I'm quite new to cake decorating and have posted a few pics on here but i think i've bitten off more than I can chew. It's my sister's birthday this sunday and I wanted to do a scene from The Italian Job as she loves mini coopers and is mad about the film. For the last two weeks i've been working hard trying to make 3 mini's. I decided the best way was RKT covered in sugarpaste. At the time I was really pleased but now I have to make the "Stone Steps" of the church for the cars to drive down, and they look so wrong (the cars not the steps). They are the right size and proportion but each one is a little different in shape and I haven't even put any detail on them yet. I know it sounds really stupid but I'm close to tears, no matter how hard I try I can't get the picture from my head to my hands to make the cars "better". Am I wrong attempting such a big cake with 3 mini coopers when I still a "newbee"? I feel like giving up!! Sorry for ranting xx

ok, take a step back , go to bed - its almost 9pm so your not going to get anywhere tonight, and start again tomorow. i looked at your other cakes and you definitly have talent so your just having one of those nights where its not matching up to what you have in your head.

i have these nights all the time and ive learnt that you need fresh eyes and theres no point messing about when your frustrated.

your sister will love the cake even if you see flaws, - i mean how would you feel if your sister made you a cake of your favourite movie? All you'd see was the time and care and love that went into it and not all the little flaws that she would see so just calm down, and go back to it tomorow and dont give up.

I too looked at your photos and for a newbie you have definate talent! I'm sure your sister will love your cake.
We are our own worst critics. And so hard on ourselves.
I can relate to the frustration of head not working with the hands....UGH!
Don't give up and I'm sure you will figure it out. Best of luck.

Generally, my cakes NEVER look as good to me as they do to the recipients. That is the curse of the cake decorator, all we see are the flaws. No matter what you think of your own work, your sister will be blown away and will gush abou what a wonderful cake it is -- and it will be a wonderful cake. Maybe all decorators need a pair of rose-colored glasses for looking at their own work?

Please don't give up - like the pp said - your cakes are awesome Three minicoops are hard but you can do it - you still have plenty of time too I'm positive there's someone on this site who has done this car in rkt/cake/fondant and can help you out too

Don't give up...I wanted to soooo badly on my last project, but I didn't because of the support of this lovely group. You'll do an awesome job! I can't wait to see the pics!

Ok...lets look at this from a newbie's point of view...since I am one also.

I know how your feeling...your new to this, and you want to look good, no, scratch that...you want to look PERFECT! Know what I figured out? Its not going to happen. There is always a problem with the cake...its gonna happen.

So the 3 cars differ a bit from each other...your making them from rice crispy treats! W/O a mold I dont know of anyone who can make 3 of those cars...all the exact same by hand. I'm sure they closely resemble what your going for. Just rest a bit..and get back at it.

I looked at your cakes, as the others did. They look a ton better than my first cakes...ok ok...they look better than my current cakes!

Really? Your FIRST cake was a great looking castle! Your second a 3D frog! Give yourself some credit here!

Gothicfairy, it took me a long time to realize that MOST PEOPLE don't see the flaws that we see. MOST PEOPLE will look at your cars in amazement, because they are edible! MOST PEOPLE would just buy some toy cars at Wal-Mart and slap them on a cake. MOST PEOPLE don't have your talent, never will have your talent, and are in awe of your talent. Don't be so hard on yourself! Honestly, some of the worst cakes I've ever made (in my opinion) have been the ones I have gotten the best compliments on. Go to bed and take another look at it in the morning. If is still doesn't look right, I say keep going with it ~ you will be amazed and what impresses MOST PEOPLE!

Thank you for all the kind words of encouragment ladies they were a great help. It's all finished now and my sister loved it, i've posted a picture. Thank you again x

Looked at the picture...looks great..no more wanting to quit!