I baked & decorated my first cake for my mum's birthday and every that can go wrong did.

First the Chiffon cake shrunk and one layer became slightly smaller than the other.

I used whipped cream (Topping Pride from Rich's) and the icing just melted away. I couldn't even pipe a single proper drop flowers. (of course being my first time didn't help either). The cake had to go in and out of the freezer repeatedly to keep it from melting.

Then I realised the cake was not centred on the board properly. I had placed paper to line the cake board to be removed later, so that when I decorate the cake I will not dirty the board.

And if that is not enough, the cake box was too small for the cake board.

Arrrrg. Maybe I am just not cut out for this. (look at the horrible writing; even I couldn't figure out what I have written).

I was going to offer to make a cake for my nephew's coming birthday but looks like I better not. Sigh....

don't give up! We all have bad cake days. Get back in the kitchen and do it again! I think it's a pretty cake. Love the colors and I can tell what you wrote and I bet your mother will love it!

She is right I still have bad cakes just looks at my photos and I have been taking classes!!!!!

Don't give up, get back in that kitchen! The more you practice the better you will be! Your cake doesn't look as bad as you think and your mother will love it!

Step away from the cake....take a deep breath....ahhhh,cake looks much better doesn't it? Yes it does! Not a bad first cake! Remember you will always be your worst critic so keep bakin' and have fun! Every cake is a learning experience!

I don't think it looks that bad at all. It certainly looks yummy, that's for sure.

Keep at it, it will get better.

I think it looks wonderful for a first time effort! Chin up girlie.

This is your first cake??? I couldn't even bring myself to take a photo of my first one it was so bad...... I think you did a great job for your first attempt

That's not bad at all for your first try!! I bet it tastes great! Keep trying, it's how we all learn and get better. Some days it seems easier than others but, don't give up!

You should've seen my first cake. There are no pictures of it for a reason!! Trust me, your's is a masterpiece in comparison and it only gets better. Six months ago I would have never thought I would have done some of the cakes in my gallery (which are still FAR from perfect, but I've improved!).

I'm rambling, but my point is don't give up, it only gets better and better.

I think it is a wonderful first cake!!! I have just completed my second cake and It was five times better than the first cake that I made!

The point is, if you enjoy making and decorating cakes then get back in the saddle and ride! I am looking forward to seeing your next effort.