Make branches. 1 day in advance, knead 1 teaspoon Gum-Tex into 6 oz. chocolate fondant. Press fondant into mold to make 29 branches, several in each mold design. Make extras to allow for breakage and let dry overnight on cornstarch-dusted surface.

Make birds. One day in advance, knead 1/2 teaspoon Gum-Tex into 3 oz. red fondant. Press fondant into mold to make six flying birds and eight sitting birds. Make extras to allow for breakage. Let dry overnight on cornstarch-dusted surface.

Decorate branches. Prepare buttercream icing. Use tip 5 and white icing to pipe lines of snow. Sprinkle with white sparkling sugar.

Make cupcakes. Bake and cool 13 cupcakes. Use spatula to ice smooth in white.

Assemble cupcakes. Melt light cocoa Candy Melts candy according to package directions. Use melted light cocoa candy and a cut disposable bag to attach birds to branches. Chill until firm for 5 to 8 minutes.

Position cupcakes on stand. Insert branches.