I am still working on being self taught--I am way to intimidated to walk into a class...

I am class taught. Once you know the basics of cake decorating you can pretty much learn the rest from cake decorating books with instructions.

I am trying to teach myself while I wait for my classes to start in 2 1/2 weeks.

I am class taught, but don't feel intimidated going in there! The teacher I had was wonderful and there was a wide range of people in the class. A few of the ladies were already making cakes for customers before the first class and others had never baked a cake before. We all had a ton of fun and learned from eachother as well as the teacher. So sign up for a class - I guarantee you will love it!

I am self taught. Classes are too far away. But thanks to CC I've learned more than I ever would have on my own!

Self taught, can't you tell by my pictures ?

I am class taught (still being taught) ...and I agree dont be intimidated to go to a class....we had all levels!

I must say though, I am learning a TON through this site, I would still be doing cakes w/o fillings and would never have heard of FBCT or anything (cant wait to try it).

Self taught, but would love to take a gumpaste class!

Sue

No classes for me where I live so its is all self taught

Until this last month and 1/2 I was totally self taught... can't say that I have learned a lot in my classes, finishing course 3 next week, but, I have learned somethings that I don't think that I could have taught myself.

I took 2 classes but the teacher didn't teach me anything I didn't already know or could learn from the book. I've learned more from CC than I ever learned there. So I guess I'm sort of self taught!

I was self taught for years, then about 2 years ago I decided to take the beginners course from an award winning teacher. I learned soooooo much in her class from day one. Now, completely addicted, I try to take every new class available. It really keeps me motivated, and I love the interaction with the other ladies in the classes.

Self taught for now, but I am looking for some classes to take. I am so visual, I think it would really help me to be able to see someone do the things I am struggling with.

Never baked, until I started watching the foodchannel and cake competition. After that I decided to take a class and finished a few month ago course 3. I really enjoyed the classes. Go for it. Continue to learn especially since i found CC.

I am a little of both. I took wiltons course 1 and started course 2 but the teacher quit. After that I just started trying things myself. My aunt has made cakes for 35+ years so I call her with all of my questions. I feel that once you learn the basics you can teach yourself a lot from trying new things. I must say that I do not use the wilton recipes, not even for royal icing. I follow my aunts recipe and alter it accordingly because everybody here loves it. I have learned a ton from this site. My aunt draws everything free hand (she is amazing) and just knew that I would not be able to do many kids cakes but thank god I found out about teh FBCT. I just need to try one now. Atleast I know there are ways to do it for the extremely poor free hand artist!

I'm class taught. I took Wilton Course 1 & 2 a few years ago. At the time I didn't see a need for me to take Course 3. But a few months ago I decided I really wanted to learn to work with fondant, so I took Course 3. And now I want to review the basics, so I am re-taking Course 1 again this month!

I love the classes because they are inexpensive, it forces me to do a cake every week, and it's my time to do something for myself.

I also heard a rumor that Wilton may be offering a gumpaste class sometime next year....can't wait!

I guess I am a bit of both - I took cake class from a very experienced cake decorator and maybe that is the key....She taught "the wilton way" but her experience with what I felt I learned the most from. Plus I am a visual/hands on kind of learner so it was nice to see all the basis - it is hard for me to learn just by reading. Of course I have learned a ton from this site and just experimentation too!!

I'm both.

Don't be afraid of taking classes, they are out there to help you.

I don't know...



Up until last year, I learned on my own with the help of books and pictures.

I had the privilege of attending the Wilton master course in Illinois February 2005.

I am self taught..I might take a class though..
JoAnn

Completely self-taught (and it shows !). Maybe if I took some classes (not sure they do any around here though!), I could turn out a half-decent cake !

I'm self taught.

I would like to take a gumpaste course . I have a lot of stuff to work with but just don't have the time to practice and read up on it. I think the classes would help get me going.

I've been self taught for 20 some odd years but always wanted to learn the 'correct' way. Took Wilton 1 and am signed up for 2. I learned a lot in the class and a lot on this site to go along with the classes. If you have time, take a class!

I am also trying to teach myself, and I guess it's sort of working. I just need to find more time to practice. I may be able to take classes in January after my husband's work schedule changes & he can be home with the kids in the evenings.

-Lisa

I am a self taught at this point would love to take a class though, just a time and money thing rightnow for me.

I am self taught but would absolutely love to take some classes

I'm self taught. There aren't any classes available in my area. I hope to take a 4 hour course next summer in LA, while on vacation. I have many books on decorating with directions and examples of other's work.

self taught... kind of. I have a friend whose taken all the classes and is a really great decorator and whenever I need help with anything at all she's there for me.

A little of both. I had 8 weeks ( 1 night a week) almost 30 years ago, but it was just beginners stuff. Since I have learn everything on my own. Tiered cakes and now I'm going to figure out the secrets of fondant. my son is getting married in May, and I'm doing the groom's cake. I want to do it in fondant. Chrysb