Creating Unique Wedding Cake Toppers With Fimo

Wedding cakes are a special part of the celebration, and cake toppers can be a fun and creative way to make them even more unique. Fimo toppers are a great way to personalise your cake and make it truly one-of-a-kind. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of making your own Fimo wedding cake toppers, from selecting the right supplies to the final decoration.

First, gather your supplies: Fimo modelling clay in various colours, a rolling pin or pasta machine, a craft knife, a surface for sculpting, and cookie cutters (optional). Start by kneading the clay until it is soft and pliable. Then, use the rolling pin to roll it out to the desired thickness. Use cookie cutters or a craft knife to cut out shapes for the bride and groom.

To make the figures more personalised, you can add details such as the bride's dress or the groom's suit. You can also add wires to hold the figures in place, as seen in the example of the rock-climbing wedding cake toppers. Let the pieces dry overnight, then bake them in the oven according to the instructions on the Fimo package. After baking, you can decorate the cake toppers with acrylic paints, glitter, and varnish. Finally, use a toothpick or glue to attach the topper to the cake.

With these simple steps, you can create beautiful and unique Fimo wedding cake toppers that will be a memorable part of your special day.

Choosing the right supplies

Polymer Clay:

Start by selecting a suitable polymer clay like Fimo or Sculpey. These clays can withstand repeated baking as long as the temperature is not too high, making them ideal for cake toppers. Decide on the colours you want for skin tones, clothing, hair, and any additional details. Consider buying larger packs of basic colours like flesh, white, and black, and then get smaller packs for any special colours you need, such as the wedding colours or green for bouquet leaves.

Tools for Shaping and Sculpting:

You will need various tools to help you shape and sculpt the clay. Consider purchasing a set of modelling tools, which typically includes different shaping and sculpting implements. Additionally, you will need some basic items like scissors, cocktail sticks, and a pencil. These tools will help you cut, shape, and add details to your cake toppers.

Backing Materials:

To reinforce your cake toppers and make them sturdier, consider using backing materials. Cardstock paper, such as Michael's "Recollections" or Hobby Lobby's "Paper Studio," can add elegance and strength to your design. You can also attach a poster board backing to your topper for added support. This combination of cardstock and poster board will ensure your cake toppers are durable and long-lasting.

Additional Decorations:

To add extra flair to your cake toppers, gather some decorations. This can include fabric, ribbon, sequins, glitter, acrylic paints, and varnish. These items will help you decorate and personalise your toppers, making them truly unique.

Structural Support:

When creating more complex cake toppers, consider using structural support. For example, you can use wire to hold the different parts of the topper together, like the body and head. However, be mindful that wire may not be suitable for eating, so inform those who will be consuming the cake.

By carefully selecting these supplies, you'll be well on your way to crafting beautiful and personalised Fimo wedding cake toppers that are sure to impress!

Preparing the clay

• Gather your supplies: You will need polymer clay (Fimo or Sculpey), a rolling pin or pasta machine, a craft knife, a surface for sculpting, and optional cookie cutters for shaping the clay.
• Condition the clay: Take the desired amount of clay and knead it with your hands until it is soft and pliable. This will make it easier to shape and roll out.
• Roll out the clay: Use the rolling pin or pasta machine to roll the clay to your desired thickness. If you're using cookie cutters, aim for a thickness that allows the cutters to produce clean shapes without distorting the clay.
• Cut out shapes: Use the cookie cutters or craft knife to cut out the desired shapes for your cake toppers. For example, you might cut out circles for the heads and bodies of the bride and groom.
• Let the pieces dry: Once you've cut out your shapes, let them air dry overnight. This step is crucial for ensuring that your clay pieces are firm enough for the next steps.
• Bake the clay: After drying, bake the clay pieces in the oven according to the package instructions. This step hardens the clay and gives your cake toppers their final shape.
• Decorate: Once the clay pieces are baked and cooled, you can decorate them with acrylic paints, glitter, and varnish to add colour and shine. Get creative and personalise the toppers to represent the happy couple!

Remember, Fimo/polymer clay can withstand repeated baking, so don't worry if you need to rebake your clay pieces. Just ensure the temperature is not too high to avoid burning or discolouration.

Shaping the topper

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Firstly, you will need to gather all the necessary supplies. For shaping the topper, you will need Fimo modelling clay in various colours, such as light flesh, white, black, and your wedding colours. You can also use foil to stuff the figures and cocktail sticks to support the structure. Additionally, you will need some basic modelling tools, scissors, and a pencil for shaping.

Step 2: Plan Your Design

Before you start shaping the topper, it is important to have a clear idea of what you want to create. Consider the personalities and style of the couple, and decide on the poses and outfits for the bride and groom figures. You can also add personal touches, such as including pets or incorporating their favourite phrases and words.

Step 3: Start Shaping the Figures

Begin by measuring and dividing the clay into sections for the head, body, and legs. Use the flesh-coloured clay for the body and head, and wrap the clothing details around it. You can create the clothing by shaping the clay or using foil to stuff the figures and then wrapping clay around it. Don't forget to add small details like facial features and hair, which can be created with tiny strands of clay.

Step 4: Assemble the Topper

Once you have shaped all the individual elements, it's time to assemble them. Use cocktail sticks to attach the head to the body and, if needed, to attach the legs. Ensure that the structure is secure and can stand on its own. You can also add any final touches, such as a bouquet of flowers or other decorations.

Step 5: Baking and Finishing

After shaping and assembling the topper, it's time to bake it according to the instructions on the Fimo package. Remember that Fimo can sometimes crack during baking, so be careful not to overbake it. Once baked and cooled, you can add any final decorations, such as acrylic paints, glitter, or varnish, to give it a unique touch.

Creating a Fimo wedding cake topper is a fun and rewarding project that allows you to add a personal and creative touch to your special day. With some planning, creativity, and attention to detail, you can shape and design a topper that reflects the personalities and love story of the happy couple.

Baking the topper

Now that you have your Fimo figures ready, it's time to bake them! Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparing for Baking

Before you start baking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, FIMO modelling clay can sometimes crack during baking, so be prepared for this possibility and consider making a backup or allowing extra time in case you need to start over. Secondly, FIMO requires baking at a specific temperature, so make sure you follow the instructions on the package for the best results.

Baking Process

Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the FIMO package. Place your figures on a baking tray or sheet and put them in the oven. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't fall over during baking, as this can cause indentations. Bake according to the package instructions, and if you're using foil to stuff your figures, make sure to bake them with the foil inside.

After Baking

Once your figures are baked, let them cool down completely before handling them. You can now attach any additional elements, such as hair or decorations, using glue or other adhesives. If needed, you can also use acrylic paints, glitter, and varnish to decorate your figures and add extra detail.

Final Steps

Finally, attach your figures to a base or directly to the cake using a wooden skewer, cocktail stick, or glue. Ensure that your topper is securely attached and proportional to the size of the cake.

Your FIMO wedding cake topper is now ready to be displayed! These toppers are long-lasting and can be kept indefinitely, serving as a special memento of your wedding day.

Decorating the topper

Once you've shaped your topper, you can decorate it with acrylic paints, glitter, and varnish. You can also add fabric, ribbon, or sequins. If you want to add a unique touch, consider incorporating the couple's favourite phrases, monograms, or other expressions that reflect their personalities.

If you're making a bride and groom topper, you can form the fondant into two cylindrical shapes and press them together. Then, use a knife to carve out the facial features and clothing details. Let the topper dry before decorating it with food colouring and edible glitter.

For a more adventurous couple, you could create rock-climbing figures using different coloured FIMO modelling clay. You can also add a wire up the bottom of the figure to keep it in place.

For a simple and elegant look, you can use cardstock paper and a poster board backing to create a topper. Start by sketching out a meaningful shape, such as a monogram or a heart, on the cardstock. Cut out the shape and glue on any decorations you'd like. Finally, attach a wooden skewer or dowel to the back of the topper.

Frequently asked questions