I was about to comment on how to get the sides straight and smooth and then when I read tiptop's comment I got tickled. To get the sides straight use a bench knife (like the ones used for applying sheetrock). It will make the side straight really fast and easily. To smooth lay a Viva papertowel on the icing and rub over it with a fondant smoother. I use a combination of that and a sponge roller.

I love the striping on the bow. It makes me think of that wonderful Christmas candy. I like the added gold touch too.

very pretty cake. I love the shimmer of the luster dust, and the gold adds the perfect accent. The bow to me looks slightly oval in shape instead of round as most bows are. Your bottom border is very well done, very even! Like others have mentioned, when not adding a top border, the cake must have perfect 90° angles, or if you are going for a faux fondant look, the edge must be rounded like created by fondant. Overall beautiful cake!!

I LOVE how you made the bow with so much detail! And I kind of like the slight imperfections in the sizing of it, as it gives it more of a 'real' affect to it. Your little tag just rocks!!

Critique group member: Very nice design! Not a fan of the red and green flowers, but I love the bow although its does seem it bit uneven.

Very festive and I am jealous of your border, I love the color accents on your bows. It would have been nice to have a border on the top or a bigger bow but otherwise its very nice

Fun, festive cake! I agree with you that perhaps the bow could be bigger, but the bow itself looks great and I especially love the green color. The flowers are nice. My suggestion would be to keep them in groups of three. The little group with just two looks a little off to me...odd numbers are more appealing to the eye. Overall a very nice cake!

I lime your bow...and the painting. I would either make the bow bigger or do some klind of border on the top....something to fill it in a little bit more. I would have done a red or green board, but that is just me and sometimes I go overboard with color! I love the tag and the gold writing. A perfect cake for a holiday get together. :)

:oops: "lime" ahould say "like" and "klind" should be "kind"...it is early for me to be doing too much typing! :lol:

Lovely, festive looking cake. I like the size of the bow and personally think it would be too much if it were bigger. You did a great job painting the bow - very delicate touch and works well with the flower combination. On the base, maybe used a more substantial board with a ribbon and the slits in the parchment paper take away from the elegance. Just love your tag and glad think it was a good idea to incorporate gold into your theme.

Cathy, I like your piping it is perfect. Your color match is great also. PM Steady2Hands for her direction on smoothing cakes, Hers are perfect for some reaso. As for the bow here is a hint, use a template slightly smaller from the sides, paint your sides then rollo up the bow, walla very even paint job. I love your tag!!!!!!! Very holiday. Good job.

Ok reaso should be reason and rollo should be roll. Geez I got to get a grip.