I was recently asked to make a number one birthday cake by a friend and I have seen some wonderful ideas here on CC. However, I have one question, some people have used a cake pan in the shape of a #1 while others have carved their cakes from a sheet cake pan. I have NEVER carved a cake before and it makes me a little nervous that I will mess it up...although I am willing to try whatever it is that will give me the "better" cake. Any advice will be much appreciated!! Thanks!

draw and cut out a template of your desired shape out of paper or cardstock. place that on your cake and then cut around it!

crumb coats are really important for carved cakes since you are working with raw edges. take your time with it. make sure you have a consistency that can go on easily without pulling the cake.