Its the only way I'll learn. I'm really happy about my cake, but it looks so rough/bumpy/unfinished. Can you offer any advice on how to improve? Please, I'm not looking for pats on the back. This really does frustrate me.
For example, around the top edges, the air pockets in the fondant, general unsmoothness ...
Thanks so much!
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1094943
For the air pockets, use a corsage pin to pop the bubble and then smooth it out with the fondant smoother. The smoother really helps to keep finger prints out of the fondant and make it smoother looking. If you find the fondant seems to be sticking to the smoother, put some powd sugar or cornstarch on the smoother to help.
Overall, I think the cake looks great. You did a good job.
Melissa
Looks good overall, but if you want to tighten it up, the easiest way is to get a dummy and practice, practice, practice! That will help you deal with the difficult parts and you'll be an old pro by the time you have to another real cake.
By the way, who is that cute little bundle of joy you're holding in your picture???
I def. cannot offer any advice but just wanted to say great job! I can image that it was very difficult.
I think it looks fine. I do the pin thing, too, for air bubbles.
To help with smoothness, I use a thick BC crumbcoat (extra PS) but I don't apply it too thickly. After it sets in the refrigerator I use my hands to smooth out most bumps and deal with any bulges between layers. lastly, I use the smoother. For any remaining issues I simply make sure I start my design by first covering the flaw with part of the decor!
Looks good overall, but if you want to tighten it up, the easiest way is to get a dummy and practice, practice, practice! That will help you deal with the difficult parts and you'll be an old pro by the time you have to another real cake.
By the way, who is that cute little bundle of joy you're holding in your picture???
Thats my daughter, she's not so little anymore, she's 3.
Thanks all! I was really intimidated copying a well known decorators cake. I think practice would help a lot! And I'll make sure to bust out my smoother next time!
You said you weren't looking for "pats onthe back", but I am going to give you some anyways. Nice cake. My boys would looove this. 
Thanks cakeatopia.
If anyone is still reading? What do you do in small sections the smoother is too big to fit into?
What do you do in small sections the smoother is too big to fit into?
Pop into an Arts & Crafts store and pick up a cheapo pack of palette knives (the plastic ones... they are usually under $5.00). You will want the offset version.
They look like this:
The middle one in the photo above is perfect for small areas but they are usually a little too sharp right out of the package so you should round the edges with fine steel wool and presto you have a perfect mini smoother... and cheap too. 
Thanks cakeatopia. If anyone is still reading? What do you do in small sections the smoother is too big to fit into?
You can also take a piece of fondant, roll it into a ball and then mash one side flat. You can smooth the fondant with the ball of fondant...it actually works quite nicely, especially for areas that are difficult to reach with the smoother.
I've learned that for a really professional look, you have to a) take your time b) if something isn't perfect, stop..take it off and do it again c) don't settle for less than your best...you'll be happy with your final piece that way.
The cake is great!
Quote by @%username% on %date%
%body%