I've never taken a class and because of that sometimes feel like I may be missing out on some basics. Anyone here who has taken a class, do you think it helped you? Was it worth the time and money? Do I need it, or are the books (which I have) enough?

Thanks!

Hi edencakes!

I found the Wilton classes very helpful. And it was definitely worth my time and money. There are some things that I learned in class that I probably wouldn't have figured out on my own with the books and kits. Some instructors are great and have years of experience in cake decorating and a lot of tips and ideas to give you.

I definitely am glad I took the classes so far. They were a lot of fun and a good reason to get out of the house and do something for myself

You are already doing really well from what I see in your photos !!
Your icing is very smooth and you got the shell border looking good.
You already have an idea on how to do some tranfers.
And if your like me you learned so much from this web site!
But its true what mvucic says about getting out and doing somthing for yourself and learning from your peers around you. I also learn better by doing thing hands on. So what ever your learning style is,if you think you could do it with just the books then go for it .


Good luck!

edencakes...you are doing wonderful work! I took Wilton's Course 1 decorating course about 22 years ago. 2 years ago I wanted to take the second course, but was told since it had been so long ago...I would need to take the first course again. Thinking it would be a BIG waste of time, I took it so that I could get to the next course level. Even though I was very proficient at a lot of the basics, I learned something new at each class meeting. I definitely did not think it was a waste of time by the end of the course, and in addition to getting lots of good tips I hadn't thought of, I met some great people with a shared interest...Cake Decorating! The funny thing...I haven't gotten to take Course 2 yet, but I do plan on doing that this next fall. So, if you have time...go for it! You will most definitely learn some new techniques and have fun at the same time. Good Luck!

cindycakes2
From the looks of your cakes, you need to be teaching a class rather than taking one.
Beautiful cakes!

I think you have nailed the decorating on the head without the classes but if you feel that you might learn something from them then take them. I took all three and they were a blast. I may not have been the best in the class but I did learn from it,met some really great people and got to get out of the house besides for work or school. The classes are really great when you have great teachers . either way you got best of luck in the future. You do great work.

I'm sure you'll learn something new and exciting, if only from your instructor's experience. It's great to have an excuse to practice, and in the classes I took, there was plenty of room for creativity.

Your cakes are gorgeous! I think you would benefit from taking the courses like the others said. I think it is an opportunity to meet new people and share decorating ideas...and with the looks of your cakes you could definitely contribute a lot to the class! Happy baking!
traci

I think your cakes are Great! Very Pretty, and looks like you have it down pat!
~Sweet~ =0)

Your cakes are beautiful. You probably don't need to take the Wilton Classes. But it might be fun to take them, just to get some new techniques. But be careful, you might end up actually teaching the class instead of taking it. I took them mainly just to learn how to make flowers. But it doesn't really look like you have an issue there.

What for ?? if you want to take classes in cake decorating, take the ones that you don't know how to do yet. That would be more of a challenge. But, it's up tp you... have a wonderful day.. BTW, FYI I live in SAcramento Country (CA) and it has been 106 degrees since MOnday..but we somehow like it. 80's would feel like Winter to us..

You do a great job on your cakes, but I understand what you mean about thinking you may be missing out on some things... I felt the same way and went ahead and took the Wilton classes... some of the stuff I kinda knew, some I didn't so I did learn some things .. If there was a DOS (day of sharing) in your area, that would be a great thing to go to also.. you would learn a LOT of things there from other cake decorators and their techniques.. even though some of the ways you do things may be good, sometimes watching the way others do it is even better .. I attended one at tcturtleshell's home and we learned a whole lot.... it was just awesome .. I'm planning on attending another in Texas in October... I can't wait!!

You do a great job on your cakes, but I understand what you mean about thinking you may be missing out on some things... I felt the same way and went ahead and took the Wilton classes... some of the stuff I kinda knew, some I didn't so I did learn some things .. If there was a DOS (day of sharing) in your area, that would be a great thing to go to also.. you would learn a LOT of things there from other cake decorators and their techniques.. even though some of the ways you do things may be good, sometimes watching the way others do it is even better .. I attended one at tcturtleshell's home and we learned a whole lot.... it was just awesome .. I'm planning on attending another in Texas in October... I can't wait!!

i looked at your cakes and i don't think the classes will have much to offer you because your cakes are great. i took one course went to 3 out of the 4 classes and just went and bought the books. i have taught myself everything else out of the books. i found the classes boring i guess because i knew what she was teaching already. i think the classes are good for people who just know how to bake a cake and want to start decorating but have never done it before. Just my opinion.

I dont think you can know to much. you could learn something so small, but it might make a big differance. I would go for it. You cakes look wonderful

I think this pretty much depends on your learning style. There are those who can teach themselves to do pretty much anything by reading books, and then there are others who learn more by someone showing them how to do whatever it is. You make wonderful cakes, but like others have said, you may learn something from your instructor or classmates that is not taught in the book.

Wow, thanks so much for all the input! I think I will check out the classes in my area and try to fit it into my schedule soon. It can't really hurt, right?

Thank you to everyone who said such nice things about my cakes, I really appreciate it. My family has never been very supportive of my hobby (hopefully soon to be career) so I never really pursued it until I got married (hubby is very supportive). It's good to know other cake decorators think my cakes are okay!

where are you from edencakes? we are having a dos in Tx if you are close let me know we would love to have you. it is in Bryan/College Station and will be held October 22nd.

I'm actually in the Memphis area, although I will be in TX next week! Thanks though, I will look for one near here.

If you have the time (2 weeks to be away from work and family for master course), if you have the resources (you pay for the motel or inn if you dont live in darien, illinois, mileage and airfare, etc; don't worry about snacks, you'd have coffee and baked treats every session), if you don't have wilton tools and books (wilton gives discount for store purchases), if you want a Wilton certificate, by all means, do it!