I'm going to attempt to make a cake with a bow on top for one of my co-worker's wife for her birthday. This will be a first...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

Be sure and make your loops several days in advance so they have time to dry. Good Luck!

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=88648

http://cakecentral.com/articles/128/how-to-make-a-gumpaste-bow

Just in case it isn't clear make sure you make it out of gumpaste. Fondant will be brittle and fall apart once it dries.

I have never used gumpaste before. All I have ever used is fondant and thank goodness it has never became brittle or fallen apart. A couple of my pics has the bows I made out of fondant if you wanted to have a look.

I've used fondant mixed with gum tex for most of my bows.

I've used straight fondant on all of my bows and I don't have problems with them falling apart. I think it depends on the humidity in your area. You can also use modeling chocolate/candy clay mixed with fondant.

I have used both pure fondant and fondant mixed with tylose powder for my loopy bows and haven't had a problem with breakage either way.

Thanks Everyone!!!I'm excited now to give it a try!!

I used 50/50 gumpaste and fondant for my bows, and yes...leave as much time as you can for drying!

I only get good bows with gumpaste. Must be the area I live, or it could just be me. Sorry didn't mean to make it sound like you "had" to use gumpaste. Whichever way works for you is great.

I think the trick to using only fondant is really thin fondant. And here's a link to the BEST upright bow for on top of a cake. I just put a tissue or two inside til it dries over night... then pull it out next morning Dries hard.

I have a "Bow Loop Dryer". Take a look in my photos. If you have the time to go to Lowes or Home Depot to buy some PVC pipe, it will make a world of difference....

See the instructions in my signature for more info.