Lessons Learned

1. Don't use a cake mix.
2. When the fondant gets sticky, put it in the refrigerator for a few minutes.  Do NOT keep adding more sugar. 
3. Measure the fondant before applying to make sure that it covers the entire portion of the cake.
4. Don't leave gum paste exposed to the air for too long.  It will harden and crack.
5. Use dowels to support the cake.
6. Spend time on the details... you can never allow yourself too much time.
7. Don't substitute ingredients.  If it says to use vegetable oil instead of canola oil, it's for a reason!  Substitutions substitute taste!
8. Sponge cakes are called that for a reason, they are meant to SPONGE up ingredients.  Don't cover them with dry frosting... use syrups!