The flowers you made look wonderful.
You did a beautiful job Shelly--that little 2 year old is a lucky girl. I decorated cakes for 30+ years, all self-taught, but I never worked with the gum paste or rolled fondant because neither was popular then. Butter cream, my own formula created by trial, error, and taste similar to what is included in the Wilton books (which appeared not long after I shared the recipe with a person I did not know well, but, I digress) is what I worked with. I discovered that dipping the spatula in hot water often helps to get a smoother texture just be sure to shake off most of the water. Watch the shows on TV (Amazing Cakes & Cake Boss)to learn great tips and just practice & experiment and have FUN. 