We’ve all seen our fair share of two-sticks-and-a-piece-of-string-cake toppers, so this topper is simply a visual pun on the idea. This string, in this instance, is the tightrope – and a pretty little water-colored lady is about to take her first cautious step out onto it. It’s simple to make and it will make everyone smile.

Materials needed: White card stock, watercolors, paint brush, scissors with a sharp point, bamboo skewers, string, and glue

Step 1: Follow this link to Vintage Printable’s Female Aerialist. On the lower right side of the screen, click “View Full Size.” In your printer setting box, change the scale of your printout to 75%, and print it out onto white card stock.
Step 2: Watercolor the “Aerialist” in the colors of your choice. Let dry.
Step 3: Carefully cut out the figure. Tip: Cut just on the INSIDE of the edges, so there is no white edge showing when you are done.
Step 4: Cut out the negative space where her body, right arm and her stick meet.
Step 5: Tie string to top of skewers, with about 10″ between knots. (If you have a smaller cake, you can make this distance smaller.)
Step 6: Glue her left foot to the top of the left skewer. Let dry.
Step 7: Let the party begin!

Photography by Tim Gibson