Sunday, June 7, 2009

Cake Decorating For Idiots

I spent the better part of Saturday trying to decorate a birthday cake using "professional decorating supplies". It is so hard!!! This cake is the final product after I removed garlands from the sides that partially fell off! A product of too thin icing, I think.

The cake decorating dvd I bought was very helpful! But, I need one that is entitled, "Complete Cake Decorating for Dummies!" :o)

Oh well, I did learn a lot and am not giving up. I'm sure the next cake will be easier. I just need to hang in there, and keep working at it. I am by no means an expert seamstress, but kept working at it until I was able to make a few good quality projects. I hope to do the same with cake decorating!



Practice, practice, practice......



I have three more cakes to make this month: 2 birthdays and a Father's Day cake.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooooh Debbie,
I've taken a few cake decorating classes and gave up. But you are doing way better then I ever did. The cake looks great!!!! Keep practicing :)

Coleen

Debbie J said...

Thanks for the encouragement Coleen! I nearly gave up yesterday and was actually in tears at one point! It is very hard. Its probably worth it to buy cakes at the grocery store. I am determined to keep working at it though! But, I will be making simple cakes for a while.

Anonymous said...

Debbie, you did great for your first cake! I don't even think I might be able to accomplish what you did. I think you are right, practice makes perfect. It is from your heart and your daughter will love it. I would be so excited if someone made me a cake. You will get there! :)

Melissa said...

That cake looks pretty good to me! I've always wanted to learn cake decorating, but I haven't invested the time into learning. Someday!

Anonymous said...

I think it looks wonderful!

Your edging on the cake looks great!

Keep it up! :)

Melinda

Anonymous said...

Good job, Debbie! Much better than most folks' early attempts.
And, I just bet that Lorie loved it. By the time you get to the Father's Day one - which will be number 4 of the ones you have in June, you will be an expert.

I am anxious to see Blake's and then Mary Beth's. You will keep us posted with pics, will you not?

Marjorie

Girl, at least you do not have to concern yourself with choices for weekend desserts until the last one in the month!!! Lorie's this weekend, Blake's next and Mary B's plus Father's Day 19-21. All of you will be on a sugar high!!

Myra said...

I took classes and actually freelance sell cakes. It is a combination of talent and practice. You can practice and become comfortable doing it, but some have the talent to really make it spectacular. Just like sewing. With practice, you can become comfortable with your work, you may or may not be able to pull off a super detailed one - I don't, because I don't have the time, even though I learned and could passably make those details. That's why I stick to birthday, sheet cakes, etc. With 4 small kids, it is not feasible. I have learned some short-cuts to make it look more detailed. Like in sewing, I don't have the time or experience to pull off a jacket or coat or other detailed items. I probably could do it, but I might be ancient before I finished. Keep it up!

Myra said...

Regardless of what the book shows, try to stick to learning round, then star tips until you are comfortable. Then progress to another skill. I saw you were trying roses, which weren't bad, but you might be less frustrated if you stick to one skill/decorating tip at a time. Get the Wilton yearbook at the craft store, Hobby Lobby or Michaels, there is a section on tips, applications, hand positions, etc. That could be helpful. But classes are good since the instructor corrects you as you go.

Rita said...

Your cake was so special and I'll bet Laurie loved it. If you having trouble with the icing google Wilton's icing. It is made with Criso and is just the right consistency for a tube. You'll love the colors too. They use to have paste colors that were great because it just took a little coloring on a toothpick to get the color you wanted. Have fun and show us the next 2 cakes please.

ancient one said...

The main thing is... did it taste good... no kidding... I think your first attempt is spectacular... (I have trouble icing a plain ole' cake)... You have natural talent..

Terri said...

Debbie,

I think it looks great! Good job for your first try.

Heather said...

i have faith you will perfect your decorating! me, not so much, lol. i have one of those kits too and i still can't do anything! i think yours looks great!

Susan said...

I think it looks great, especially considering it's your first cake! Your shells on the border are really good. I'm not great at decorating cakes, but I do know it takes lots of practice. Keep on working at it, and you'll be doing a fantastic job. And I know your daughter loved it!

Alexandra said...

Looks really good to me! We used to make those character Wilton pan cakes(Power Rangers) for my son every year. Boy, is that every time consuming. There is a lot of love there, and that's what counts.

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