I know a cake topper is something small and frivolous. We could have done without one, but, honestly, a cake topper was something I looked forward to as a little girl. I know most trendy cake toppers right now are not little brides and grooms but rather monograms and flowers. But as a little girl, I thought it would be so neat to have a little miniature couple that looked just like me and my groom. And contrary to the popular opinion, I don’t think all of them are tacky or cheesy.

From an early age, I was a crafter and a big fan of making little clothespin dolls for holiday decorations. A little search allowed me to see what Rory Evans created for her cupcakes, which soon became my topper inspiration. She and her husband made a bridal pair for each of the cupcakes served. They individualized them and threw in some comical alterations as well. You can see more pictures of these darling toppers at the Bluelines blog.

I found the pattern for our little clothespin people clothes via Martha Stewart . However, I was never able to find the magical glue that successfully and permanently and without fail adhered felt to felt or felt to wood. I attempted to use craft clue, white glue, super glue, wood glue, and rubber cement. The rubber cement probably worked best for felt to felt contact, but boy was it messy and stinky. The wood clue worked well for the lacy bits on the pin, but it was hard to keep neat as well and didn’t dry clear.

The Verdict? I loved how adorable and kitschy the topper was. It was completely customized with the help of Honeysuckle Mama-in-law’s mad painting skills. It was sweet that the topper looked like us, and I was able to use lace from my mom’s wedding dress and tulle from the actual veil I wore. Of course, it was by far cheaper than getting a custom topper made from an artist on etsy (though all that I have seen are gorgeous), so remember to ask for favors from people you know with artistic skill.