Okay - I have a couple grad parties next weekend. Both are cupcake stands with an 8 inch topper cake. The one school has a red dragon as a mascot. So, I thought it would be super cool to make a red dragon, based of the invitation pic, to curve around the top of the cake and maybe drop the tail down the side.

Only thing is...never done this before. I've been in "never done this before land" quite a bit lately. So, feel free to extend your tips and tricks -I'd be so delighted to learn.

I know to think of it in parts. I've learned from another CCer that I can use the back of a tip to make scales on the skin. But, here are some concerns...BRACE YOURSELF...there are many...

(1) This dragon has no wings, but has a "jagged" look to the spine and tail. There's also an "arrow" at the end of the tail and tongue. Can I do this detail with the material I'm using when making body parts? Or, should it be dried added parts? Say, pre-cut, and dried to a short toothpick parts?

(2) Speaking of material. I have a box of icky white wilton fondant just laying around. I also know how to make rolled buttercream. I have stuff to make MMF too. I also have gumtex - never used it yet. What is the best thing to use?

(3) Coloring - it's all red. Maybe white eyes/talons or black dot to the white eyes and black talons. Not sure. But, I think it's okay to make it more "cool" than it really is color wise. I have an airbrush, some luster dust in silver and gold, I also have pearl edible spray. Will a little sparkle make it cool? And, whats the best way?

(3) Do I work with it like playdough? Sounds like I'd make the parts, like molding playdough. Use toothpicks as a way to support and attach to other parts. Do I want to smooth out the seems from leg to body? Tail to body? When do I add my details...when it's in parts?

I'm full of all kinds of questions. Anyone have help? The party is on the 14th. I'm thinking I should start now...but not sure how long these figures last.

Thanks for yoru help!