I am so embarrassed to even ask this question but it is where I need the most help.. I missed week 3 of Course 1 (vacation) where they taught piping shells and different things. Well I practiced at home to catch myself up and cannot master the shell. Silly I know. I thought it would be the easiest thing for me to learn but mine are not uniformed or even. Is it 45 degrees at 6:00?
I took course 1 in August, and have yet to master the shell! 
I've given up now and just do other borders. Good Luck though!
Here is a video on Wilton's site on how to do a shell border.
http://www.wilton.com/decorating/basic/shell.cfm
I think it is just a mental block.... once you get it, you will see how stressed you were over nothing.
Hold the bag at 45 degrees with the tail of the bag pointed at you. Position the tip just above the board. Squeeze to build up a mound (still at 45, don't rotation up). The icing will fan out slightly. Then while easing off the pressure pull back. I usually make a bit of a flicking motion with my wrist to finish it off. (meaning a sharp twist down with my wrist). Start with a small amount of icing in your bag so you can handle the bag with just your dominate hand.
Remember: practice make perfect (or at least better)
Marci
The shell border was the hardest one for me to figure out also. I could do the reverse shell no problem, but just a regular shell... the cake looked better without a border. The advice given above is some great ideas for you to get started with. I just worked on other borders and practiced the shell border whenever i could on a plate or a cake for home etc....
You may also want to ask your teacher if they would stay late about 10-15 mins after one class and work on it with you. They might be able to see something that you're doing that could use improvement, or maybe just a touch of a different angle
good luck and keep practicing 
Leily
Princess3,
I thought I would have the hardest time doing the shell border but then after some practicessss it came to me. Now, I'm worried about all the other techniques. The shell border has become my most favorite. I'm trying to get away from it so my cakes aren't so duplicated....plus I need some new techniques to put on my cakes. It's like the first thing my eyes go to is that star tip thing to make the shell. So, don't worry it will come.
I am a self taught decorator. ANd the best advice I have for any technique is to practice. That is the only way to master anything! Good luck.
Another wilton site:
www.bakedecoratecelebrate.com
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