Hello it's me Christy!
I have never taken any wilton classes. I am very interested in taking them, but I just don't have the time. I was on ebay and came upon wilton course books 1,2 & 3 for 15.00. For those of you that have taken the classes, are these books step by step of the class? Will I be able to teach myself these courses at home with the books? Will there be anything that I will be missing other than "hands on with an instructor" just using the books? Oh yeah and is 15.00 to much for the books?
Grant it I won't get the certificate, but I will be able to learn new things. (I hope) Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks In Advance!!!

I am finishing up course III Tue. P.M and really need to decide on a cake for my final project and get started making flowers instead of reading post!!! What can I say I am addicted!

Anyway, I am a very visual learner and did not think I could make sense of the books without the instructor. Turns out 2 instructors later--they both were horrible-- and I can!!

I am actually thinking of teaching classes myself because I know I am as good as they were!!

Anyway, back to the subject, $15.00 is a good price and if you follow the directions you should have no problem. It is all covered and you wouldn't have missed anything here by taking it with an instructor

I really enjoyed having my insrtuctor there to give a hand on approach.....she was a gret teacher, and as it turned out we became good friends over the time I took the 3 courses.....the books are step by step and you should have no problem.....I am sure you could pick up the techniques easily, our instructor showed us the "Wilton" way and then if there were any tips she could give us she did.....I am sure thought between the books and the wonderful help you get on this site you could do it no problem!!!

You probably could learn from just the books yourself; however, sometimes the instructor will teach you a technique that he/she has learned that may make it a bit easier to do, or may be a little different from the way Wilton instructs. Sometimes just learning with others and maybe a way they approach a project you could learn something from them. I have great instructors for all 3 courses. I thoroughly enjoyed taking all 3 courses and if I had to do it again, I would.

Hi,

I enjoyed taking the classes...chit chatting with the other ladies. If you're going to just do it yourself, I found all the same stuff on the Wilton site under Decorating techniques, then under basic techniques. I only found it AFTER taking I & II. There's lots of info there, and it looks like the same info from the book. I'd take a look there first, before spending the money. )

Denise


Denise

I have the course 2 book I think i bought it for less then 5 dollars at Jo-Anns. I think I learned alot from the books but plan on taking the Wiltons classes as soon as I have time.

I would also recommed taking the courses, because you can learn a lot of extras. Also, when I took the courses, I got the books for free.
(With the exception of course 1 and a 'counterfeit' teacher that charged me $10 for the book on top of the course fee, and proceeded to teach me absolutely NOTHING!!)

Purple Petunia

Hi Christy,

I would agree to take the courses with the others... Besides the "free with class books" you get the hands on experience and suggestions that instructors can give you. Classes run currently $12.50 lately at Michaels, if you think about it that breaks down to $3.00 for a two hour class for 4 weeks. The only other additional expenses you would need is the kit and you can always buy them with the 40% coupons they ALWAYS have floating around.

Plus getting out of the house for a few hours for "you" time is always a plus!

Peggy

I would suggest taking the courses. I learned a lot from my instructor and she gave many great tips that were not in the book. If you feel unsure about the instructors, then maybe you can go check out who's teaching currently at your local craft store, see when the classes are, and ask some of the students from the class how the instructor is.

I am a Wilton instuctor. One of the best things about the classes is the sharing. I often have experienced cake decorators that attend (even Course I). I encourage them to share their experience with the class. I even have some that are coming back for a repeat because they feel they need a refresher in some areas. So, even if you already decorate, it will only benefit you!

Hey Christy,

I think you could pick up the books & get right into it! I know your work & I feel you know plenty to be able to teach yourself!! Plus that's what CC is for right! Those of us who have taken the classes can try & help you out if you need anything. The only thing the classes would be good for was to spend time with others interested in cakes like you are! If your like me you have already learned most of your stuff from CC. I'd try teaching yourself & then go to classes if your having a hard time. Otherwise... YOU CAN DO IT!!! Good luck!!
~TC~

CHRISTY, I AGREE WITH TC. SHE IS RIGHT. IF YOU NEED ANY HELP ALL OF US ARE HERE. THE PRICE SEEMS LIKE A GOOD DEAL FOR THOSE BOOKS. GO FOR IT. GOOD LUCK!

i have a complete set of the old wilton courses that i can give to you. I think they are like 5-6 yrs old. All of the techniques taught are basically the same as the new books. If you pm me your mailing address I will send them to you.
Cathy Dugdell