How Do I Stop Buying Cake Decorating Stuff

Decorating By tdovewings Updated 17 Nov 2011 , 4:03pm by 2xMiMi

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tdovewings Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 1:52pm
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I started this hobby only three months ago and I already have 3 under-bed storage containers full of cake decorating supplies. I have flower cutters, textured rolling pins, luster dust, impression mats, tons of other cutters, cake pans, multiple tip sets. I keep coming up with all these cake ideas and buying supplies to make them.

I see all these cool stuff and feel like I'm starting to become a cake decorating hoarder. I have only made 6 cakes to make things worse. I ordered three books today.

I need strategies on how to keep myself from burying myself in cake decorating supplies--this is a very addictive hobby.

What's in your cake decorating stockpiles and how do you control the growth assuming others have this problem. Or is it just me and should I find a support group to shake this addiction?

93 replies
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BREN28 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:08pm
post #2 of 94

i've been at this "hobby" since 2008,and i'm still buying new things to "try out". i have cake supplies in my kitchen,dining room,laundry room,and who knows where else. they keep coming out with so many new cake decorating tools,that now i wait to see if anybody here on CC has used them to see if they are worth getting.

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knlcox Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:10pm
post #3 of 94

I was this same way when I first started! My husband was actually talking about starting a "Rental Cake Deco" store where we could rent out all my cake stuff to people who wanted to try them before buying. I have so much stuff I put in an armoire and I have a dining room full of it all. What made things a little worse for me was the 50% off coupons for certain stores!
The hoarding did slow down for me. Once the cake orders started coming in I had no time for anything else. It is addicting! I had to stop going into the craft stores so I could stop buying.

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TexasSugar Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:18pm
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One thing that helps me curb my spending is to look around at everything I have, that I haven't used. You realize after a while that while some of it is an investment a lot of it ends up being wasted money. I have stuff that is over 5 years old that I have yet to use. Why? Because at the time I bought it I had grand plans and ideas for it, or it looked cool, or it was the latest greatest thing.

Next time you are feeling the urge to shop for something new, why don't you make a cake, using one of those cool tools you already have. icon_smile.gif

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cakemaker2 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:21pm
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LOL! Yes, it can be quite addictive! I've purchased things that I will probably never use! Before I purchase now, I ask myself, how often will I use this? Is it of good quality? (I have replaced most of my wilton stuff, because it can't compare to the professional stuff out there.) Can I make it myself (fondant, gumpaste, etc.)? Do I have something at home already that I can use to achieve the same results? BE CHOOSEY! HTH.

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deeb173 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:24pm
post #6 of 94

Be a hoarder and be proud! I have stuff in the dining room and plastic bins and storage shelves in the garage! My husband even talked about putting kitchen cabinets in the dining room so I would have storage room and a counter to work on. You will slow down after a while...you will get all the pans you need and you will figure out what tools you use the most. So once your supply is built it will get better icon_biggrin.gif The only thing I still buy is ribbon on sale and paint brushes...because sometimes if they stain I just don't feel they are clean so I toss them icon_redface.gif

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AnnieCahill Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:26pm
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LOL I've been doing this for over 12 years, but I don't have too much fondant stuff because I decorate in mostly buttercream. I cram everything I have into a Rubbermaid container.

The pans are another story. icon_confused.gif

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erin12345 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:31pm
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When I feel like I've been buying too much cake stuff, I start buying scrapbooking stuff, then the cycle repeats itself.! icon_lol.gif

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staciessweets Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:41pm
post #9 of 94

All I can say is welcome to CRACK CAKE LAND. LOL

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Lemmers Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 2:45pm
post #10 of 94

I am exactly the same! Everywhere I go, I see cake stuff (even if its not actually meant for cake). I have tubs and boxes of stuff everywhere, and with it being so easy to shop online it's hard to say "no" sometimes!

However, I'm setting myself up to do this as a sideline business so I have a budget now and am determined not to spend it all, so I'm being more picky about my purchases, as well as relying on the gifts from family etc icon_lol.gif

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Jleigh4 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:02pm
post #11 of 94

Lol, hi my name is jenn, and I too am a "crack cake addict." I started bobbing decorating about 2 months ago as well, and I just went yesterday and bought 2 other tools. (50% off coupons of course.) I spend hours in there and could litter buy the whole baking isle if I had enough $.

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cakegirl1973 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:02pm
post #12 of 94
Quote:
Originally Posted by TexasSugar

One thing that helps me curb my spending is to look around at everything I have, that I haven't used. You realize after a while that while some of it is an investment a lot of it ends up being wasted money. I have stuff that is over 5 years old that I have yet to use. Why? Because at the time I bought it I had grand plans and ideas for it, or it looked cool, or it was the latest greatest thing.

Next time you are feeling the urge to shop for something new, why don't you make a cake, using one of those cool tools you already have. icon_smile.gif




Very, verty true! I have curbed my spending by only purchasing something that I need to complete an actual cake or practice cake for a real cake. I was way into the habit of buying stuff I wanted to try "just for fun" or that I intended to use on a cake someday. By looking at a purchase from a want vs. need perspective, you'll buy a lot less stuff. Good luck!

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katj012 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:08pm
post #13 of 94

Honestly - if you figure out how to stop - let the rest of us know!!!!

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terrylee Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:13pm
post #14 of 94

I have stuff from way way back too.....retro stuff......it is hard to get rid of anything, I know. My downfall.....love the coupon discounts. Then you go through the craft store " I SEE CAKE STUFF"

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aandradaa Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:26pm
post #15 of 94

I also have this addiction, i started in May with my daughter 1st b-day and i cant seem to stop, i bought so far lots of cutters, tools, all colors by americolor, pans and the silhouette cake machine.. and my addiction is even worse because here a month salary is about 300 US dollars and i had to order colors and cake machine from the States, so i payed a lot of shipment and duty taxes.. so it becoming to be a very expensive hobby.. but I LOVE IT !!!
Till now i have done 5 cakes... but hope to have more time when my daughter grows a little.

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lyndim Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:32pm
post #16 of 94

I too am an addict of all things cake, I love molds and cutters, their my obsession. I still want a airbrush.

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ljchevygirl Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:33pm
post #17 of 94

Hi. My name is Linda and I am an cake supply addict. Nice meeting you. icon_biggrin.gif

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FerrariGal Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 3:39pm
post #18 of 94

I too am addicted! I have a pantry in the basement, a plastic storage tower in my dining room, and recently, I cleaned out a large kitchen cupboard to make room for cake stuff!

I completely agree with only buying stuff you need to complete a project. Thats the way I curb my spending, or else I would have 10 times more stuff! If I want to try out a new tool... I just have to 'convince' someone to buy a cake that NEEDS that item!! LOL icon_biggrin.gif

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ufo9978 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 4:10pm
post #19 of 94

Thank you Thank you for making me feel better about my self. I thought I was the only "cake crack head" out here. And man!!! those 50% coupons are just not helping and speaking of not helping all of you cc members who are uploading your beautiful pics everyday is making me go crazy I can't stop making cakes and trying new techniques.

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Rosie2 Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 4:19pm
post #20 of 94

OMG, I'm NOT alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello my name is Rosie and I'm a cake supply addict and....and... I can't stop!!! Nice meeting you icon_biggrin.gif

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bakencake Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 4:29pm
post #21 of 94

ugh, i just went to another post and they dared suggest a DVD. long story short. i got one of the DVDs and asking if i should get the other icon_cry.gif

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Charmed Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 4:35pm
post #22 of 94

My problem is that not only I buy cake stuff, I buy non-cake decorating stuff that I think I will find a use for it for decorating. When I go to any store I look at things and there is this dialogue in my head: Can I use this for my cakes?.... Can I make a mold of it? it is non stop!!! icon_biggrin.gif I see CAKE...icon_eek.gif

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tdovewings Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 5:12pm
post #23 of 94

LOL, this is awesome, we've just had confession and started a support group! But I will try to only buy stuff when I HAVE to make an actual cake and give myself a budget unless someone else is paying.

And yep, I think I've brought everything in the cake isle of the craft store now I'm in the art isles, stencils, and scrapbooking isles looking for what I can use to decorate cakes as well. And the internet is not helping.

Since I know I have to wait until I have to make a cake to buy more stuff (per my new pledge)--I guess I'll have to design and bake a cake every week to use my 50% off coupons! ****kidding*** or am I

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MimiFix Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 5:50pm
post #24 of 94

And not only cake decorating stuff, but BIG stuff too. I didn't need that 20 quart Hobart. When we decided to move nine hundred miles it was sitting in the storage shed behind our house. I wiped off the cobwebs and moved it with us. Sold it, got sad, bought an extra 5 qt mixer just in case my 7 qt broke down. Which it hasn't.

Last month I bought a hand mixer because it was on sale and the following week I bought another because they were still on sale. My husband doesn't understand but maybe you all do.

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Ednarooni Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 5:52pm
post #25 of 94

Cake tool crack addict/hoarder here!!! Awesome to know I'm not alone..lol

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enchantedcreations Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 5:55pm
post #26 of 94

Hello Cake Tool/Supply Addict Support Group!

I use to have a problem with Shoes and Purses..... But I kicked those problems!!! Yeah, I now have a cake thingy, tool whatcha macallit, problem. I started out with the Wilton tool caddy. How funny that is now that I think about it. I thought spending $40 or so was too much money.

I've taken over one spare bedroom and I mean the entire bedroom, the cabinets in the laundry room, part of the walk in pantry, and half of the cabinets in the kitchen for cake "related" stuff.

Do I have a problem? I don't really care, I'm having fun!

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enchantedcreations Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 5:57pm
post #27 of 94
Quote:
Originally Posted by MimiFix

And not only cake decorating stuff, but BIG stuff too. I didn't need that 20 quart Hobart. When we decided to move nine hundred miles it was sitting in the storage shed behind our house. I wiped off the cobwebs and moved it with us. Sold it, got sad, bought an extra 5 qt mixer just in case my 7 qt broke down. Which it hasn't.

Last month I bought a hand mixer because it was on sale and the following week I bought another because they were still on sale. My husband doesn't understand but maybe you all do.




Oooh, I'm jealous, you need backup girlfriend! (just in case)

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Kiddiekakes Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 6:35pm
post #28 of 94

After a while you get to know what is a need to buy vs useless gadget..After 10 years I hardly buy anything except what I need on a monthly basis for my cakes like,coloring,items I run out of that I use all the time.I don't buy books because they come..you look at them and find out they don't show/tell you anything I didn't already know..Most of the info I learned came from CC and plasin old trial error.Same with the DVD's ..I rented some this summer at the libary..Sharon Zambito ones..Good DVD's but I knew all the techniques.Never buy the wilton books or much of anything wilton anymore..Most is not useful,durable stuff except a few items...HTH

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Michelep Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 7:13pm
post #29 of 94

I'm an addict too. icon_eek.gif

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MimiFix Posted 24 Aug 2011 , 7:22pm
post #30 of 94

... and I have several gallon containers of sprinkles from Lucks. (Great wholesale prices!) I only needed small amounts but the quantity prices were too good to pass up.

How long do sprinkles last? They'll probably outlive me.


Here's the Lucks info in case you want to mega purchase
Please contact Jerry Evans, National Account Manager, at [email protected], or Kathy Campbell, Projects Manager, at 800-806-2595, 253-383-4815 or [email protected]

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