FAQ's and Photos of work in progress

Skillful hands of 16 year old Joshua at work on a custom topper order.
Read FAQ's below to learn more about the toppers and see photos below of the steps of construction.

1. Will my wedding topper look like me? The sculptures will resemble your photos and capture the style you have requested, whether it be traditional or fun with added props displaying your hobbies, occupation or pets. Please note that your sculptures are not meant to be life-like, and no refunds can be given on custom orders. Photos on the gallery page represent the style of work Joshua does.

2. How long will it take to complete? Most toppers, depending on details, will average about 2 - 4 weeks to complete. They should be ordered at least two months in advance of your wedding,  if not sooner, depending on the number of orders already in progress. Please email for these details.

3. What do you need to get started on my topper? Photos of the bride and groom (close-up of the faces, front views, profile views and clothes) are needed by email or mail if time allows. Descriptions of hair color & styles, eye color, height, clothes, pose wanted, any props wanted and/or pets.
Print out order form on the Gallery page with mailing address, wedding date and all information required and mail in with your payment. Your order will be put next in line when received.

4. How big are the toppers and how much do they weigh? Most toppers are about 6 1/2" tall
and weigh less than one pound. This size works best for most cakes. Larger ones would be too heavy and smaller ones would have less detail.

5. How much are they? We try to keep all detailed toppers at $395.00. Difficult props or accessories may be additional, but you can get a quote by email on those. Pets are $95.00 extra.

6. How are they shipped? The cake toppers are fragile and need to be handled with care as
you would for porcelain toppers. They are wrapped in tissue and shrink wrapped first. Then wrapped with bubble wrap and packed in styrofoam peanuts. They are double boxed and shipped by insured mail. Instructions are sent with the topper in case you have an insurance claim. Most toppers arrive to their destination safely.
******Small repairs can be made with super glue.*******

Photos at right were used to make clay toppers in the likeness of the bride and groom and their pets. Other photos were furnished in the karate pose and of the wedding clothes. Profile views are very important as well, to get a better likeness of the faces.

Joshua began sculpting at age 10. He was quickly discovered as a talented artist and was interviewed by numerous newspapers, magazines, radios and TV stations. You can read about him at (News & Events). Joshua began sharing his talents with others by offering workshops to kids and adults. At age 12 he published his first polymer clay instructional book to help others learn the basics in sculpting. (See Joshua's book page) Joshua made his first commissioned topper for a friend at age 12 in 2001. Since then he has received orders from as far away as California and New York and everywhere in between. The cake toppers are challenging for Joshua, as each one is unique. Being a 14 year old boy, he has other hobbies as well, such as motorcyle riding, skateboarding, fishing and hunting.

Joshua's main tools are a pasta machine for rolling out sheets of clay for the clothes, an exacto knife for cutting parts, a needle tool and knitting needle for adding details. The rest is done with skillful fingers.

A groom in stage 3 of completion. The heads are sculpted with the greatest detail first and then baked. Next, a body armature is made of wire and tin foil and wrapped in clay. Stage 3 is where the clothes begin to take shape. Sheets of clay are run through the pasta machine, then cut as you would material from a pattern and fitted onto the body.

A bride in stage 3 of completion. Plastic wrap
covers them between stages to protect them
from dust.

Completed bride and groom from above.

Check out our line of Custom Foil Prints
for your Wedding Invitations & Prints

Sorry - no more cake topper orders can be taken.