Hi, I finally found out how to make my daughter's cake and i did my first practice one tonight! it is a monkey head..It came out great I think for a beginner. (i have always gotten store bought This is my first real creation...Anyway...how do I get the icing to look so smooth and flawless like I see on a lot of the cakes in the gallery? That is the only thing about my cake that made it look "home-made" I appreciate your input!

Thanks,
julie

Many people here use the "Viva" paper towel method for smoothing. Others use the Dip your spatula in hot water method (not sure if it has a name). Some people smooth with parchment paper.
This link may help you http://www.cakecentral.com/article10-How-To-Create-Faux-Fondant-The-Paper-Towel-Method----Viva.html

Lazy_Susan

Yes - use a crusting buttercream, and then get out the Viva and smooth away! Works like a charm.....people think my buttercream cakes are fondant it gets so smooth.

I must try this. It looks very smooth. Do you use a paper towel? Sounds strange.