Each tier is vanilla cake with butter cream filling covered with butter cream icing. Each layer was covered using the upside down icing technique. I found this technique a wonderful way to make each layer level with sharp edges. I used skewers in the first and second layer to support the layers above. The cranes were crafted from paper and tooth picks were attached to each one so they could be placed on the cake. A plain bead border was added to each layer to finish off the joints.