My First Real Disaster Cake. Help...please.
Decorating By mhooper12000 Updated 31 Aug 2007 , 3:56am by CelebrationsbyLori
I made this cake today for a co-worker. Thankfully, it was going to be a surprise, so he never knew about it. So, I don't have to take the hideous thing any where. I followed Wilton's instructions for the pan exactly. I didn't like the idea of doing all of the feature outlining first, but that was what it said to do. Also, with stars, how in the world would the outline ever look good, either way? Pointers for this would be great. I liked this pan so much that I paid over $30 for it on Ebay. I couldn't upload the picture to the message board but I did add it to my photos. So please check it out and tell me what I can do next time=) Thanks so much=)
I think your cake is very cute. I don't see anything wrong with it. When I do a character cake, I never used to icing white first. I would outline all the pieces from the impression on the cake. Pipe all the stars. Then I would go over it again and outline where I felt it should stand out more.
You did a great job on it! 
I checked out your cake, it's not as bad as you think, remember we are our own worst critic, I do have a couple of suggestions for next time. I always go back and outline again after I do the stars, I think it gives a sharper look and I know that the usual star tip recommended is #16 but I have always thought that was too big so years ago I switched to # 13
I hope this helps, keep up the good work!
Jibbies
I think it's really cute!
My only suggestion would be to go over the outlines again, to cover any of the colored icing that may have overlapped the outline.
When I go over the stars at the end, won't it look lumpy? I did that some on this one and it didn't work well for me. I will definitely try again. Thanks to the both of you for replying so quickly=)
I agree with what the others said. I think it is very cute! It doesn't look like a disaster at all! But, I can give you some ideas for next time.
1. Outline first with a tip 2 or 3 as suggested then use a smaller star tip (I use a 16 or 1
I know it takes forever, but it's worth it with the final look. The 3-star tip uses smaller tips too, but I've never used it.
2. Add those stars in carfully, trying not to go over the outlining. Then go over the outline area again with a tip 3 or 4. At that point, you can add more stars touching the outline if need be to cover in any areas showing through.
3. It looks like you're using a big tip for the eyes (the white ares) -- try a smaller tip, like a 3 or 4. Instead of just piping it like a line or ball coming out -- try putting your tip to the cake and squeezing gently letting the icing sort of smoosh around the tip as you pull it around. You'll see better results if my explanation makes any sense. Then, use a hot spatula or cornstarch on your finger to push it down once it's crusted. I used the hot knife method myself for these kinds of things.
4. Really take your time with those stars -- they are the most annoying little things, I know, but they really do make a difference. These character pans are a pain in the rear, and that's why everyone I know who makes them charges a lot to do them!
Your cake is really fun and cute -- honestly! It's not a disaster! We are always our own worst critics!
S.
I agree with the others... Really take your time on the stars. I would recommend making smaller stars around the outlining to make sure that the icing stays in the lines, and to make sure that you finish the first star by pulling up completely before moving on to the next star. You might try using a lighter color to outline the lighter colors, such as grey instead of black...
I have a couple of cakes in my photos you can take a look at if you would like to. I wont lie.... I spent SEVERAL hours on my little mermaid cake since it was my first cake. I think I was a little anal about the stars!! I am overly critical of myself most times but in the end its a cake that will be eaten and enjoyed and no one will notice the little things if you dont point them out.
Your cake is adorable. You will do it again and my guess is, it will look a little better every time!!! Good luck and take care! dana
I checked out your cake, it's not as bad as you think, remember we are our own worst critic, I do have a couple of suggestions for next time. I always go back and outline again after I do the stars, I think it gives a sharper look and I know that the usual star tip recommended is #16 but I have always thought that was too big so years ago I switched to # 13
I hope this helps, keep up the good work!
Jibbies
Thank you=) I'll try using tip 13 instead=)
Definitely not a disaster! I agree, smaller stars. I think maybe your icing looks a bit thin too. I probably would use a little stiffer icing (like a medium)
I don't think it's bad either, just needed some writing in the blank spot congratulations or something. I too line first. About the stars just practice those, squeeze, stop lift up. It looks to me like your squeezing as your letting go so some are higher than they should be, but all in all it's good. I still hate doing those cakes they are tuff and time consuming. I charge 5.00 more per these for that reason. 
Don't give up, I would of loved receiving this cake.
Yep, smaller stars, a bit thicker icing, and maybe something on the white (like writing). BUT I would not say that its a disaster! I think you did good, you are being too hard on yourself! I would take the cake to work - they would be very happy to receive it!
I hope you got my email of the cake I sent you. Please let me know what you thought of it. Also, I think you would like your cake a little better if you put the wording in the extra white frosted part of the cake above the baby and not on the cake board. It would keep all the focus on the actual cake. But that is just my thought.
If this was your first character cake, it's a great job! If you are still struggling with this technique, I would suggest signing up for a Wilton Course 1 if there is one offered close to you. You would make a shaped cake like this the second day of class and it's always easier to have someone right in front of you guiding you step by step. Keep practicing, it only gets easier!
-Lori
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