Time for chocolate showpiece

Step 1 The original Concept

Santa's coming to town, but his reindeer are jumping over a boulder, and Santa is loosing control of his sleigh.

Step 2 Prepping molds and the work list

I used Easter egg molds for the body of the reindeer, taped together acetate sheets into cones for the top of the trees, and into a tube for the trunks. I also used a smaller diameter tube for the legs and arms of my characters.

Step 3 Adding texture and refinements to the reindeer

I used a milk chocolate "putty" to refine the volume of the reindeer as well as giving them a more organic texture. The antlers were simply piped on acetate plastic and let to set in a large can to give them a curve.

Step 4 The sleigh

The panels of the sleigh were cut out  of  poured chocolate, the volume was given thanks to 2 pieces of tube and more flat chocolate. The curve was done thanks to chocolate poured on a thick paper, that was glued to the sleigh structure right before setting. The sleigh was then airbrushed white, and red. the golden accent were glued after.

Step 5 Santa

Simple assembly of the elements that were already casted, once assembled the character was glued on a stand for easy manipulation while being painted. The face was made with colored white chocolate. The boots weren't added until final assembly.

Step 6 Base and final assembly

The base was sprayed white, the tree were added and textured (with the help of milk chocolate "putty").
Finally the sleigh was glued in place, and Santa, the reindeer were added and the top of the trees.

The final showpiece