Level the top of the cake as discussed above.

Half the cake, again, as discussed above.

Place the top half aside and the bottom half on the cake stand.

Slide the strips of paper all around the cake to completely cover the cake stand.

Spread the icing all over the bottom cake. If you find that the icing is too thick to spread easily, just add half - one teaspoon of milk/water and stir to mix.

Follow the icing with the jam and place the top half back on the bottom half.

Using the offset spatula, apply a layer of icing all over the cake. This is called a crumb coat or first coat, it smoothes out all the crumbs for the second coat.

Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Apply a second layer of icing, smoothing it with a spotless spatula with single strokes. By spotless, I mean wipe the icing off the edge of the container to get rid of it before you start again, otherwise you'll just be displacing and dragging what's already on the cake.

Pipe decorations as per whatever cake you are making, roses are always a hit with the ladies, young and old. I have a YouTube video as well as a recipe: Lemon and Raspberry and Rose Cake.