I do an open house twice a year and I have a problem answering this question... Have you ever...??

I had one girl ask me 2 open houses ago, 'have you ever made pears to put on a cake?' I said, 'no, but I've sculpted many other things with great success, and with the simple design of a pear, it wouldn't be a problem at all' she said, 'so you've never made a pear though' me 'no' and she never called.

Then I had a phone call the other day, 'i want sea creatures on my cake, can you do that?' me, 'absolutely' caller,' but I'm looking on your website right now and I don't see that you've ever done sea creatures, am I missing something?' me, 'well you can see in my wedding cake section I have painted fish onto cakes, in the grooms cake section you can see I've sculpted many different designs' caller, 'but no sea creatures?' me, 'no' and she never called back!!

these are just 2 I remember clearly, but I've had many others. I just have not done every single thing ever! But I'm pretty talented and will make sure it works before your wedding day.

I have another open house coming up, and frankly, I just don't know the right answer! Should I never say no? I can't lie to people... Should I just be happy that other people get that I can do new and exciting things and forget about the 'have you ever...' people?

Here's how I answer that:

"Cake decorating is like any other craft ... sewing, crocheting, knitting, etc. Once you master the craft, you can follow any pattern. If I can knit, I can make you ANY sweater you want, even if I've never made it before ... I just have to get the pattern. The photo album of cakes I've done shows you that I've mastered the craft. The photos you see on the internet and in magazines are my patterns that I follow. now ... What pattern were you wanting me to follow for you?"

I've used this a number of times and it always shuts 'em up .... uh, I mean satisfies their curiosity.

I'm going to come hug you one day Debi!

Honestly Indy, you have the BEST answers!

I nominated her too! I don't get on here to post much but I read a lot and her posts always stand out to me because of her helpfulness and humor!

I agree what a great way to put it! Your cakes are all so wonderful so I think she's right, what couldn't you do with all your experience.

Ah geesh, guys! I've just had more years to master the art of bullsh*t than you have!

She's got my vote! There ae so many people I have noticed that are on their own soap boxes-preaching or putting down other people I have stayed away for a while-to me sugar art is about sharing, and fun! Not mean and bossy-THIS is why I love IndyDebi-she never waivers and her advice has saved me more times than I care to admit! SHE is what it means to be a leader in our industry! She is amazing, and not self serving-or trying to squash everyone under her feet. I LOVE INDYDEBI!