Personalized Wedding Cake Toppers: Clay Creations For Your Big Day

Polymer clay is a popular choice for making wedding cake toppers. It is soft and pliable, and can be baked in the oven to seal and harden the creation. There are a variety of polymer clays available, such as Sculpey, Premo, Fimo, and Apoxie Clay. When working with polymer clay, it is important to use tools such as a fondant rolling pin and circle cookie cutters to create the desired shape. It is also crucial to bake the clay at a low temperature to avoid any issues.

Etsy is a great source of inspiration and supplies for creating wedding cake toppers, with many sellers offering custom and personalized designs. Some popular themes include animals, such as dogs and cats, as well as traditional wedding motifs like brides and grooms.

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, Fimo, and Apoxie Clay, 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 hardens at room temperature and does not require baking. However, it may be more challenging to work with and achieve a seamless look.

Workability:

Consider the workability of the clay, meaning how easy it is to shape and mould. Polymer clay is generally more pliable and easier to work with, especially for beginners. It is important to condition the clay by working it with your hands to make it soft and flexible before shaping it. This will help create a smooth surface without the need for extensive sanding.

Baking or Curing Process:

Polymer clay needs to be baked in an oven to harden. You can use a dedicated craft oven or your kitchen oven, as long as you follow the recommended temperature and timing guidelines. Avoid baking clay and food together, and always allow the clay to cool completely before handling. Air-dry clay, on the other hand, hardens at room temperature. Ensure that you work swiftly enough, as it may dry before you finish your project.

Colour and Customisation:

Polymer clay comes in a wide range of colours, allowing you to choose the perfect shade for your cake topper. You can also mix colours to create custom shades. Additionally, polymer clay can be painted after baking, providing even more customisation options. Air-dry clay can also be painted, but ensure that you use the appropriate type of paint for the best results.

Durability:

Consider the durability of the clay, especially if you plan to keep the cake topper as a memento. Polymer clay is known for its durability and can last for many years if properly baked and handled with care. Air-dry clay may be more fragile, depending on the brand and your crafting skills.

Availability and Cost:

Polymer clay is readily available at craft stores and online. It is generally affordable, with prices varying based on the brand and quantity. Air-dry clay is also widely available, and while it may be slightly less expensive, the cost difference is usually negligible.

In summary, polymer clay is a popular choice for wedding cake toppers due to its workability, durability, and customisation options. However, air-dry clay can also be used, especially if you prefer a faster curing process without the need for an oven. Always read the instructions for the specific type of clay you choose and take the necessary precautions when working with crafting materials.

Baking your clay

When it comes to baking your clay, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to use an oven to bake your clay, especially if you are using Sculpey, Premo, or Fimo clay. While it is possible to bake clay in a regular food oven, it is recommended to use a separate oven if possible, as the clay may give off chemicals during the baking process. If you must use your food oven, avoid baking clay and food at the same time.

The baking temperature and duration will depend on the type of clay you are using. For Sculpey clay, a relatively low temperature of around 215 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes is sufficient. The thickness of your creation will also affect the baking time, so adjust accordingly.

Before placing your clay in the oven, prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will ensure easy cleanup after baking. Once the clay is in the oven, keep a close eye on it to avoid overcooking.

After removing your clay from the oven, allow it to cool for at least an hour. This will help the clay harden and become more durable. You can then use fine sandpaper to smooth out any fingerprints or imperfections on your creation.

It is also recommended to invest in a set of tools specifically for working with polymer clay. These tools can be similar to those used for fondant and can be found at craft stores or online. Additionally, using a fondant rolling pin can be helpful for creating uniform thickness in your clay creations.

Sculpting your figures

Now that you have chosen your clay, you can begin to sculpt your figures. The average cake topper is around 4-5 inches in width and height. You don't want your topper to be any bigger than this, as it will be too heavy and may cause your cake to collapse.

Start by making the legs of your figures. You'll want to make four rolls that are about 1-1.5 inches in length. Push the bottom of each roll up so that it turns into a hoof or foot shape.

For the body, create a roll that is about 2-2.5 inches long and 1.5 inches thick. Mold it into the shape you desire, making the middle the thickest part and tapering at the neck and the base.

Make 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, push the toothpick into the body and attach the legs, smoothing the edges to blend them together. Ensure the legs are spread out to create a stable structure.

Next, create the neck by making a roll that is about the same length as the body but the same thickness as the legs. Push a toothpick through three-quarters of the neck and then one-quarter of the front of the body, blending the two pieces together.

To form the head, roll some clay into a ball about the size of a quarter. Then, use your finger to flatten one side of the ball to create a smaller front face. Slightly flatten the bottom of the head so that it sits better on the neck, and use a small piece of toothpick to attach it, smoothing the edges.

For the ears, create small rounded triangles and blend the edges into the head. You can also add texture to your figures at this point, using fondant decorating tools to make lines and marks.

Add the facial features using fondant modelling tools. Use the tool with a circle at the end to make eye sockets, adding small balls of black and white clay. For the nose, shape a smaller, thinner triangle and attach it with water or liquid polymer. Use a toothpick or modelling tool to create a mouth.

Remember to check the stability of your figures as you go, especially when adding the neck and head, as these can cause your topper to become top-heavy.

Using tools to add detail

Using tools can help you add intricate details to your clay cake topper, bringing your creation to life. Here are some tips and tools you can use to add those special touches:

• Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to connect different parts of your topper, such as the legs, body, neck, and head. Push a toothpick into the body and then attach the legs to secure them in place. You can also use a toothpick to create holes and indentations, like eye sockets or a mouth.
• Rolling pin: A fondant rolling pin is a great tool to have when working with clay. It helps you roll out the clay to your desired thickness, ensuring consistency.
• Clay cutters: Clay cutters, similar to mini cookie cutters, can help you achieve precise shapes for your topper. You can find cutters in various shapes, such as circles, hearts, and letters, to create decorative elements or personalized messages.
• Clay tools: A clay tool kit typically includes various shaping and sculpting tools that can add texture and detail to your topper. You can use these tools to smooth out fingerprints, create indentations, or add intricate patterns and lines.
• Baking sheet pans: Using baking sheet pans covered in foil provides a convenient and easy-to-clean work surface for your clay projects.
• Sandpaper: Fine sandpaper can be used to smooth out any imperfections or unwanted marks on your clay topper after baking.
• Liquid polymer: Liquid polymer acts as an adhesive for your clay pieces, helping you attach accessories or additional details to your topper.

These tools will help you elevate your clay wedding cake topper by adding intricate details and ensuring a professional-looking finish.

Attaching your figures

When attaching your figures, you'll want to use a toothpick. For the first figure, make a small hole at the bottom of the body, being careful not to poke all the way through to the other side. Then, push the toothpick into the body, and attach the legs to the other end of the toothpick, smoothing the edges to blend the two pieces together. This will ensure that your structure is sturdy and can support the weight of the rest of the figure.

For the neck, push a toothpick about three-quarters of the way through the roll, and then push the other end about a quarter of an inch into the front of the body, blending the edges. If the neck is unstable, try pushing the toothpick further into the body, or making the neck smaller or thinner.

To attach the head, roll some clay into a ball about the size of a quarter, and then flatten the bottom so that it sits better on the neck. Add a small piece of toothpick and smooth the edges.

When you've finished assembling your figure, bake it according to the instructions for your chosen type of clay. Be sure to check on your creation as it's baking, as you may need to make adjustments if it becomes unstable.

Frequently asked questions