Anyone Else Self/cc Taught?

Decorating By Derby Updated 14 Nov 2006 , 4:46pm by FLOWERGEL

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Derby Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:11am
post #1 of 41

I just have NO TIME for any classes. I would love to take some to learn the right way to do things, but I just fly by the seat of my pants and from posts here on cc!! Is there hope that I'll be okay without any classes? I just feel so inadequate! icon_cry.gif

40 replies
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jo_ann Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:43am
post #2 of 41

I don't think you need classes. From the look of your cakes you could probably give lessons. I love your purse cake.

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stephanie214 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:47am
post #3 of 41

I am self taught, then discovered CC (have learned and still learning so much) and then took Wilton's Courses I and II and didn't go back for III...instructor was horrible icon_cry.gif

I took a peep at your cakes, they are wonderful !!! thumbs_up.gif

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Joolz Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:49am
post #4 of 41

I am self taught. I am only on my 4th cake in a year and I think I am getting better with each one. CC has tons of great ideas and help so does Wilton.com. I don't think you have to go to classes to be good.

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OhMyGoodies Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:49am
post #5 of 41

I haven't had any classes I'm self taught and not every good at it at all icon_sad.gif but I plan to take the Wilton Courses the beginning of next year so hopefully I'll get better icon_smile.gif

I think you're fine with out the classes. I've been told I don't need them but I want to take them to learn things like the rose and other such things I can't figure out how to do lol or can't get it to work right.... It's also nice to have the pretty paper stating you've completed the courses framed hanging on the wall for people to see yes you know what you're doing lol

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morphis1208 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:49am
post #6 of 41

I had started with the Wilton classes but agree that the instructor wasn't very good. CC has been a huge help and inspiration never runs dry here. icon_biggrin.gif

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zoomitoons Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:51am
post #7 of 41

i have not taken any lessons. i grew up around cake decorating, my mother decorated when I was younger and just took over when she couldn't do it anymore. she too was self taught, however, she has every MNB since 1973 (i think) and several ADC along with all the Witon year books since they started making them until 2002 when I started bying them, she recently gave me all her books and magazines when we built our house and my dad built shelves for all my stuff in the garage.
I would love to take a class, however, we live in a very small rural area and the closest town that offers classes are over an hour away. i wish they would/could offer them online, I would definatly take it then.

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whtrbbt420 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:54am
post #8 of 41

Right now yes. With 2 small children, a husband, the PTA + belly dance I don't have much time for anything else LOL. I just practice when I have time to make a cake.

I do hope to go to Pastry School when my littlest goes to school though. I just love desert in general icon_lol.gif

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Kate714 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 12:55am
post #9 of 41

I also have not taken any classes, but not doing nearly as well as you!! Really, CC can teach me all I need to know! I just don't have the option to take classes because they are on weeknights and that's when I work.

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tincanbaby Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:07am
post #10 of 41

Your doing well teaching yourself.

I am teaching myself now.No classes, I don't have any idea where they have these classes or when. I have made cakes(baking) for years, but always just dabbed frosting on them. Now, I have been learning about different flavors and how they work together. I got volunteered into making a wedding cake for a co-worker. She liked the fondant covered cakes in the pictures, so we tried it. Now working on a baby shower cake for Friday. Praticing making the fondant roses also. I still have not got the hang of consisentecy for sizes though. Guess it comes with pratice.

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moydear77 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:16am
post #11 of 41

I went to culinary school but we did mainly pies and breads. They did not have cake like they do now a days. So yes everything cake decorating I learned myself.

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getfrosted Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:16am
post #12 of 41

I am self-taught as well. I decided to try a Wilton class to get out of the house once a week back in July and after the first two classes decided not to go back. I bought the course books online and have looked at them and made a couple of cakes from there.

They don't teach what I want/need to learn right now. So, for now, experimentation (I sound like a made scientist!!! lol) is the best for me!

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crisseyann Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:17am
post #13 of 41

I decorated cakes for 20 some years and just recently took all three Wilton classes. I knew alot of what was taught, but I'm glad I took them.

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mdutcher Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:18am
post #14 of 41

I, too am self taught. I love trying new ideas and new recipes. Trial and Error is definately the way to go for me. I love overcoming obstacles and makes me feel so proud when I can create something all on my own. I get a lot of great techniques right here on cc and I don't think I would have ever tried fondant without this site!! icon_biggrin.gif

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brightbrats Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:18am
post #15 of 41

I am also self taught.

I may not be the greatest in the world, but I am pretty proud of what I have accomplished so far.

It makes it all worth it, when you have the ugliest cake in front of you and your 6yr old tells you it looks better than Duffs.

Now that makes your head swell, even though you know he doesn't know what he is talking about.

Anyway, I have learned alot from here at CC and wouldn't trade it for any classroom teaching.

You guys know it all, and are willing to share it all, so that is how we all learn. thumbs_up.gif

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spottydog Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:25am
post #16 of 41

I am totally self taught with books & of corse CC!

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Ditter Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:29am
post #17 of 41

I to am self taught. When I started Decorating cakes about all I had was Wilton books. I still have one from 1968. Until I found cc I just continued buying the year books and anything on wedding cakes, I never knew about fondant or what to do with it until I found cc.
In case I have forgotten when I posted the mini's that I have done in fondant I want to thank all here for the inspiration and idesa and yes I sometimes used them. So a big thank you from this granny who's grandchildren love the little cakes I make now.

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Janette Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:34am
post #18 of 41

My Wiltong instructor wasn't very good. I took all three classes then I bought the DVD. I think learning from the DVD is much better. Sometimes you can buy a used Wilton DVD from E-Bay.

I also bought a DVD learning to make different flowers.

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delaware Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:40am
post #19 of 41

I am also self taught. I have had a love for cake decorating ever since I was a teenager. I think you learn by practicing anyway. Taking a course isn't going to make you an expert the first try. And if you have a passion for something you are going to keep trying!
I have also learned tons of things from this site!!! I absolutley love looking at everyone's different ideas!

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momlovestocook Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 1:58am
post #20 of 41

There are no courses close to me so I have not taken any. Just get ideas from the internet. I am not that good, but I don't want to start a business, just make cakes for my kids and a few friends.

Sandra

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suzyqqq27 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 2:09am
post #21 of 41

I too am self taught. My wedding cake was my first cake ever and it was fondant covered. I just looked at pictures on the net and checked out a general video on cake decorating from the library. I keep meaning to take classes...figure I might learn how to do a rose well if I took one but never seem to find the time. Between full-time work, my cake side business and two toddlers, cake decorating classes seem like a luxury I just can't seem to fit into my life.

Suzanne
http://www.cakesbysuzanne.com

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SophieBelle Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 2:18am
post #22 of 41

I'm self-taught and still learning. I just took my first Wilton II class (teacher said I could skip the Wilton I since it didn't fit my schedule and I could do the techniques in it already). My mom and I are doing it for a fun mother/daughter thing, and I think even if I already know how to make a flower, I can still learn something along the way from someone with more experience than me.

I honestly feel that relying too much on one certain line of techniques can make things become very boring. Part of the fun of this whole thing to me is designing my own ideas and making them happen (or learning when they don't quite happen!)

Has anyone ever taken any of the mini-classes through ICES?

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msmeg Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 6:57pm
post #23 of 41

I am also self taught and I do not think my cakes are too bad.. NOW the first cakes including the dead rabbit I would never show those pictures to anyone now LOL

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denise2434 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 8:41pm
post #24 of 41

I'm self taught too. I live too far away to travel for classes right now. I still have so much to learn (I still can't make a rose icon_cry.gif )....but everyone at Cake Central has helped me so much and for that I can't thank them enough for sharing!!

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mhill91801 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 8:49pm
post #25 of 41

I am also self-taught. Classes are too far away for me. I've learned SO much from CC...I almost think it's better than classes. icon_cool.gif
Like Denise....I still can't make a rose to save my soul, but I'm OK with that. thumbs_up.gif

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kjgjam22 Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 9:15pm
post #26 of 41

kindof self taught... went to school for the baking and had some sugarcraft classes...but have learned a few things on my own.

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patticakesnc Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 9:24pm
post #27 of 41

I am self taught. I started doing this about 2 months now. (seems longer lol). I have learned what I know from Wilton books and CC only.

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Kayakado Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 9:34pm
post #28 of 41

I am self taught, but I have a degree in ceramics and glass sculpture. I am drawing on those skills to help me. I am still thinking of taking the Wilton classes, but I hate the icing recipes in their books. The idea of pounds of powdered sugar mixed with crisco or butter just make my teeth ache. I am reading and experimenting with other recipes to find ones I like and that work. To me, cake is a food and it has to taste good, not just sweet. I am afraid they will throw me out of class for being so radical.

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elvisb Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 9:36pm
post #29 of 41

I am also self taught. I have thought about taking classes, but the closest ones are over an hour away so that idea is out. I learned the basics from the Wilton site and from a lady in our church who decorates who taught a 2 hour class one night in our church (crumb coat, how to make stars, borders, use the writing tip. We didn't even cover flowers. Very basic.) Now I spend all my free time here! icon_lol.gif This site has certainly made me brave with trying new things. I have learned tons of techniques, I have met a lot of wonderful people who are willing to share ideas and advice, and it gave me the nerve to go into business. I can honestly say that I have learned more here than anywhere else. Everyone, just keep the ideas coming and that's all I need! thumbs_up.gif

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tazzack Posted 13 Nov 2006 , 9:40pm
post #30 of 41

I am 100% self taught!!!

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