Any ideas for making a 3D upright chalice for a communion cake? Would gladly welcome any suggestions.

this may help.

build a base ---

two plywood or masonite disks -- the bottom one the size of the foot of the chalice. the top one the size of the area where the cake will rest.

the are connected by a wooden dowel -- each end is screwed and glued to the dowel (see second diagram for how it would be strongest)

then...

the green area is either: styrofoam or RKT (rice krispie treats) -- a half ball of either.

at least two layers or more of cake on top. (blue lines)

for a straight side chalice -- just ice as is.

for more artistic chalice -- sculpt both the styro/RKT and cakes following the PINK lines (note that will also change the size of the top plate the cake rests on.)

if going past three layers of cake on top -- then use separator plates and internal dowels as with any stacked tier cake.

for added interest do as Duff usually does and cover both the bottom plate and the upright dowel w/ fondant. can then sculpt curves into bottom plate and and decorative detailing like found on real chalice supports.

HTH

DOUG YOU ROCK!!!! YOU ARE AMAZING!!!
I AM THINKING ABOUT THINGS FOR MY DH'S 1ST COMMUNION AND NOW I HAVE TO TRY THIS. I WANTED TO KEEP IT SIMPLE BUT "ALONG COMES DOUG WITH HIS GREAT IDEAS".

THANK YOU janpolycarp
FOR STARTING THIS THREAD.

Sorry about the caps.

Thanks Doug for the detailed instructions with diagrams et al. Would love if you have any ideas on moulding a gum paste 3D chalice to be used as a cake top? Jan.

I did one - I used a mini wondermold pan as the mold for the cup part. Made the stem and the base separately and joined it all together once dry. http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=34021

Thank you for telling me how. Saw your communion cake and the bible and the chalice are real works of art!!!