Question On Which Decorating Book To Buy (Beginner!!)

Decorating By classie787 Updated 11 Nov 2011 , 2:33pm by ibmoser

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classie787 Posted 10 Nov 2011 , 11:11pm
post #1 of 4

First off, I'm not looking into getting into cake decorating as a business...by no means! I'm no good...at all. When I make MM fondant, it looks nothing like what I see Buddy use on Cake Boss!

Anyhoo, I do want to improve. Making a nice unique cake is a wonderful gift for birthdays, parties, etc. I came across a couple books online that look interesting and wanted to purchase one. The two I thought seemed interesting were:

Carol Deacon: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to Cake Decorating.

Jeff Shankman: Decorating Cakes: A Reference and Idea Book.

I need something pretty basic...showing how to make fondant (perhaps not marshmallow-type fondant...too sticky for me!) and how to use various decorating tips...how to level a cake or make frosting, etc. I know you can search all this stuff online, but it is so much easier for me to have a nice manual at arm's reach without having to sort through tons of internet searches.

If you own either, I'd love to hear your feedback...or any other titles that are equally as nice!

3 replies
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Torimomma Posted 11 Nov 2011 , 12:28am
post #2 of 4

Welcome to the site!

I'm sorry I don't have any book advice but you should consider the Wilton classes. I'm not sure where you are located but Michaels and Joanne fabrics both have classes and they are not too expensive. Sometimes they have 50% off specials and I feel like having someone there to tell you what you are doing wrong really helps.

Besides that, try You Tube videos. I've learned alot from them, Edna De La Cruz, and this site.

And keep at it! Happy Caking!

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MCurry Posted 11 Nov 2011 , 1:03am
post #3 of 4

I agree with Torimomma. If you can take a class at Michaels, AC Moore or Joanne fabric you will get the basics that you mentioned. If you don't want to attend the classes then buy the books & kits. Use a coupon. Many of books such as Colette Peters or Toba Garrett are pretty advance for a beginner but once you get the basics look into their books.

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ibmoser Posted 11 Nov 2011 , 2:33pm
post #4 of 4

Consider a DVD like Sugar Shack's Back to Basics. She will show you recipes,baking, torting, leveling, making frosting - all of the foundation skills. Much better than a book, IMHO icon_biggrin.gif

http://www.sugaredproductions.com/product/Back-to-Basics-DVD/

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