Nature Photography

It was very difficult to choose a design to create out of cake since all the designs are AWESOME! But I decided to go with "nature photography" because I've always loved butterflies and I've never had the chance to make a camera cake before! The process took me a few weeks. I made the butterfly wings out of fondant. I drew a stencil in the shape of wings and used it when cutting the thin layer of fondant. I made indentations in the wing while the fondant was still soft...then painted it with food color and clear alcohol. Since the wing would have to stand straight on top of the cake, I needed to make sure it dried flat for a few days. Once the fondant wing was dry, I used royal icing and "glued" 2 wooden dowels to the back of the wing. I let that dry for several days. I made the butterfly body out of rice-cereal treats by molding the shape and letting it harden overnight. I then covered it in fondant and attached the wing to it. Like a gingerbread house, I had to leave the 2 pieces of the butterfly in between large heavy cans to dry and prevent any falling. I baked the chocolate cake layers and assembled them in the shape of a camera and large lens. Once the layers were stacked and carved, I let them sit in a cooler overnight and then crumb-coated and covered in fondant. Then I made all my indentations on the camera and all misc.fondant pieces. I attached the lens to the camera and then airbrushed the entire cake. The butterfly was then inserted into the base of the camera. The entire piece photographed was edible, with the exception of 2 wooden dowels used to attach the butterfly to the cake. And yes, it was sooooo sad to cut into after all that hard work, but it was certaintly delicious! Thank you for the opportunity to add my entry! What an awesome contest!!!