I was asked to make a buttercream dinosaur, like the cupcakes I am attaching..

Can anyone tell me what tip might have been used? And how to get the dino effect? Do you think they were piped right on the cake or on wax paper to harden a bit before being put on??

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With the bigger picture we can see. Those look like they have been figure piped using a round tube (#10-12) and buttercream icing. Yellow spikes with a smaller tip like #6-8.

They can be done ahead and frozen on parchment paper. Then added at the last minute.

Thank you so much for sharing your picture I have to create some for my grandson birthday and I had no idea as to what I was going to do. Your picture really help me out a lot. thanks bunches.

I also wish to say thanks for posting that adorable photo.  It doesn't look too hard (with some practice), and creates an absolutely adorable dino that even tiny toddlers can eat safely. 

Please post a photo of your cupcakes on this thread when you get them done!  We'd love to see your version.
 

I went to the photomark on the photo and she gives specific instructions (scroll down to the end of the comments) on her blog:

http://i-heart-baking.blogspot.com/2011/07/dinosaur-cupcakes.html