Cake Structure - Can This Be Done?

Decorating By afolk Updated 28 Aug 2007 , 9:54pm by afolk

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afolk Posted 15 Aug 2007 , 6:31pm
post #1 of 13

Okay, a girl at work is having her first baby in a few months, and we're having her shower in 2 weeks. The shower is going to have a lady bug theme, to match the bedding that she's registered for to use in the nursery (it's precious!). I'm bringing a cake and thought it would be really awesome to make a replica of the lamp that she's registered for (below).

I'm totally comfortable with making all the pieces, but I'm beside myself about making this thing stable since the lamp stand has such a small diameter! I'm to the point where I would be fine using a wider base (I'm thinking PVC pipe), but if any of you can help me think of how I can get the cake (lamp shade) to balance on the smaller base to stay true to the real lamp, I would love some ideas! I'll transport the cake and base separately, so it just has to be stable enough to sit on an island in the kitchen where we're having the shower.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
LL

12 replies
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CoutureCake Posted 15 Aug 2007 , 6:39pm
post #2 of 13

It's totally doable... The thing is that you need to go visit your local hardware store for PVC Pipe and supports. What you do is you get two two round boards (base and top), then you drill the PVC connector into the base, stick the PVC in and secure it... Then the same goes for the top. Cover it with gumpaste a day or three before so that they have time to harden. Then decorate from there. Have fun with it!

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FerretDeprived Posted 15 Aug 2007 , 6:50pm
post #3 of 13

I second doing the PVC pipe and two boards for support. I would do the ladybug as gumpaste/fondant. The bottom where the lady bug is standing on would either be cake or a dummy. The top of the lamp would be the cake covered with fondant.

Good luck!! I'm excited to see this cake. I'm sure it's going to come out very cute!

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Doug Posted 15 Aug 2007 , 7:02pm
post #4 of 13

how's this:

3/4 inch plywood base at bottom that is at least 4in wider around than the base of the cake.

1/2in plywood cake base at top

both are glued and screwed in place as per the diagram.

for added security at top, could add "L" angle brackets, but these would show and have to be disguised somehow.

the play wood base would be covered to look like a fancy foil covered cake drum.

then put a small cake that gets decorated like the lamp base as shown w/ 3D lady bug (RKT???)

then layers of cake stacked and carved.

for very smooth transition at top cake to board -- bevel the edge of the board to match slant of cake (but don't have to -- could just wrap board edge w/ a ribbon.)

HTH
LL
LL

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afolk Posted 15 Aug 2007 , 7:39pm
post #5 of 13

Thanks so much - y'all are the best! I'll spend some quality time in Lowe's this weekend and let you know what I come up with.

Thanks again!!

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afolk Posted 26 Aug 2007 , 8:15pm
post #6 of 13

Just got back from the shower...I'm about to upload to my photos. I ran out of time to put another black & white checked ribbon around the top, but other than that it turned out pretty well. The mom & dad to be really liked it, so that was all that mattered! Thanks again for your structure suggestions! The pink on the bottom is a 6" cake, then the ladybug is rice krispie treats. Would have liked to have had a skinnier dowel, but I didn't want to chance sacrificing stability for the top.[/list]

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alanahodgson Posted 27 Aug 2007 , 12:58am
post #7 of 13

It turned out awesome!

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Tramski Posted 27 Aug 2007 , 1:08am
post #8 of 13

Awesome job!

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sisita Posted 27 Aug 2007 , 1:08am
post #9 of 13

I want to see your creation when is done...

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mjulian Posted 27 Aug 2007 , 1:16am
post #10 of 13

DOUG that is an awesome layout and I will have to keep that in mind for it is a GREAT idea by you both. GREAT GREAT GREAT WORK!!

I can't wait to see the final lamp made of cake!

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alanahodgson Posted 27 Aug 2007 , 3:29am
post #11 of 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by sisita

I want to see your creation when is done...




check her photos. it is in there.

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meredetrois Posted 27 Aug 2007 , 5:48pm
post #12 of 13

Adorable cake! You did such a great job with all the details.

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afolk Posted 28 Aug 2007 , 9:54pm
post #13 of 13

Thanks so much everybody!!

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