First Time Try

Decorating By vie Updated 12 Sep 2005 , 4:53am by crimsonhair

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vie Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 11:50am
post #1 of 24

First thing I have to say is WOW, YOU ALL HAVE AMAZING TALENT!!!

Hello everyone, I am totally new at this. I haven't made a cake yet.... my first cake will be tomorrow and after reading all this I am starting to wonder if I can really do this. I have done cakes for family and friends but nothing major. I thought I could do this with no problem but starting to question myself. I was wondering if everyone here has taken a course or just looked at this website and tried it out. I was thinking my first cake would be with MMF???? but not sure know.

I have gone out and bought the fondant smoother, the gel colors, flower picks and more. And now not to sure ........

23 replies
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MoonicaLeigh Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 12:03pm
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Just have fun!! Be creative!! GOOD LUCK and I wish you all the best!! Can't wait to see your pics, I am sure that they will be great!! icon_wink.gif

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MrsMissey Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 12:14pm
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Welcome to Cakecentral, always glad to have new members. I think you will find a "mix" of decorators ..some have taken classes and some are just jumping in with both feet! Either way, everyone here is always ready to help. Have fun and don't forget to take pictures!!

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tcturtleshell Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 2:09pm
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Welcome Vie! I took all of Wilton's Courses but I must tell you that I have learned far more on CC then there!!! The directions for all the MMF, transfers, etc. are so clear & easy you won't believe it! Just practice & you'll be perfect!! It's sooo fun!! Blessed Baking!!

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vie Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 4:33pm
post #5 of 24

Wow, this is great, you are all so supportive and kind. I did what you said just jump in. I made my first Buttercream faux fondent icing and well I think it turned out good but it needs to get harder it's really sticky and can't make a ball with it. I guess it needs more icing sugar so that is my next step. I will post my pictures tomorrow, hoping that I am done with the gost muffins tonight.

Again, thank you all for your support.

Sylvie

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vie Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 4:37pm
post #6 of 24

Forgot a question for all. My neighbor told me that she attended a wedding and the wedding cake was moldy. She then asked how long is a cake good under the rolled fondant and if I could freeze the finished product till I need it?

Sylvie

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cindycakes2 Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 5:02pm
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The wedding cake was moldy???? Yuck! I usually bake my cakes 2 days ahead of time, then decorate, that way they are very fresh.....but I've gotten great ideas on how to freeze cake layers on this site, and thaw them out right before using. Never had a cake long enough for it to mold under the icing....anyone else experienced this?

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gibson Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 5:21pm
post #8 of 24

HI

I just wanted to let you know that I am new to this as well! I have only done a few cakes....and have been learning a lot!! I haven't taken any courses but plan on it in the future (live in an area where there isn't a Michaels close by but hopefully will be moving soon!) I just jumped in and am enjoying it. Also wanted to let you know that my first MMF experience was a great one. It turned out great so not to be too scared about it! I do know what you're talking about though I'm scared to try new things only because I want it to turn out the first time! This is teaching me a lot about diversity which is nice because usually I stick to one thing if it works out the first time! So trying different "mediums" I'll call it like MMF or different buttercream recipes is the diversity I need!

Welcome to CC. It's great here the people are friendly and very willing to help out!

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Calejo Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 5:41pm
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I, too, have never had a moldy cake... ew!!!! you can freeze fondant, but you will need to bring it to room temperature before you kneed it and roll it out again. Also, you cannot cover your cake with fondant and then freeze it, or the condensation from the cake when it thaws will cause the fondant to become gummy.

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Daniela Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 6:31pm
post #10 of 24

Hi Sylvie,
Welcome to cake central. Don't worry because there are many of us that are new at this cake stuff but I'm glad we can all share our experiences with one another!!!!! I'm sure I'll be talking to you again so take care icon_biggrin.gif




Daniela

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Fancymcnancy Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 8:19pm
post #11 of 24

Hi Sylvie,
Welcome aboard!! I am very new at this too. I have just jumped in and am trying all different techniques. I find the forum here and the galleries are great places for ideas and everyone here is so helpful and nice. I can't wait to see how your cake turns out - post pictures icon_biggrin.gif

Nancy

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vie Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 11:14pm
post #12 of 24

Thank you everyone for your great support, it's nice to know that we are like a big family here.

As for my cake, wellllllll not sure if I am gonna post thoses pittiful looking muffins.... Man I did not do well with the Buttercream Faux fondant. For some reason everytime I picked up a leg for my spider it broke. My oldest son says they look good but I think he is just saying so.....

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momoftwogirls Posted 9 Sep 2005 , 11:23pm
post #13 of 24
Quote:
Quote:

The wedding cake was moldy???? Yuck! I usually bake my cakes 2 days ahead of time, then decorate, that way they are very fresh.....but I've gotten great ideas on how to freeze cake layers on this site, and thaw them out right before using. Never had a cake long enough for it to mold under the icing....anyone else experienced this?




I have had my cakes turn moldy after it sitting out a week. I assume that the cake is ready to trash after that length of time.
I use to think it was because I left it in the pan I baked it in and then covered with icing. (before I got into cake baking I always left it in the pan!)
But now I have baked and put in a cake holder and it has gotten moldy after sitting for a week. (we don't eat it fast enough).

Do you think depending on how moist the cake is - depends on how 'fresh' it will stay???

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Phoov Posted 10 Sep 2005 , 4:07am
post #14 of 24

Wowzers....I can't imagine biting into a moldy piece of wedding cake. I actually had a decorated cake (buttercream) sit for almost a week this summer and it tasted fine....but I think I was pushing it. I wanted my mom to see it before we cut it...and she was out of town! I would assume the conditions created by fondant would speed the growth of cooties......

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ivanabacowboy Posted 10 Sep 2005 , 12:35pm
post #15 of 24

Welcome to CC from another newbie! And dont be afraid or intimidated by all of the beautiful designs those more experienced can do. At one point their cakes looked JUST like ours lol! Just some of them may not have posted THEIR first cake-the pictures you are seeing may represent a couple years or 20 YEARS or MORE worth of experience. Everyone starts somewhere. Practice practice practice, like anything. My suggestion is start with simple designs until you get the techniques down.

I am not taking classes either. I do have a Michaels close by but just cant fit it in when they offer it. I also have a local mom and pop cake store that does classes. I like going there better than Michaels, and if I ever do decide to take classes it would probably be there. The people who run the cake store the cake guy told me he has been decorating for OVER 30 YEARS and his cakes are beautiful! (They also do a bakery that sells cakes.) And everytime I go in he gives me some hints and tips.

I do hope the couple with the moldy cake got a refund at least! YUCK! icon_surprised.gif Ive never had a cake mold either, but ours dont last very long. Could perhaps be whatever filling they put in it? Or if it was fondant and had been frozen, that condensation may have helped it along. I would be absolutely horrified if I were the bride!

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vie Posted 10 Sep 2005 , 2:28pm
post #16 of 24

Well, this is it. You have all given me enough insparation to try again. I will take a picture of my horible looking cupcakes just to see if I actually get better at this or not.

I just have to figure out how to post them now.

Again, thanks for the vote of confidence.
Sylvie

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crimsonhair Posted 10 Sep 2005 , 11:24pm
post #17 of 24

Welcome to cake central Vie.. Good luck with your cake tomorrow.. Just have fun with it. I am sure you will do fine.. Post some pics when you are done so we can see the finished job.. Happy baking. icon_smile.gif
Liz

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vie Posted 11 Sep 2005 , 5:44pm
post #18 of 24

Hello everyone,

I just finished my first cake and I think it turned out not bad for the first one. The only reason I am posting the picture is cause you are all so supportive and I know you will all give me good feedback.

I had originally decided to have chocolate butterfly wings but my wings melted in my hands, so I had to make a butterfly with BC. I know I need practice on that for sure.

Sylvie
LL

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MissBaritone Posted 11 Sep 2005 , 6:12pm
post #19 of 24

That's certainly better than my first cake was. Keep practicing and your cakes will soon be as good as any on here. Don't think all our cakes turn out perfectly either just check out the disaster threads

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ivanabacowboy Posted 11 Sep 2005 , 6:44pm
post #20 of 24

I left you a comment on your photo album (you can get to it by going to your pictures). I think it was great for a first try! And I like the idea with the butterfly.

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candyladyhelen Posted 11 Sep 2005 , 6:50pm
post #21 of 24

Your cake looks great! Good job.

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vie Posted 11 Sep 2005 , 8:06pm
post #22 of 24

Thank you for the comments and giving the encouragement I needed to keep at it.
Syl

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SquirrellyCakes Posted 12 Sep 2005 , 3:29am
post #23 of 24

You are doing wonderfully well, good for you!
Re: the mold issue, I think most folks use cake mixes here and they are very moist and under humid conditions they would mold. I think a week is too long for a cake, personally. I think 4-5 days is the max and that is too long before a cake is going to be delivered to still consider it to be fresh. I don't believe in refrigerating a cake for a week either although I know a lot of people do, I just find that they start to taste funny. You are better off freezing the leftovers.
Fondant can seal a wedding cake, but that time frame is better for a fruit cake. Personally, I would find it too long for any kind of cake but I know some people do cover a wedding cake with fondant for up to a week before delivery. I wouldn't. Sounds like this wedding cake was done way in advance and kept in a humid place.
Hugs Squirrelly

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crimsonhair Posted 12 Sep 2005 , 4:53am
post #24 of 24

Wow Vie your cake is lovely.. Excellent job especially for your first attempt. I know my first cake sure didn't look that good.. You will find plenty of inspiration on here.. I spend hours looking at the galleries and forums .. This site is addicting but so much fun you will love it I am sure. Happy baking.
icon_smile.gif Liz

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