OMG. I guess I'll have to buy 2 playdough fun factories, one for me and one for my girls! I love hearing about cheaper alternatives to expensive gadgets!

I love reading all these tips!!!!

Melvira Method was the best thing I've learned on CC

The best tip I've gotten from CC is that all you need do is ask your question.

I've learned that there are some talented people out there who are wonderful human beings. They give of their time, expertise and compassion to those of us just starting out. I am in awe of all of you. I spend hours each day just trying to keep up with your comments, tips and photos. Thanks so much!

OOOh, 19 pages!

could someone please tell me about cleaning tips in microwave?

I can't believe I just finished reading ALL 19 pages and every post to this thread! Hurray for me!

I'm trying to think of things that haven't been mentioned....yet. Okay, here are a few:

Anyway, I guess one of my favorite tips from this site is learning the techniques on how to do certain things - the tutorials.

Learning about clay guns/extruders.

And a tip I had gotten at some point, not from this site though, is that when measuring anything "gooey" like honey, butter, shortening, peanut butter, etc. you should rinse your measuring cup/spoon under hot water for a bit, then either shake off the water or dry quickly and measure. The gooey item tends to release easier. I've done this for a few years and it seems to work well for me.

Finally, sifting boxed cake mix - I had never heard of that before this site (along with cake balls and cupcake cakes).

-Grace

Oh, by the way, for anyone interested in the Play-doh Fun Factory: http://www.hasbro.com/playdoh/default.cfm?page=products&product_id=8994

I can just imagine the reaction of the Hasbro employees when they get a run on Fun Factories (all from CC members tomorrow).

I don't know what I would have done without CC or the fantabulous people on here!!!

I think the best tips I've gotten would be (apart from EVERYTHING!!!!)
*cake balls,
*MMF,
*Flower nail trick,
and soooooo much more.

Thank you to everyone. You are all FANTASTIC.

Just imagine if everyone in the world was as kind, open hearted and giving as we are here at CC. What a wounderful place the world would be!!

Mary :

As a real newbie to cake decorating and this forum I would suggest printing out all the the tips/tricks listed above, highlight the ones most important to you and then put them in a three-ring binder. I've done this and it really helps when I go brain dead and can't remember something.... I keep the binder with all my baking supplies... So far I haven't forgotten where I keep it.

For me the best thing would be cake balls!!!! And the help frome every body on this site. I took all three Wilton classes but the help I get from people here and the tutorials have helped me more than any class out there. Thank you to every body out there willing to help a newbie like me....

Cake balls! I was using the scraps for triffles at home, making suzy-q sandwiches or just pitching them before....there is only so much cake the family and I can handle. Cake balls are a great seller too, what a great way to save $$$

cake balls (def #1!!!!)
flower nail
americolor
luster/pearl/etc.. dusts
coffee creamer
parchment to smooth BC
Satin Ice fondant - YUM!!!
rice krispy treats for sculpting

I'm sure there are many more!!!!

the best thing i have learned at CC is that there is a back side to every cake. this has saved me from stressing out many times!

I never used MMF until I came to CC. Thanks CC for the great tips!!!!!

OMG...Just put my tips and couplers in the microwave...I am NEVER going to try cleaning them any other way.
Definitely one of my favorite tips.

The flower nail trick

I was a little curious about putting my tips in the microwave but I just tried it for the first time and it works great! I will use this method from now on.

Oh my gosh! made it through to the 20th page. Awsome!

I am new to CC and I have been making cake balls for 3 yrs. I make the cakes for my cake balls I rarely have scraps. I have never heard of the coffee creamers until I came to this site purely by accident.
Eveything has been fun so far and I love the inspirations.

For those who are vegans and hate the fact that gelatin is made of bone marrow you can get a natural gelatin at most health food stores called Agar agar. Yes twice the word. I have never mixed it in for an icing but have used it instead of gelatin in canning wild fruits.

For those of you who do not wish extracts based in alcohol you can also get those at a health food store that are alcohol free.

Now I use the paper towel method all the time. I actually buy the heavily patterned ones so that once my icing has crusted I print a wonderful pattern all the way around my cake. It covers the sides so it is roughly pretty even. I get some really nice plaids and patterns depending on the brands I can find.

So far it has been wonderful. To think I found you all by surprise! It is a good year.
Claire

Okay, I don't know how I've lived without this forum...

I am a newbie and have read all 20 pages. I tried the tips in the microwave!!! Excellent... I had to call my Wilton instructor on that one,(she didn't know so I felt like a genious) I am trying the VIVA trick today. I have been using those papertowels since they came out. I already loved them.. I am gonna try the flower nail trick also... I am doing my final cake for class 3 tonight, so I will let you know how it goes.

P.S. Gonna bake a cake specifically for Cake Balls. I think I am going to use lemon cake with French Vanilla Creamer. Yummy...

please help me I really want to know that trick!!!
Jeanne

which one sweetcakes?

Because I'm not as experienced, I've learned so much from this website. I would have to say learning to make MMF instead of using the Wilton fondant.

without CC, I would have never known about :

MMF
Americolor
LorAnn oils
NFSC
Edible Images (being able to do them myself!)
Margie's Incredible Chocolate Cake
Antonia74's Royal Icing
TORTING
making a dam
crumb coat (can you tell that I haven't taken classes?)
wrapping warm cakes in saran wrap
CAKE BALLS!
luster dust

haven't tried yet:
flower nail
violet cancels yellow

the list goes on and on...

Best tip- Melvira method for smoothing cake surfaces. Eternal gratitude for answers to so many questions that would've been unanswered. It is like having your own personal teacher ready to help with any project. Thank you CC community!

Okay, after making it through 20 pages (OMG!), I have compiled a list of all these tips. I now have 64 tips/tricks/ideas. This is the best site EVER! I have gained so much confidence because of you guys. You have helped me with a name for my business (thank you Doug!), and gotten me out of one mess after another.
I would have to say the best tip I have gotten is storing my gum paste flowers in a shoe box (not a plastic bin) with tissues, and placing it somewhere dark.