what do you do when you are in a slump?

I used to really enjoy baking and decorating and lately, i can't get motivated to make a single thing. There's a few reasons. One reason is much more a factor than the rest, but the bottom line is that, as a result of that reason, it isn't bringing me much joy. Last week i made a cake and just threw it out because i didn't feel like making the frosting.

Maybe you just need a break for a while. Take a month off and see what you feel like then. If you still aren't feeling it then, then take a longer break or just don't do it anymore. I would not be doing this if I didn't love it....I wouldn't be able to do it.

If something happened to put you in the slump maybe with time it will not bother you as much and you will get back in the swing of things.

Berta

Switch directions for a while, do you have other hobbies that you have put off because of cakes? And, when you make a cake make sure there is someplace it is going besides your kitchen.
I say this in all honesty, I've been there!
Now when someone asks me to make a cake I am excited, nervous and looking forward to it.
Hope things change for you soon and you start feeling the "bug" again!

Well, what have you (any of you) done when you don't have any ideas that really SPARK your motivation...where do you go for inspiration?

I get an idea and think..eh, i've done that...

I look at what others have done on this website. Then I make my own variation....There are so many talented bakers on this website and they can do so many things that I am afraid to even try.
But seeing so many beautiful creations has motivated me to try new things....I made a FBCT today for the first time...It was really a lot of fun and very easy...I was proud of it...Try looking at some of the galleries and maybe you can get some new ideas...Good luck to you and if you truly have a passion for this, don't give up...

mudpie it happens to everyone. When you make/sell a lot of cakes, it becomes a job (or like one) and everyone needs a vacation. When I'm not in the mood, I just don't do it. I tell anyone who calls for an order that I won't be able to do it. I tell extended family and friends....no sorry. The slump doesn't last too long though. My kids parties come along and my choices become get a cake from a grocery store (nope), order from the bakery down the street (too expensive), make it myself (guess I'll have too). I just needed motivation

It doesn't mean I don't love cake decorating. I still have an incredible passion for it. The problems are balancing every day life with not only cake decorating but all the prep work too. If someone put a baked cake in front of me with all the icing in all the colors I needed. I'd jump all over it!!! I'm always in the mood for that. I'm just not always in the mood to do every little detail from start to finish.

i get inspiration from here also...a lot of it! I also look at books and when i don't feel like making a cake, i make cookies, cupcakes, candies or try a new type of icing or glaze. right now i am working on mastering petit fours and that has resparked my imagination.

I think trying something new might be a good idea. You might do some creative cupcakes or even antonia74's awesome cookie recipe. I just did some cupcakes and cookies this weekend and it was lots of fun. I think that helped me get through all the other cake orders I had. Sometimes taking a break from cakes can help...you will probably start missing it.