I really want to learn more about cakes but I need classes. I have taken all the local Wilton classes and have some DVDs. I live in the middle of Iowa and work full-time, so its not like I can go to pastry school.

Any suggestions or ideas of where to go for courses or how I could hire someone to come teach me?

I couldnt afford classes, so i headed down to my local library and read up on all aspects of baking and decorating, then i put the theory into practise, lots of trial and error but i eventually found what really worked, i used as much as i could to my advantage, youtube, CC, books, they all help!

Check into joining Iowa's chapter of ICES - or an adjacent state if Iowa does not have an active chapter or holds meetings too far away from you. Most chapters offer quarterly Days of Sharing and occasional hands-on classes - usually on week-ends. You'll definitely have some wonderful learning opportunities for a small investment. The website is ICES dot org