I have been wanting to make a birdcage cake for ages, and this one is a gift for my next door neighbour for her birthday party. I had some fun with this one – but not really in a good way.

I followed a method I had seen for wrapping a cake, and I put the fondant in the freezer for a few minutes to chill once I’d cut it to the correct size. That was a mistake. Then I touched it once it was on the cake – another mistake – it was so sticky. Had to leave it overnight and it was okay, but I had damaged it. So thank goodness for sugar flowers – they are hiding a multitude of cracks and smudges!

Used the tagliatelle setting on the pasta machine for the bird cage. Could have done that better – probably should have waited until the kids were in bed although they did leave me alone, but still distracting.

So overall, a bit of a beat up on myself. It looks okay from a distance and I know my neighbour will love it. But I think I might have to have another go at this, and make sure I take note of the lessons I learned.