I spent days on this site reading one disaster story after another about whimsical cakes. But I spent even more time reading the oodles of helpful tips and hints, not to mention the tutorials and links to youtube videos that helped me prepare to make my first whimsical cake. So here it is. I learned a lot. I haven't made a cake this "elaborate" in a loooong time, and my fondant skills are poor and need much improvement. (I haven't covered a cake in fondant in at least 2 years.)
I learned that I need to do about 5 more whimsical cakes to actually get good at it. This was beyond my skill level. But it was fun!! I did it!
I learned that I really need to check, and recheck, my measurements. As you can see, my middle tier was too big to fit into the bottom tier. I realized this after both tiers were covered in fondant. I trimmed off as much as I could, but there was just no way I could start over. The guests at the party loved the "illusion" that the cakes were sliding off each other.
I learned to trust my judgment and the skills that I DO have. I properly doweled this sucker and successfully delivered it to my very dear friend's surprise 30th birthday party. We drove 45 minutes into Chalmette, LA where the streets are still pretty bad post-Katrina. Nothing moved, nothing shifted, nothing fell off. Since this cake made it through those streets, then I did my support-system well.
All in all I'm very glad I did it. Since my friend's husband pulled me out of "retirement" to do this cake for her, I can't say I'll make another one like it anytime soon. But I certainly couldn't have pulled it off without the help from this site.
So thanks a million for the help and inspiration, CCers!!
Oh that is really pretty! What a nice red you got may I ask what brand and color you used? You did a great job!
Thanks! For 4.5 pounds of MMF, I used two bottles of Wilton No-Taste Red and one bottle of Wilton Red-Red.
I think it came out very nice for your first attempt, espcialy since you haven't done any detailed decorating in awhile. Did you cut your tiers out of layers all the same size or did you do layers of alternating sizes, such as 6-7-8 for one layer? I find whne you carve the tiear out of different size layers, it helps to get and idea of what sureface size you need for the bottom tier it sits on, as well as getting an accurate slant.
I think it came out very nice for your first attempt, espcialy since you haven't done any detailed decorating in awhile. Did you cut your tiers out of layers all the same size or did you do layers of alternating sizes, such as 6-7-8 for one layer? I find whne you carve the tiear out of different size layers, it helps to get and idea of what sureface size you need for the bottom tier it sits on, as well as getting an accurate slant.
Thanks! For the bottom tier I did 8-9-10. The middle tier I did three 8" that I carved down to about 6 1/2 on the bottom. I don't have odd size pans. Top tier the same thing - I carved three 6" tiers. I didn't want a huge slant in the tiers because it was my first time and I was SCARED! I mean, physically sick over this cake!
Cute job!!!
One thing you could try next time is instead of angling the tiers sharply, just angle gently (like you did) and then make the cakes smaller at the base...angle the sides down some... that will give the appearance of the cakes being more whimsical and also make a bit more size difference between tiers. Here's what I mean, one of my cakes I didn't really even angle them, just made them taper at the bottom, and it helps make it sort of "whimsy" : http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1478369
Your cake is great! I wish I could have done such cool things back when I was newer at decorating...nowadays everyone is doing such neat designs!
I have never made a topsy turvy cake before but one day...I hope my first attempt turns out half as cute as yours though
They are a LOT of work
Blessings
I think you did a fabulous job! I have yet to do one, not that I am nervous, I have really just been practicing my characters, shoes and things of that nature. But I am anxious to do a whimsical cake. You cake is beautiful. Great job! 
Wow, I think it looks GREAT!! I havent attempted one of these...yet. I hope my first attempt someday comes out anywhere close to as great as yours!
Thanks so much to all of you! This was definitely NOT my finest work. I feel it could have been a lot cleaner, but I was just so happy that it didn't collapse! You are very kind and I appreciate the tips on how to improve it. Don't know when I'll ever try this again but it was good, fun, HARD work. I've never been completely consumed with cake work for four days straight before. My kids are 5, 3, and just turned 1 so doing this over the holidays was no easy feat. This is why I'm taking a long break from cakes - it's just too hard with the kiddos.
wow..I love your cake... I love the colors the details and everything....you did a great job!!! and I know what you mean about having kids around it is not easy...but you did it!! 
Love your cake I bet your friend was totally WOWED
I can't believe you don't think it looks FANTASTIC! I don't see any flaws. Wonderful. I hope someday to get the nerve to do one.
I can't believe you don't think it looks FANTASTIC! I don't see any flaws. Wonderful. I hope someday to get the nerve to do one.
Hee hee - that's because you can't see the BACK of the cake. I went out of my way to make sure the last part of my fondant covering was on the back of the cakes - it's awful! But the birthday girl loved it and didn't see the flaws, so that's all that matters.
thats so cute!! i just love the white flowers, how did you create them?
GenGen - I got this idea from one of tonedna's whimsical cakes. I just used a circle cut-out, and pinched one end to make each petal, and "glued" them on the cake with water and a brush!
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%