Incredible Inedible Cake

This tabletop decoration looks as beautiful as it smells. Used as a party centerpiece or seasonal adornment, this fake cake makes a grand statement. Scented oils are used to provide aromatic enhancements to compliment the visual impact of the cake.

Materials:

8" or 9" (cake-sized) round papier-mâché) box w/lid
1" silk flowers to make approx. 200 individual petals
double tacky craft glue or glue gun
acrylic paint (to match flowers)
small scissors
ornamentation (clear sparkles, fruit, leaves, etc.)
decorative paper dollies (optional)
spray sealer (optional)
bakery-style box (optional)

1. Paint the entire exterior of the box and lid, including the bottom, with acrylic paint. Set aside to dry.

2. While waiting for the box to dry, separate silk flowers into individual petal pieces.

3. Glue the flower petals to the edge of the box top (figure A). Use clothespins to hold the petals in place.

4. Glue the box and lid together.

5. Place a light film of glue on about a third of the petal pieces and dip them in decorative crystals. Do the same for all cake top ornaments if you want a very festive appearance.

6. When the paint is dry on the box, dip individual petal backs in glue and begin sticking them to the box's top center, working in a clockwise direction out to sides. Be sure to tuck petals in an overlapping manner to conceal center petal holes and the box surface (figure B).

7. For the box sides, follow the same gluing directions as above. Start at the top and work down to the bottom (figure C). Allow glue to dry thoroughly.

8. For cake top adornment, place pieces evenly as if a clock--at 12 and 6, then 3 and 9, and so on (figure D). This technique will ensure balanced placement of the cake's finishing touches.

9. Drop scented oil on a few of the petals on the top and sides of the cake. Don't overdo the scented oil. Baking scents like cinnamon, vanilla, and such are recommended.

10. If you have chosen to use a decorative doily on the cake bottom, spray it with two or three coats of polyurethane. Let it dry and glue it to the bottom of the cake (figure E).

Alternative: A ribbon-woven box top in pink, blue and white would be great for baby showers. In this case, don't glue the box top to the box so the box may be used as a keepsake storage vessel.