AIBU to think I could make a cake this - never done decorating before

[Birthdaycakehelp]

So it’s my DDs first birthday in a few weeks and I want to make her a special cake - yes I know she won’t have a bloody clue what it is or what her birthday is but we’ll have a few people round for cake and party food bits (nothing fancy) and I’d like the cake to look special.

She has a lot of octopus toys and things that she likes to play with and I’ve got it in my head to make her an octopus cake. I’m a decent baker and I can make a nice cake but I’ve never done any kind of cake decorating at all. AIBU to think I could make something like the picture below. Looking at the steps it seems like it should be doable but am I kidding myself. I’m worried it’s going to look like one of those cliched expectations vs reality cake posts!

Give it to me straight. AIBU? Can I do this?

Exciting! Good luck :)

Yay! Hope it turns out well. Looking forward to the pictures 💪🏻

Good luck! I always make DD's cakes, they don't look professional (obvs 😁) but taste delish

Can't wait. What a lovely thread

Stage 1 complete! (Though this is the easy bit )

The little black dots are chia seeds (instead of eggs) as something I forgot to mention is that I’m vegan so the whole thing is also a vegan creation. I didn’t think I needed to add in that complication for you all!

Looks great so far 👍🏻 best of luck

Ooh I've made a vegan cake a few times (one of DD's friends is allergic to eggs) & they came out well, I'm sure yours will be just as tasty 😋

Next stage - a rice crispy cake ‘head’ for the octopus which is hardening off in the fridge, ready to be covered in fondant later! (FYI - am I best to put the fondant straight on to the rice crispy cake, or should I cover it in buttercream first like I’m doing to the main cake?)

Just marking my place to see the outcome 😊 I'm sure your DD will love it and I hope she has a lovely birthday!

I am APPALLING at cake decorating, my limit is buttercream icing with sparkly bits thrown on top!

Am just here for the final reveal. Looking good so far, I think you must be pulling out legs, you're a pro baker right?

Placemarking

Glad you're going for it. 1 year old is the perfect time to practise. By the time she's 5 or 6, you'll be a whizz at cake decorating! :)

How's it going?

Also placemarking. I admire your ambition. I made a treasure chest cake for DS1 first birthday. Stupid bastard ex dropped the top on the floor half hour before the party. Ended up decorating the top half of a shop bought fruit loaf as the lid!!

I hope you're okay OP

Ooh it's Friday cake day!
Looking good so far OP
I've got my cheerleading pom-poms at the ready.

That’s a very straightforward design. Wouldn’t have any worries at all.

Here’s the final cake! (I’ve just scribbled out in purple in the corner where I’ve written my daughters name)

I’m genuinely really proud of it - it’s definitely not perfect and I simplified it down, but it’s good enough for me and it’s made me really happy to do.

Couldn’t have done it without all of your help and tips - you’ve all been a brilliant help!

Fantastic! Well done.

I love the tentacle holding the candle!! Well done you!

I've been following this thread so I could see the final masterpiece. That's amazing OP, well done.

That looks great- well done!

Great job! Absolutely you should be proud.

It’s really good. Well done. She’ll love it!

I think it’s cuter than the original.