I just started taking this wilton cake decorating class. I have attempted to frost my first cake. Welll...I frosted it...as you can see there is no photo cause it's looks like my five month old did it? I couldn't get it to smooth out and then there were crumbs and ...you see what I mean?? I was so upset that I wanted to throw the cake at the wall but I am not going to give up. I just wanted to vent. Thanks for listening.

That sounds familiar! I usually have more succes with buttercream icing (using only butter, no shortening). When I took the first Wilton course, the instructor gave us a trick to smooth out the icing. Wait a bit until the icing is just a little dry and then put a peice of parchement paper on the icing and little "iron" it with your hand. Take away the paper very slowly. It should make it alot smoother.

Don't give up! The first cake I frosted took me over an hour and then it still had crumbs in it! I've since learned to take a pastry brush and brush off all the crumbs (into the sink or trashcan) then put a very thin coat of icing, let dry about 10 minutes, then put another coat of thicker icing over it. I still have a ways to go but frosting a cake only takes me about 15 minutes now

This site is just great at getting ideas and the people are very nice and helpful!

Don't get discouraged, everyone in this site went through the same thing, I don't even recall how long it took to frost my first cake, but it was a disaster. Here are few tips :
-Use melted jam or marmelade, brush it on your cake and let it sit, then frost, that's how the crumbs won't keep sticking to the spatula
-You have to frost your cake with a thin layer of frosting(example buttercream) that layer will be full of crumbs, don't worry, you let it harden a little in the fridge (4 min or so) and put another layer of frosting on top this one will be clean and now you can start to smooth your cake.

You'll get the hang of it. It is a skill that just takes practice. Now that you're taking the Wilton classes, you'll have plenty of that headed your way! You'll pick up speed and accuracy in no time! Keep it up!

Thanks for all the tips. I have class tonight and I am excited. Kinda laughing now at how mad I got at that cake for not frosting right . But now I feel better and am ready to go at it again especially since you all are so encouraging and helpful. THANKS!!!!!!!!

I just noticed you're in Alabama. What part? I'm in Thomasville...south Alabama. I went to Mobile and took cake classes and my first cake was not that great either, but practice does make a difference, glad you're feeling better about things now.

I am in Hurtsboro. That's close to Eufaula which is 34 miles from Columbus. Georgia. I am taking the classes at Micheals in Columbus. Yep!!! I'm back on track and am really excited.

Don't get discouraged! When I did my first cake, I got so mad and frustrated, I literally punched the cake with my fist - right in the middle! It will get better!

Don't get discouraged, we've all been through this on our beginning cakes.

Just keep practicing