If any of you offer decorating classes, could you please give me some advice on how to promote them, and any ideas you may have? I would totally appreciate any input you can send my way.

anyone have an info they wish to share?

I'm starting with classes in the spring and have been thinking of ideas, too.

Covering cake w/fondant, figure modeling (I am really good at this), cupcake classes, basic piping, stacking a cake are all some ideas I've had.

I would like to teach an after school class for kids as soon as I get my shop. I thought about doing for the general public, but I figured if I start teaching them then I could find myself out of business, no since in buying a cake if you know how to do it yourself! But anyway, I think you need to check with your state to see if you need a license or permit to teach. I know that some do require it. Check with your local health department to see what the rules are for that.

Definately teach what you are really good at.

Jen

I just wish you were in my area! I really want to take classes on sugar flowers and modeling figurines.... but there is nothing available around here past the Wilton classes.

Good luck!

I was asked if I would teach an advanced fondant class. The person asking went on to say that nobody seems interested in garret frills and....well now I can't remember what else she said, but it led me to wonder...what else would I teach?

What, in your opinion, gets taught at an advanced fondant class?

I was thinking fabric effects...bows, draping, ruffles, etc. Maybe ribbon roses...???

I want to offer classes as well, including having guests come in to teach. Any suggestions on inexpensive ways to advertise it and how to price it?

I taught classes for many years. Mostly I advertised in my local papers.

For a shop inviting a guest teacher- I'd contact your local cake clubs, vo-tech school and ICES Chapter for sure!

I would love to learn figure modeling, but as far as I can tell, there is no where around here where I could go to learn.

Are there any books or DVDs that anyone could recommend, or a better way to find tutorials on YouTube... when I try to search for gumpaste or fondant, mostly I get flower tutorials (not all... I have found a few figurine tutorials, but mostly), and when I look for polymer clay tutorials, I end up with a lot of how to make canes.

- Leisel

I have found books at Michaels and AC Moore for making polymer clay figures. Very cute. Look in the aisles there.