Here is a pretty elaborate tutorial on sculpting a pug dog, which could easily be adapted o a squirrel, but I believe there are easier ones. I will look.
https://www.pettinice.com/tutorials/pug-cake-armature-and-shortcuts/
Here is a much more simple tutorial for sculpting Grumpy Cat, which could also be easily converted to a squirrel. If you would like to show the squirrel's whole body, just stack the cakes taller and carve out the suggestion of legs and add his tail. If the cake gets really tall, add three skewers through the whole thing, for support and stability. If you have any questions, I a fairly experienced at sculpting and would be happy to help, if possible.
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The height depends upon how much of the body you want to show. Since this is your first, I recommend the Grumpy Cat tutorial. It will show you how many layers of cake are needed. Your can make the squirrel's tail out of Rice Krispy Treats and have it coming up behind or beside of the body, separately from the main structure.
Tips for carving: Find a picture to use as a guide for carving and print it the actual size of the finished cake. Choose a recipe that is nice and sturdy. Very soft cakes will not hold up to carving. Freeze the cake until very firm before you carve. It makes carving so much easier.
If you do not have a suitable recipe, I recommend kakeladi's Original WASC recipe. You can use it for any flavor cake, it is very moist requiring no drizzle, and sturdy enough to stack and carve.
https://www.cakecentral.com/recipe/7445/the-original-wasc-cake-recipe
It is not strictly necessary unless it starts to feel unstable. To be on the safe side, you could use one central dowel, anchored into the cake board. Good luck! I can't wait to see it and know it will be darling.
sama, it is fantastic! I almost suggested you do a 2D carved squirrel, but I didn't want to be minding your business. You totally rocked it and I know the recipient will be over the moon! Now you have experienced carving, when you have plenty of time and no need for perfection, try a 3D. It is not nearly as hard as you might think.
All the way around, Home Run!
By the way, he is soooo cute!
Clever idea, using cotton candy! Did you airbrush the color?
I don't think I could have brought myself to cut this, too cute!
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