Maybe it was this roundup of summer birthday cakes or the fact that several family birthdays are coming up soon, but I have birthday cakes on the brain. I always feel something of a failure at birthday cakes, though; I think a proper birthday cake should have the birthday celebrant's name inscribed on top in perfect swirly piping. I am terrible at this. If you can relate, here's a great alternative from Sally at Shim + Sons.

Sally at Shim + Sons made this cute sign to top her son's birthday cake. Cute, right? And it's much easier for those of us more comfortable with Photoshop than a piping bag.

This way the birthday girl or boy can have their name on the cake, and less mess, more pretty all round.

• Read more: j's 5th birthday party and j's 5th birthday party // 2nd edition at Shim + Sons. Also check out Sally's great Etsy shop.

Related: Layers, Icing, and Sprinkles: 14 Birthday Cakes

(Image: Sally of Shim + Sons)