I'm SOOO disappointed with this cake. It did NOT turn out how I imagined it so need help. Can someone give me tips for next time? (Look at pics from bottom up)
So what I did was use the wilton crusting buttercream frosting recipe and used the melvira method to make it smooth out. After using the roller waited a bit and then tried using the stencil. Disaster. Why can I not get any definition to the images with the colored sugar sprinkles? I'm wondering if it's because the frosting was a crusting one. When I put the stencil on the top of the cake it didn't stick to the frosting so sugar got underneath. But if I use the stencil right after applying the frosting, won't the stencil stick and then when I go to take it off it'll smear the words?
Has anyone ever successfully used this (or any other) stencil? Help! 
the finished cake looks nice and smooth, although it looks like you had fun with the sprinkles..
for the crumb coat- the icing should be fairly soft and it will have crumbs. the chill the cake to set the crumb coat. then add the icing. It should also be fairly soft. If it pulls the crumbcoat into the icing, then your icing is probably too stiff.
Once your icing crusts, it might help to moisten the top to hold the sprinkles. I would put the stencil in place, then use a fine mister to very lightly dampen the area of the stencil-then do the sprinkles. they should stick to the damp places.
You could also use some spray color over the stencil, instead of sprinkles.
i have NOT done this, BUT here is an idea...try spraying the stencil with nonstick spray lightly...then place it on your cake and sprinkle. then remove the stencil and the loose sprinkles should stick to the stencil and not fall underneath. if you still have a problem, maybe spray both sides and that might help. i would practice on a piece of waxpaper or parchment, spread a thin layer of icing on it and give it a try with the stencil.
hmm....thats what i would try. we're all learning...sometimes you've got to make things up as you go and see what works.
perhaps someone else knows a tried and true method.
Sorry, I cannot say anything about your stencils.
If you don't mind though, about crumb coats.
You may want to consider brushing off the crumbs a little more before applying the first crumb coat. I use a brush on my cakes,but I also pick them up when they are cold and brush them by running my hand over and around them. Yes, I wear gloves.
Let the first coat dry a little. Than put on your second coat. Hope it helps.
use a cake circle and practice this..
frost the circle...place the stencil on top...swipe it with a little piping gel and then sprinkle and see if you have more definition
Thank you all for the tips. I did not put the cake in the fridge during the crumb coat and will try that next time (and all the other cool ideas). Also think my frosting might have been too stiff. When I made it, I followed the directions to make a stiffer frosting.
I guess I don't have to chuck the stencil out the window...yet. 
I get so upset when a cake doesn't turn out the way I see it in my head. *sigh*
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