I'm considering taking the Wilton classes at Michaels. Can anyone provide their own experiences? Are the classes worth taking? Thank you

I certainly thought they were. They get you to do a lot of basic stuff that you really need for going on to bigger and better things.

The Wilton classes are a good place to start learning decorating or learn a little more. You will learn how to do buttercream, Royal Icing and Gum Paste flowers and leaves and work with Fondant. You will learn tips from your instructor and classmates. There will be some investment buying the class kits but coupons will help keep that down. There are four classes now (should I say again). Not sure exactly what you want to know but with some experience from the classes it makes it easier to learn from tutorials online or on DVD. Hope this help some.

ABSOLUTELY! The Wilton courses are the most cost effective way to get a LOT of basic information and practice. If you get the rare "bad" teacher, simply go to another craft store or see if another instructor is available. For the most part, you will be pleased with the instructors and instruction.

I suggest that EVERYONE take all four courses now available. You will end up spending about $100-$200 for each course over and above the discounted "course fee". The student kit + supplies + lots of tools NOT included in the student kit + ingredients.

You can prepare ahead of time by looking over the links below and purchasing your supplies with craft store coupons. The coupons are only for one regularly priced item/per person/per store/per day. You will ALWAYS have a 40% coupon available, but for the large purchases, wait until you get a 50% coupon.

I recommend you take the courses in order and start by buying the Ultimate Decorating Kit with a 50% coupon:
http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=F3E2CF4F-1E0B-C910-EA0D54BE4C7C4614&killnav=1

You can get more information by going to the Wilton.com Discussion Forums and reading threads on the different Course Sites:
http://www.wilton.com/forums/

For specific information of what will be needed for each class in Course 1:
http://www.wilton.com/classes/wmstudents/decorating-basics-student-supplies.cfm

For what you'll need in the other three courses:
http://www.wilton.com/classes/wmstudents/

It depends how much you know already. You will learn the basics. The only class I really wanted to take was the fondant & gum paste. Unfortunately, I was told that I had to take the first two. They now have a fourth which is advanced gumpaste flowers. I did not take that one. I have done them on my own.

I recommend them, I took all 4 classes, Had a wonderful instructor, And a great time.

Goretti: did you talk directly with the teacher? Mine isn't making me take the first course b/c I already know everything in it.

Cheatize, are you serious? I found the courses extremely helpful, but are you, with all your experience, actually taking them at your level of expertise? If you are, I'd LOVE to hear what you have to say after you're done.

I have taken all 4 Wilton courses plus the Tall Cakes class and I thought they were a great way to learn the basics. They will get you going in the right direction and give you a foundation to build on.

You would be surprised that a number of my students graduated from culinary schools as well take the Wilton classes for cake decorating.

I am taking the third class now. I took the first class in January and I love both of them.
My instructor is only 23 but has been decorating cakes in the family bakery since 12. I have learned so much in the classes. Jo Anns has buy one get one free on Wilton classes this week. Plus you get a free carry case, not sure which one. Jo Anns has 40 and 50% off coupons all the time on line.
I bought the Ultimate decorating set for 50% off with the coupons. I think I have had a coupon of some sort or another for everything that I have bought. I now have everything I need for all 4 classes.
Sheila