I have a turntable and offset spatulas, and we're making our own icing. My problems stemmed, at least in part, from the fact that my cake was pretty seriously domed and muffin-topped (because the instructor made us bake it all in one pan, rather than two), so I had to cut off the edges and top. Leading to rough surface, unevenness, and crumbs galore.

I can crochet and spin, but I can't draw to save my life. I'm hoping that with practice (and with baking my cakes in two pans, darnit) I'll be able to overcome the latter....