I had a friend ask me to make a tea pot cake for next week but have never done this before. What is they best way to make the teapot? Is there a cake pan I should use or just carve it? It doesn't need to be too large because I'm going to set it on top a 8" round.

Check out these threads for different ways to do a teapot.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-627790-teapot.html

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-654666-0.html

I used the wondermold pan to make this one.

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1329615

I use the sports ball pan (which is small - so it would work for what you are wanting to do) The 2nd link above is how I explain how to do it. For what you are doing, I would put it on it's own board, set it on the next cake and then run a dowel down through it. I have done them that way a few times when they needed more servings. Works fine! If you have any questions, just ask.

Here is the pic of one of the ones I have done:

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=2539