Newbie With A Stupid Question...
Decorating By AmandaInPa Updated 11 Aug 2007 , 6:18am by AmandaInPa
Hi,
I just came across this site recently and just joined up. I am a culinary school graduate, but am new to decorating cakes, we were only required to take three baking classes in the culinary program 
. I would've loved to have taken the baking and pastry program but just didn't have the time to do that and take my online degree that I am working on now.
So my stupid question is this... How do you make all of those little tiny stars on a character cake without losing your mind?!!?!?! I've tried and I just can't do it, I just end up making swirls or smoothing it out with an offset spatula. My step-daughter wants a spongebob cake for her birthday which is coming up pretty soon and I don't want to screw it up. It is going to be the 2002 (I believe) Wilton Spongebob cake #2105-5130. I did a powerpuff girls for her 5th birthday last year and I screwed up one of their eyes, I was horrified, but her being 5 didn't even notice. Having gone to culinary school, I simply refuse to go buy a cake because I know that I can do it myself, I just need a little help and advice. I have always been a humble listener and will be grateful for any help you can offer.
Thanks so much,
Amanda
Hi Amanda!
Sorry I'm not much help, I haven't had ANY classes, but the ladies on here are GREAT! I'm sure they will be able to help..
Here's a bump to help you out...
First of all...thump yourself on the top of your head for me, please...there is no such thing as a stupid question. We are all here to learn and share...
It takes time to do it. Just get it in your mind that you are going to have to spend a little more time on that area. Good luck on her birthday cake. You can do it, you KNOW you can!!
Take lots of breaks when putting stars on a cake. It helps with the hand cramps! There's a tip out there that has 3 openings so you can place 3 stars at one time ... that speeds it up. The icing shouldn't be too thick, otherwise you have to squeeze harder ... helps with the hand cramps!
You've found the best place to get help and ideas. Hoping to see lots of great things from you!
this tip speeds up the process:
the triple star tip
http://www.countrykitchensa.com/catalog/SearchResults.aspx
it's not a stupid question, do you want to know how many cakes i made like that before learing about the tip with the 3 holes in it? now that was stupid, i didn't bother looking for a new tip or asking for help like you have so smartly done. i just worked much harder then i needed to. you just saved yourself lots of work and aggrevation by asking.
I don't do them. 
These things drive me crazy beacuse they are just sooo time consuming.
If I have to do a picture on a cake like that I just do a FBCT.
Yes what ever you do make sure your icing is not to stiff . That in itself will kill your hand . its really not all that bad once you get used to it !! just keep at it !
I hated the triple star tip.....
my advice.... like already said... take it slow and take breaks.... coffee....... or something alcoholic if you have it........ 
Also make sure you have the right consistency.... too stiff make tired hand really quick.....
oh yeah..... don't be hero with a huge bag of icing!! Keep it small and fill it often!
Hey, thanks for the advice! I went to that website and ordered the tip, plus a few other little things since the shipping was about $7 bucks either way. I'll try it out, I even saw a plastic tip with seven stars on it, I figured for a 1.50, it won't hurt to give it a try.
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