A friend of mine has asked me to make her a teapot cake for her grandmothers birthday. I am all up for the challenge and even started my research on how to make sure the spout doesn't tear out on me and how to cover a sphere in fondant.
Then she sprung it on me that they didn't want fondant. Anyone have a tips on how to cover a ball in buttercream and get it smooth?

thanks in advance.

Hi,

sometimes it can be hard to do but it can be done. U just start to cover as it you would any cake and go around the enntire cake to cover it. then your real trouble, well for me it is, lol. Is getting the ball complete smooth with buttercream. After you crumbcoat and then ice again and use something to smooth it even more like: acetate paper, viva towel method or just a hot spatula

HTH

I was thinking acitate might work well but I cant think of anywhere that I might be able to buy it. As for the Viva trick, im in Canada and we don't have viva. They are just paper towels with no print right? Iv never seen ones like them here except for "Shop" towels but that doesn't sounds too food safe.

Hi

You can try looking on www.countrykitchensa.com or www.bakedeco.com too, they both have them.

Yes, viva doesnt hv print as far as the ones I have seen.

Instead of acetate, you could always buy a report cover and use the clear plastic to smooth the buttercream on the ball. I've seen it done on TV, and I'm sure there must be tutorials online, but I don't know where they would be.

You cut a piece of acetate about 4"x6" and holding it slightly curved in your hand, use it as a scraper (from bottom to top OR top to bottom) to smooth the buttercream.

Apti,

I dont think that a report cover is food safe, though.

Try baking paper in lieu of paper towel. Use wide strips. It has a smooth surface and is more flexible than the reports covers. You gotta love the freebie office stationery ....I find uses for it even though it isn't rated as food safe.

You could used poured buttercream for the whole teapot! I don't have the exact instructions, but I know who does....Parable! A pic of hers is here...http://cakecentral.com/gallery/1912558/gummy-bears

She uses the Wilton buttercream, microwaves it, thins it with water, and mixes it. You'd have to PM her to get the directions but I know she'll reply!

Good luck!

Cakefairy03, thats another good idea and its food safe, lol

You can use parchment or waxed paper to smooth if you use crusting buttercream. If it crusts well, you can also use a gloved hand to smooth it.

If I can remember right, the poured buttercream still crusts!!

Thanks for all your advice fellow cakers. I covered the teapot and used a piece of acetate to smooth it. I am going to let it sit and crust and then smooth it a little more but it turned out pretty darn smooth!!

BUT

Only now did I remember that I had meant to put some supports in the bottom of the ball. Opps! Does it need them? It is 6" tall. Should i just rip it back apart?