Ladybug Cupcakes

Directions

1. 1
   Special equipment: small paintbrush
2. 2
   For the antennae: Unroll the licorice and cut into twelve 1 1/4-inch-long pieces.
3. 3
   Separate the two strands from each other, leaving them attached at one end.
4. 4
   Roll 2 small (1/4-inch) balls of yellow fondant for each pair of antennae and attach to the separated ends of the licorice.
5. 5
   Enclose the remaining fondant in plastic wrap so it does not dry out.
6. 6
   Repeat with the remaining pairs of antennae.
7. 7
   Set aside to dry.
8. 8
   For the legs: Cut more licorice into 2 1/2-inch segments.
9. 9
   Separate the strands from each other to make 72 legs.
10. 10
    Roll 72 small (1/4-inch) balls of yellow fondant to make a foot for each leg.
11. 11
    Attach a foot to the end of each leg.
12. 12
    Set all the legs aside to dry.
13. 13
    For the bodies: Shape about 2 teaspoons of red fondant into a ladybug body the size of a small walnut.
14. 14
    Make a line in the back of the body with a small knife.
15. 15
    Roll a small ball of black fondant about 3/4 inch in diameter for the head.
16. 16
    Attach a pair of antennae by sticking the licorice into the head.
17. 17
    Using a small brush with a little water, moisten the front of the head and attach 2 yellow sprinkles for eyes.
18. 18
    Roll enough 1/4-inch balls of black fondant for spots and flatten them slightly.
19. 19
    Moisten the backs of the ladybugs and attach the black spots.
20. 20
    Attach 3 legs to each side of the body by pressing them in.
21. 21
    (Use a skewer to make holes to help guide, if needed.)
22. 22
    To assemble: Attach each head to a body by brushing the surface of the body with a little water and gently pressing the head on to adhere.
23. 23
    Add pupils to the eyes by dipping a skewer into the melted chocolate and making small dots on the yellow sprinkles.
24. 24
    Frost each cupcake with about 2 tablespoons buttercream.
25. 25
    Place the ladybug in the middle and press gently into the frosting.
26. 26
    Repeat with the remaining elements.