my latest and greatest creation

i made this cake over the weekend for my co-worker's wife. her birthday is this thursday but the two are taking a roadtrip to west virginia for the weekend so this was his surprise for her to enjoy before their trip. this was the hardest and most problematic cake i have ever made! cracked fondant, falling jolly ranchers, collapsing gum paste...ugh...it was one thing right after another. i couldn't sleep a wink last night because i kept thinking about what a nightmare it would be if i woke up this morning and saw the cake in pieces. fortunately, it survived the night...just a little longer until delivery and i can breathe easy. seeing this cake complete (and in one piece) has been such a relief. thank you to my baby for helping me through the entire process...



the original picture i used to replicate this cake...