Hi everyone! How do you think the bark look was achieved on the tree trunk cake in the link here:

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://weddingchicks.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/tree_trunk_wedding_Cake.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.weddingchicks.com/2011/11/30/sodo-park-wedding/&h=736&w=550&sz=449&tbnid=aNAmq9H9XY7DCM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=67&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dtree%2Btrunk%2Bwedding%2Bcake%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=tree+trunk+wedding+cake&docid=5ltI_Jk7MMUGWM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=1h1dT-SWFMfiiAL_29CLCw&ved=0CFMQ9QEwAA&dur=44

Obviously modeling tools and paints/luster dust are involved. But the texture ... is there a mat or a method you would recommend? I am almost thinking it might be buttercream. What do you all think? Going to do something similar to this for a display cake. And the flowers are gorgeous! Thanks!

It is fondant, the knot on the side would be almost impossible in buttercream. It looks like long but narrow bumps were either pinched out of the fondant or added on top of it then slit open and painted. I'm actually trying to make birch bark as well. I'm going to try making a mold from a piece of birch bark. I wasn't happy with my attempt to freehand it. And I think the flowers are real. I've never seen snowberries or seed pods made out of gumpaste.

http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=735331&highlight=colettes