Cake Decorating

One of my 2009 resolutions was to learn a new skill this year, and I am happy to report that this is one resolution I am keeping! I just started a cake decorating class, and quite honestly when I walked out of the first session, I was extremely overwhelmed. Wow, all the stuff you need! I had no idea about the different consistencies of icing, how difficult it can be to get some colors just right, how long it takes to decorate a cake with lots of colors, etc. I have enjoyed baking for a while now, but have only done VERY basic icing, decorating and writing on cakes. I enjoy a yummy, beautiful cake, which is why I usually call on my friend, Mandy, if I need one (she makes a business of this)! I will have to say that people who do this all the time must be gifted with plenty of patience!

Anyhow, I really just wanted to learn some basic techniques so I would simply have the ability to decorate some fun cakes for my girls. For them, the labor would be worth it! This week, were supposed to decorate our first cake (a round one with a rainbow) incorporating some of the skills we learned. Below is the final product, although you can't see the white border at the bottom. Chris had been gone all week, so this cake was to welcome him home tonight!

I am enjoying learning something new and would welcome any tips from those of you who are experts in this area!