to ask if I am the only one that is so crap at this?

[carovioletfizz]

Cake decorating.

Bought some fondant ready to roll icing to make a pirate cake for dd.

Made the cake then rolled the white icing out. Stuck it on the cake with jam. Trimmed the sides then stuck bits on to neaten it up where I'd trimmed them too far. By now it's already looking a total mess.

Tried to cut a skull and crossbones out of black ready to roll icing, the black icing got covered in jam and icing sugar that I'd sprinkled to stop it sticking.

Tried to stick crap looking skull and crossbones on with fondant icing which made a mess. Tried to wipe the icing sugar and jam off the black skull which made worse mess. Looks like something from Pinterest Fail. I give up! Other people make it look so effortless...is it just me? I am good at making other things. Just not decorating cakes.

as with others, I make quite alot of cakes
totally agree with twigglet nibbler it is about techniques
once you know them it is straightforward.

also agree that butter cream is the way to go. for coating the sponge before ready to roll icing.

However, the reality is your son will LOVE it. any cake made specially is always a winner.

Really simple tip is to turn the cake upside down before icing - then you have a smooth base to uice instead of the domed top.

Thanks :)

mammatj your cakes are lovely - very impressed by the shoes! And even more impressive dress-making skills :o

lovecat your spongebob burger is brilliant!!