My first attempt at purse cakes and I made 4 different ones. To get the shapes I baked in different sized pans, oval, round, square and heart shaped. Each cake was two layers, different cakes and filing combinations but all covered in fondant and embellished. Handles were made with gumpaste and dried overnight. The pink handle was gumpaste balls rolled and threaded through fine wire to hold the shape. Thanks to all the purses on this site which gave me my inspiration. I've posted more pictures with closeup of each purse on this site. Be brave and try a purse cake...they are so much fun! Enjoy and thanks for looking.