Melvira Method Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Decorating By Pootchi Updated 10 Feb 2007 , 5:40pm by shortcake2
Yah, I'm thinking about contacting someone about making my own line of products. I have several ideas that I'd like to see something come of.
As far as comparing this to the paper towel method... I found that when I tried to use a paper towel, I ended up with dents from my fingers. It was harder to apply even pressure without pushing any part of your hand into the icing harder than another. Does that make sense? I hope I am being clear. It was like trying to smooth the cake with a bumpy surface as your tool instead of a using a smooth flat surface. This just worked better for me personally. For those who have mastered the Viva method, I salute you!! It's an art!
Melvira, I have the same problem with the Viva method. I tried the roller last week. I tried to roll before it crusted really good so had to back up and regroup. Finally got it right and I was so impressed. I used the small roller on the sides and the larger one on top (sheet cake). Thank you so much for this tip.
Diane
Wandootie: That is the exact reason I started using this. I had those STUPID little holes all over my icing and it made me INSANE!! This is the only thing i have ever found that gets rid of them! YAY!
Jovigirl: This method only works with any crusting icing. If it doesn't crust, this will cause you a great big mess!! 
Susieindy: Yes, the icing must be completely crusted or you will have a mess, it will actually pull the icing off your cake if it's tacky.
And... Tonja: I do not personally use anything other than the roller. Some people do like to use wax paper or a paper towel. It's all about personal preference. I find that I get it very smooth with just the roller. Be sure you are using the high density foam, the lower density will give you a spackle like texture on the cake. If you are using the high density foam and still find the texture is not quite smooth enough for your taste, that's where you can add in a piece of paper towel or other item as a 'buffer'.
Hope I answered everyone there!
The title of this posting says it all!!!
I tried the Melvira Method last night for the first time and it worked like a charm!!! I stopped by Home Depot on my way home from work and picked up a 4" and 6" foam roller to use on my first paid cake! It was just FANTASTIC!!! 
Melvira, I wish you could have been around for all the excitment I displayed. My DH thought I was crazy!!! Thank you for sharing!! 
Happy Holidays to all!!
Melvira, I want to try your suggestion but need to ask..is the roller considered "food safe". I work in a bakery and the mgr is very cautious. I use the VIVA method at home and I'm not sure the paper towel is "food safe" either but it's only for home use. What do you think? You're my guru!
Viva paper towels are 100% food safe. Another member of CC received an email that confirmed that fact. I have been in contact with one of the companies that makes the roller I use and they have not done any definitive tests, as these rollers are not meant for foodservice. So, I will tell you what I tell everyone else... if you are AT ALL concerned with the roller touching your icing, feel free to use wax paper, parchment, or viva paper towels on top of the icing when you roll. I do not personally do this as I do not feel concerned about using it, it is so briefly in contact with the cake, and I have so thoroughly washed it, but I have had many people tell me that they did it this way 'just in case' and are thoroughly pleased with the result. By doing it this way, with Viva for example, you get the wonderful smooth texture of the viva method, with the ease of my method... no finger dents! Happy rolling!!! (And thanks for the guru comment... you really know how to make a girl feel special!!)
THANKS, Melvira! This dense-roller thing worked beautifully on some VERY gooey icing (I added tons and tons of chocolate 
)...but it crusted, and I rolled right over the bowl shape and it turned out so well!
In your honor, this Monkey Mama is hereby named Melvira (her cupcake children are in my photos).
Thanks again, this is a terrific technique.
I...AM...A MONKEY??? *sob* I am SO TOUCHED!!! I love her... she's so cute!!! I would be happy to be so adorable! hahahaha! What a wonderful job you've done, and she does look smooth!
Mimi... I am so sorry you aren't finding what you need. Hopefully someone else can tell you a brand they have found. Have you seen any by Rubebrmaid? I know they sell one too!
I just wanted to reiterate the title of this post!!! I just tried the Melvira Method last night for the first time and Wow, I'm impressed. I think this is the smoothest I've ever gotten buttercream. Thanks again Melvira!
Here's a photo of my cake. I know it's not as great as some of the others seen on this site, but it's one of my best to date.
P.S. Soniris, the brand of roller that I purchased is Rollerlite. I got it at The Home Depot. If you don't see it ask one of the sales associates and specify that it's a high density foam roller.
Sugar Plum, that looks awesome!! And doesn't it feel good? I don't ever want to disparage anyone else's methods, but when I watched that video of the viva method... she was working on it for like half an hour! It was time elapsed into a 3 minute video, but with the roller I can smooth a cake in less time than it took to watch the video!! Haha! Not to say that viva isn't a great method, this is just faster. And there are a few people who haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet and like viva better! That's ok, too!!!
There is a picture of the roller at the beginning of the tutorial if you need to see it!!
Thanks, Melvira. Coming from you that is indeed a compliment. I'm hoping with practice I'll get better. At least when I bring this cake in to my Wilton class tonight (2nd class of Course 1) I won't be embarrased. Hope my rainbow comes out as well as my usage of the Melvira Method. 
nglez... are you telling me you have't been keeping up on this stuff? I am offended! *teasing*
Here are the threads that should help you out. The roller is only a few dollars. It's worth it. It gives smooth BC, and if you get good at it, it gives the fauz fondant look!
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-42675-share.html
http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-49423-share.html
Fooby, that cake looks amazing! SOOOO smooth!
Wow, that's awesome fooby! It's so smooth!
How much does the HD Foam Roller cost? Is there a thread as to how the MM got started?
Since I was just gonna test this out, I got a 4-inch roller and a spare 6-inch refill. I spent around $8.
A FEW DOLLARS?!!!! I'm not spending that much money on the so-called "Melvira Method". Psh. 
Can anyone give me some links to some yummy really good crusting bc's? I did this today with the bc dream and it didn't turn out nearly as good as I thought it would. 
Maybe I'm doing something wrong or this recipe doesn't crust enough?
I completely agree, the MM rocks! I finally got around to buying a foam roller the other day. I just bought the 4" to try it out, and I am hooked. I won't frost a cake any other way. I am going out tomorrow to buy refills and other sizes. Thanks Melvira!
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%