Steve's cake... finished!

I'm really rather pleased with it.

Last night, I made a whole load more of the 'ice' because I'd let the first lot boil for a minute or so too long and it had a very, very definite yellow tinge to it.... it looked like frozen wee! (sorry...tmi?)

Anyway, this lot is just right. I've smashed it up again (note to self... it was much easier second time around when I smashed it in the roasting tin, rather than just on the work surface!)

The overall effect is very good. If I'm being picky, then the bottle doesn't have quite enough shape; the bucket could have been a bit taller and carved more (I did carve it so that the bottom was a smaller diameter than the top, but you really don't get that effect very much); the bottle could have been at a slight angle, so it looks like it's leaning back a bit.

But that's only if I'm being picky. The overall effect is very pleasing.

I'll take pics once Steve's taken the boys swimming this afternoon.

Also, because we're supposed to be going to my Uncle Harold's birthday party tonight, (of course, that's just the rouse to get Steve to the hall for what is his surprise party) I thought it might look suspicious if I didn't make a cake - like I originally told Steve I was going to do. So I've just re-covered my old cake dummy! LOL!! Poor Uncle H. My sister said I should in fact give H a little cake, as he does enjoy a slice of an afternoon. I think I have one in the freezer which I'll take out shortly and just buttercream for him!