One of the traditions of a wedding cake is the topper. The couple is supposed to choose something that makes a statement about who they are as a couple or something that furthers the tone and theme of the wedding itself. Monograms are very popular choices as they are toppers you can keep and proudly display in your home. Monograms are extremely elegant and classy, and they will add an extra something special to your cake. Making your own is simple and fun, plus it will save you some money and be that much more special because you did it all yourself.
Instructions
1. Purchase three gold or silver letters. The size of the letters should be based on the size of your cake. Think about what will look best on the top layer of your cake. The font is entirely up to you as well, depending on whether you like cursive, print or even clock lettering. The letters are based on the first letter of the bride's first name, the groom's first name and the groom's last name which will become the family name. The choice of gold or silver depends upon the couple's preference or what will look best on their cake.
2. Lay the letters on a flat surface. Place the bride's first initial on the left side. Then place the groom's first initial to the right with a space in the middle. Set the last name initial in the center so it overlaps the first initials and rests upon them. With a pencil, trace the outline of where the letters overlap on the first initials (the outside letters).
3. Use a jeweler's saw to cut along the lines drawn on the first name initials. Hollow out the area with the saw so the the center (last name initial) can rest in the grooves. Do this to both first name initials so the center initial letter can lay comfortably in the spaces. Use a needle file to smooth the grooves and finish hollowing out the harder to reach corners and edges.
4. Fill the grooves with rubber cement. Press the center letter into place. Hold the letters firmly in the grooves and apply pressure for at least one minute. Let sit for ten minutes to make sure it dries completely.
5. Take a small 1/16" flat back crystal and cover the back with craft glue. Press the crystal onto the monogram. Hold in place for thirty seconds. Repeat and cover the entire monogram in small crystals. Make the crystals touch the edges so the metal is only visible between the cracks. Carefully wipe the edges clean if any glue seeps out. Allow to dry. Next, take a plastic spike and cover the top flat edge with rubber cement. Press it firmly onto the bottom of one of the first name initials. Hold it in place for one minute so it can dry. Repeat with the second plastic spike. Make sure you position the second spike directly opposite and even to the first. That ensures that the monogram will rest evenly and level on top of the cake when the spikes are pressed into the top layer.
Tags: first name, first name initials, last name, name initials, your cake, bride first, cement Press