But This was the First Draft....

Like a sculptor who looks at a block of marble only to chisel away the excess so what lies inside can emerge, so I gaze upon my medium: Red Velvet and I see a helicopter lying inside...

 

I cut and assemble and am pleased with the results....

Homemade buttercream frosting.

(Lesson learned: No matter how much red food coloring you add to white frosting, it will still look pink).

Though I recognize its flaws and imperfections, I'm generally pleased with the shape and have only to decorate and assemble the rotor blades. 

I prepare my tools (Pocky Sticks) only to turn around and find out this has happened:

At 1am, and a few attempts at recovery, I recognize a crashed helicopter when I see one. I clean up the mess and call it a night, giving thanks I had the foresight to buy a second box and a few cans of ready-made frosting.

So, I'm learning that I am NOT a professional, semi-professional or even good decorator.  I also realize I have neither the patience nor attention to detail necessary to ever become good at this sort of thing.

But, I strangley enjoy this process more than a professionally-made, more aesthetically pleasing cake.  I feel like it's one of those times when "it's the thought that counts" rather than the beauty of the finished product.  

I also don't mind so much when this kind of cake that took hours to fashion, goes on display for 1 minute during the birthday song only to be cut to pieces the next minute. 

And the more homely, less professional type lets me more at ease to do this:

A fun afternoon with Batman getting help decorating his cake while he goes on and on, "I REALLY like this cake, Mommy!"  

"Oh, Mommy! This is such a nice helicopter cake!"

"Congratulations on your cake, Mommy!"

That was definitely worth the effort!