Ok guys, you have really touched me with the outpour of people who have tried and are in love with this technique. I never thought it would get this huge, (the "Melvira Method" is what some of you are actually calling it... that is SO cool!) and all I can say is "YAYYYY!!" However... (you knew there would be a 'but'!) there are just a few people that have had trouble with it, and I want to be sure to try and help them the best I can, so...

In my original post "I share becase I care" I posted a picture of the roller I use. In that picture you see the orangish colored foam roller cover, but there are a few different types available. You want to be sure you are getting the HIGH density foam. The replacement pads that I am using now are actually white with a rounded end. For some reason the roller came with an orange pad with the squared off end, but the replacements are even better! The brand I am using is called "Quick Solutions" (I don't know if that is a nationally available brand??) and the description on the package says 6" Fine Finish Mini Roller. The 'fine finish' part is the key! (Higher density.) I think you all know it has to be a crusting icing, and it has to have crusted pretty well before you use it, we've discussed that in detail, but the type of foam may not have been explained as thoroughly as it could have been.

Seriously, if anyone is still having trouble, come here and let me know. I will try to troubleshoot with you and see if we can get it to work, and I KNOW there are a ton of people now using the technique that may be able to offer a fresh perspective. We're here for you if you need us!

And hey, thanks again for making me feel so good about this! You guys are jewels!

UGH!!!! That's what I wanted to do today. I made a very simple chocolate cake for my neice today. I couldn't get it to smooth enough for me. I "knew" there was somthing I was forgeting.
thank you for helping.

Bless your heart. Doesn't it make you crazy?

Melvira method, I like that.

But the method will still work even if we're not working with "dark.....chocolate".

Just kidding.

You rock!!!!!!

I tried the Melvira Method for my autumn leaves cake (fondant decorations) in my pics. I liked it for the top, but I still could not get the sides smooth It was in the fridge for a long time, so it should have been crusted, but some was still coming off on the roller I ended up using it in combination with the Viva method.

Any suggestions to make it work better? I think I do have the right roller, as you explained.

One thing I have noticed is if the cake or the roller is AT ALL damp, the icing will stick. I never let mine crust in the fridge because it can get condensation on it, I let it crust on the table, then roll. If the cake itself was frozen, make sure it is thoroughly thawed and at room temp before you ice, or the condensation will come through the icing and stick to the roller. Also, if you wash the roller, make sure it is thoroughly dry before trying to use! I have made all of those mistakes at one point or another, so I speak from experience! Try those changes and see if it helps. If not... you come right back and we'll try to figure this out together!

Edited to add: Is Jan picking on me? What's the deal? KIDDING!! I thought that was funny!!

I can't wait to try this Melvira Method! I need to step away from the fondant for a minute and try this soon. Thanks Melvira for sharing this I can't wait to post how it worked for me

I was really "Krazy". I delivered the cake to the restaurant where they were having her birthday dinner. All the way there I explained to my hubby what was wrong. My daughter (who went to the dinner)said no noticed anything I pointed out to them. They devoured the cake. At least they liked it.
*This is my ex- husbands family.

Melvira, thanks for the info. I had a cream cheese filling...that's why I put it in the fridge, but maybe that was my problem. I will try again!

I can personally attest to this method and hate to say it, but I might just start using all of those rolls of VIVA for the dinner table now! Much easier and quicker to just grab that old paint roller and swipe, swipe, swipe and you are DONE!

Oh, and Melvira, I just checked out your website, and I LOVE it! You have such a clever way with words! The whole layout is GREAT! And the cakes are gorgeous! All of them!

Thanks Kerri!! That is so kind of you!! I am glad you enjoyed your visit!

Kate, the cream cheese filling should be ok on the table long enough for the icing to crust. You can put it back in the fridge after rolling! Hope that makes the difference for you! Let us know!!

dl5... cut yourself some slack woman!! But I know how you feel about wanting to look your best in front of *them* !!

if i may add to this...i have found that for the sides of the cakes...get one of the smallest foam rollers you can...i found that they dont seem to stick as much to the sides...dont know why but it just seems to work.

Tiff, that's so funny!! Yesterday I went and bought the 2" roller because I thought it might work well on the sides!! Thanks for that confirmation!

I think I'm one of the only ones who hasn't tried this method yet! My problem is that I use an icing that doesn't crust. I usually use boiling water to smooth it...

So, how can I get my icing to crust so I can try this??

Thanks,
Courtney

I can't wait to try your technique, Melvira. Thank you for sharing.

Melvira...thanks so much for the tips, I haven't tried this method yet either, but that is only because I live in the middle of nowhere and have about a 45 minute drive to get to a Home Depot or Lowes! I'm planning a trip for this week!
I also wanted to say, I just looked at your website and I think it looks great! Your sense of humor is fantastic---it's so much more fun to work with someone who had a great sense of humor than someone who takes theirself too seriously, in my opinion! Happy Baking!

I too can attest to Melvira's foam roller method, it's amazing. What a time saver, not to mention saving $$$ on viva. It has to be one of the best tips I've picked on CC. I used it on my last 2 cakes and am definately a convert.

Melvira, I just noticed where you are from, what a small world, I lived in Long Grove, IA for 20 years and had an employee from Lost Nation.

Hey, mamacc... there are a lot of great crusting icing recipes here on CC, or just to test it, you can use the basic Wilton class buttercream. It crusts really well. (Add more flavoring than they say though, otherwise it just tastes like Crisco!)

mlynn...thank you for the compliments! I certainly appreciate it! I try to take life as it comes with a little humor because if you can't laugh at yourself... well, you're the only one who isn't!! If you can't beat 'em, laugh with 'em!!

Tiggy... you're kidding me!! Where are you now? Did you move away? TRAITOR!! Hahahaha! (Edit: Oops, I see you are now in Omaha!) Who do you know in LN?? There is a 99% chance I will know them. That is SO cool!! And thanks for the resounding praise on this method! It's opinions of you guys that keep this going... otherwise people wouldn't waste time trying it!

Thanks everyone!

Melvira is a genius. Smoothing my icing has become a 100 times easier not to mention looking a thousand times better. Go Melvira!!! I bought my roller at Home Depot. They are the white ones with the rounded edges and says super smooth finish on the package. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT.

His name is Duane Schroder. He used to work for me when I managed a flower shop in Davenport. His brother owned the flower shop in LN and I think he took it over when his brother passed away.

Oh that's funny!! They call him Dunes! His brother Al ran the lumberyard, and Dunes had the flower shop (after his other brother passed, you are correct!) That is just so cool! I love that you know about my little town.

It really is a small world. If you happen to see him tell him Glenda said Hi! No wait, he called me Mom so tell him Mom said Hi! That should get him wondering.

I just wanted to add...for those of you who may be worried about the foam rollers being food safe...it works just as well over parchment paper.....its so cool! (as an added bonus you dont have to wash the rollers or worry about them not being dry).

Hello all! I am a cake decorating "probie" so to speak and I'm not sure of what the "Viva" or the Melvira method consist of. Can you help me out here? Thanks so much!

If I had to pick 1 tip that has helped me the most, this one would have to be it. I used to DREAD smoothing my cake, I loved the decorating, but HATED the smoothing. Not now, swipe, swipe, swipe & I'm done & it actually looks GOOD! I bought my foam roller at Wal-Mart, in case you don't have a Lowes or Home Depot close by!

Here's the link to Melvira's post explaining the method http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=42675&postdays=0&postorder=asc&&start=0 Give it a try!

thanks so much for the info michellear and tiggy!

Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner luvmyboys! I am glad someone else was able to guide you to the thread you needed. Let us know how this works for you!

I tried the method for the first time this past weekend with a Viva and was absolutely amazed!!Melvira, treat yourself to a pound or two of dark chocolate - you've helped many of us by sharing!

I love Melvira!! Lol