Well here is the situation. I started decorating cakes in my free time just over a year ago. It was not long befor I realized that it is something I want to do for the rest of my life, and being that I am only 24 I feel I may have a good chance at making a career at it.

So here is the problem. I have taken the wilton I and II classes. Now I want to learn more. Nobody around here offers the wilton III course. Also I am very interested in gumpaste flowers. I feel that learning from a class would be much more benifical and time efficant than teaching myself.

I looked everywhere around my area in NY to learn and keep coming up empty. Traveling would be hard because I have a 16 month old, and expences would be hard to meet. If anyone has any advice on how I might be able to further myself in this area I would gladly take it.

If you could get your hands on a wilton III book it would help alot. The instructions are really good and after taking the other 2 courses you should be able to work through the book. I have been looking for gumpaste courses in my area too but only found then an hour away....might just have to do that though. I would suggest that you located some good books to help you through and the suggestions on here from people have helped me out alot. I don't know your area but you could look at culinary schools they do offer some courses.

that sounds just like my story way back when. there were the I and II classes, but not the III. i couldn't take any of them because i had three small children and worked at night part time. so, what i did was order the classes on video from wilton. it's kind of the same. i actually liked it because if i wanted to see something that i was having trouble at i could rewind the tape. i have had no one teach me in a class setting. i sort of taught myself, with the help of videos. i started in 1995 and have improved ever since. i wish i could show you my first cake, but it's on a picture...didn't have a digital camera back then. trust me, it was terrible, but as you practice you do get better. take a look at my photo gallery.
good luck in your new found career.

thanks for the advice guys! just needed a little perspective on things. My husband and I are actually talking about vacationing in Ilinos so that I can go to the wilton school!! I really love him for being soo supportive.

Wilton sells the gumpaste kit, but not sure if that includes basic instructionas as I have not tried it yet.....but plan to after I complete my Course III (lucky enough to have it here). Have you tried adult nite classes at local high schools, or even vo-tech schools in your area?

deb

I am starting the gumpaste class next week by Wilton there was enough interest in the class 3 that we were offered it. I didn't know that wilton had this class. Check with your local Micheals to see if they offer it. Maybe if theres enough interest they might.

I have actually called around, but nobody here is offering it at this time. I have e-mailed wilton enterprises to see if they can give me more info on who to call. I am still waiting for the reply.