Ok...this might sound a little crazy, but is there a way to be a really good decorator without ever using fondant. I hate fondant and I don't like working with it. I don't think I will ever sell a cake where my customers has to eat it. But I was just looking at all of my cakes and they are so plain. I want to add some 3D effects to them, but I think the only way I can do that is to work with fondant. Is there anyone out there that ONLY works with Buttercream and still achieve this? . Is this possible to be a great cake decorator? Thanks for any responses! - Kenya
Sylvia Weinstock says in her most recent book that she hates fondant and never uses it. She makes fabulous cakes. But, she does add beatiful sugar flowers.
have you tried Marshmallow fondant? or making your own from a recipe? It really can taste delicious.
You might also tried rolled buttercream. It is a bit more tricky, but better tasting.
LOL! I just asked the SAME question 3 or 4 weeks ago. I tried fondant, I HATED it, and was wondering if I was still going to be able to run a successful cake decorating business doing stictly icing. I got the idea to make marshmallow fondant, and by golly Miss Molly, it was wonderful!! And believe me, you're not the only one that hates it, even here. I know a woman with the screen name "IHATEFONDANT" on here! Too funny, but yes it IS possible. I know many MANY people who just don't do it at all..ever...and are VERY successful.
First of all, your cakes are not plain. They are very nice! 
You said you wanted to add 3D effects. Could you use royal icing decorations to achieve the look you're going for?
I've bever worked with royal icing before. Honestly, I wouldn't even know how to use it. But its something I don't mind trying. I tried the fondant roses before, so I guess I could practice that a little more. But I really do think my cakes are SO plain. I need to spice them up!
That really depends on your style...I love Fondant, it's the only one I use.. I think Fondant is better than Lard, AKA shortening... I'd rather eat sugar, Marshmallow & water, than a tablespoon of sugared Lard. NO has died from FOndant yet, but lard aka shortening can trigger a heart attack.. oh well... I'm sure hter other's you can use.. 
you're cakes are creative - I don't think they're boring at all!
I've had very few experiences with fondant, and I can tell you that I'm with you - I don't like to cover cakes with it either. But, I've found that I do like to play with it in smaller quantities and use it for accent pieces...
Fondant is better than Lard, AKA shortening... I'd rather eat sugar, Marshmallow & water, than a tablespoon of sugared Lard. NO has died from FOndant yet, but lard aka shortening can trigger a heart attack..
Not so.
Lard is from pigs. Crisco is a vegetable (non-animal) product, like all vegetable shortening.
I think you do very pretty work. You're cakes are extremely smooth. I haven't worked with fondant yet, but I made my first batch of MMF yesterday and I'm letting it rest. The taste of it is very good though. I don't like the taste of the rolled fondant. Keep up the great work!
You are very talented!
Take a look at this website... http://www.jacquespastries.com
They do alot of carved and piped buttercream cakes and they are certainly 3D
like this one http://www.jacquespastries.com/alloccasion49.htm
I just love looking at these cakes!
So don't worry you do not have to use fondant!
what is it that you don't like about fondant??
maybe we can help you like it again!
I love decorating with fondant, but I always make sure that I put enough good filling in my cake to make up for the fact that it is too sweet for most people.
That being said, buttercream cakes can be just lovely!! Have you ever been to the Cupcake Cafe's website?? They have amazing buttercream cakes that are very artistic.
In fact, we are going to do one of their horsecakes this weekend.
If I can interject one thing: I wouldn't give up on fondant........try to learn it. If you ever have a customer who wants it, you will know how to do it. However, instead of using the Wilton brand fondant, make your own. You can even make it with white chocolate and it tastes very good and looks beautiful.
cakefairy, I've only had the wilton fondant, and from what I taste was nasty. Well...it really didn't have a taste to it. So I told myself that I would never use that on a cake for people to eat. It does look beautiful, but I would rather have my cake taste delicious rather than look good with fondant. It won't hurt for me to try different things with fondant before I give up on it, but its just right now, I basically only do things with buttercream. Thanks a million for all of the comments. - Kenya
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