I recently started baking cakes for friends and family. All with wonderful reviews. However, I really see this as something I want to do as a career. I see all the beautiful cakes on here and other places, and wish I was that good. However, working 2 jobs to pay my bills, and not having the means for pastry school leaves me wondering how to learn except by teaching myself.

I live 2 hours from chicago, and the wilton school, and thought about taking some of the 1 day courses, does anyone have any ideas or personal examples of other ways to really develop my skills as a baker/cake decorator???

thanks!

Here's a similar thread that might be helpful:

http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-583579-.html

The new and old posts (search by subjects of interest to you) can provide a wealth of information (including tutorials), as can the various CC 'how-to" articles.

HTH

hey steph,
i'm just learning myself and i'm in illinois. where are you? maybe we can get together and help each other along!
Jocelyn

Hi, I am also in Illinois. I started baking my kids' birthday cakes and went from there. I received some wilton books and other things for a birthday present and after learning a few things on my own I decided to take the wilton classes at michaels. I took courses 1, 2, and 3 and then the fondant class. I still have alot to learn but I love this site and have learned alot from here. good luck