I've been in "cake bootcamp" otherwise known as Wilton Cake Decorating class courses I & II for the last 8 weeks without a break. I am now "certified" to be able to decorate a cake. Gee. Wow. Actually, I learned a heckalot that I didn't know. Like how to make decent buttercream.
Below is the SUMMA of my cake class achievement - a buttercream basketweave adorned ovoid cake with scads of flowers made in royal icing. Looks pretty darned good if I do say so.
Front:

Right Side:

Left Side:

Top:

Front close-up:

Almost as good as the Cinderella cake I made for the elder Princess Ella's 4th birthday this past june. You should see a picture of it either here:

or in the related blog entry. Please note the use of an authorized Disney product for the doll. It adds greatly to the realism.