to decorate the side of a cake? Either by request or given creative licence?

I like to airbrush or randomly throw small pearls on..

Depends, but I usually think a diamond quilted pattern with dragees at the intersections looks nice.

Well I can tell you my LEAST favourite...the 'bunch of flowers' look with 'stalks' all round the sides. I know, I know...that style of cake has been done to death, but I kind of liked the idea and wanted to have a go at one myself. Never again! It's effective, and I like the look, but it's really NOT worth so much effort. So my advice to those who want to 'have a go' at one of 'those bunch cakes' is DON'T!!