Inspired by this cake from Sweet Paul Magazine, Ava’s cake was simple but still had a big impact.  I am not a baker, cake decorator, etc.  Trust me…you can do this.

Materials…

1. 9 inch iced double layer cake…you can buy it or make your own. Note: If you make your own, Bakerella’s Easy Buttercream Frosting recipe is amazing!
2. 4 straws…preferably paper straws
3. Needle, thread & scissors
4. 16 flag mini 1.5 inch bunting from Modern Frills
5. 2 dozen 1 inch colored fondant circles are optional.  I purchased mine from Kids Cakes.  Note: I almost made my own fondant circles.  After a trip to cake store and a little searching on the internet, I realized I could buy them already done for cheaper than I could make them….perfect!

Instructions…

• Lay your bunting flat on your work service.
• Place one straw by the first bunting flag.  After threading the needle, sew the flag to the side of the stray by the top (see photo of finished cake) with a couple simple stitches.  Tie it off to ensure it doens’t come undone. 
• Take another straw and stitch it to the top of the 5th bunting flag.  Repeat this same step with the 9th and 13th mini flag. 
• Attach the last mini flag to the first straw creating a circle.
• Find the center of your cake and from there, place your straws on the “4 corners” of your cake. 
• Place your colored fondant circles on your cake as desired.

You are done!  Look how happy she is…

Here is a simpler version done with a chocolate cake….

Happy Cake Making!!!