I've been making cakes for family for years, but only recently wanted to start learning some of the 'proper' techniques to make my cakes look more polished.

I made one from the wilton sugarpaste book a few days ago, but can't get that excited about any of the others in there.

Does anybody have any ideas for a tiny (4") cake i made last night to practice on? I want to learn/ practice any new techniques, don't mind if it's fondant, buttercream, royal icing or whatever.

I know this is a little vague, i just want to try something new!

Here are some tutorials. More in the "How Do I" stickys. http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-654103.html

Here's a cake (the top tier) that would be easy to practice. You can try to make a bow or you could make the daisies for the topper instead. My Michaels carries the Wilton 3 or 4 piece daisy cutter set (different sizes) for $2.97.

Roll your fondant out thin about 1/8" thick and let rest 5-10 mins. Then cut out circles, you could use the wide end of standard and larger tips dipped in cornstarch. With a small artist paintbrush paint the back of cutouts with water (just enough to see that it's wet but not soaked, alot of water will soften the fondant and the color will bleed on the icing).

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1670573.html

Thanks yummy, that's really pretty! I think I might give it a go tomorrow. I'll post pics to let you know how i get on.

You can also try making quill flowers or ribbon roses. Make it a girly cake! Hot pink and black.

Here's another. I love these cakes with the circles.

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-photo_1580242.html

Oooh pretty! I love those colour combos.