I insanely agreed to do a cake that is slowly killing me. It sounds innocent enough... just a sheet cake. And she wants it to look like a folded red flannel shirt. I have gone through testing about 6 methods of how to make it look like that... disaster after disaster. I made MMF with red coloring in it, it looked great until I tasted a bit. A half batch of MMF in the garbage because it tasted like mouse fanny. ( 
Um, don't ask... ) Then I tried some buttercream options, they didn't look so good. Then I tried MMF airbrushed red, we're onto something here... then I was going to do the black pattern with a food writer... I hate Mr. Wilton. This is the worst invention known to man. Finally... I sat and hand painted with a teeny paintbrush and liquored up gel color. 
I only got the collar and pocket done tonight as the cake is due Saturday and I want them to set up a little(at least the collar) but it's too soon to do the whole cake. (That's what tomorrow is for) I am crying inside thinking about how long this is going to take. 
But, with any luck it will look good! 
But I won't be getting paid NEAR what it's worth! But it will be consumed in a large setting with tons of potential clients! Mood swings? Why no... I've never had those. 
Well, anyway, here's a preview of the collar and pocket trying to dry... is this even worth my time or does it look awful? I can't tell anymore.
Looks incredible! You're really talented. Hang in there, we all have off days. I'm trying to make tiaras right now and after the 4th layer of Royal they just look like blobs of icing... I'm sure it will be beautiful and very much appreciated. Good luck tomorrow.
that looks awesome!! wish i could turn out something like that!!
Looks fantastic so far! Do you have the equipment to do edible images? That's another option. I never realized the potential of edible images until someone here at CC posted this link!
http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=68099
-Rezzy
I love you guys man!!
Yes, I do have an edible print set up, that was one of the options I considered, but it was not feasible as I couldn't find a straight bit of the pattern to use. I searched the web, but NOT!! The only thing in this pattern that I could find was already made into a shirt and I couldn't pull out a sample of the pattern from it. UGH!!
We'll all drink a margarita for ya!! Or you wanna beer???
Great job!!
*Chanting* 'Rita 'Rita 'Rita...
Actually, while mixing a little rum into the gel color, I truly considered just swigging it right out of the bottle.
I looked at the picture first and then read the post. The entire time that I was reading the post, I was trying to figure out what you were doing with the flannel shirt? Geez, does it ever look real!! Awesome job!!
Ok, that made me laugh out loud! Bless your heart!
What you have done so far is amazing!! It's just unbelievable. I can't wait to see the finished product. Great work!!!!!
...I have gone through testing about 6 methods of how to make it look like that... disaster after disaster. I made MMF with red coloring in it, it looked great until I tasted a bit. A half batch of MMF in the garbage because it tasted like mouse fanny. (
Um, don't ask... )......
Mood swings? Why no... I've never had those. ... OMG that's funny! Had to read this one to DH! Direct quote: "Don't ask? Well, I hope not, I don't wanna know how she knows about mouse fanny!"
I was in tears after that... 
!
Seriously though, what you've got so far looks great. It's definitely worth the trouble and will make a great picture for your portfolio!
PHENOMENAL!!!
You have the makings of one fine flannel shirt there! Keep up the good work, can't wait to see the photo of the finished cake.
I love you guys man!!
Yes, I do have an edible print set up, that was one of the options I considered, but it was not feasible as I couldn't find a straight bit of the pattern to use. I searched the web, but NOT!! The only thing in this pattern that I could find was already made into a shirt and I couldn't pull out a sample of the pattern from it. UGH!!
Well how about going to "paint" on your computer and creating your pattern there and then replicate it? I had to do that to make the invitations and cd label (favors) for my daughter's bday party.
Well how about going to "paint" on your computer and creating your pattern there and then replicate it? I had to do that to make the invitations and cd label (favors) for my daughter's bday party.
Wouldn't you know I'd think of that WHILE WRITING that post last night! DUH??? That was a real head slapper. It probably would have been easier, but at least this way I can try that, and if it works I can laugh at what a sucker I was for hand drawing this one! Today is the day, but I am going to spend a little time with baby before I start... then daddy will take over while I bake. (His day off, thank GOODNESS!!)
That's AWESOME!!!!! Your doing an outstanding job!!!!!!
can't wait to see the finished product!
Happy friday y'all!
WOW 
! How cool- it looks so real! I hope you're charging enough to cover the time you've spent on this AMAZING cake- Hope the image thing works for you!
Amber
It looks amazing - truly. I will be a ton of work, but well worth the effort I am sure - especially with potiential clients there. You should treat yourself to a manicure when you are done. (That hand massage would feel great!) Can't wait to see the finished cake! Enjoy the weekend - you deserve it!
I love you guys man!!
Yes, I do have an edible print set up, that was one of the options I considered, but it was not feasible as I couldn't find a straight bit of the pattern to use. I searched the web, but NOT!! The only thing in this pattern that I could find was already made into a shirt and I couldn't pull out a sample of the pattern from it. UGH!!
OMG you are incredible. You can possibly go to your closes Staple, bring the shirt and color copy. Then use it as a pattern for youe edible image. I already use some frabric but for my scrapbook. Hope it helps
OMG you are incredible. You can possibly go to your closes Staple, bring the shirt and color copy. Then use it as a pattern for youe edible image. I already use some frabric but for my scrapbook. Hope it helps
Unfortunately I don't even have a shirt to do that with! I am totally doing this off the cuff (no pun intended!) just from memory of what I have seen them look like. That's where I like to let the creativity take over! Thanks everyone for the amazing support. I will not be getting paid 1/10th of what this cake is worth, but as I am seeing it come together, I don't care all of a sudden. I am seeing this as bragging rights if it turns out well, and therefore I don't mind making a minimal amount on it. And hopefully people will be impressed and order more (but easier) stuff! 
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