I just made a sewing box cake for family and the lid would not stay on. It kept sliding off the back. This was the first time I made a cake like this and I know I made a lot of mistakes. But I've been asked what I'd charge for it so I need to work out all the problems before I make one to sell. The lid was cardboard covered in fondant (maybe it was too heavy?) and the cake was iced in bc (do I need to cover the cake in fondant too). I used straws and a ball of fondant for support but it just mushed the back edge of the cake and slid right off. Any and all suggestions would be helpful. How do I keep that silly lid on?

Valerie

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I made one a few weeks ago for the first time and had the same problem. Try a dowel rod in it and attach it to the lid with some melted chocolate or icing. I also put a small box covered in fondant (that matched the cake obviously) in the very back and gum glued it to the lid. Gave it support and you could hardly see it. Hope this helps some.

Thanks! I'll try that next time. Do I need to cover the cake in fondant instead of buttercream to make it more stable?

It is a very pretty box. I think you should make the opening half as wide. And then support it with a wedge of fondant or styrofoam, and attach it with royal icing.

I used styrofoam for my lid which made it thicker than yours. Then I used 4 wooden dowel rods and sharpened one end of each one and pushed it into the styrofoam. Two of the rods were one length and the other 2 were longer so the lid would angle. I hope that makes sense. I was even able to transport it and it didn't go anywhere. I don't know if your cardboard is thick enough to stick the dowels into. If not, maybe you could use more than one layer of cardboard. Your cake looks beautiful. You did a good job.

I may go with the styrofoam next go around. It probably will be lighter. Thanks for all the tips.

Yes your lid is open to much, bring it down half way. When I made my box I did cover it with fondant and because it was traveling I also put a dowel through the entire cake to help support the lid. My lid was made of 1/2 layer of cake placed on a cake board.

Jacqui

You all have some awesome cakes!! I hope to be 1/2 that good someday. I appreciate everyone sharing. That's why I love CC.