Hi all,
Im Caroline from England, UK!
I have just started making cakes - well Ive made one! Anyway I feel I have caught the bug, but dont really know what I am doing. I visited a cake shop today and was overwhelmed with all the tools and accessories you can buy. If you could all give me any idea of the main tools I will need rather than spend a load of money it would be appreciated! I have posted a castle cake what I have just made for my Daughters 1st Birthday - it didnt taste too nice but I received a lot of smiles! 
Thanks all!
xx
Welcome to caking!
Your cake is quite good for a first! Go to the library or search online for good basic cake decorating books. They usually list some basic supplies needed for starting up (pans, colors, fondant roller, cake leveler, turntable, etc).
Or sign up for the Wilton basics classes if you feel you need them. Hope you have as much fun as I am!
Also, Caroline, if your cake didn't taste good i would recommend Rose Levy Berenbaum's book The Cake Bible (everything I make out of this book comes out great!) or Martha Stewart's recipes.
Good luck! 
Yes, Caroline, welcome to cake making and to Cake Central. The way I've come by most of my cake equipment is to buy things as I need them for one cake or another - and then, of course, to see how I can use these things again on other cakes. A few months ago, I ran across a couple of really good cake supply stores and started buying things just because I liked them and could think of cute things to do with them, but I finally had to take myself in hand and promise myself not to buy anything new until I had used everything I had at least once. I think you'll find that this is a growing addiction, but fortunately one that can bring you lots of pleasure (without hurting those around you, like most addictions do)!
hi, the things i started out with and could still not live with out are...
1) a fondant smoother
2) a really good rolling pin and a little one for smaller details, (the non stick plastic one's)
3) a selection of little pallet knives, great for picking up small flowers/ detail bits and also loosening small strips of fondant from the work top.
4) parchment paper is great for making your own piping bags
5) pro-plus for all those long nights your just about to expose your self too!!! 
as someone else said don't go made too soon, just get what you need to complete each cake you take on. you'll soon find you'll have a mountain of equiptment that you'll use all the time.
good luck and have fun.
xxxx
here's a few tips:
stand mixer...saves arm muscles! i have a hamilton beach brand
basic color food colors, i find myself buying one or 2 special colors time to time
cheap icing smoother: putty knives or spackling knives from hardware stores
lazy susans work as turntables
the wilton disposable bags are actually quite well made
artist's palette knives work wonders for getting colors out of the tubs and mixing small batches of frosting
making box mix cakes is okay!
and i'm sure many people on here can agree:
CAKE DECORATING IS ADDICTING!!!
Welcome to CC!
Your first cake came out that well, while you're chasing after your 1 yr. old? Then you are already a well-organized, creative, energetic person with some passion - the rest you can learn.
Plenty good advice previously mentioned: A fondant smoother, lazy-susan/turn-table, decent mixer all help a lot - get yourself good pans and other supplies as needed.
My suggestion is find some recipes and enjoy learning how to make cake that tastes as good as it looks. It isn't hard and is important. There are lots of good recipes on this site.
Have fun!
Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you all - Ive been mad busy! Ive read everything and you have all got me giddy and my DH thinking 'oh dear!'
Im going to make a 60th Birthday cake next for my Mum - so going to make myself a list of what I will need rather than go in the shop and buy everything. The cake I made was the sweetest thing id ever tasted and had far too much buttercream!
I will have a good look round the site for ideas!
The lists of things to buy has helped me a lot so at least im going in the right direction.
Oh and just quickly - can you freeze fondant icing? I will keep you posted of my next project! woohooo!! Im so excited!!
xxxxxxxx
An icing tip will help you get your buttercream the right thickness, but you still have to smooth it. A 21" bag is good to use with it, because so much needs to be cut off the point to use it.
ah you see i didnt pipe it on... i just used a palette knife. 
thanks! im thinking of a present style cake so will have a look in the gallery next - i like the topsy turvy cakes, but think I should start off a little more basic haha!
x
You've caught the bug and what a sweeeet bug to have!
I'm fairly new, too, so I'll pipe in - I, too, started by buying only the things I needed for the cake I was working on. You will be amazed at how quickly it piles up!
By far the BEST and MOST USED thing I have invested in is a stand mixer. It wasn't a small purchase for me so I researched and researched until I decided what would work best for me. My husband laughed that I spent more time reading about stand mixers than I ever did when buying a car!! LOL Not only will it save you time, it will save your arms/hands!
I do sometimes go to the cake supply store and look at all of the "toys" they have. Every once in awhile I'll pick something up that I don't necessarily need but want to give a try. Having a new tool when you don't have another cake to do can be a great opportunity to learn something new, as well as practice practice practice!
Again, welcome! I can't wait to see your future cakes!
yes i feel the mixer is a big thing really - ive been looking in argos - for anyone in the uk will know it is the catalogue we all have - and they do vary in price!! My DH will not allow it until he knows this isnt a fad haha! At least mixing by hand may help tone my arms up for now....
Ive made cards for years and spent a fortune on that... nows time for something new!
x
The thing about a stand mixer (feel free to share this information with your husband LOL) is that you'll use it for much more than just cake decorating. If he likes pasta you could tell him you can get the pasta roller attachment. If he likes icecream, they make an icecream attachment!
hahah I like your thinking!! He is a man who likes his food - especially sandwiches, so I will try and convince him around making dough! haha!!
Ive never made icecream - oh no! Another thing im going to be making! My diet since having my daughter is well and truly over! x
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