I want to make a number "60" monogram using crystal beads like the one created by MelissaRHK. How do I make the individual numbers sturdy enough to stick in the cake and stand upright?

Here is an example of the monogram I am trying to duplicate.



Thanks

sorry, I am not totally sure how she did it. But couldn't you use a sturdy floral wire and just glue them on?

I bought some beads and some floral wire that is 18 gauge but it is too big for the opening of the beads. I wanted to string the beads thru then form the numbers. I'm just afraid the small jewlery wire is not going to be strong enough.

Any more ideas?

Lindy Smith has some ideas for cake jewelry on wires in her new book -- you might adapt that to your needs for the monogram.

bobwonderbuns,

Do you know the title of the book? I went to amazon.com and did not see a title about cake jewelry.

Thanks

It's her new book "Cakes to Inspire and Desire." It's not exclusively on cake jewelry, but she does have some great step by step instructions with pix on how to make wire toppers with jewels. Not the monograms you're looking for, but I think it could be adapted.

You can purchase monogram cake toppers in several sizes and colors, with or without crystals at http://www.weddingaccessories.net/monogram_cake_toppers.htm

It's easy to glue crystals on the plain monograms to save some money![/url]

I did one recently - used silver florist wire - a good sized gauge - then I bought glass beads from Michaels - found ones that were really nicely faceted. Made sure the wire fit the holes before I left the store - then strung the beads on the wire - bent into the appropriate shape, leaving a length on the bottom to insert into a straw on the cake.

It is not the rhinestone type but it sure was pretty - caught light and just sparkled.

I think the one in the pic may be made by shaping heavy gauge wire and soldering the pieces together - then the rhinestones with the flat backsides are glued to the frame - both front and back with a special glue for crafts/jewerly making. From what I have seen/heard it is a little intensive - that's why I opted for my glass beads.

hope this helps - good luck

Use 18 gauge floral wire and 8mm beads.

This is an example of one I have done. It's not a very good pic but you can see the monogram fairly well.

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1053893