I'm self-taught and this was my first ever fondant cake. Made it last March (2009) to celebrate my boyfriend's first day as a paid fire fighter. Base and cake: cardboard base. Used an 8" round for the first part of the helmet then baked another small cake in a glass pyrex bowl. Wrapped the cake in ceran wrap, froze it, then carved it how I wanted it to look and covered it in buttercream. Helmet: After letting the buttercream settle i rolled out 3 fondant "snakes" to form the structure of the helmet and a "button" for the top. I then rolled out fondant for the entire cake. Achieved the "leather" look by allowing a few imperfections and wetting it after it was on the cake for a little. Did the "stiching" details by hand while the fondant was still soft. Shield: Fondant cut by hand and placed on the side of a tupperware pitcher (to give it it's shape) on the counter until it hardended. (make sure to put a little corn starch or powdered sugar on the piter to prevent it from sticking). It took over 24 hours to harden so it would be best to do your shield first!

Thanks for looking feel free to contact me this was my first, best, and favorite cake ever!!! :)