Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I have been asked to make 2 white peacocks for the top of a (large) wedding cake, the client wants to keep these. I don’t think just icing will be good enough for them to keep. I have never used any type of ‘clay’ can anyone recommend which one I should use? also is it similar to using flowerpaste?
Another question: Can anyone recommend someone who could make these for me?

Hi there, my friend made my wedding cake topper from fondant icing and mixed gum tragacanth with it and it dried rock solid. She made a steam train with a bride and groom sitting on the top of it and it still looks great now and that was two and a half years ago.
If you are going to try and make it yourself you could try making a frame from florist wire and use modelling paste to build it up.
Try googling wedding cake toppers and see what comes up. Handmade, bespoke items are generally more expensive though.
Good Luck
Donna

Hi ibizacakes

Have a look at this really great little ‘how to’ http://decoratethecakeblog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/pearl-peacock-wedding-cake-featuring.html
I appreciate this goes all the way down the cake but it could very easily be adapted. The body of the bird as seen in the picture could be elongated and have the petal feathers stuck to it rather than all the way down the cake. You could make the toppers with petal paste if you want them to be really strong or you could also make them as suggested by donnascakes.
I expect you’ll be able to buy peacock feather mould and if you search in youtube ‘how to make fondant peacock feathers’ there’s a video tutorial which may help.
If I see any ready made toppers I’ll post and also if I can find some one who will make them for you. I’m sure other members will have some ideas too.

Thank you very much for the help, I think I will make them out of flower paste as suggested, I also do have to make a long feather tail, but I am supposed to be following a picture which was sent to me, – a very grand cake made in New York, it is all white with a touch of gold on the tail feathers!!
If someone does want to make them for me – so much the better…… I don’t have a lot of time and this cake is for early July. Again thank you, love his site xxxxxxxxx Back to a busy kitchen, 6 wedding cakes this weekend!!!.

Perhaps advertise your need on this site as a separate question and see if there is a response. You really are busy! I hope you get some response. xx