OK -- I have taken on the monumental task of making Dora the size of a large piece of foamboard.  I have the shape drawn out - which size and shape different cake pans I will use.  However, on the cakes I have to cut into her legs and arms is it better to freeze then cut and frost while still frozen then let thaw and hope condensation wont form or cut, crumb coat then freeze -- help!   Terri

I've only done a couple carved cakes before but each time I cut, crumb coat, then froze. not sure if that's the best way but that's what I did and it was fine. I used a devil's food cake mix and it was really firm and easy to carve without needing to be frozen.