I don't have a big clientele but I love to practice my skills. So inevitably I end up planning some big cake project for holidays and family get-togethers. They generally turn out well and I enjoy the oohs and ahhs. But I feel a little funny bringing in these exotic decorated cakes when the other women in the family bring pies and regular cakes.
Yesterday, I brought this Easter bunny tree cake to a family easter gathering. It was a 3-D cake done up like a stump, covered in chocolate MMF with MMF rabbit figures holding paintbrushes like they were painting the candy Easter eggs. It turned out really nicely and I was excited about it. (I can't post the pictures. My computer is being contrary. Any help there?)
My cousin-in-law brought this really good chocolate cake and nobody tried it because they were eating my cake. That made me feel bad and I made a point of telling her how good her cake was. Should I hold back on the cakes? Do less dramatic stuff? My family seems to enjoy seeing what I come up with next, but I don't want to look like a jerk. Any opinions?
I wouldn't hold back...or let myself get "down" about YOUR TALENT!!!!!!!!!
They're your family & they should support you in whatever you do.
The only thing I would suggest, b/c I kinda felt this way too at first was to maybe bring a smaller cake. People will see there's not enough to go around and they will opt for the pies, etc. that other family members have brought.
People don't ever see me eat my own cakes...I always eat someone else's and sometimes I get weird looks on that!
Sorry, can't help your with your computer problem.....having some of those myself...I think I'm gonna have to take it and get it fixed!
Thanks, and just to clarify, my family never makes me feel bad about "overdoing it."
I know how you could feel this way. Just try to make sure to say 'gee I am glad I could get some practice in.' or something like that. But otherwise don't feel bad about it. Since you aren't fishing for compliments or anything I don't think you should feel bad.
My cousin-in-law brought this really good chocolate cake and nobody tried it because they were eating my cake
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I had just the oposit problem yesterday at church. I made a 3D lamb on a 16" round and nobody ate the lamb because they thought it was "too pretty" to cut. I finally cut a big chunk to send home w/ one of the ladies. When I got home though, I still had a ton of cake so I sent most of it to two of my neighbors.
Tabby
Goodcakefairy,
I do the exact same thing- I have found, howevver that if I bring a smaller cake, the other desserts get eaten and I don't feel so bad about "showing" off my cakes. MMDD, I am with you- I usually eat the other desserts and not my own- I love to make them and eat them, but I am all for the desserts that I am not used to having! I practice my skills more with my co-workers on a day when no one expects treats, and it goes over very well. 
I am in your situation all the time. We are not a cake eating family (I am! 
) so whenever we have a birthday party or a party of some sort that they ask for a cake I make something other than a normal store bought cake. It gives me a chance to hone my skills and to find out what others think. It's a good boost for your cake decorating ego. You did the right thing about having the other cake and letting her know how great it tasted. That showed you do care about other's feelings and you're a considerate person. Don't hold yourself back! You wouldn't be you if you did!
Amy
Well, its kinda hard to hold back. This need for all us to create something unique is hard to repress... Even doing simple cakes, they don't come out so simple.
So, just keep doing them and don't feel bad. maybe you will be the inspiration for others to try new things!
I tried the cake, it really was good. Not gourmet or anything, but certainly a good simple recipe.
NO don't ever hold back..it's not your fault if your cakes look a lot nicer or taste better than the other cake. It's what you love doing the most. Keep doing what you're doing..you have good intentions & it just happens that you are far better that the others.
Last year when I won First Place at my city's Harvest Festival Cooking/Baking Contest my husband told me that maybe I should not enter next year, because if I win again, other people might get upset at me, since I won First Place three years in a row already..I responded to him, "Well that's just too bad !" why should I ? then maybe they should try much harder !" I'm not gonna stop what I love to do just because of how they feel..sorry that's not my problem " I have no intentions of hurting their feelings, I'm just there to do what I love doing and to have fun and enjoy myself. 
I know exactly what you mean! I've had it go both ways. Being the one with the outstanding cake and other's are feeling like their cakes are "just cakes" and then also having my cake untouched because it's too pretty to cut. I hate the second one worse!
I just try to be as humble as possible around everyone. But I still do it.
I know what you're saying but you should just think of it as something nice that you're doing for your family or friends. You're bringing them this awesome cake for them to enjoy--it makes the event that much more special. And if you brought just a plain old cake-- they'd think-- what's up with that? ha ha. No really, I think if you've got the talent, let everyone enjoy! :O)
I get really uncomfortable by all the 'ooh's and 'aah's myself. I feel like a big show off, even though that's certainly not what I'm trying to do. A lot of times I have had the opposite problem, I will get asked to make a cake to serve 20, 40, etc..., then I get to the gathering and there are a ton more desserts, sometimes even another cake, and I usually end up with more than half my cake left. I hate that. Maybe ask whoever is in charge of organizing who's bringing what to just tell one or two other people to bring a dessert, something other than a cake, so you won't have too many desserts.
Melissa
I know what you mean, I tend to bring a cake big enough to feed EVERYBODY. And usually end up with huge leftovers.
I think just about all of us feel that way at one time or another- now I get embarrassed when people say nice things to me (I know, I'm weird - can't take a compliment very well, but working on it!)When someone asks who made the pretty cake, my face gets all red and I just say thank you and try to change the subject!LOL - Oh, and I hate when people respond to that question with "who do you think?" - like, little Miss Martha, of course! (that's what people call me!! LOL)
My problem now is that "certain" people in my family EXPECT there to always be some latest and greatest cake at every function. I make other desserts too and every time I bring a new dessert it's added to the list of things that people expect to have when they know I'm coming to a function. I mean, I do try to have a life too!! LOL I work full time and have to school aged kids that have activities to run here and there to so needless to say I don't get much sleep let alone have time to make 10 desserts to make EVERYONE happy! lol So my "just bring a dessert" translates into - make every favorite thing you've ever made each of us and whip up a fab cake too while you're at it!!!
I always stress now when certain people ask me to bring something b/c they expect nothing less then perfection!! Oh, the pressure!! 
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