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globe dummy - how to cover....

post #1 of 13
7/17/12 at 10:52am
Thread Starter 
Hi There -

I will be making a 14 inch cake with a globe on top. It's a fish theme, so the globe will be intended as a fish bowl. I have a few questions -

(1) Can I use any kind of styrofoam globe, found at a craft store? I'm assuming a floral foam is not a good idea - I THINK those aren't the right texture.

(2) Do I simply, frost in BC, then cover with fondant? I don't intend on getting the dummy back, so do I need to cover with plastic wrap? I've seen this comment & I'm thinking it's for "re-use" purposes.

(3) Any tricks to covering a globe in fondant? Feels like an amazing amount of frustration! I don't normally cover cakes, just accents and cookies. For sturdy-sake, do you think a package of wilton fondant would be smart? Can I use MMF? It's cheaper - I'm just afraid it won't hold up.

Any other tips and tricks would be appreciated. Like, fondant thickness, etc.
Thanks everyone!
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post #2 of 13
7/17/12 at 11:31am
If you are making a fish bowl, I don't think it would be the same as covering a globe. A fishbowl has a open top, so your globe would have a flat top right?

Also, - the same on the bottom.

Do you want to cover it all in one color fondant, or will there be a waterline? In that case, you will be covering the "water" part in a color like blue, but the part above it (above the water line) in another color.

I think you may have not received answqers because it's not really clear what you are trying to accomplish.

Either way, you do not have to cover styrofoam dummies with BC. You can just dampen with simple syrup or even water.
No need to plastic wrap anything from what I can see.
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post #3 of 13
7/18/12 at 8:01am
Thread Starter 
Hi Lynne3 - thanks for the response.

I have a picture to go by and assumed I'd be cutting off the bottom so it sat flat. And, also the top would need altered. I was planning on adding a "lip" at the top to simulate the slight curve out of a regular glass fish bowl.

The picture is whimsical for sure. No, there is no water line. Although, that's a cute detail. I truly have never used a dummy cake and was asking about materials & fondant technique.

Maybe where the confusion lies is with me not asking for the whole process? I thought about how it would be done, looked at a few videos and where I had questions left, I asked. I didn't want to ask anyone to explain things I already had an idea about.

I often don't get responses. I always thought it was because I didn't give enough detail. Perhaps I should just figure it out on my own.

Thanks anyway
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post #4 of 13
7/20/12 at 9:38am
I don't have any advice for you on the globe issue but I wanted to address the lack of responses/how you approach questions.

I understand you not wanting to get advice on what you already understand, but if you only give part of the information about what you are doing it is hard to get a clear picture of the project and know what advice to give. There are so many different things that could be going on, you really have to give as much information possible if you want to get helpful responses. If people can't visualize the end result and the parts of the process you already understand, they won't be able to fill in the gaps for you.
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post #5 of 13
7/22/12 at 12:42pm
Thread Starter 
I thought it was pretty clear...
*it's a fish theme
* globe will end up being a fish bowl
*will be using a stryofoam dummy in shape of globe

********assumed, I'd have to cut it accordingly, as previously mentioned - it's a globe dummy, intended to be a fish bowl********

*carving aside, I asked:
*buttercream first?
*what's the deal with covering with plastic wrap?
*thick fondant? any tricks to applying fondant to dummy?

No disrespect ever intended on my side....but, I'm truly not sure how many more details are needed here....
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post #6 of 13
7/22/12 at 1:04pm
I've never covered a globe shape, but will try to help as much (or as little icon_smile.gif ) as I can. If you want it to look like a fish bowl, I would level off the top and the bottom. I too would use fondant to make a lip. I personally only use homemade MMF, and have yet to have any problems with it. Just like with a lot of fondant, you want to work as fast as you can so it doesn't dry out. As far as the actual ball you'll be using, you can also just cover with a little shortening, then apply the fondant. If you do decide you want a water line once the fondant is applied, you can just paint it on with some alcohol and gel colors (will be like painting with watercolors). Depending on the texture of the ball your using, if it has a lot of pits, you might want to roll your fondant thicker. If it's real "pitty" (for lack of a better word), maybe cover it in melted white chocolate to fill in some of the imperfections. Just enough to give the ball a smoother surface to lay the fondant on.

I sure hope this was some help to you! Please post pictures when you're done!
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post #7 of 13
7/23/12 at 8:01am
Thread Starter 
debidehm - thanks for your response. I never thought of filling in the pits with chocolate. Great thought. The shortening tip is helpful also.

I'm still looking around for prices - I'm amazed at the price of styrofoam. But, thanks a million for taking the time to share your knowledge.

I love the water line idea - I just think the lady I'm making this cake for is super particular. Not sure it's a good idea to stray from the picture she provided. Come to think of it, I did paint on my MMF for the music cake I just did. It wasn't too horrible. I just get a little nervous.

But, thanks again - I do appreciate it.
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post #8 of 13
7/23/12 at 7:39pm
EvMarie- Can you post a picture of the cake your client wants?
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post #9 of 13
7/24/12 at 2:03am
you might want to roll your fondant thicker. If it's real "pitty" (for lack of a better word), maybe cover it in melted white chocolate to fill in some Image
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post #10 of 13
7/24/12 at 8:33am
Thread Starter 
I attached a pic...
LL
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post #11 of 13
7/24/12 at 8:37am
Thread Starter 
It does look like there's a water line...way up at the top, real light.

Is "taping off" dried fondant a reality? I could use those small office circle stickers to make my scallop edge & airbrush the bottom. It might look nicer than adding a piece of white fondant separately.
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post #12 of 13
7/24/12 at 8:50am
Yes, I would air brush or paint the waterline. Using the office stickers is a great idea to tape off the scallops. I wouldn't add a layer of fondant for the water either, like I said I would paint it. And it looks like it was done that way in the picture you attached...maybe add a little luster dust too to give it a little extra shimmer. It's a really cute cake!

Also you asked about using a floral styrofoam ball shape. I would say sure, but not the kind that you add water to (to keep cut flowers fresh).
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post #13 of 13
7/24/12 at 10:22am
Thread Starter 
Thanks debidehm....much appreciated!
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