I Couldn't Decorate If It Wasn't For..........
Baking By LemonLyme Updated 23 Aug 2005 , 11:33am by LittleLinda
Is there a place or thingor gadget you just couldn't see yourself continuously decorating cakes without?
Take the time to share.
As for me mine are as follows.
The Hardware store.
The little gadgets i get to help enhance the out come of my flowers and various designs.
even my cake decorating tool box is a nice handyman's dream.. a tool box for my tools
Wow, this is a hard one, there are so many things I just can't live without!
Ok, here it goes. . .
#1 Non-stick Fondant Rolling pins (Large & Small)
#2 Non-stick cutting board for rolling fondant & gumpaste
#3 The 33" long piece of PVC that I use to pick up and transfer
large pieces of fondant to larger cakes ( I got this at the hardware
store for a $1.25 I believe. Don't you love those GREAT buys!)
#4 My local Cake Supply Stores, they truly have a wonderful inventory!
#5 ALL my cookie cutters that make so many projects, so much EASIER!
This was really hard! I feel like I just took a mid-term exam!
I could never just pick one item 
LemonLyme, I have two tool boxes and you should see the mess I have after decorating a cake, I haven't learned to be very organized yet, but I couldn't do without my wide putty spreader, I think that is what you call it
This one is easy! I couldn't decorate cakes without my DH!!! He is so great about being my cheerleader when I need it, he helps keep my two toddlers out of the frosting, he helps me clean-up afterwards, he helps me take pictures, he provides kind but constructive criticism, and he is happily my guinea pig when I want to try a new recipe.
After that, I'd have to say my 6 qt KA.
momsandraven
I have a big cake to make in a couple of weeks.. By anychance is your DH "for hire"?!!! 
hehe..
I think it would be my KA too.. And of course my small paintbrushes for my BCT's..
Kitchenaid is number one on my list.
You see, I said this was a hard one for me. . .
I FORGOT my Kitchen aid! Yikes!
That would be my # 6. . .well, not really in that order, but it's one of my most important things 
Mine would also be my DH. He helps me with the technical details (like finding/making a box to transport a big cake), takes care of the house so I can decorate/bake after the kids go to bed, helps me with ideas, and provides feedback on what works (and doesn't).
My #2 would also be my kitchenaid (which DH got me for mothers day ... so it all goes back to my #1 then!).
Happy Baking!
Alengirl, I also agree with your number 4. I have a few cake shops nearby. And the people that run them know their stuff and are very helpful. Two of them are both mom and pop type shops run by people who have been decorating for years, not just "paid salespeople".
I went in last week to buy a few tips I had seen in the Wilton books. Most stores are of course just out to make a sale. I explained to my cake-guy that I was fairly new at "real" decorating. Cake Guy dragged out a bag of icing and his tip set from the back (they also sell decorated cakes) and showed me the design each of the tips I had on my list made. He also told me any of the standard size tips he would give me for free. I didnt want to take advantage so I only got a couple freebies.
I also bought the flower former set and Cake Guy told me how people used to do it before Wilton made the nifty plastic things-paper towel rolls cut in half.
There is absolutely no substitute for toothpicks! I use so many of them when coloring frosting. I couldn't use anything but something cheap and disposable.
Couplers are also a must for changing tips!
Linda
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