I'll be making a cupcake display in the shape of a roller coaster and have been brainstorming how to achieve this so the whole thing doesn't come crashing down as the cupcakes are removed.

So, I thought maybe the same techniques used in bouquets could be helpful here.  I'd love some advice!

Some things to keep in mind:

- this is for kids so I'm ok to use toothpicks but I need to be sure the toothpicks don't come out with the cupcake when a kid takes one to eat.

- the roller coaster will be cut out of wood and the top lined with pool noodles so I can stick into it.

- I'm open to the idea of having a clear cup that stays on the pool noodle and the cupcake sits in but I need the cupcakes to be easy enough to get out.

- they will be minis and I'll keep the piping simple so I can set it up and pipe afterwards.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?  I'm kind of scared!  TIA

cut it out of foam instead of wood -- get a sheet of insulation foam at a big box hardware store

Ok, that's interesting!  Curious why you suggest that?

it eliminates a whole step -- you only have to cut the foam in the roller coaster silhouette -- decorate the bottom y'know with lattice looking supports like they have -- you can stick the cupcakes right into it -- much easier to handle than the wood -- pool noodles are not user friendly -- you can make the tracks right on the surface -- attach it all to a nice foam core board for stability -- done -- you can paint it or cover it with paper and draw on it

that's what I would do

I have foam cutters that heat up -- but even when I would take foam in the back yard and whack on it with a regular knife -- it would still be easier -- and then you can sand it too --

Totally get it now!  Awesome.

But, should I have any concerns about insulation that close to food?  Assuming you mean put toothpicks right in the foam and set the cupcakes on top.

well it's foam not fibrous or anything like a lot of insulation can be -- I don't think you should have any concerns -- and anything like that that I would use would be all sanded down and smoothy smooth and covered in icing or fondant or -- I guess I've never painted any that I can remember -- but -- it's fun to think of making the little tracks for the cars to ride on too -- I mean -- dummy cakes are foam right?

Thank you.  Yes, I want to paint it to create the look of the roller coaster.  Maybe that would seal up the foam well enough!

there are products you can get to seal the foam up -- coat them -- lookie here --  and check out the cool hot wire cutters & stuff too -- but I have made tons of stuff with just a knife & sanding paper --

https://hotwirefoamfactory.com/foam-coats/

Thank you all for the help with this!!!  

Oh my gosh! That came out sooooo cute!!!  Was this for a classroom celebration?  You are awesome.  Great job!

Thank you!

Yes, my son's 6th grade graduation.  They had a Boardwalk theme.

pool noodle!  it's amazing -- he had to be delighted -- wonderful work! love it