i m using butter cream icing for the first time how do i get the icing smooth it just rolls into little balls when i try to smooth the side of the cake thanx

im just starting out ive only done a few cakes so i dont know all the little secerets yet

It sounds like it is much too thick. You need a different recipe.
Post the exact recipe you used and we can help figure out what is wrong.

this is from the wilton web site

.5 cup solid vegetable shortining
.5 cup butter or margirine
1 teaspoon clear vanilla
4 cups sifted confectioners sugar
2 tble spoons milk

Hi and Welcome to CC, mommaz.

Decoding CC acronyms:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-2926-.html

Everything you need to know to bake, assemble and decorate tiered/stacked/layer cakes:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-605188-.html

Has popular CC recipes for: crusting American b/c's, doctored cake mix and fondant. Also has links to baking, decorating and cake assembly help.

HTH

P.S. You made "decorating" b/c. For thin (spreading) b/c follow the directions at the bottom of the recipe:

http://www.wilton.com/recipe/Buttercream-Icing