I'm hoping to make the cake in my sketch for a Halloween party. I'm planning on using mmf for the sides. My biggest worry (after a previous disaster) is that the sides will fall off the cake because they won't hang off of the top.

What should I do to avoid a disaster? Should I use gumpaste for the sides? If I use MMF, should I make the sides in advance - if so, how far in advance?

Thanks in advance for the help!

I'd use gumpaste!

Just an idea, but could you do the fondant to lay over the top and make a separate ruffle along top for the edge, if it was the same color it will blend in. You could make a design to go on the bag that could cover the seam. I am not sure if I am explaining it correct, I can see it in my head. Don't know that this helps. Good luck

I think you could get away with using fondant...I'd give it at LEAST four to five days....I did something similar with my castle cake where the top of the walls extended past the top of the cake. I've done the cake 4 times now and never a problem (Oh, yeah...and I would flip the pieces a few times a day to help dry on both sides- and a fan wouldn't hurt either).

Good luck on your cake...I love the design!

-Michelle

Thanks so much for all the advice - it's always nice to have lots of options!

I'd try making with chocolate!

that's what I was gonna say. try chocolate. I would even consider dowels or wood skewers to help hold it together.

I'm not sure I'm brave enough for chocolate! Where would I find tutorials or information about that?

Chocolate transfer directions - http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-396793.html

If you roll your fondant thin enough, you shouldn't have any problems. I'd suggest two pieces. One wrapped around the front and the other wrapped around the back. Since the fondant will be thin, place some spongy foam or other former type thing against the top of the bag where it extends past the top of the cake to hold it up while it dries. See the cake in my avatar.