First off, there is a cake in the Valentine's contest called A Basket Of Berries for Mom which is gorgeous and the basket top has been discussed in another forum, but I would like to know how the handle is made.

I'm assuming it's out of fondant, but how does it keep its form? I have some ideas of using pipe cleaners or wires, but is that correct?

Good question - I hope the artist who made it will see your post and answer.

I have made handles before from royal icing, by placing a large can on its side - depending on the size needed, it might be a lg apple juice can, or a smaller one, taping waxed paper on it, and then piping a large round-tip 'rope' in a braid look or a twist. It will harden so you can remove it easily.

I don't work a whole lot with fondant but I think it takes longer to dry. Candy clay would also work well.

bumping

It might be royal covered floral wire. I did a baby shower cake once from one of the older wilton yearbooks. 1993 maybe? It was a carriage w/ a royal handle.

Colette does gumpaste over wire for things like this.

I made a handle for a purse cake from candy clay over florist wire--worked pretty well. I tried just the clay by itself and the handle collapsed.

I have made my handles by braiding 50 fondant / 50 gumpaste and inserting two toothpicks in the ends of the braids. I lay on a piece of parchment paper in the shape I would like so that they dry. Then once it dries i stick into the cake. So I make sure I tell my customers that everything is edible, BUT the 4 toothpicks in the 2 basket handles. Most of them don't eat the handles anyway. I think I have a basket or two in my photos if you want to look. Diane aka golfgma

I used royal icing for this basket handle.