Cake decorating?

[EmilyZA]

Just wanted to see if there are any other people who decorate cakes here! I am taking a class at Michael's and I love it...

[snowzilla]

I'd love to hear more about the class at Michael's. Cake decorating is one of those skills I would like to have, and I've been thinking about it alot lately (likely watching too much Martha these days!). :)

[jlp]

I've never taken a class to learn traditional cake decorating, but I do make a lot of themed cakes. The closest Michael's is 45 mins., but our JoAnn Fabrics offers Wilton classes...one of these days I'll sign up.


Some of these are originals, and some I've adapted from ideas I've seen.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d729b3127cce9c5860a65fe200000015108QbOWrRu5aY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d729b3127cce9c5860a45fe000000016108QbOWrRu5aY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d729b3127cce9c5860a5ded100000016108QbOWrRu5aY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d729b3127cce9c5860a25fe600000016108QbOWrRu5aY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d729b3127cce9c5860a3ded700000016108QbOWrRu5aY
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d729b3127cce9c5860a05fe400000015108QbOWrRu5aY

[EmilyZA]

I'd love to hear more about the class at Michael's.
I take the Wilton class at Michael's and love it. I think it depends on your instructor, though. Our instructor just won the Wilton Instructor of the Year award!

There are three levels of the class, and I'm in Level 2. In the first level we learned the basics, and this level we're learning Royal Icing and flowers-- lots of flowers. :) Level 3 is Fondant/Tiered Cakes.

I've never taken a class to learn traditional cake decorating, but I do make a lot of themed cakes.

Those are great! Wow!! Love the pizza themed one!

Here are some of mine, I'm new to this so there isn't much!

http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/53676492-S.jpg

My Superbowl cake:
http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/55197288-S.jpg

[jlp]

Well, for being new to it, you're doing a great job! I want to learn how to use a piping bag so I can make those pretty edges.
There are three levels of the class, and I'm in Level 2. In the first level we learned the basics, and this level we're learning Royal Icing and flowers-- lots of flowers. Level 3 is Fondant/Tiered Cakes.
I TOTALLY need to take these classes!!

[snowzilla]

The classes sound like exactly what I'm looking for! What was the cost on them? Do you pay by level, or sign up for all three at once?

[maplekitty]

I'd also love to learn cake decorating. My mom used to decorate cake just beautifully and was self-taught from books - and I've inhereted all her tool.


Now if I could only figure out how to bake a good cake, LOL - I suck at cake baking :(

[Shakua]

I also took the Wilton classes many moons ago and love it!

PS:
EmilyZa and JLP great cakes! Now I'm hungry.

[tlew12778]

I took the level 2 Wilton class. The class itself was not expensive but the initial investment in supplies is quite steep. IIRC (this was 15 years ago) I spent more than $200 just on supplies. I am sure you can get a lot of stuff on ebay now though.

[EmilyZA]

The class is normally $25 per level, each level is 4 classes (once a week.) They do run promotions every once in a while. In January it was half off the classes!

I would definitely agree that the supplies are pricy! At Michael's they give you 10% off when you're taking the class, plus they have coupons a lot in the paper.

I found a really cool website last night, http://www.cakecentral.com but I haven't had much time to explore it yet.

[Shakua]

Emilyza Thanks for the cool site!

[ronspumpkin]

I took all three levels of Wilton classes that Michael's offered. I agree, the class wasn't expensive but the supplies were. Plus, it is very time consuming and the clean up....uuugghhh.
Some of my cakes....

http://images.snapfish.com/343%3B4%3A3923232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2323%3D987%3D%3C77 %3D3232987%3B86%3B26nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/3454874323232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2323%3D%3C%3B9%3D387%3 D3232%3C%3B9296%3B38nu0mrj

[EmilyZA]

...and the clean up....uuugghhh.

I agree! But I still love it.

There's a local bakery that makes THE BEST cakes, and I've always been obsessed with them. Last week was my mom's birthday and we got a cake there, and now I am going crazy trying to figure out how they get their icing so creamy. I told my instructor about it and she said they probably used this ingredient, but now I forget what the name of it is! I'm looking online, I can't believe how many cake decorating supply shops are online!

[Chimichanga]

I've always loved the idea of cake decorating. I took a class once at our community center; we actually did cookies for Christmas but it used a lot of the same principles.

I'm going to attempt a Wilton baby cake for a shower. It doesn't *seem* that difficult, so we'll see how it turns out.

[emschwar]

I decorate cakes! I took all 3 michael's classes. Let me see if I can dig up some pictures.

[emschwar]

http://images.snapfish.com/34638999%3B%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D598%3D873%3DXROQD F%3E23234%3A868%3A%3A%3C%3Aot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/34638999%3B%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2329%3D598%3D873%3DXROQD F%3E232366%3A%3C7%3A984ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3463899%3A%3A%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D598%3D873%3DXRO QDF%3E2323842%3A2%3B482ot1lsi

[snowzilla]

That second cake is incredible! Good work! I think I definitely have to sign up for those classes....now to convince the DH that it will be a benefit to HIM if I take them ("but honey, you'll get to eat all of my homework!"). ;)

[emschwar]

You do not want to know how long that cake took! Man, it was insane.

[SingleWhiteFemale]

I'm one of those crafty chicks who takes on projects that are above her head :D Back in my junior year of high school, I had a student teacher who was leaving. I barely met the guy, but offered to bring in a cake for his going away party. He was finishing his senior year at UMaryland-College Park, home of the Terps. So, here is my 4 layer chocolate cake (9x13). I had a photo of Testudo the Terrapin, estimated out sizes, did it all freehandedly... it was time consuming to do the guy! I started decorating around 10 pm, and finished about 2:30am.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/dancingterp/terpcake.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/dancingterp/terp.jpg

I did a shaped cake for my women's health class about a year after. I have to find pictures. My cousin is getting married, so for her bridal shower I'm thinking of possibly tackling fondant. Yes, I know I may have more than a few marbles loose :o

[tgray99]

Is fondant that hard? I'd really like to do a simple 2 layer round cake with a chocolate fondant covering and pink fondant polka dots. Think this'd be hard?

[JAYLIN]

Yeah! I'm so happy someone started a thread about this!
I also took the 3 courses at Michael's. I had a blast. Yes the clean up sucks. But it was so much fun.
Here's some of my cakes.
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?i=22194289&c=682729&z=0&v=75e2e0d2777a035cdc76bfff5364c55dbb69e346821cc97e a4b21fffc6cf9ebe23208b98dcf6fd4e
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?i=46128279&c=1495304&z=0&v=75e2e0d2777a035cdc76bfff5364c55dbb69e346821cc97e a4b21fffc6cf9ebe23208b98dcf6fd4e
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?i=46129361&c=1495304&z=0&v=75e2e0d2777a035cdc76bfff5364c55dbb69e346821cc97e a4b21fffc6cf9ebe23208b98dcf6fd4e
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?i=33438421&c=1050448&z=0&v=75e2e0d2777a035cdc76bfff5364c55dbb69e346821cc97e a4b21fffc6cf9ebe23208b98dcf6fd4e

Here's my practice cake for the little girl
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/imagew2.aspx?i=33448106&c=1050448&z=0&v=75e2e0d2777a035cdc76bfff5364c55dbb69e346821cc97e a4b21fffc6cf9ebe23208b98dcf6fd4e

I have a ton of fun making cakes. And I LOVE seeing everyone elses.....I can always use more ideas! Cakecentral.com is an awesome website, I've gotten tons of great recipes and ideas from there.

RONSPUMKIN...nice avatar!!! Is that first cake a frozen buttercream transfer? The picture looks great!

Anyone else have any great cakes/recipes/ideas to share?

[JAYLIN]

Oh, forgot to add..
TGRAY......fondant is really pretty easy to work with, you should have no problems....my b-day presents cake was all done with fondant and that was only my 2nd time working with the stuff. Can't wait to see yours!

[ronspumpkin]

WOW Jaylin!! Those cakes are fantastic!!!
Both of the cakes above are BCT. They are really easy. If you can trace, you can do a BCT.
I can't get over your cakes! Great job! How much time did it take you for the little girl cake. Looks like a lot of stars. Do you use the 3 star tip when doing a project like that? I just did a red hat lady cake for a co-worker and used the stars to fill in the hat and my hand KILLED me after all of those stars and it wasn't even close to the little girl or the sponge bob!

[JAYLIN]

RONSPUMPKIN....Thanks! yes, my hand is always killing me after star cakes....I hate it! And I only use the single star tip....I really should give the triple one a try. When you do your FBCT what tip do you use to do the outline? I've seen pics of a few that don't look very good, the black outline was too thick and it ruined the look of the picture.

[ronspumpkin]

Oh, gosh, numbers....I think it was the small round number 2 maybe? I generally try to use the 12 tip to fill in so there aren't many lines to smooth out.

[nic]

[QUOTE=EmilyZA]I agree! But I still love it.

There's a local bakery that makes THE BEST cakes, and I've always been obsessed with them. Last week was my mom's birthday and we got a cake there, and now I am going crazy trying to figure out how they get their icing so creamy. I told my instructor about it and she said they probably used this ingredient, but now I forget what the name of it is! I'm looking online, I can't believe how many cake

EmilyZ, are you talking about Patsy's In Somerville?

[EmilyZA]

EmilyZ, are you talking about Patsy's In Somerville?
No, actually I'm talking about Lyndell's in Somerville! OMG, there stuff is to die for! I've never tried Patsy's.

Jaylin: I can't see your cakes. :(

How do you do a buttercream transfer?

I'm so new to all of this and I read a lot on CakeCentral but I don't know a lot of this stuff yet! I'm so glad that there are so many CC'ers who decorate!

[EmilyZA]

Found the answer to my own question!

How to Create a Buttercream Transfer (http://cakecentral.com/article12-How_To_Create_a_Frozen_Buttercream_Transfer.html)

[jmvan74]

I've been lurking and debating if I want to take the classes at Michael's! It looks so fun and yummy! I think I'll go and see if I can get in to the class starting next week. :p

[d4est]

Ya know I have always wanted to take those classes at Michaels. My mom is great at decorating cakes. I am so glad to see this thread. Lately I have been in a rut where I dont even want to bake. Maybe this will inspire me.

[BryantRN]

OMG, I think I just might have found yet another craft that I would be dying to do. I think that I might just have to go to my local Michaels this weekend to see if they have those classes. Sounds like so much fun! Jlp that pizza cake is so fun!! I love all the cakes posted. Great work!

~Renee~

[Amuse Bouche]

I've never taken a class, but I've made a couple of wedding cakes in my day. My own, and a friend's.

This is mine. It's rolled, almond flavored fondant (I bought the fondant, but colored and flavored it myself) over grand marnier buttercream.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/kcw214/47b3dd01b3127cce9e3fca9623160000004.jpg

I practiced with three single layer fondant cakes before making this one. It's a bit of a pain, but once you get the knack of it, it's easier than straight buttercream, I think, because it's easier to get it to look professional.

This is my friend's. It's poured chocolate ganache with some royal icing piping and chocolate plastic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v401/kcw214/47b4d827b3127cce9e3fc8c44f2a0000002.jpg

[jmvan74]

Everyone's cakes look so yummy!
Amuse Bouche: I can't beleive you never took any classes! Wow!:D

I am starting the first Wilton class next Saturday! Hooray! I can't wait to get started. :p

[EmilyZA]

Here are my pics of my basketweave cake for Course 2:

http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/58900771-S.jpg

http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/58900778-S.jpg

[Shakua]

EmilyZA great cake! I love the color of the flowers!

[jmvan74]

EmilyZA: Very nice! I'm so excited to get started.

[vjel]

great cakes everyone! I think I'm getting inspired to give cake decorating another try. :) I took the Wilton class (just the first one) a few years ago thru the county w/ some girlfriends and never did much after it. I do plan to make a cake for my DD's 2nd b-day party though (nothing as elaborate as some of these cakes, just REAL simple for me!) so we'll see.

Do any of you have this Icing Sculptor?
http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/2104-12_m.jpg

Looks pretty easy to use and would add a nice touch to cakes. Any thoughts?

[emschwar]

I have the icing sculptor, but I haven't used it yet.

[EmilyZA]

I have the really simple one... also by Wilton, but it's a triangle and only has 3 sides (obviously) each with a different pattern. It was 99 cents I think! I haven't tried it yet though.

[vjel]

Originally posted by EmilyZAI have the really simple one... also by Wilton, but it's a triangle and only has 3 sides (obviously) each with a different pattern. It was 99 cents I think! I haven't tried it yet though.


I haven't seen the triangle one. Was this a fairly recent purchase? I may just buy it and see how it goes. If you guys use it anytime soon, would love to see how you like it and how the cake turns out. :)

[EmilyZA]

Yes! I bought it a few weeks ago. Here's the link on Wilton's site:

http://www.wilton.com/store/site/product.cfm?id=3E311442-475A-BAC0-5E16A14A599508CE&fid=3E32BB8A-475A-BAC0-53CD88D113C4602A

[BooeyJ2]

Ooh, just found this thread and it's making me want to go take a class! :)

I made "snake cake" once for my nephew's b-day and everyone loved it, so I think taking a class might be fun. I'll have to look into it.

Off hand, can anyone tell me the prices and amount of days, etc?

[vjel]

Julie,

From Michael's website:
Wilton Cake Decorating I, II and III Classes
March 5, 2006 - April 1, 2006 Contact your local store for time information.
Wilton Cake Decorating has never been more affordable! Learn how to decorate cakes like the pro. This four week class starts the week of March 5th. This month, purchase the student kit, get the class for free. See your local store for specific dates and times.

not sure of the cost since I didn't take it thru Michaels. I'm sure you would do great in the class w/ all the creative juices that flows thru your family! ;)

EmilyZA, thanks for posting your triangle icing sculptor! Did you happen to get it at Michaels? I'm heading there this afternoon but don't ever recall seeing it there. I'll have to look again.

[jmvan74]

Booeyj2: The first class is 4 2hr sessions. I'm actually taking it at Joann's and it was $20.00, Plus $20 for the kit. They also offer it at Michael's and at AC Moore. If you check out the websites they give you a list of events with times and days. :)

[emschwar]

Booey - Michael's frequently (like every session) has deals on the classes. Sometimes it's buy the kit and get the class free, sometimes it's 50% off and sometimes it's enroll and a friend gets in free.

[BooeyJ2]

Thanks gals! One last question, are these day or night classes? Are they on set days (like every Monday or whatever?)? Just trying to figure out if I would even be able to make it to the classes since I work PT and have a little one and would need DH to be with DD while I went :) Thanks!

[emschwar]

When I took them, it was like every wednesday night from 7-9. I'm sure the day varies by location though.

[EmilyZA]

BooeyJ2: I take my classes at Michael's, and they do run promotions quite a bit. Like emschwar said, normally it's half off (ends up being $12.50) or buy the kit, get the class free. It is every week on the same set day.

vjel: Yes, I did get it at Michael's.

[BooeyJ2]

Perfect :) I'm gonna look into it :)
Thanks again.

[vjel]

EmilyZA, thanks! I found it at Michael's yesterday. Now I need to find a reason to bake a cake. :cool: ;)

[jmvan74]

BooeyJ2: The class I'm taking is 4 Saturdays from 10am-12pm. I missed out on the deal at Michael's, but I wanted to take it on the weekend and the Michael's classes in my area were week nights. :rolleyes:

[sparkle&shine]

I am taking the Wilton class III right now! I am loving decorating cakes! I go to cakecentral daily and get great tips there. My MIL does cakes and I always wanted to take the classes and finally did with a friend. We are both having so much fun.

I will have to upload some pictures soon!

[malibubarbie04]

I'm currently taking Course 3 from Michaels...in my 2nd class of Course 3 & this Thursday night I'm doing my first fondant cake!! :) The present/bow one...

Just wanted to say that Emily-Your course 2 finale cake looked great...mine looked horrible!! We had to put some bird on ours!! :( I LOVE the hearts!! Your rope border looks great too!!

I hope I have some better cakes to share!! But I've been really enjoying the classes...almost makes me want to do it for a living (minus my arm/hand hurting so bad!!)

[EmilyZA]

malibubarbie04: Thanks! The hearts are butterfly wings-- she gave us the option of doing the bird or the hearts/wings, so I figured those would be easier!

I just started Course 3 tonight...

I'm with some of you on wanting to do this for a living. I love it. I have become so obsessed with all of it, it's so destressing to me. I get so stressed out at work and this is the only thing sometimes that keeps my mind off of it.

My husband's birthday is this week and I'm making him a Spiderman cake! I'll post pictures next week (I'm doing it over the weekend.)

I also picked up two books that I've wanted for a while:

http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/902-904_m1.jpg
and
http://www.wilton.com/store/images/site_images/902-1375_m1.jpg

[cantwait]

I can't believe I just found this thread! I have been into baking & decorating cakes for years now. I am self-taught based on a passion for baking and eating really decadent sweets. I believe first and foremost that the cake has to taste great, so everything is 100% scratch and made with the best ingredients (I hate shortening, so my buttercream is a meringue-based BUTTERcream - 3 pounds of butter, to be exact!)

Here are a few cakes I've done-
My first wedding cake that I made for a friend-
http://images.snapfish.com/346553%3B%3C%3B%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2324%3D658%3D9%3B3%3 DXROQDF%3E23237%3A775%3C9%3A7ot1lsi

My son's 1st birthday cake-
http://images.snapfish.com/346554236%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2324%3D658%3D9%3B3%3DXROQD F%3E2323898%3C8%3C975ot1lsi

The animals are made of hand-molded fondant-
http://images.snapfish.com/346554236%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2324%3D658%3D9%3B3%3DXROQD F%3E2323898%3C855%3B%3Bot1lsi

Another wedding cake - chocolate fondant over white cake with raspberry mousse and white and dark chocolate mousses
http://images.snapfish.com/346554258%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2324%3D658%3D9%3B3%3DXROQD F%3E2323%3B4744748%3Bot1lsi

A baby shower cake-
http://images.snapfish.com/34655426%3B%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2324%3D658%3D9%3B3%3DXRO QDF%3E2324259764%3A%3C5ot1lsi

I just loved the booties (completely edible), and they are so easy to make with cupcakes and piped icing!
http://images.snapfish.com/34655426%3B%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3233%3E567%3E8%3C2%3EWS NRCG%3D323334%3A673%3B%3B8nu0mrj

I have found the message boards at Wilton.com and Sugarcraft.com to be extremely helpful. I also love this site for ideas and inspirations: Earlene's Cakes (http://www.earlenescakes.com). I have made her fondant pearls before and they are so beautiful (if not a little time consuming).

[lawyergirl25]

Wow, cantwait, those are amazing!

[vjel]

can't wait, your cakes are awesome!!! :eek: LOVE the baby shower cake! do you do this for fun or as a profession?

is your buttercream super sweet? would you mind sharing your recipe? :o

[d4est]

wow Cantwait - those are fantastic.

Does anyone make and decorate little cakes? I saw a book on Amazon (cant remember what the name was) but it had all sorts of little cakes- so cute!

[snowzilla]

Ummmm, Cantwait - will you move into my house and be my personal baker? Those cakes are incredible!!! :eek:

I've been following along in the thread, and I think it's definitely time for me to check out the local classes at Michaels. I'm still debating some self-teaching though - I tend to like to figure things out at my own pace. (That, and my schedule is a little crazy to fit in a class.) Cantwait - you say "self-taught" - did you use any particular books or resources to teach yourself? TIA!

[JAYLIN]

CANTWAIT....your cakes are beautiful! Can you share your buttercream recipe? I also make a buttercream that is meringue based but there's no butter in it....kinda ironic. It has 2 1/2 sticks of crisco. I've been using it because it's light and fluffy and not real sweet, it tastes really good, but I know it has all that crisco and it kinda grosses me out.....everyone else loves it though!

Do you have any problems with it since it's all butter? I thought you needed some shortening in the icing for stability?

[vjel]

Originally posted by snowzilla
I'm still debating some self-teaching though - I tend to like to figure things out at my own pace.

I think you could learn on your own. Maybe just get the kit from Michaels and go thru it yourself. Or even Wilton.com has the same tips there that I have in my book from class. If that doesn't work for you, then maybe sign up for the Michael's class...at least you'd already have the kit.

JAYLIN, do you mind sharing your buttercream recipe too? thx!

I don't know what's worse, 3lbs of butter or 2 1/2 sticks of crisco! :eek: :p

[JAYLIN]

Here's the buttercream icing I've used on my last 2 cakes....it is very good, light&fluffy and not too sweet. It got alot of great feedback.

Chef Leah's adaptation of Charlotte's Whipped Cream Buttercream
This is a heat and humidity stable decorator's buttercream that can be used
successfully for outdoor receptions.
Single recipe
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup meringue powder
Mix in 1/2 cup boiling water
Whip to medium firm peaks.
Add in 1 Tablespoon clear vanilla, or your choice of flavorings.

Beat in 1 pound of confectioner's sugar. Whip to stiff peak.

Whip in 1 pound of vegetable shortening. The mixture will deflate and you
will think that it is ruined. It is not ruined! Just let the mixer
continue to whip and the volume will come back to where it was before the
addition of the fat.

If you have a few more minutes, change to the flat beater and mix on the
slowest speed to get out some of the air.

A very soft icing, light and fluffy, easy to spread and naturally smooth.
Minimal crusting, generally considered a non-crusting icing. Also very
repairable for those little "dings."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is also a recipes for marshmallow fondant which I just used this past weekend. I hated the taste of the wilton fondant...and it was expensive, so I gave this a try....it worked great....and tasted like a circus peanut.

MARSHMALLOW FONDANT
small batch

1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 Tbsp. water
powdered sugar (approx 1 1/2 cups)

Melt marshmallows and water in microwave for about 20 - 30 seconds and stir in about 1 cup of sugar.
Knead the rest of the sugar in until its not sticky. Let sit till cool. (about an hour or so) Store tightly wrapped
and in an airtight container. Can be reheated in microwave to use again if it gets hard. Can be refrigerated
and colored easily.

[Kingdono]

Wow I can't believe I just found this thread. I will have to scan some of my pictures. Last year I made the stand up Pooh Bear for my son's 1st birthday. I think it took 6 hours to cover with the star tip. Next year I will buy the larger star. I learned by working in a bakery when I was in High School but i would like to take the Wilton classes to brush up on my technique because it's been a long time since High school and I don't have the skill I used to.

My cake advice is I've always gotten a really moist solid cake from good old betty crocker or dunkin hines. When I make my own they seem to be more dry. Also lots of bakerys use lard instead of butter or shortening.

[Chimichanga]

I will be trying my first fondant cake tonight. I'm making a "book" cake for a baby shower (book themed). If the fondant doesn't work right, I have some white frosting I can use instead. I'm not going to put the cutsie flowers and such on, I'd love to but I don't have the tools right now.

I'll post pictures of what it looks like. Wish me luck!!

[JAYLIN]

I always use a doctored box cake for my white/french vanilla cakes and a homemade choco cake (the mayo recipe)...never found a box choco that I liked.

Here's the box cake recipe.
1 box mix (I only use duncin hines, french vanilla)
1C Sour Cream
1 pkg pudding (french vanilla)
4 egg whites
1/3c oil

It makes a good heavy cake, I think the box cake are way to light and fluffy.

Also, don't know if anyone mentioned...www.sugarcraft.com also has a really good message board also. Great for recipes and ideas.....but cakecentral is definately my favorite.

[jmvan74]

cantwait: Your cakes are gorgeous!

I need to copy down these recipes for different icings. Yummy. I will be making my first cake for the Wilton class this weekend. I'm going to make a St. Patrick's Day cake. I'll take pics and share later!

[JAYLIN]

Just seeing if the photos work...
http://static.flickr.com/56/112536976_e1d5541378_m.jpg

[EmilyZA]

I am so happy that there are so many of you out there! :)

cantwait: WOW. Your cakes are gorgeous, and so creative!

snowzilla: AC Moore and other craft stores offer the Wilton classes as well, if that's more convenient.

Jaylin: That cake is awesome!

I think I'm in the minority-- I'm a huge fan of very sweet icings! I'm really happy with the Wilton icing recipe, especially since it's safe to keep out if you have to. I've also been happy with cake mixes but am looking to see if I can add anything to make them feel a little more homemade-- I may try that recipe, Jaylin!

[Kingdono]

Wilton has a recipe that is for a buttercream made with Whipping cream I'll have to dig it out at home. It is not too sweet however it can be a little soft.

[EmilyZA]

Is it this (http://www.wilton.com/recipes/recipesandprojects/icing/extraspecial_bcream.cfm), kingdono?

[emschwar]

Is it this (http://www.wilton.com/recipes/recipesandprojects/icing/extraspecial_bcream.cfm), kingdono?
That's my whipping cream buttercream recipe! It's very tasty! (I didn't even know it was from wilton. My instructor gave it to me.) Thinner than regular buttercream - you can't figure pipe with it, but it is yummy.

[Kingdono]

I think that's it but I don't remember using so much sugar in it. I do use 1/2 butter instead of shortening in the receipe. I think that is why I always have to keep putting back in the fridge when I make cakes in the summer.

[sparkle&shine]

I will have to upload some of my pictures onto Snapfish tonight to show off some of my cakes!

Anyone making a St. Patrick's Day cake? I am thinking of making a green hat for a party I am going to tomorrow!

[jmvan74]

I'm making a ST. Patrick's Day cake tomorrow. It will be my first official attempt at decorating! I hope it comes out okay.:o

[Kingdono]

I didn't have the ambition to make a cake but last night I made cupcakes for my sons class just generic nothing special but they did have green icing.

[sparkle&shine]

Okay no laughing!
Here is my very first decorated cake:
http://images.snapfish.com/34658%3C7%3C9%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233594583825nu0mrj

Here is my clown cake from course 1
http://images.snapfish.com/3465873%3B3%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323359457879%3Cnu0mrj

My rose cake - I got a flat tire on the way to class so I never got the lesson. Needless to say my roses didn't turn out the way I had hoped.
http://images.snapfish.com/3465873%3B3%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3EWS NRCG%3D32335945838%3A4nu0mrj

Here is a 'cake' I made for a friend. She doesn't like cake that much and her DH suggested a twinkie cake and here is what I came up with. Rice Kripie treat center with royal icing drop flowers. Twinkies & Chocodiles.
http://images.snapfish.com/3465873%3B3%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3EWS NRCG%3D3233594583579nu0mrj

[sparkle&shine]

Here are some cupcakes I made for fun:
http://images.snapfish.com/34658%3C7%3C9%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323359777997%3Anu0mrj

My cake from Course II
http://images.snapfish.com/34658%3C7%3C9%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D3233597779963nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/34658%3C7%3C9%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323359777995%3Cnu0mrj

And my latest cake from Course III
My fondant present cake - We were very rushed so it wasn't as perfect as I had hoped (we only had 15 minl.s to cut out and decorate our cake) but I think it turned out very good for my first time with fondant.
http://images.snapfish.com/34658%3C7%3C9%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D3233597784425nu0mrj

[vjel]

sparkle&shine, your cakes look GREAT!

[EmilyZA]

sparkle&shine:Your cakes look great! You must be one week ahead of me b/c we're doing the fondant cake Monday night!

My DH loves Spiderman so I made this cake for his birthday, just finished it this morning:

http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/60378697-M.jpg

[sparkle&shine]

Thanks Vjel & EmilyZA!

So I made a St. Patricks day cake on Sat!
I dyed the cake batter green so the whole cake was green in and out! Cream cheese frosting with fondant buckle & shamrocks.
http://images.snapfish.com/3465%3A%3A4%3C5%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446% 3EWSNRCG%3D323359%3B9%3A%3B%3B96nu0mrj

Here are the roses that I started making for my final cake. The picture is kind of dark....
http://images.snapfish.com/3465%3A%3A4%3C5%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233597784446nu0mrj

[cantwait]

Sorry it took me so long to get back here, but I wanted to thank everyone for their compliments on my cakes! I really do love doing it. I have gotten paid for them in the past but I'd say it's more of a hobby. I tend to focus far more on interesting flavor combinations and quality ingredients (aka yumminess) than appearance, but the perfectionist in me wants them to look nice, too. Some of your cakes are so beautiful that I am jealous - I want to learn how to do some of these techniques!

Since I taught myself, I learned SO much from this book: 'Sweet Celebrations: The Art of Decorating Beautiful Cakes' (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684846756/sr=8-1/qid=1143082206/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3898279-7174250?%5Fencoding=UTF8) By Sylvia Weinstock with Kate Manchester

Sylvia Weinstock is a cake genius and she shares all her recipes in this book, as well as techniques. I use her recipes almost exclusively and I get raves about my buttercream and yellow cake. I got the book from the library and photocopied the recipes, but I managed to find a couple of web links with these recipes. They really are the best and worth the work (make sure you have a stand mixer if you're making the buttercream - and one batch makes a lot! It freezes great.) It's more involved than the standard super-sweet powdered sugar buttercream, but really not as complicated as it sounds. I HATE shortening in icing, so this is the best thing ever. It spreads and pipes like a dream, although it's not great in super-hot weather (not much is!)

Buttercream Icing (http://transcripts.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/02/09/sylvia.weinstock/icing.html)

Classic Yellow Cake (http://transcripts.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/02/09/sylvia.weinstock/yellow.cake.html)

[shopaholic]

I keep hearing about these courses @ Michaels and now I am really interested. How are the classes themselves? Do you decorate your cakes right there or at home and bring them in?

[snowzilla]

I just noticed in an email from Michael's this morning that the Wilton courses will be half-price in April. :)

[sparkle&shine]

I keep hearing about these courses @ Michaels and now I am really interested. How are the classes themselves? Do you decorate your cakes right there or at home and bring them in?

I am really enjoying the Wilton methond classes at Michael's. It is a great place to start and I have learned a lot. In the first class you make 3 cakes, the second class you only make one cake, and in the third you make 2 - I posted all my class cakes (rainbow, clowns, roses, basketweave, and fondant present). I have my last cake on Tues. which is a 2 tier wedding type cake with fondant flowers!

You bring your frosted plain cake to class and decorate them right there! It is fun because you get to bring a decorated cake home. We sometimes run out of time at the end of class but I have always had time to mostly finish my cakes.

[JAYLIN]

CANTWAIT....that buttercream icing, she's says 3 1/2c of sugar, I'm assuming that means granulated, not powdered? It kinda seems similar to the recipe for Italian meringue buttercream, (i don't have it in front of me, so I'm not positive) Have you every used that? Everyone on cakecentral raves about the stuff, saying you'll never used another recipe again. Well I made it and I wasn't blown away by it. I was just wondering if it's anything like that?

[cantwait]

Jaylin - I just went and looked at the Italian meringue buttercream on cakecentral and I'd say the technique is similar but the recipes are different. Weinstock's recipe calls for only butter, not butter & shortening (makes a huge difference in flavor). I personally hate the grainy, supersweet icings, and this one tastes rich rather than sweet and just has a really nice fluffy consistency and super-smooth texture. I love it - it's the best recipe I've tried by far (and I've tried a lot).

ETA - Yes, it is granulated sugar that you boil with the water to 240 degrees, then add slowly into the beaten egg whites.

[Jenean]

Wow, what amazing cakes you guys have made! I've always wanted to take this class, but always seemed to miss the first class of each series. This time I'm planning ahead and have signed up to take the first course starting next week. I'm so excited and can't wait to start!

[shopaholic]

I am really enjoying the Wilton methond classes at Michael's. It is a great place to start and I have learned a lot. In the first class you make 3 cakes, the second class you only make one cake, and in the third you make 2 - I posted all my class cakes (rainbow, clowns, roses, basketweave, and fondant present). I have my last cake on Tues. which is a 2 tier wedding type cake with fondant flowers!

You bring your frosted plain cake to class and decorate them right there! It is fun because you get to bring a decorated cake home. We sometimes run out of time at the end of class but I have always had time to mostly finish my cakes.
Do you make actual real cakes or use "decoys". I am just a little worried about making so many cakes because then I am going to eat them and so will BF and he will not be happy about all the sweets (no self control w/ sweets). lol :)

[sparkle&shine]

celicacutie81 ~ Yup, real cakes! Let me tell you though the guys at work love me ;) DH isn't supposed to eat sweets and the cake won't be eaten at home so I take all my cakes to work for the guys here to eat. You can always give cakes away to friends or family if you don't want them hanging around the house!

Right now we are munching on my 'wedding' cake! It turned out beautiful! I will have to get the pictures loaded so that I can post them.

[shopaholic]

that is true...didn't really think about bringing them to work. Now I am interested but the nearest Michaels is 10 miles away :(

[EmilyZA]

that is true...didn't really think about bringing them to work. Now I am interested but the nearest Michaels is 10 miles away :(
Michael's isn't the only store that teaches the Wilton method. A.C. Moore also does... I would suggest calling around to your local arts and crafts stores. We even have a local store that only sells cake decorating supplies, and they offer it.

[skittltoes]

Wow, the cakes in this thread are incredible! Must look into classes now, I'm very interested.

[sparkle&shine]

Okay here are pictures of my class 3 finale! I think that it turned out great and was very proud of it - one of the best in class!

http://images.snapfish.com/3466%3A559%3B%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323362454%3A395nu0mrj

Close Up
http://images.snapfish.com/3466%3A559%3B%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D3233624559838nu0mrj

And Again at home with a prettier background!
http://images.snapfish.com/3466%3A559%3B%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323362454%3A3%3A3nu0mrj

I think I took about 12 pictures of it :o

[sparkle&shine]

Here is a picture of a 30th B-Day cake for my SIL's SIL - Got that ;) (DH's Sister's husband's sister) I did NOT do this cake but thought it was very pretty!

http://images.snapfish.com/3466%3A559%3B%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3E WSNRCG%3D323362454%3A394nu0mrj

[janders6]

Sparkle&shine - your cake looks great! Is it fondant?

I must go call Michaels and sign up for a class...

[blueskygirl]

Hi, new to this forum but I do a lot of cakes for fun and a few for pay. I've never taken a class, I just kind of play around and see what works and what doesn't. I still haven't tackled a full size cake covered in fondant, but that's next on my list of "for fun" projects.

I'll be back to post pictures at some point. :D

[jenji]

I'm seriously contemplating taking the Wilton classes if I switch to working part time soon. I like to mess around with cakes now and have made one with rolled fondant but I'm still learning a lot

[jmvan74]

sparkle&shine: Your wedding cake is beautiful! Wow!

[Julss05]

sparkle&shine-love the flowers on your cake! Great detail.

I'm glad I stopped here, I've been racking my brain for a hobby. I like creating things, used to be an art major, and have been told I'm good at decorating so why not give cakes a try! Who knows maybe it can be a part time job if I'm any good, if not I'll still be better at making cakes than I was before;).

[QueenofCA]

Hey everyone!

I am loving this thread! All the cakes are wonderful and you ladies certainly are talented!

I love cake decorating. I haven't taken any of the Wilton classes yet due to scheduling conflicts, so I'm mostly self-taught. I'd really like to learn the "right way" sometime soon.

But until then, I muddle along. Here's what I'm planning on bringing to Easter dinner at my DH's family's house:

http://a444.g.akamai.net/7/444/703/20010814235334/www.marthastewart.com/images/content/tv/tvs4095.jpg

I'm going to buy plain marzipan and color it and shape it myself to make the vegetables. For the "soil", I'm going to use crushed Oreos. The recipe calls for pastillage for the fence but it seems really difficult to make, so I'm going to try white chocolate instead. Let's see how it goes! If it comes out looking anything remotely like this picture, I'll post pics here :)

[sparkle&shine]

Thanks everyone for the comments! I really loved making that cake and I was just so happy how it turned out!

QueenofCA You could probably even make that fence out of Fondant strips that you have added some gumtex too and let dry. I would definitely try the chocolate first though ;) Yummy! It is a very pretty cake!

[ManteoChik]

Okay ladies so I'm interested in this class at Michael's. A friend of mine and I are considering doing it and I was just wondering what you guys think of it. Is it hard? How does the whole thing work? Do you bake your own cake and take it in with you to decorate?

[jmvan74]

ManteoChik: The class is fun, but decorating is definitely more difficult than I expected. I enjoyed the first course and will probably sign up for the second one soon. You bake and ice your cake at home and then bring it in to decorate. They have a special recipe for the frosting. It learned alot and will be using what I learned for future cake prjects. ;)

[Jenean]

Hi ladies! I had my second Course 1 class last night at Michaels and my rainbow cake is currently being devoured by the vultures in my office. ;) (I'll post pics as soon as I upload them.) It was fun! I didn't realize how much time it took to prep everything - making the icing, coloring it, icing the cake, etc., but I just know now that I need to do that part a couple of days ahead of time instead of waiting till the night before. I'm looking forward to next week already!

ManteoChik, yup, you make your cake and ice it at home and then bring it with you to decorate. I don't know if I would say it's "hard", but it is time-consuming and I guess could be tedious if you are working on a large cake with a lot of details. But I think it's fun, and the class itself is pretty good. I love to bake, so I'm glad that I'm finally learning these basics so that I can make what I bake look pretty in the future. I think the class would be fun to do with a friend. Go for it!

[sparkle&shine]

Jenean ~ Isn't it absolutely AMAZING how much work actually goes into making a cake! I can not believe how long it took me to get ready for classes some nights. I remember when I was engaged and looking at wedding cakes I thought it was ridiculous how much they cost but now I truly understand how much time, energy, and even costs go into making a cake. It is definitely something you have to want to do!

[vwinkel]

Question regarding the Michael's classes - I see that there are courses 1, 2, and 3. For May my store only offers Course 2 (1-4). Do I need to wait for course 1?

[Jenean]

sparkle&shine, yeah, I was surprised! I thought, well, it'll just take me a few minutes to whip up the frosting and color it. Nope! I'm really glad my Sundays are free the next few weeks so I can spend the afternoons prepping for my Tuesday night classes!

vwinkel, I think you have to take Course 1 first, and then you can take Courses 2 and 3 in whatever order you want. Course 1 teaches you the basics and the other courses get into more complicated stuff.

[vwinkel]

Thanks Jenean - for the response! That's so weird because currently they are doing Course 3 and next month they are doing Course 2. You would think they would do it in progressive order. :rolleyes: Just when I get motivated to do something, I have to wait two months!

[BryantRN]

I have been lurking in here and just wanted to come out and say that in my recent Michaels flyer it said that cake decorating classes were 50%off. I love all the pics that have posted here. It has inspired me to sign up!!

~Renee~

[QueenofCA]

Here's how my Easter cake came out! I think it came out well, considering it was my first time working with marzipan.

http://images.snapfish.com/34684%3C686%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3233%3E56%3B%3E28%3A%3E 232456%3B37%3B398ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34684%3C686%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3233%3E56%3B%3E28%3A%3E 232456%3B37%3B382ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34684%3C686%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E844%3E959%3E WSNRCG%3D323365%3B%3B6%3B%3A2%3Bnu0mrj

Some close-ups of the veggies I made:

http://images.snapfish.com/34684%3C686%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E844%3E959%3EWS NRCG%3D323365%3B%3B6%3B%3A3%3Anu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34684%3C686%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E844%3E959%3EWS NRCG%3D323365%3B%3B6%3B%3A2%3Cnu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34684%3C686%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E844%3E959%3EWS NRCG%3D323365%3B%3B6%3B%3A39nu0mrj

[Jenean]

QueenofCA, that looks wonderful!!! Did you frost the top or is that just chocolate cake under the veggies?

[QueenofCA]

Thank you Jenean!

I frosted the top of the cake and then sprinkled crushed chocolate cookie crumbs on top to make the "dirt". The icing underneath also helped the veggies stay on, although I used toothpicks to secure them anyway.

:)

[jmvan74]

QueenofCA: What a great cake! I love it. How long did it take you?

[QueenofCA]

Hi Jmvan74! Thank you for the compliment. I kind of split up the work over three days, so I'll break it down that way. It took me about an hour and a half to color and shape the marzipan veggies. I love marzipan now...it's like edible play-doh! Then it took me about 3 hours to bake the cake, make the cream cheese icing, and put the crumb coat on. It took me another hour to make the white chocolate fence. Then I would say it took me another hour to put everything together and put on the finishing touches. Sorry for the long story! I guess I can say it took me 6 hours total. :)

[Rose]

Queen that is a beautiful cake! I love your marzipan work.

[kmmommy]

QueenofCA ~ I love that cake! It's adorable and you did a great job!

[sparkle&shine]

QueenofCA ~ WOW!! It turned out great! How did you do the chocolate fence?

[QueenofCA]

Thanks for all the compliments, ladies!

Sparkle&Shine, I made the fence by melting white chocolate chips and then spreading the melted chocolate onto wax paper. I let it cool and then cut them out.

[emschwar]

Here's Noah's birthday cake for his gymboree party today. Not the most spectacular thing, but I think he'll be excited to see it.
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/346899692%7Ffp4%3Enu%3D3235%3E33%3B%3E437%3EWSNRCG %3D323254635%3A423nu0mrj

[tgr68]

I'm prepping for DD's first birthday in June. Here's the cake that I have totally fallen in love with (photoshopped with our colors):
Original (http://www.cindascreativecakes.com/Photos/jpgs/cakes/fullsize/IMG_3501.jpg)
http://www.dropshots.com/photos/32398/20060423/183025.jpg
The smaller "gift" would be DD's cake.

So my question is.....as someone with little baking/cake decorating experience, is this something I could learn to do myself by then or should I just rely on the proffesionals to handle it?

[BsstGrl]

I think all the cakes everyone has made look great! I'm inspired to take this class sometime in the future when I have time. Looks like fun and I'd love to be able to make some cool cakes for our future kids birthdays and stuff.

[QueenofCA]

Emschwar I think your cake came out wonderfully! All that detail! It looks great :)

[vjel]

I am planning to make this butterfly cake for my DD's b-day in a couple weeks. Will any of the buttercream recipes that you guys have posted work well for decorating this (using the star tip)?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y72/vjel/butterflycakes.jpg

Also, do you think I need to do a thin crumb layer first before piping the stars? The instructions that came w/ the pan doesn't say to do this but a gf of mine said I should.


em, your cake turned out great, hope Noah enjoyed it! how long did that take you to decorate? (trying to figure out a timeline for myself)

[emschwar]

I think it took me 2 hours to decorate the cake. Not counting baking time and frosting making time. I had lots of baking malfunctions - I ended up making 3 cakes, because the first 2 were disasters (first one stuck to the pan, and the head broke off on the 2nd).

I used my cake class buttercream recipe, which works well. I can post it, I just have to get off my butt and go get it :)

[tgr68]

Em~Yes, please "get off your butt and go get it"! ;) I have been looking for buttercream recipes to try out before tackling DD's birthday cake!

[vjel]

thanks Em for responding so fast! :) Is your buttercream recipe the one with whipped cream posted a few pages back? If so, I already copied it!

2hrs is not bad at all. Did you do a crumb layer on the cake first or just pipe stars directly on to cake?

[Goodies]

Great job on all the cakes ladies! Just a quick question, I love to use Fondant but hate the test, is there a special trick in helping make it not taste all chaulky? I use the Wilton fondant.
Thanks :D

[vjel]

tgr68,

This (http://www.constantchatter.com/showpost.php?p=609108&postcount=62) is a buttercream recipe jaylin posted awhile back that she likes to use.

This (http://www.wilton.com/recipes/recipesandprojects/icing/extraspecial_bcream.cfm) is the Wilton Buttercream recipe that I know em has said she's used in the past, not sure if it's the same one she is referring to in her last post though.

cantwait also posted this (http://transcripts.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/02/09/sylvia.weinstock/icing.html) awhile back as well.

HTH! :)

[emschwar]

vjel - no crumb layer, and no, it's not the whipped cream recipe.

Here's the buttercream recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups crisco
2 lb bag of confectioners sugar (10x)
*3 to 6 Tbsp water
*1 Tbsp vanilla flavoring (use the clear wilton flavoring for true white icing)
*1 tsp butter and/or almond flavoring (again, the clear)
dash of salt

*measure flavorings, then add water to equal 1/3 cup

Cream shortening until very smooth. Add salt and water blending slowly. Gradually add sugar using medium speed until thoroughly mixed. Blend an additional minute or so until creamy. Do not overbeat.


It's not the world's fanciest buttercream recipe, but it's good (though not fantastic - but I always get compliments on it. I don't think it's that wonderful, but then I consume so much of it while I'm decorating, that I'm not a good judge) and it's really easy. If you have a stand mixer, that'll make life that much easier, though you can do it with a hand mixer.

[vjel]

goodies, if you click on the link I posted above to jaylin's buttercream recipe, she also posted a marshmallow fondant recipe she tried and liked.

[emschwar]

Oh yeah - the whipped cream recipe is delicious, but it's not very firm. You could do star cakes with it, but it won't stand up for figure piping. It has to be refrigerated, and if it's really warm out when you're decorating, you might find it melts a little.

[janders6]

Emily - have you ever made your recipe with butter instead of crisco? and does it hold up?

Thanks!

[vjel]

thanks a bunch em!!!

[emschwar]

Emily - have you ever made your recipe with butter instead of crisco? and does it hold up?

Thanks!
I think you can substitute half the crisco for butter. I've never done it, because if you use butter, then the frosting isn't really white. And since I only ever make it to decorate, I want it as pure white as possible.

[jmvan74]

I've made the recipe Em used with butter. It gets soft faster and like she said, it's not pure white. It has a hint of yellow to it. It is absolutely yummy, though!

Here's the cake I made for Easter. Mind you, I did it in like 2 hours, Easter morning. :o

http://images1.snapfish.com/34699%3A2%3B4%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3238%3E66%3B%3E8%3A3% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233696%3B7996%3Cnu0mrj

The bunny is a bit crooked, but hey, it's like the 4th cake I've ever attempted to decorate. :p

[tgr68]

Thanks for all the recipes!!!

One last question ;)................I'm wanting to dye the icing a bright/hot pink. I know they make a icing/dessert specific coloring, but how do I get the bright color I'm going for? I don't want to add to much and get red, but I'm not looking for a pale pink either. Do I need to use one of the other colros in addition to the red?

[emschwar]

Thanks for all the recipes!!!

One last question ;)................I'm wanting to dye the icing a bright/hot pink. I know they make a icing/dessert specific coloring, but how do I get the bright color I'm going for? I don't want to add to much and get red, but I'm not looking for a pale pink either. Do I need to use one of the other colros in addition to the red?
Go to michaels or joann's and buy the wilton frosting colors. You'll get a better pink that way. Then add a little at a time, until you get the color you want. The colors will darken a little by the next day though, so keep that in mind.

[vjel]

One last question ................I'm wanting to dye the icing a bright/hot pink. I know they make a icing/dessert specific coloring, but how do I get the bright color I'm going for? I don't want to add to much and get red, but I'm not looking for a pale pink either. Do I need to use one of the other colros in addition to the red?


ditto what em said. They have a whole bunch of colors to choose from and I'm pretty sure they have a hot pink type color. I would use a toothpick to dip into the color and then "wipe" it into your icing (I think that's what they taught us in class). Mix it up to see what you get and then keep adding til you get the color you want.

[tgr68]

Thanks gals!!

Just gotta get to baking cakes now! ;)

[Goodies]

Thanks, I'll try that :D

[emschwar]

Thanks gals!!

Just gotta get to baking cakes now! ;)
There's a pink color, and rose. I've never used rose, but the pink, if you add enough, will be pretty much hot pink.

[emschwar]

Here's a picture of some frosting (store bought frosting) tinted with the pink icing color (yes, my son asked for a pink cake):
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/34699%3B6%3B8%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D3235%3E33%3B%3E437%3EWS NRCG%3D3232543388%3C45nu0mrj
They were more pink IRL - not quite hot pink, but getting there.

[tgr68]

That looks just about right actually!! Thanks for the pic!

[solongtogo]

delurking...

I've seen neon food coloring at walmart...hot pink was one of the colors in the box. I think it was about 4 or 5 bucks for a box of 4 neon colors.

[texmama]

I am really enjoying the Wilton methond classes at Michael's. It is a great place to start and I have learned a lot. In the first class you make 3 cakes, the second class you only make one cake, and in the third you make 2 - I posted all my class cakes (rainbow, clowns, roses, basketweave, and fondant present). I have my last cake on Tues. which is a 2 tier wedding type cake with fondant flowers!

You bring your frosted plain cake to class and decorate them right there! It is fun because you get to bring a decorated cake home. We sometimes run out of time at the end of class but I have always had time to mostly finish my cakes.

I am looking for a #1 shaped cake pan for my daughter's first birthday party. I'm going to be brave enough to try to bake & decorate it myself. I went on to Wilton's website and didn't find anything. Does anybody know where I could find it? Here's what I want it to ultimately look like:
http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=5832&page=85
(I think you have to scroll down to find the #1)

[emschwar]

You mean this cake?
http://www.imaginativeicing.co.uk/graphics_celebration_2003/number_one_butterfly_bee.jpg
Just guessing, I don't think that's from a pan. It's probably just cut into shape from a sheet cake.

[vjel]

texmama, I was going to post the same thing as emschwar

[RayNJay]

texmama: That one might be cut from a sheet cake, but Wilton used to make a number one cake pan. I think it's been retired, but there's a couple on ebay. I did a search for "cake pan one". Good luck. That's a really cute cake.

[texmama]

You mean this cake?
http://www.imaginativeicing.co.uk/graphics_celebration_2003/number_one_butterfly_bee.jpg
Just guessing, I don't think that's from a pan. It's probably just cut into shape from a sheet cake.
Yep! That's the cake I want... all of the bakeries here want $50+ for it which is more than I'm willing to spend on a CAKE! Any suggestions for alternatives to achieve the same look?

[sparkle&shine]

texmama ~ Try this link for ideas One-derful year (http://www.wilton.com/recipes/recipesandprojects/bday/toaonederfulyear.cfm)

Or eBay does have this pan for sale:
http://i11.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/11/3d/85_1.JPG

I found this one on amazon -
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0008DIAJ2.01-A1U0MYBKO1JKC7._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[shopaholic]

I just wanted to mentioned that Hobby Lobby also offers the wilton cake decorating classes.

[Jenean]

So, now that I'm halfway through Course 2 and having a blast making stuff, I've been wandering around various websites looking for ideas of cakes I can make. And I see a lot of funky shapes - not just in the decorating, but in the actual cakes.

Anybody know how to go about creating these kinds of cakes? Know any good websites, books, videos, etc?

Thanks!

[sparkle&shine]

Jenean ~ I am not sure if you found it or not but www.cakecentral.com is the best place for that kind of stuff. There are how-to's and wonderful message boards.

[Jenean]

Thanks. I do have that one bookmarked, and I see a lot of instructions for Wilton pans, but I'll look a little further and see if they tell you how to do the 3D stuff. These are the kinds of cakes I was trying to figure out how to do:

http://www.cindascreativecakes.com/Photos/jpgs/cakes/thumbnails/IMG_7744.jpg http://www.cindascreativecakes.com/Photos/jpgs/cakes/thumbnails/IMG_5055.jpg http://www.cindascreativecakes.com/Photos/jpgs/cakes/thumbnails/IMG_4562.jpg

[sparkle&shine]

On the main page if you look under New Articles there are instructions on how to do the 3D or Sculpted cakes.
Drat - the pictures won't show here.
But they have how to make a fire helmet, owl, and baby in a flowerpot that give you the steps on how to make them.

Also if you search the forums people will be more than happy to give you tips!

[Jenean]

sparkle&shine, thank you so much! Now, to decide what to try first.....

[pixielou]

has anyone used wilton's triple star tip? does it really make the decorating easier?

~pixie

[JAYLIN]

Hi all, just wanted to stop in and "show off" my latest cake.

http://static.flickr.com/50/163051945_07056e48ed.jpg?v=0

I am loving the MM fondant. It tastes so good and is so easy & cheap to make, and was great to work with. The only difference I think is that it didn't dry as hard as the wilton stuff does. 2 of my ribbons in the purple bow cracked. Other than that I love the stuff!

I made this for a neighbor's bday party and got a request from someone else to make 2 more this weekend. Does anybody have any flavor combos that they really like. I'm boring all I every make is Choc or Van cake with either Choco or Van cheesecake mousse, or a strawberry filling. When this last person asked me what flavors I could make, I felt like I had nothing to pick from.

[JAYLIN]

oh, JENEAN, definately give the 3D cakes a try, they're really not as hard as they look. The instructions are good. I made the cakes for my DD 1st bday. I made the blue one as a practice cake (I wanted to make sure the cake really could stand up) and it did! Just make sure you use a heavy cake batter. The recipe that I posted a few pages back works really well. I tried a regular cake mix and it was too light and it fell apart.

Good luck!
http://static.flickr.com/75/163057429_c06e98906d.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/55/163057430_6e876d4dac.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/61/163057431_7bbf78897b.jpg?v=0

[vjel]

OMG JAYLIN, the cakes are awesome! I love the one you did for your DD's 1st b-day!

[twiceasnice]

Everyone's cakes are so beautiful!!!! I've taken the Wilton classes I & II but still need to take III.

I have a question. For those of you who make cakes on the side for extra money, what do you typically charge?

[sparkle&shine]

Jaylin What awesome cakes! What a wonderful birthday cake I am sure that the kids were so excited! They are all so well done.

I wanted to share some of the cakes I have done recently. twiceasnice I don't charge since I don't do cakes for others really so I can't help you there.

This one was done for a Passion Party get together. I wasn't too happy with it but it was okay. The frosting was cream cheese and it was hard to get as smooth as I would have liked.
http://images1.snapfish.com/347356754%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3EWSNR CG%3D32337%3A54%3A6%3A56nu0mrj

This one was for my Dad's B-Day. I didn't spend much time on it so it was a bit plain. It sure tasted good though!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347356754%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3EWSNR CG%3D32337%3A54%3C35%3A%3Cnu0mrj

This was for a coworkers birthday. He's a chocolate lover! It's a chocolate cake with caramel filling and choc & Caramel frosting. It was super yummy!
http://images1.snapfish.com/347356754%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B69%3E446%3EWSNR CG%3D32337%3A54%3C6%3C83nu0mrj

I am supposed to make a Hawaiian themed cake for Monday. Should be fun!

[Pineknot]

Sparkle,

I love those little spikey leaves around the bottom of the chocolate cake.

I sure want me some chocolate cake with a big glass of milk right now! :p

[tgr68]

That chocolate & caramel cake looks sooooooooo good!

[pixielou]

sparkle&shine how do you make caramel frosting?

~pixie

[kedzieb]

texmama ~ Try this link for ideas One-derful year (http://www.wilton.com/recipes/recipesandprojects/bday/toaonederfulyear.cfm)

Or eBay does have this pan for sale:
http://i11.ebayimg.com/05/i/07/11/3d/85_1.JPG

I found this one on amazon -
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0008DIAJ2.01-A1U0MYBKO1JKC7._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

That 2nd one isn't a #1. I think it might be for an adult party.

I love baking and plan on taking a course at the Sugar Room (http://www.sugarroom.com/) in the Fall to learn decorating. It's right in my neighborhood and the courses look really amazing.

[QueenofCA]

I thought I would post a few pictures of the cake that I made for my IL's anniversary/father's day. It was a wine theme since my FIL is a total wine-o!

http://images1.snapfish.com/3474577%3A2%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E786%3E%3A82%3E23 24786%3B736%3C9ot1lsi

http://images1.snapfish.com/3474577%3A2%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E844%3E959%3E WSNRCG%3D323386%3A2%3B2868nu0mrj

I took two plastic favor-sized wine glasses and filled them with burgundy icing to make the topper. The cake was lemon with whipped cream and fresh strawberry filling. It was my first time working with fondant so there were little mistakes here and there, but overall I was very pleased (and so were they!)

[tgr68]

Forgot to post DD's birthday cake! :o It was my first time decorating a cake, so please be gentle!

http://www.dropshots.com/photos/32398/20060617/121503.jpg

[phoenics]

Anyone else hungry?

These pictures are making me crave cake!

I keep thinking I'd love to decorate cakes - the summer after my freshman year, when I was at home and bored out of my mind, I raided my mom's pantry and just started baking cakes. I never really concentrated on the decorating - just the taste, but I'd love to try my hand at decorating...

[pixielou]

i've been taking the wilton classes thru michaels. when i went to class last week, our instructor had just been to a wilton instructors retreat. apparently wilton has developed a course 4, which should start being offered late this summer or early fall. the class is going to focus on additional fondant work and gum paste. just figured i'd pass along the info. . .

~pixie

[EmilyZA]

I'm excited to hear about Course 4!

The new yearbook is now available-- I just got the email.

[Amira]

I just finished my first cake as part of Wilton's course #1 and all ready I'm hooked on cake decorating.

[pixielou]

looks like my michaels is offering course 4 in september. i'm hoping to take it. apparently it is a 2 part class - the description says something like "make a victorian tiered cake with fondant decorations". the class is $20. they are also offering a 1 night class where you use fondant to decorate cookies. i don't remember the price of the cookie class. not sure if i'll take the cookie class since it's on the same night as the cake class - 4 hours of class in one night is a little too long for me!

my family is totally hooked on the royal icing flowers. my mom has requested a birthday cake with pansies, daffodils and violets. my niece - she'll be 11 - wants a daisy cake with pink and purple daisies. she also wants a tiered cake!

~pixie

[1_mommy]

hi all!
i am going to attempt to make my dd a castle b-day cake for her b-eday. (she really wants it and it looks fairly simple)
what is the easiest way to do this, and how many cake mixes do you think i might need. i want the cake to be thick. make since?
some cutting may need to be involved, so is it easier to freeze the cakes, and then frost them frozen?

[Jenean]

This is the cake I made for my niece's 4th birthday over the weekend:

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l86/jmk103176/Amandascake.jpg


1 mommy, I haven't attempted cutting/carving a shaped cake yet, but I think you'll need to let them thaw before you frost them. As they thaw, I would think that moisture might be released and that could ruin the frosting.

[shopaholic]

I think I am going to sign up for the classes that are in September/October.

How much do I need to expect to pay for supplies? Do you just have to bake the cake and bring it un-iced and they provide everything else?

[emschwar]

When I took my class, you had to buy the class kit, which was about $25, if I remember right. Then, for each class, you had to bake a cake and make frosting, and bring the frosted cake to class and the frosting. You'd decorate in class.

[sparkle&shine]

Jenean ~ Cute Hello Kitty cake!!

shopaholic ~ Like emschwar said - You have to bake a cake for each class and bring it iced. You bring in frosting in the amounts and colors specified and decorate in class. You can usually find 50% off coupons for Michael's so I would use those to buy your class kit. They also usually run promotions for the classes to help offset the cost. I did buy extra things - I bought the 'tool box' full of supplies because I knew I was going to take all 3 classes and continue on with it. If you are not sure don't spend too much right away. The class kits and class cost are not too expensive but you really can spend a FORTUNE on stuff if you really get into it.

I finally uploaded the pictures of my Mom's 50th Birthday cake!!
Chocolate cake with Fondant and fondant cutouts with a wired topper with fondant accents.

http://static.flickr.com/89/230070024_b51d162b15.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/76/230070025_b04b556667.jpg?v=0

This weekend I am making a baby sower cake!

[Goodies]

Sparkle Great job on the cake!! So neat :)

I made a cake for my friends son, it was my first cake and it came out ok. Tasted good :D
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v227/Summer7/May%2006/JULY06021.jpg

[RayNJay]

I love everyone's cakes. I've taken the first two Wilton classes and want to take the 3rd. I just don't have time right now. So far I've made my daughter's 2nd birthday cake (Barney) and my MIL's 60th birthday cake. This weekend I'm planning to make my FIL's 60th b-day cake. I think I'm going to do a FBCT motorcycle, but I'm open to ideas. Men are so hard to come up with ideas for. (I'll add pics when I can.)

I have a question... Where do you get food coloring? I've got some of the Wilton gels, but I need to make red and black on the motorcycle. I want it to look red and not pink. Also, I was thinking of using fondant accents. Do you make your fondant or buy it?

[sparkle&shine]

I have heard very good things about the brand Americolors but I usually only use Wilton. I have heard that to get a good red that you can start with darker frosting. I have made black (see cake above) and just used a TON of black wilton coloring. I buy my fondant - I have used FondX which tastes great and another brand that I don't recall which tasted okay but was really hard to work with. Wilton fondant is really easy to work with and for me always comes out great but doesn't taste good at all to me. I do love the look of it though!

[EmilyZA]

I've got some of the Wilton gels, but I need to make red and black on the motorcycle. I want it to look red and not pink.
My cake decorating instructor told me to make red, start with a pink icing... I did a Spiderman cake for my husband, and I made hot pink frosting first, and then added red. I didn't think it came out to be a real "true" red, but after the icing crusted a bit, it looked a little more true. Here are some pics:
http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/60378695-S.jpg
http://emilyanddanny.smugmug.com/photos/60378709-S.jpg

[emschwar]

I usually buy a tube of black icing when I need black, since I rarely need a lot. My cake instructor told us the best way to get black is to color chocolate icing.

[EmilyZA]

My cake instructor told us the best way to get black is to color chocolate icing.
I agree.

[RayNJay]

Thanks ladies! I'll hot pink to get red and chocolate to get black!

EmilyZA -- I think your Spiderman cake turned out great. It looks red to me.

Sparkle&Shine -- I love your mom's b-day cake. It turned out great!

[pixielou]

for those of you interested in the wilton level 4 class - fondant and gum paste. my instructor tells me that wilton is planning on starting to offer the class in february. all the instuctors are being trained now.

i thought i was taking level 4 now - i'm taking a 2 week class on fondant - called somehting like "elegant tiered cakes with fondant" - but apparently it's just some other class offered by wilton. i've signed up for a "crazy quilt cake with fondant" class for early december.

my daughters 2nd birthday is next week. she loves trucks, so i plan on making her an 18-wheeler cake, and decorate it with royal icing flowers - to make it girlie!

~pixie

[vwinkel]

I think I'm going to take the Wilton 1 class next month. What supplies will I need to buy? There is a Jo-Ann Fabrics store near work that is going out of business and all Wilton supplies are 30% off. TIA!

ETA - What is in a "class kit"

[emschwar]

If you're going to stick with cake decorating, it's worth it to use a 40% off coupon and get the tool caddy kit.

[jesvet]

I am just getting into cake decorating and having so much fun! I finished the level 1 Wilton course a couple weeks ago, and I'm starting Course 3 on Tuesday. Can't wait for Course 4- I really want to get good with gumpaste.

This is the cake I made for my daughter's 2nd birthday party this weekend- it was a big hit! I couldn't find a Teletubbies cake I liked so I decided to make my own, but I'm really glad it worked out that way. I used it as a learning experience so I got to use Royal icing, fondant, gumpaste, and buttercream. Fun fun fun.

http://pics.livejournal.com/zoofussa/pic/00051bk4/s320x240

[emschwar]

LOVE the cake, Jesvet! Noah would have ADORED that. Where'd you find the little tubbies?

[jesvet]

It's all about the gumpaste!

[Squee]

I havnt done any classes or anything. I would love to one day but just havnt got around to it. Everyones cakes are so prefessional I hope mine look that way one day!

Here are a few cakes Ive made so far

Heres the first real cake I attempted. Spongebob
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/sakav22/Birthdays/sidebob.jpg

2nd a Ford Zephyr just like a car my dad has. A birthday cake for him
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/sakav22/Misc/DSCF4433.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/sakav22/Misc/DSCF4430.jpg

MILs birthday cake
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/sakav22/Misc/2006_092360th0062.jpg

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g180/sakav22/Birthdays/2006_092360th0063.jpg

Sorry about the silly photo sizes I still havnt figured out photobucket!

[Lilacs]

Here are a couple of recent cakes that I have done (I've now taken Wilton Level 1 and Level 2)

***** sorry, pics don't seem to be working. I'll have to figure out what went wrong ****

[lauren f s]

I love to bake & decorate cakes! I've never taken any classes, but definitely plan to sometime soon. Lately I just make really decorated cakes for my DD's birthdays. Last year she had a fish themed party and this was the cake. It was a huge hit!

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m125/lauren_1021/cake.jpg

[JAYLIN]

Here's some pics of the last few cakes I've done. I've gotta tell ya, I'm loving the buttercream transfer thing! It's so easy.

I keep checking my Michaels, I can't wait for the 4th session. I definately need a refresher on gumpaste.

JESVET, I love the font you used on your cake. Did you do that freehand? It's so cute!
http://static.flickr.com/88/265127267_626f9e0617_m.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/98/265127265_aff5c49e9b.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/100/265127264_f698675e5f.jpg?v=0

[jesvet]

Thank you Jaylin! I did it freehand but based on the Papyrus font. Your cakes are so adorable- I may have to try a buttercream transfer now! And I LOVE your sculpted cake- was it hard to do? What kind of cake did you use?

I had my second Level 3 course tonight, the one where you make the present cake. I used Wilton fondant because I was too lazy to make any- BLECH! Pettinice fondex is SO much better. Still haven't tried marshmallow fondant but that is next on my list.

[vwinkel]

I decorated my first cake in the first Wilton class last night, but my instructor isn't the greatest. She just keeps telling us how advanced we are and that we are doing great, but we have no direction on how to decorate the cakes (rainbow and bear wasn't even an option last night). I think she just wanted us to leave after the lesson and not decorate our cakes at all.

She even told us NOT to bring a cake next week for the clowns. :confused: I'm bringing one anyway and decorating it.

[sparkle&shine]

I decorated my first cake in the first Wilton class last night, but my instructor isn't the greatest. She just keeps telling us how advanced we are and that we are doing great, but we have no direction on how to decorate the cakes (rainbow and bear wasn't even an option last night). I think she just wanted us to leave after the lesson and not decorate our cakes at all.

She even told us NOT to bring a cake next week for the clowns. :confused: I'm bringing one anyway and decorating it.

Wow that's strange! So what did you guys do last night? Are you guys using the Wilton books?

The first class you should have learned about how to bake a cake, level it, tort it, and how to make butter cream. The second class you should have brought in buttercream and used your practice boards then decorated a rainbow cake (most common). Each class you use your practice board and decorated a cake or cupcakes (more rare).

[vwinkel]

Yes, we use the Wilton book which is probably why i notice that she isn't really teaching us everything. Last night we did practice the stars and writing. Then she started to show us how to begin making a rose, but ended up showing us the whole thing. After that she didn't even tell us to decorate our cakes at all. We just sat around making roses and talking. With 10 minutes left she finally mentioned to decorate the cakes any way that we wanted. After seeing everyone's rainbow cake here and online, I really wanted to try that but there wasn't time.

Besides not making a cake for next week, she even said not to bring the black frosting that the book calls for - "because it's too hard to color and no one really uses it." I'm guessing we are going to make clowns on the board and call it a night.

Thankfully I have you ladies to inspire me!

[jesvet]

Wilton's lessons are very structured. I would complain to Wilton (they are technically Wilton employees). You don't want to get gypped!

At least bring some cupcakes to class (I did that for the clown one).

[sparkle&shine]

vwinkel ~ How did your next class go? Did you learn the clowns?

[vwinkel]

It went good (I was one of 2 people that brought a cake, another person brought cupcakes and the rest (7) didn't bring anything). She showed us the clowns and flowers, but when she wanted to move on to next week's class and not give us time to decorate, I just sort of ignored her and decorated my cake and cupcakes with the lessons from that class (like we are supposed to). *shrug*

The floor of my office devoured the cake and cupcakes by 9:30am this morning!! They were all so impressed. I think about ten people came down to my office to comment either how good the cake was or how cute everything was. :D I took pictures but haven't had a chance to upload them yet.

My clowns were too tall for my carrier, and got a bit smushed down when I put that on! :o

[sparkle&shine]

Wow, your teacher is a piece of work. The classes are SO structured - down to the minute I swear - that I just don't understand her rush to move on to the next lesson. How are you supposed to learn if you don't practice the techniques on cake! It is different than the practice board. I am glad you brought your cake and got it decorated!!! If you plan on taking the other classes I would hope there is another place/instructor around to use since the stuff starts getting more and more complicated.


My office LOVED me when I was taking classes. They got so excited every Thurs. because I would have a new cake to bring in almost every week.

[vwinkel]

I think her purpose was that she didn't want to teach the 4th class. She kept saying, "Well, we are all done, so it's up to you if you want to come next week." "It's up to you if you feel like you want to practice more next week." "Everything next week is really easy, so you could practice at home if you want and then decide if you want to come." She also said we didn't have to bring a cake next week! Then she said, "Well, I guess have to come next week in case those that didn't show up today come next week." :rolleyes:

She mentioned she is teaching course 2 next month, but then there will be a new instructor. I'm going to wait for the new instructor! :)

[jesvet]

That's so unprofessional. That is when you make your final cake! That is when you get your little certificate! WTF!

[vwinkel]

That is when you get your little certificate! WTF!

Certificate?? I want a certificate!

Here are my first two cakes:

Course 1 Cake 1:
http://static.flickr.com/90/268893146_c53bbe6fc8.jpg?v=1161308165

http://static.flickr.com/120/268893141_c367b1e2f7.jpg?v=0

Course 1 Cake 2:

http://static.flickr.com/121/274282034_29d6b69ecd.jpg?v=0

http://static.flickr.com/109/274282033_a721659dcd.jpg?v=0

Cupcakes I made in Course 1 class 2:
http://static.flickr.com/99/274282039_7cc9d97bf3.jpg?v=0

[jesvet]

Those are really cute. Good job on the reclining clown! :D

I seriously think that woman is being a slacker though, the cake you did for cake 1 should be your finale cake! She had you doing roses the first day?

[emschwar]

It was a while ago, but I think our instructor showed us how to make a rose the first day, but we didnt' actually make our own then.

The first cake we made was stars - we could either do a character pan, or do a image transfer with piping gel and fill it with stars.

Cake 2 was clowns. Cake 3 was the traditional rose cake - 3 roses, some sweet peas and leaves in a "bouquet" on the cake.

[shopaholic]

vwinkel - Are you taking these courses anywhere near the west suburbs? If so can you PM me where? I am looking to take the class and this teacher sounds horrible.

Can you complain to the store? Afterall....don't you have to pay for these classes? I would want my $$ back.

[sparkle&shine]

I love the reclining clown!

Definitely don't use this instuctor for class II because it is very detailed work that shouldn't be rushed.

[vwinkel]

Thanks for the compliments and advice! I'm going to wait for the new instructor for Course 2. :)

[meggers]

I am interested in making this castle cake (http://www.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/cookingschool_castlecake_09282002.xml&catref=cat1050012) for DS's first birthday. Is this something that someone with no cake decorating experience would be able to do? How much time would it take to do this cake? After reading though this entire thread (I love everybody's cakes), I am now interested in taking a Wilton class (you ladies are very inspiring). Should I try to get into one before I attempt the castle cake?

Thanks.

[emschwar]

I think you could do that cake without any experience. Practice some of the more complicated bits (like the borders), but you should be fine.

[Camara]

subscribing - I'm taking a Level 1 Wilton class at Michael's in hopes of making a cake for DD's first birthday. I can't believe how many talented cake decorators we have on this board!!

[TracieB]

This isn't a cake, but I figured it fit in here. Hubby and I made a Halloween gingerbread house this weekend. Here's our end result:

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=27532931&b=mqypl2a7m9kg23qn1zs3&c=b&d=90

We didn't know what to do with the back, so I made a spider web
http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=27533395&b=rg5stm3w3p5zjcbgkxu3&c=b&d=90

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=27533396&b=tv4eui4xlkbq7nqhlk6a&c=b&d=90

http://www.mpix.com/GetImage.aspx?a=27533397&b=gsr3dd36nm1embue0fgo&c=b&d=90

eta: we were going to dye coconut green and use it as grass, but we didn't have any. I think it would have made it look pretty cool!

[vwinkel]

CUTE gingerbread house!

[emschwar]

Cute house! We got that kit too, but Noah and I did it together, so the results aren't as polished. Plus, he ate about half the candy:
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/348485955%7Ffp6%3A%3Dot%3E2326%3D42%3C%3D528%3DXRO QDF%3E23235%3A672%3B278ot1lsi

[Medako]

For all of you cake decorators, I just thought I'd let you know that this week at Hobby Lobby Wilton products are 50% off with their online coupon (print it at www.hobbylobby.com). Only one coupon per customer, but that doesn't mean we can't make multiple trips to stock up on some goodies! :)

[vwinkel]

Thanks medako!

[jenji]

My very first time doing fondant and my first time making a cake from scratch.
I made it with marshmallow fondant. I'm very pleased with the results considering I've never decorated a cake for someone else before!
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j283/jenji11/Projects/smallbabycake.jpg

[jesvet]

Super cute jenji! Great job!

[LoveYouKisses]

Jenji - Thats your first time!!:eek: I'm VERY impressed, I dream of being able to do that eventually, I wish I was artistic :(. Great job, its adorable!

[Chimichanga]

Ladies - I put the Wilton course on my Christmas wish list and I REALLY hope I get it. How much does the course (only the course) cost? I know there are starter kits for the tools and such - I'm guessing DH's family won't think to get me that, so I'll buy the materials. Thanks!

[emschwar]

Ladies - I put the Wilton course on my Christmas wish list and I REALLY hope I get it. How much does the course (only the course) cost? I know there are starter kits for the tools and such - I'm guessing DH's family won't think to get me that, so I'll buy the materials. Thanks!

If I remember right, the course is about $25, though they frequently have deals on it (buy the kit, get the class free, half price classes, buy one get one free, etc.)

[Chimichanga]

Thanks emschwar! I hope ILs will look into the class; I think it will be a cool thing to learn. :)

[Bibay626]

jenji You did an awesome job! Did you follow a pattern, or make the design from scratch?!

[Sue]

My local Michaels is starting the first course next week, I can't wait to sign up for it! Everyone has posted such awesome cakes, I can't wait to start.

[meggers]

I was supposed to start course 1 tomorrow at Hobby Lobby, but it was cancelled because one person had drop out and now there aren't enough people for the class. I am going to Michael's tomorrow to see what their schedule is.

[Medako]

I'm wanting to do a bright stripes &/or polka-dot birthday cake in January and I can't seem to find a good picture to duplicate. I thought I'd see if any of you girls might have something like what I'm looking for.

I don't want to use fondant, so I know that narrows down a few of my choices.

[meggers]

Medako--I did a quick search at cakecentral.com. Here are a few that I found.

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/55213/normal_cakes_111.jpg


http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/55213/normal_cakes_097.jpg


http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/15783/normal_CIMG0914.jpg


http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/53652/normal_updatedDSC00775_copy.jpg


http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/26510/Baby_Shower.jpg


http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/12893/normal_P9300032_1.jpg

[meggers]

One more...


The star cutouts on top of this cake are fondant, but you could do something llike this with out the cutouts on top.
http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/13715/stars.jpg

I hope this helps give you some ideas

[Medako]

Thanks for the ideas meggers! I'd forgotten how cakecentral....I know! How is that possible??

I've found a couple to add to the possibilities. I'm probably going to do a square cake, but I'm lookin' for some sort of inspiration at this point, so any shape will do....like this:

http://www.cakecentral.com/modules/coppermine/albums/userpics/56171/normal_Sayler.jpg

[meggers]

I had my first class of course 1 and I left feeling a little disappointed. We basically watched the instructor decorate a cake and she went through what is in the course kit. She told us that we could bring in a cake next week if we wanted to but that she would rather have us practice on the practice boards. I've read about the Wilton courses and it seems like everybody else gets to decorate 3 cakes during course 1. I plan on bring cupcakes next week to practice on so at least there is a nice treat to eat afterwards.

[Sue]

I have my first class tonight, I'll let you know what mine says meggers.

[sparkle&shine]

I had my first class of course 1 and I left feeling a little disappointed. We basically watched the instructor decorate a cake and she went through what is in the course kit. She told us that we could bring in a cake next week if we wanted to but that she would rather have us practice on the practice boards. I've read about the Wilton courses and it seems like everybody else gets to decorate 3 cakes during course 1. I plan on bring cupcakes next week to practice on so at least there is a nice treat to eat afterwards.

Wow, can I just say that I am so surprised by what is going on in the classes I am hearing about on here.

Yes, the first class is mostly an orientation class. You will watch the instructor make Class Buttercream, learn how to bake a cake level, how to level and tort a cake, and go over the tools in your kit.

BUT, the second class you should have to bring frosting, and a cake that has already been frosted ,just not decorated, in to decorate usually as a rainbow. You will also practice on your practice board and at the end of class you should have 15-20 minutes or so to decorate the cake that you brought in. You will learn how to use piping gel to make a trasfer.

The classes are supposed to be super structured and follow the book almost verbatim. The instuctors even have a time frame to teach each point in the book.

[jesvet]

I'm surprised too. Meggers, I would bring exactly what it says to in the course 1 book- a frosted blue cake. Why does she care if you use the practice boards or the cake? You really need to do the board to get the technique, then be able to practice on a cake IN CLASS where you can get feedback, because the two are different.

[pixielou]

our instructor *makes* you bring the cakes in. she says there is a big difference between decorating on a practice board and decorating on a cake. and i agree. i wouldn't say it's necessarily harder - just different.

my instructor actually trains the other wilton instructors in our area. i'll be taking my next class in early december - i'll try to remember to ask her if there is a place at wilton where you guy with the anti-cake instructors can "complain".

~pixie

[meggers]

Yes, the first class is mostly an orientation class. You will watch the instructor make Class Buttercream, learn how to bake a cake level, how to level and tort a cake, and go over the tools in your kit.

She didn't make buttercream for us. She said that she usually brings in her buttercream, but she didn't make it cause she didn't have enough sugar at home (just made cake and cupcakes for one of her kids b-day). Instead, she used a tub of Wilton frosting. She mentioned she uses the Wilton item that is supposed to get your cake to bake level. She didn't talk about leveling otherwise. She didn't even mention torting a cake. She did go over the tools in the kit.

BUT, the second class you should have to bring frosting, and a cake that has already been frosted ,just not decorated, in to decorate usually as a rainbow. You will also practice on your practice board and at the end of class you should have 15-20 minutes or so to decorate the cake that you brought in. You will learn how to use piping gel to make a trasfer.

She said that she would teach us techniques then we would practice them on our board. She said that she would rather have us practice on our board then decorating a cake.

The classes are supposed to be super structured and follow the book almost verbatim. The instuctors even have a time frame to teach each point in the book.

At the beginning of class she told us that she didn't like to follow the book, but that she would teach us everything in the book. Not following the book seems a little silly though because it seems like the book goes from basic things to harder things. Why wouldn't you follow that order? :confused:

I'm surprised too. Meggers, I would bring exactly what it says to in the course 1 book- a frosted blue cake. Why does she care if you use the practice boards or the cake? You really need to do the board to get the technique, then be able to practice on a cake IN CLASS where you can get feedback, because the two are different.

I can't remember her exact words, but she made it seem like decorating a cake would be a waste of time when we could be practicing techniques on our practice board. Who knows what we are going to be learning next week since she is not following the book.

[vwinkel]

meggers - Wow, your instructor sounds worse than mine was!! Maybe the instructors get tired of doing the same thing over and over, therfore get lazy with their instruction? Good luck!

[Sue]

I had my first class last night and my instructor doesn't decorate cakes in class either :confused: We will do the last cake in class, but that's it. Otherwise, she seems to follow the book and lessons pretty well.

I do have a question about icing... I love the icing that they use on the cakes in the supermarket bakeries, any idea what it is? And is there a recipe that is comparable?

[JAYLIN]

Wow, all these strange classes, I wonder what is going on, I took mine a few years ago, and we brought in cakes every class, along with certain amount of icing in certain colors. I can't imagine just using the board, it is DEFINATELY better to be practicing on a cake.

Sue, are you talking about the non-dairy whipped icing from the stores? If so, it's called Rich's bettercream (at least here on the east coast) It's not something that you can make, you might be able to buy it somewhere, I can't find it anywhere, but have bought some from the bakery at my grocery store, but there are some lighter, less sweeter recipes for buttercream. Let me know if you are interested, and I can email them to you.

I officially started making cakes for others, meaning people I don't know. It's kinda scary, I'm such a perfectionist. I'm always worried they won't like it. Now I just have to work on getting a license, so I can be legally doing it.

[Sue]

Wow, all these strange classes, I wonder what is going on, I took mine a few years ago, and we brought in cakes every class, along with certain amount of icing in certain colors. I can't imagine just using the board, it is DEFINATELY better to be practicing on a cake.

Sue, are you talking about the non-dairy whipped icing from the stores? If so, it's called Rich's bettercream (at least here on the east coast) It's not something that you can make, you might be able to buy it somewhere, I can't find it anywhere, but have bought some from the bakery at my grocery store, but there are some lighter, less sweeter recipes for buttercream. Let me know if you are interested, and I can email them to you.

I officially started making cakes for others, meaning people I don't know. It's kinda scary, I'm such a perfectionist. I'm always worried they won't like it. Now I just have to work on getting a license, so I can be legally doing it.

I'm kinda bummed about not doing the cake in class, with someone there watching, that can answer questions and give advice.

Is the icing non-dairy? I don't really know... whatever the icing is that they use :) I'll see if I can find the Rich's online, but I'd love any recipes you have to share. I'll PM you my email.

Good luck with the business, you do beautiful cakes!

[jenji]

Jesvet thanks so much for the compliments

LoveYouKisses thank you so much for your compliments on my baby cake! honestly, I don't think it was nearly as hard to do the decorating with fondant as it is with regular decorator frosting. doesn't require as steady of a hand.


jenji You did an awesome job! Did you follow a pattern, or make the design from scratch?!

I had seen a picture from the lady who did my wedding cake. I just tried to copy that.
here's hers next to mine - you can tell she's the pro
http://www.daisycakecompany.com/images/bs10.jpghttp://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j283/jenji11/Projects/smallbabycake.jpg

[sparkle&shine]

JesvetI had seen a picture from the lady who did my wedding cake. I just tried to copy that.
here's hers next to mine - you can tell she's the pro


Actually, I can't tell who did which one! They are so similar and look like the same person did them both!

[Medako]

Icing - I'm sure I don't use the same type of icing that most do, but I've gotten to the point where I won't decorate with anything else. I got it from my mom who decorated professionally for years.

3/4 c. crisco
1/2 t. salt
almond flavor
2/3 c. COLD water
1 regular bag of powdered sugar

Beat in the KA mixer or with a hand mixer until smooth. Use pretty quickly because it dries up as it sits and can become lumpy (what's set up already doesn't smooth out real easily when stirred back in).

[sparkle&shine]

For Whipped cream style frosting I buy it. I use Rich's Frostin Pride. You can find it at Smart and Final and all you have to do is whip it. Tastes great and easy to decorate with!

[Lisa]

Jesvet thanks so much for the compliments

LoveYouKisses thank you so much for your compliments on my baby cake! honestly, I don't think it was nearly as hard to do the decorating with fondant as it is with regular decorator frosting. doesn't require as steady of a hand.




I had seen a picture from the lady who did my wedding cake. I just tried to copy that.
here's hers next to mine - you can tell she's the pro
http://www.daisycakecompany.com/images/bs10.jpghttp://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j283/jenji11/Projects/smallbabycake.jpg


You did an amazing job!! Do you mind sharing how you did this? I love this!!

[meggers]

I had my second class of course 1 today. She showed us how to make stars, zig zag lines, writing, and dots. We finished doing that around 7:20 (class ends at 8). She said that that's when people usually start decorating a cake but that we could keep on practicing on our board. We had already been practicing on our board, so why doesn't she have people work on a cake at that time?

[Sue]

Well, I had my last class tonight and we finally made a cake :)

My roses didn't come out as well as I wanted and my writing needs some work, but I think it came out OK.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/misssue23/DSC00638.jpg

[meggers]

I finished course 1 about two weeks ago. My cake didn't turn out as good as Sue's did, but I think its ok for a first cake. At the first class, my instructor said that she would teach us everything in the book but she didn't. She never brought out the piping gel. She said that it made writing easier but that's all that was done with the piping gel. Now I'm going to try and learn about piping gel myself. The instructor that I had is only one at the Micheal's where I took my class, so I think I'm going to look into taking course 2 elsewhere.

Here is my cake. I used Americolors instead of the Wilton colors. The Wilton colors seem like kind of a pain since you need a toothpick to use them.

http://static.flickr.com/110/315397379_e4c752b85c.jpg?v=0


http://static.flickr.com/115/315397373_9573a57857.jpg?v=0