How do you get started learning to use gumpaste/fondant?
I specifically want to learn the flowers from people like James Rosselle,
Nicholas Lodge, etc.
What are the best books to learn from or how do you find beginners
classes? I want to take classes that I have seen listed here and other
sites and the ones I've seen say if you have never worked with gumpaste
it is not recommended. Well, how do you get eperience when you are
just trying to learn? It reminds me of job listings that say you must
have experience but how do you get that first job to get the experience?
I never see any classes for total beginners.
It makes me feel like, well you don't know anything so we don't want
you in the class. That is why I want to take the class so I can learn.
Thank you.

Wilton classes are readily available and very reasonably priced. They have a couple of fondant courses and some locations offer a basic gumpaste flower class. This is a good intro to the mediums. If you have time and the budget, check into Nicholas Lodge's school (International Sugar Art Collection) in Atlanta (Norcross area). He has classes all year and offers intro courses. There really is no better teacher IMHO. He is organized and patient and more reasonably priced than you would think. He has a series of DVDs that are wonderful, too. Join your local ICES chapter if it is an active group - you'll learn tons at the Days of Sharing. If you just can't manage the time and money for something like ISAC, check into DVDs by wonderful artists like Sharon Zambito or Jennifer Dontz - they have wonderful DVDs to teach you the basics (and beyond). You can watch DVDs over and over to get the techniques.