I made this cake for my church's anniversary picnic this afternoon. So many techniques went into it that I had never done before. I'd never painted with food color before, never stacked half sheet cakes (THAT one had an unfortunately sharp learning curve), never made/used modeling chocolate or ganache. I spent hours in the last several days studying this forum, gleaning recipes and techniques and looking up questions. I had so much fun with it.

It's 2 and a half 12x18's (started as 3 but I lost a half when I tried to torte it and lift the whole layer), torted and filled with ganache, carved into a book shape. MMF covered, modeling chocolate "cover", modeling chocolate/fondant blend ribbon, food coloring paint. modeling chocolate roses. It was a huge hit and it's gone!! I see flaws when I look at it but nothing that really makes me disappointed with it.

I just wanted to thank you all for your help and for making all this information available!

AYou did a fantastic job!!!!

AExcellent!

AIt's fab we'll done.

Excellent. It is fantastics and the desing of this cake is awesome. and this cake is looking  very different  as compare to the normal cake.