Last week I posted about Unique Cake Decorating Items on Etsy.com. One of these items was a cake topper that used beads. Today I came across a blog post (August Birthstones-Peridot, Sardonyx, Carnelian) by Silver Rose Blogs and came up with a new cake idea using birthstones and beads.

Sometimes it can be difficult coming up with ideas for a birthday cake. Especially when a person's interests are not easily transferred into cake. When you need to make a birthday cake but don't have any ideas or inspirations, make a birthstone cake.

Beads can be used many different ways on a cake. They can be strung on a string, then wrapped around the bottom as a boarder and strung on wire to be used as a cake topper or placed all around the cake so the cascade down the sides.

If you do not want to use real beads, you can also purchase or make edible beads in the color of your choice. To make your own, all you need is a mold like the ones listed below and dyed gumpaste.

If you want to know more about birthstones, check out Silver Rose Blogs for more information.

Many people do not know about this great site, Etsy.com. There, you can find so many unique handmade items for any occasion. When it comes to cake decorating, you will find cake toppers, gum paste flower sprays, and other cake accessories.

While you are there, check out some of the great jewelry by Red Seals Handmade Jewelry and Watches and my new favorite, Kandio Designs. She also has a great blog for the creative mind by the same name. Stop by the Kandio Designs blog for some great inspiration.

Below you will find step-by-step instructions for creating a gumpaste bow. When working with gumpaste, you should remember to work quickly. It will dry fast which is why decorators like to use it for decorations. If you are a new decorator then try mixing fondant and gum paste. The fondant will dry faster with the gum paste in it but give you time to make the bow before it dries out.