http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=coppermine&&file=displayimage&&pos=15123

It says that she used dowels. I bet they were different sizes for each side to get that effect.

This is what Sweetart said" I used the dowel method, but I think next time I'll use styrofoam wedges. It took me awhile to get the angle of all those dowels just right. After placing cakes on, I tucked white fabric around the dowels to hide them, and then stuffed in the tulle. "

But what does that MEAN????

I think what she did was put the dowels in each of the 3 lower layers. Two dowels same saize and the other two the same size as each other but taller than the others. One side with short and the other taller. When you add the next layer it will tilt. For anything more specifice I would pm the maker of that cake. HTH

Have you tried PMing the person to ask for specific directions? Looks like lots of people wanted directions for that cake; she should post a thread about it.

Nothing new or fancy- it's how Colette Peters makes her topsy turvies. It uses styrofoam (notice the stuff that's covered up and the shape of it) and dowels. I could send you the directions via e-mail from one of her books if you'd like.

based on actual cake in question (have mouse -- will trace!)

left: styrofoam wedges

right: dowels (for best results dowels go all the way to base for a flat level surface to stand on)

I'll take wedges (no wedgies thank you tho')

That's exactly right Doug, but I have no idea how you could do that solely with dowels!

I would have to think that it means you cut the dowels to different heights so that you have the angles you want.

As for wedges, I would have to think that you would cut the wedges to the angle you desire, then dowel through the cakes AND wedges, like you normally would, just making sure that you also catch the wedges with your dowels. I would also recommend you "center post" with one large dowel down through the center of everything ... wedges, cakes, etc. (and I'm thinking styrofoam wedges here).

Another thing: If you notice in the picture, the bottom tier and the 3rd tier from the bottom are both probably horizontal. That means on the the top tier and the 3rd tier down are actually not horizongally-level. Sort of makes the structure a little bit more stable, I would have to think.

Just my opinion, but I hope it helps you out.

Odessa

Doug! That is amazing!!!! Thanks for clearing that up for my muddy imagination!

Doug...I never thought I would say this to any man but...


I WANT YOUR BRAIN!!!!

but what exactly is the dowel method? I am a visual person and would love if someone could go in to details on exactly how this is done? It just looks like it would slide off the plate.

nglez09, I would love directions if you don't mind!

oh sorryy... I guess I waited too long to post & dudn't see the others first.

That picture with just dowels scares me. It looks like an accident waiting to happen. Note to self: DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME!!

I'm sure you hear this a lot Doug, but you are AWESOME. Never leave us.

Doug! I married a Doug but he is not nearly as clever as you. Thanks for your valuable info.

Doug, thanks so much for this diagram! It will help me tremendously when I am ready to make my first topsy turvy!

Ok, so Doug, if you use the wedge method, when and where do you insert the one long dowel?

What works best for the wedges!??

Thanks for the diagram!!

Melissa

i really prefer this version of the "whimsy" cake over the other kind (carved, slanted cakes). plus, its so easy to do.

Thank you for the picture. I can read, and read, and read instructions and I am still going "What?" Show me a picture -

Joan

thx for sharing!

do they sell styrofoam in wedges? where? or do you have to cut yourself?

ok whats stoping teh cake from slipping off the cake board.....

how do you keep the styrofoam from getting in the cake when you put a dowel through it?

I wrap the foam in plastic wrap to keep little pieces from shedding onto the icing. And I dowel and put a cardboard under each wedge to keep it from sinking into the cake when I hammer in the center dowel.