I work retail in a big ol' orange box (yeah, that place) and I have no schedule flexibility - it's retail, doncha know, they OWN your life. I'd like to take the Wilton courses but then there's that dumb scheduling stuff.

So I'm wondering if I can't just pick up the Wilton kits and do the courses on my own. Sure, it would be better if it was in a class setting with input from the teacher and class mates, but that's not likely to happen.

Is there any point to doing their courses at home? Are the instructions in the boxes clear enough that one can (with an occasional question on here) figure out how to do the courses? Obviously, you're not going to get fifteen people in the class all baking the cakes in the local Michaels' so there's already some home work involved. How much of it can I transfer to my personal kitchen? Any? All? Course 1 & 2 but definitely not 3?

Any comments on this idea, Wilton grads?

I have 3 kids and I am a SAHM. DH works all kinds of wierd hours. I have never found the time to take any courses. I just got the kits, used the books and kept going until I got the hang of it...(which I am still trying to get..lol) I would say you can do it at home..but that is just MHO. I am sure someone here can answer you better...but I know I just practice here..and if I have any questions, I come to CC...

Good Luck!!

Beth

The main thing to keep in mind is that the course book does not come in the kit! I have seen them for sale at Hobby Lobby, but not at Michael's.

I've been playing at decorating for years, already had a lot of the Wilton stuff and various tips, etc, but finally signed up to take Course I last month. It was wonderful! A lot of it was things I already "knew", but didn't REALLY know. I got some good pointers, and am very glad I finally took the course. I'm taking Course II this month, and am doing things I've never even tried before, LOL!

Keep an eye on the offerings at Michael's. Last month, the course was free with the purchase of a student kit (which was half price with a coupon!) Even if you can't make it to all of the classes, I think it would be helpful to go to one or two.

Just MTCW,
Laura.

I'm sure you'll learn plenty from the books, but boy oh boy there's no way and no amount of practice on my own that would have taught me how to make the darn rose. My advice would be to buy the book (yes, it's separate from the kit like slejdick said) for Course I, see how much you can figure out and continue if you find it helpful. I thought III was much easier than II. Of course all those flowers are the reason I took the classes in the first place.

when you buy the kits from michaels they do not include the course book but you can pick them up at hobby lobby. I have all the books plus the older ones just for different ideas. I taught myself course I at home and decided to sign up for the courses. I think I learned alot at home but oh did I learn in the courses. Tips on baking and secrets that others use similar to on cake central. I think nothing beats taking the course. But I was like you with the scheduling and when I could take the course I took it. Start at home it's fine but somewhere along the way take those courses.

If you have a JoAnn's Fabrics close to you, they also carry the course books seperate. (they do here at least)

With practice and dedication, you can teach yourself. What is nice about taking classes is that you will learn things from the instructors experience, others in class and receive advice when your having a hard time getting something. It's also a great place to connect with others that share your interest. If you just can't take classes, don't let it stop you from learning at home. Try and find a cake club in your area. The best support you can find is from others who love doing it.

The back of the Wilton Cataloge/yearbook has all the techniques to finish the cakes featured in that particular yearbook...plus all the basics that you can learn in the classes.

They used to have a home decorating course ..one that you could do at home. That's how I was able to learn when I was a SAHM.

It wasn't almost till 10 years later that I took a class.

and it wasn't untill I taught a class that I perfected my wilton roses..lol

I managed just fine in the meant ime!

I'll echo parts of what has been said ...

Yes, you can teach yourself at home, some techniques take more practice than others, but for the most part, the classes are not necessary.

books -- Michael's doesn't sell them separate here in massachusetts, but I have seen AC Moore's sell them.

Or you can buy them off of EBAY -- that's what i did. When it looked like i was going to need more time before i could take Course III, I bought a book off the internet.

The classes can help to "perfect" certain techniques, if you have a good teacher. But you can also learn a lot from this site and a few others with the "step by step" instructions ....



Good luck!!
Jay

I guess I'm a little diff than the rest of the posters. I say use a coupon for the kit, sign up for the class (most of my classes I caught a special for and never paid mroe than half price), and go when you can. You can get the instruction when you can show up for it and when you can't, you ask about before or after.

I am more of a gotta see and learn type of person, I enjoyed the one on one with the instructor......and yes you can't get the books separate from the kits at Michaels...

And I notcie Rainbowz you are from Burlington......a fellow ontario-ian....I have seen the course books at bulk barn for like $7.99....as we don't have AC moore or hobby lobby......

I loved the classes plus got to meet some other decorators who share my interest!!

I too say take the classes. Even if ya can't make them all. Also, my instructor is available for me to call her whenever I need to for help! I took course I... then I figured I'd try to skip course II and teach myself... well lets just say I couldn't even figure out the rosebud until I bit the bullet and took course II. Now I realize that the rosebud is definitely 1 of my EASIEST flowers! lol.

Good Luck!!!

Pandora

I taught myself at home to decorate and bake, but until I took the Wilton courses and had the instructor show me, I was doing alot of things the hard way. I have learned so much not just from the instructor, but all of the other bakers. I am now a Wilton instructor and I love it. Ask about different classes. I work for Michael's and am now doing Sat. and Sunday classes. I try to be flexible so more can take the classes.

Don't know if this would help or not not but thought I'd mention it..possibly something you could look into...I've taken all three wilton courses and in addition..we have a cake supoply store located where I'm at that also offers cake decorating classes..not Wilton because I guess if you teach those you can only teach "wilton". Through the classes at the cake supply store, if there was some classes you couldn't make, you could do the "make up" class when it rolled around again at no charge. It worked for me as a full time worker and three kids with lots of activities going on. If I couldn't make a class, I'd catch the "make Up". Maybe you check with "alternate" place to take the class. I also know there use to be a bakery that did classes on the side here. Thought I 'd suggest it...

-Daniell

I'm probably going to repeat alot of what was said, but I'll post anyway . I think the quality of the courses vary with the instructor. The instructor I had didn't know anything about the "Wilton Way". She basically did what ever she wanted and half of it was wrong. I learned more from looking at the books than what she taught me. She even admitted that she never made her own flowers until she started teaching the classes. I don't think Wilton has a real high standard for their instructors (not meaning to put anyone down, I was an instructor myself). Anyway, I think you can definitely teach yourself. Start out that way at least and if you ever get the chance, take a Course 1 and see what you think. I try to take as many classes as I can from other places too. Wilton is a good jumping off point but definitely look into other avenues too.
I can look and make sure but I think I have extra course books from when I was an instructor that I can send you. That way you won't have to hunt down just the books. PM me if your interested.
HTH,
Heather