Mommy to Bee Cake

Here is a two tiered double layer 6" and double layer 8" cake for a Mommy to Bee themed baby shower.  I was sent a couple of inspiration photos of cakes that were frosted buttercream and fondant mixed, so I incorporated both into the cake design.  Come see where I also used my own modeling chocolate for the first time...

Here is the top tier crumb coated and ready to set aside to frost the bottom tier.  The top tier will be decked with a fondant top.

 The sides will be covered with a combination of chevron stripe modeling chocolate and fondant.  To make the modeling chocolate, melt a bag of Wilton candy melts.  Stir in 1/4 cup of light corn syrup.

 If you combine while the candy melts are still hot, the oils will separate.  Knead on a cool surface to combine the oils.  I found it worked best using a rubber scraper on the cool granite counter-top.

I added a drop of black food coloring to turn the modeling chocolate grey and the other half yellow.

 I traced out a chevron template on a piece of parchment paper and cut strips using a pizza cutter and metal ruler.

Here is the pattern laid out to place on the cake.  I thought the pattern was a little wide for a 6" cake, but it looked better in person than it photographed.

 Placing section by section on the top tier:

 I cut circles to make the bottom frosted tier polka-dots.

 The gum paste bees were placed around the top of the cake and a couple of bees were placed on the bottom tear with flower petals.

Next time, I'll share how I made the edible busy little bees- perfect for cupcake toppers.