Creating Custom Wedding Cake Toppers With Clay

Polymer clay is a popular choice for making wedding cake toppers. It is soft and pliable, and it can be baked in the oven to seal and harden the clay so that it can be kept forever. There are many different types of polymer clay available, such as Sculpey, Premo, Fimo, and Apoxie Clay. When creating a topper, it is important to consider the size and weight of the design so that it does not become too heavy or take away from the cake. Additionally, using tools such as toothpicks, rolling pins, and cookie cutters can help achieve the desired shape and texture.

Choosing the right clay

Type of Clay

The most commonly used types of clay for cake toppers are polymer clay and air-dry clay. Polymer clay, such as Sculpey, Premo, or Fimo, needs to be baked in an oven to harden. It is soft and pliable, allowing for intricate details and a smooth finish. On the other hand, air-dry clay, like Apoxie Clay, hardens at room temperature without baking. This can be more convenient if you don't want to use an oven, but it may be challenging to work with for larger pieces.

Workability

When choosing your clay, consider how easy it is to work with and shape. Some clays are more pliable than others, making them easier to mould into intricate shapes. Sculpey, for example, requires a lot of working and kneading to make it pliable before shaping. Additionally, investing in clay-shaping tools, such as a fondant rolling pin and a tool kit, can greatly improve your ability to create fine details.

Colour Options

Select a clay that offers a wide range of colour options to match your wedding theme or the couple's preferences. Some clays come in basic colours, while others provide a broader palette to choose from. You can also mix colours to create unique shades, but be sure to test the compatibility of the clays before mixing.

Baking or Drying Process

Consider the baking or drying process required for the clay you choose. Polymer clays need to be baked in an oven at a relatively low temperature, typically around 215 degrees Fahrenheit, for 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your creation. Air-dry clays, on the other hand, can take a long time to dry, so be sure to read the instructions for the specific type of clay you select.

Durability

If you want your wedding cake topper to last as a keepsake, choose a clay known for its durability. Polymer clay, once baked, can be sealed and kept forever. However, be cautious of using toxic materials that may release chemicals during the baking process, especially if using a food oven. Air-dry clays can also be long-lasting if properly dried and stored.

Sculpting the figures

When sculpting the figures for your wedding cake toppers, it's important to keep them proportional, usually around 4-5 inches in width and height. This ensures they don't become too heavy and that they don't take away from the cake.

Start by making the legs. Roll out four pieces of clay, each about 1-1.5 inches in length. Push up the bottom of each roll to form a hoof or foot shape.

For the body, create a roll that's about 2-2.5 inches long and 1.5 inches thick. Mould it into the desired shape, with the smallest part being the neck and the middle section the biggest. Taper the back end to form the behind.

Poke holes into the tops of the legs and the bottom of the body with a toothpick, being careful not to poke all the way through. Then, attach the legs to the body by pushing the toothpick into the body and inserting the legs onto it. Smooth the edges to blend the pieces together seamlessly. Ensure the legs are spread out to provide a stable structure for the rest of the figure.

For the neck, create a roll of clay similar in length to the body but with the same thickness as the legs. Insert a toothpick about 3/4 of the way through the neck and then push the other end into the front of the body, blending the edges. If the neck is unstable, push the toothpick further into the body or adjust the size and thickness of the neck.

To form the head, roll some clay into a ball about the size of a quarter. Flatten one side of the ball slightly to create a smaller front face. You can also flatten the bottom of the head slightly to help it sit better on the neck. Use a small piece of toothpick to attach the head to the neck, smoothing the edges.

For the ears, shape small rounded triangles and make an indent in the middle of each triangle to give depth to the ears. Attach them to the head with liquid polymer.

You can add texture to the figures using fondant decorating tools, such as the side/point of a tool to create lines and marks.

For the face, use a tool with a circular end to create eye sockets. Add small balls of black clay for the eyes, and then top them with tiny flattened balls of white clay. To form the nose, create a smaller, thinner triangle and attach it to the face with water or liquid polymer. Use a toothpick or fondant tool to create a smile.

Remember to bake your figures according to the instructions for your chosen type of clay. Allow them to cool completely before handling, and they will be ready to place on your wedding cake!

Baking the clay

When it comes to baking the clay, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to note that different types of clay have different baking instructions. For example, Sculpey, Premo, and Fimo clays need to be baked in the oven, while Apoxie Clay does not require baking and dries on its own. It is recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the clay manufacturer for the best results.

If you are using an oven-baked clay like Sculpey, Premo, or Fimo, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a successful bake. Firstly, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to a relatively low temperature, around 215 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal baking time will depend on the thickness of your creation, but it typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes.

To avoid any issues, it is recommended not to bake clay and food items together simultaneously. While some people use their regular food oven for baking clay without any problems, others prefer to have a separate oven dedicated to craft projects. This is because the clay may release chemicals during the baking process, and it is better to be cautious, especially if you plan to use the oven for food afterward.

Once your clay creation is in the oven, keep an eye on it and check it periodically to ensure it is baking evenly and not burning. When the baking time is complete, remove the clay from the oven and allow it to cool for at least an hour. This cooling period is crucial as it helps the clay harden and become sturdy.

After cooling, you can use fine sandpaper to smooth out any fingerprints or imperfections on your clay creation. This step will give your wedding cake topper a more polished and refined look.

Painting the details

Baking and Assembly:

Before you begin painting, ensure that your clay figurines are properly baked and assembled. Follow the baking instructions provided by the manufacturer of your chosen clay type. Once baked, carefully assemble the different components of your cake topper using toothpicks or liquid polymer, as described in the previous steps. Allow the assembled topper to cool and harden completely before moving on to painting.

Selecting Paints:

Choose paints that are specifically designed for use on clay or ceramic surfaces. Acrylic paints are a good option, as they are durable and come in a wide range of colors. You can find these at most craft stores. For finer details, you may also want to invest in a set of high-quality paintbrushes of various sizes.

Base Coat:

Start by applying a base coat of paint to your figurine. This will help to create a uniform color and provide a good surface for additional details. Choose a paint color that matches the skin tone or clothing of your topper. Allow the base coat to dry completely before moving on.

Painting Facial Features:

Use a small, fine-tipped brush to carefully paint the facial features of the bride and groom. Start with the eyes, painting small circles or ovals in the desired color. Add tiny black dots in the center of each eye to create pupils. Then, using a smaller brush or the tip of a toothpick, add eyelashes and eyebrows.

For the nose, mix a slightly darker shade of the skin tone paint and apply a small triangle or line to indicate the nose shape. Blend the edges to create a natural look. For the mouth, use a thin brush to paint on a smile, frown, or any other expression that suits your topper. You can also add details like dimples or freckles with small dots or lines.

Hair and Clothing Details:

When painting hair, start by mixing a few shades of paint to match the desired hair color. Use a combination of light and dark colors to create depth and dimension. Apply the base hair color first, then add highlights and lowlights to give the hair a more realistic appearance. Use a fine brush to paint in any intricate styles or details, such as braids or curls.

For clothing, select paint colors that match the wedding attire you wish to depict. Use a small brush to carefully paint in the details, such as buttons, ruffles, or lace patterns. You can also add accessories like veils, ties, or jewelry using paint and glitter.

Finishing Touches:

Once all the major details have been painted, take a step back and look for any areas that need touch-ups or additional shading. Use a small brush to add final highlights or shadows to bring out the features of your topper. You can also add glitter or other embellishments at this stage to give your topper a magical or whimsical appearance.

Finally, allow your paint to dry completely, following the instructions on your paint packaging. Your clay wedding cake topper is now ready to be displayed on your special day!

Attaching the topper to the cake

Now that your clay wedding cake topper is ready, it's time to attach it to the cake! Here are some tips to ensure it stays securely in place:

Choosing the Right Base

First, ensure your topper has a suitable base. A sturdy base will help the topper stand firmly on the cake without sinking into the frosting. A thin piece of cardboard or a small wooden board can be an ideal base. Cut the cardboard or wood into a circle, slightly smaller than the cake's top tier, to ensure it's not visible from the sides.

Using Dowels for Support

If your topper is on the heavier side, consider using dowels for additional support. Insert a few thin dowels through the base of the topper and into the cake. This will help distribute the weight and prevent the topper from sinking into the cake.

Food Safety Considerations

When attaching the topper, ensure that the base is wrapped in food-safe wrapping. You can use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper for this. This is especially important if your topper has any parts that could come into direct contact with the cake, such as a long dress or a hanging element.

Securing the Topper

There are several options for securing the topper to the base. You can use a strong adhesive, such as a hot glue gun, to attach the topper to the base. Alternatively, you can use a combination of hot glue and floral wire for extra stability, especially if your topper has delicate parts that need additional support.

Attaching to the Cake

Once your topper is securely attached to its base, it's time to place it on the cake. Gently press the base into the frosting, ensuring it's centred and secure. If using dowels, insert them through the base and into the cake, pushing them in a few inches to ensure stability.

Final Touches

After placing the topper, take a step back and ensure it looks centred and straight. Make any necessary adjustments, and then you're done! Your clay wedding cake topper is now the perfect finishing touch to your special day's dessert.

Frequently asked questions