded 10-27-06 if anyones curious. I loved all these replies and I appreciate that you all tried to help. It was very informative ( even after the fact)
I've used rice paper quite a bit before if you're interested in Pming me for mor info. In 'my photos' you'll see a three tiered white cake with rice paper ' feathers' surrounding each tier - looks good and is SOOOOOOOO easy to do!
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