Do any of you go through spells where you feel like maybe cake decorating isn't your deal? I've been there a lot lately. I find myself frustrated with my skill level... doesn't seem to be improving and while I like most of what I've done I don't feel that I'll ever be able to do much more. Ho Hum
Also, I've found that I have a terrible deficit in the creativity department. I almost have to copy other ideas and usually hate anything that comes from my own head. That too is very disheartening. Am I alone?

ohhh most certainly not alone.... I can fully understand and think I have been in this lull for some time now. The part we struggle with is that I want to do it but do not have the skill and the creativity and my husband has the skill and the creativity but not as much desire as I have to make this work (we have only recently set up our business and he has a full time job, me part time and 3 kids)

I thought I was alone... especially when you see some of the pics on this site or the comments made in forums... so many talented people, i often want to give up.

You must keep going......

As far as creativity, that's me! I sometimes can come up with something but VERY RARELY!!!!!

I HAVE to look at other designs and then from there get inspiration. I cannot come up with anything out of the blue.

I have all of Wilton's Yearbooks and also surf the web for ideas because I need to get inspired somehow.

So, don't feel bad! We are there with you!

I will say that this site is a great resource for those of us who aren't very creative! I have a lot of trouble with color balance. Guess it's just something to work on.
I'm glad I'm not alone, but sorry I'm not at the same time! If you know what I mean. : )
I won't give up, just may not promote myself as a decorator to friends like I have in the past. Haven't decided yet.

Yeah I always have to search the web for ideas. If a customer can describe to me what is in THEIR head, often I can go ahead and do that for them. Or have me copy a design from somewhere. But to just come up with a totally unique design...well its way hard!

Like some people can think up those tiered cakes with a theme all the way up....I don't think I could make a very nice one of those!

Wendysue dont give up!!!!!! I have felt like that soooo many times! If you go with me next month you will feel rejuvenated I promise!! I always do, its a great motivator!!

Yeah but it just takes practice... like sometimes if I am unsure about a cake I make a practice one first. My second one usually comes out alot better.

Like, what are you having trouble with? Your cake in your photo album looked great!

Thanks Snicker!! I still want to go with you to the meeting next month (for everyone else... Snicker was nice enough to invite me to a local cake club meeting... we live a few minutes from one another). I love the world of cake decorating even when I'm not actually active in it. : )
I think it's more a frustration than anything. I sooooo want to be GOOD at this and yet I feel like I don't really know what I'm doing most the time! lol. I have a cake to make for a group I meet with on Thursday night, so maybe I'll make a killer cake and have something to really feel good about. : )
I don't get enough practice through paying customers and can't afford to just make cakes for the fun of it. I think that's part of my problem too. Ah well, this should be fun and not stressful. That's what will do me in. If I make this something to fret about rather than to enjoy my hobby will be dead for sure! I'll have to work on that!

You can get styrofoam, cover it with saran wrap or something, and practice on that and then scrape the icing off and start over! That way you don't have to eat cake or waste alot of money doing it. You can even use the icing another day for more practice, esp if you just use the crisco recipe.

I think thats a good idea about making a killer cake for your group Thursday. I find when i'm really down on cakes, all it takes is making a cake and people complimenting me on it to put me back into the groove. It feels great when you can make something that people enjoy and appreciate!!

wendysue
just had a look at your site... your cakes are stunning... especially the wedding ones... you have nothing to worry about..... I would settle for a fraction of your talent...

Keep smiling

I looked at your cakes...all your cakes are nice; and your wedding cakes are especially gorgeous Wendy. Enjoyed looking at all of them.

You said...<Ah well, this should be fun and not stressful. That's what will do me in.>

Yep. Sometimes we need to not be so hard on ourselves, huh? And just remember to have a little fun.

I feel the same way. I really want to be good at this but lack the confindence in my skill level and in my creativity. I have a VERY hard time coming up with designs on my own. Right now, I use the Wilton yearbooks and CC galleries for ideas. I have noticed though, that the more cakes I do, the more I'm starting to visualize my own ideas(although many are above my skill level). I guess for some, the creativity (like the natural talent) just comes easy. Others of us have to work at it.

Wendysue - I must say, that after seeing your website, I'm very suprised that you are discouraged. Your cakes are amazing. I love your wedding cakes!!

Thanks ps3884 for the compliments. You're all very kind. I needed some encouragement and I'm certainly finding it here. Thanks everyone. : )

Wendysue

My husband is a chef by trade but has never done cake decorating apart from what was covered when he intially completed his apprentiship some 15-20 years ago ... he has taken 2 x 16hrs courses so far... the work is all his.

I hope this forum has been the pick up you needed and deserve

Wendy just checked out your website...whoa, your cakes are really nice!!!!!!!! Nothing to be discouraged about there!

I guess you must be a perfectionist. I know whenever I see somebody's cakes that are better than mine I just long to learn more and wish I could do them as good as somebody else but just remember that the more you do them the better you will get...and I know there are TONS of people who wish they could put out cakes as nice as yours!!!!!!!!!!! Because they really are very very nice!

Don't give up, your work is awsome hang in there it will get better. I took a look at your pictures you should be proud of the work you do.

Wendysue: I know how you feel and I'm at about the same point with being frustrated.You have many things in your favor:
It looks like you've mastered smooth icing, roses, cornelli lace, & working with fondant. That is half the battle right there. Believe me, I wouldn't even comment if I didn't think your cakes were beautiful. Especially the wedding cakes.
I'm on the totally opposite side: I feel like I have the creativity, but lack the ability to show it on a cake. I can't get smooth icing to save my life and couldn't make a flower if you paid me(well, maybe if you paid me well)lol: What some people lack in creativity they make up for on skill and vice versa.
I think you should still promote yourself as a decorator!