What's the best and easiest way to carve that hour glass look out of 8" round cakes? I think it looks so cool.
Thanks! 
I haven't done one either, but I agree that it would probably work best with 3 layers, the middle one being an inch smaller.
Here's how I would do it:
Bake 3 layers the same size.
Torte each layer into two pieces. Take the 3rd layer and divide the torted pieces between the other two cakes. So, now you have 2 cakes, each 3 torted layers.
Take one of the cakes and place an 8-inch cake board on the bottom and a 6-inch cake board on the top. Elevate the cake on a can or another cake pan, smaller than 8 inches. With a serrated knife longer than the height of the cake, using the cake boards as guides, carve the cake into a tapered shape. Do the same with the other cake.
Now, put the two cakes together.
Here's how I would do it:
Bake 3 layers the same size.
Torte each layer into two pieces. Take the 3rd layer and divide the torted pieces between the other two cakes. So, now you have 2 cakes, each 3 torted layers.
Take one of the cakes and place an 8-inch cake board on the bottom and a 6-inch cake board on the top. Elevate the cake on a can or another cake pan, smaller than 8 inches. With a serrated knife longer than the height of the cake, using the cake boards as guides, carve the cake into a tapered shape. Do the same with the other cake.
Now, put the two cakes together.
Complete and utter ditto!! This is how I did my topsy turvy cake (well the cake boards as your guide while carving) and it works GREAT!
Here's how I would do it:
Bake 3 layers the same size.
Torte each layer into two pieces. Take the 3rd layer and divide the torted pieces between the other two cakes. So, now you have 2 cakes, each 3 torted layers.
Take one of the cakes and place an 8-inch cake board on the bottom and a 6-inch cake board on the top. Elevate the cake on a can or another cake pan, smaller than 8 inches. With a serrated knife longer than the height of the cake, using the cake boards as guides, carve the cake into a tapered shape. Do the same with the other cake.
Now, put the two cakes together.
Was wondering if by 'hourglass' the same technique could be applied to this cake http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_955843.html - My daughter would like me to make her wedding cake incorporating the look of the top tier - PM'd person who made the cake and left comment but no reply received. - What would you suggest to be the "best" method of covering with fondant - Am concerned that one large piece draped over the top will pleat & crease - was thinking to roll lengthwise and cover top with separate piece that would be hidden by flowers.
Any suggestions for achieving this look MOST WELCOME & APPRECIATED
Actually I think it would be easier to just cover the whole cake in one piece of fondant. It's kind of like covering a topsy turvy except it goes back out at the bottom.
Courtney
Thanks Courtney, 
I'm going to do one as a trial and see how it goes
To get the hourglass shape in the picture, I think you'd need to add a straight-sided layer between the two tapered layers.
I agree with mamacc about the fondant. Drape one piece over. IMO, the only way to make fondant with a seam around the top look nice, is to go over the seam with a crimper. I can tell you've never tried to wrap a tall piece of fondant around a cake before. 
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