Most of what I've learned is self taught, but I took Course I because the shells and that darn rose were eluding me. I still think I prefer fondant roses (ribbon or Duff) but I think I did a pretty good job. Cake is french vanilla w/Indydebi'e buttercream (I used almond extract instead of vanilla) - the roses are done with the class buttercream recipe. I'm not real crazy about the cake itself, as I rushed around trying to finish it, while my boys were driving me crazy and finished it just in time to leav