Cake makers out there, could you help me with this Harry Potter cake please?

[blisterpack]

How do I make this cake here? Is that fondant it's covered with and how has that page effect on the sides been done?

Also, how has the gold colour been achieved? Is it gold paste colour? I can do the scarf and wand, not going to bother with the others, but if someone can talk me through the rest of it, it'll be very much appreciated.

Any other tips and tricks would be welcome too.

Definitely fondant. Basic book shape (angled edges) with grooves cut in fondant with modelling tool. Then I think that two very thin sheets of fondant have been rolled and placed on top (with join hidden by tie). Bent and slightly crumpled.

The gold is probably gilt (dusting) powder (I think that's what it's called) which is edible and can be bought from cake decorating sites/shops. You can mix some powder with liquid like alcohol (miniscule amounts) which makes a paintable consistency. Or just dust it on but might get a bit messy?

Is it something like this? Would it be ok to mix in water do you think, we don't use alcohol so wondering if there is a suitable alternative.

Yes that's the stuff!

Not sure whether water would be the right medium. I used the rejuvenator liquid but that's also alcohol based. But- for what you're trying to do, it might work just as a dusting. Perhaps if you used a burs to moisten the fondant and then a dry brush to cover the stickier bits???

Looks a brilliant cake! Good luck :)

Thanks, I'll need it! And thank you for your help too. By burs I think you mean brush? Will give it a go :).

Curse you autocorrect!! Yes - brush!