Deco cream

I'm planning to make a new DS case, and I want to make sweets deco this time
Do you think its easier/better to make the swirls out of paper clay etc then glue them to the case and then glue on the other pieces, or pipe clay straight onto the case then press the pieces in as the cream dries?

What has worked best for you?

I must say that I've never decorated anything I just make deco sweets out of clay and make jewellery and accessories. But from what I've heard, people are usually piping straight onto piece you are decorating. I don't think anyone is sticking them after they dry. Unless they are buyin already made cream cabochons (usually made from resin). Just remember to first put some protector film or something like that, just in case you wont like the deco or you'd like to change it in the future. You won't destroy your DS then (search on ebay for them)

Hopefully this help a little, but I hope that someone more experienced will answer your question

If you don't want to cover the whole thing in paper clay swirlies you can make them not straight on to them but even them I'd recommend piping them straight onto the item you're planning to deco. If you have piped the whole thing, you can add your cabochons in there.
About that protective film, you can just use that transparent tacky paper you use to cover books in. It works fine Hope this helps!

Piping would definitely be quicker than making individual cream swirls. Plus if you use the right stuff to pipe, for example silicone or modelling paste you won't have to worry about glue because the 'cream' will hold your cabs in place.