So...here is the cake that I've decided to do. It looks fancy, but is actually pretty easy and the techniques can hide a multitude of sins. I made 3, simple, 6 inch, chocolate cake layers and I'm going to fill it with peanut butter frosting.
https://thecakeblog.com/2018/10/spiderweb-cake.html
I like the fact that I don't have to pipe the spiderweb, but can just etch it into the dark layer of frosting to reveal the white layer beneath it. I'm terrible at piping and using a skewer to draw with seems much easier. If I make a mistake, I can just patch it with some dark buttercream.
I'm making gumdrop/jelly spiders. I didn't have any gumdrops and didn't want to buy any, so I made up some firm jelly out of agar agar, sugar, water and black food coloring. They're coming out good, so far! The legs will be piped onto the bodies.
I'll let you know how it turns out.
