Hi everyone,
OKay so I'm having a little dilemma...I took a gumpaste flower class with Kim Morrison a few months ago and loved her. Now she is offering two other classes that I really want to take, but they are pretty pricey and I'm not sure what to do. I would have to charge it because I don't have the money, and my husband thinks its a bad idea only because I haven't been making a lot on my cakes.
I live in a really small town where nobody wants to pay much and so I usually end up getting ripped off. And my husband just worries it will be a waste because I won't be able to use any of the things I've learned because nobody wants to pay for that kind of thing. So I end up buying all of the tools and have to drive over an hour and then never get to do it again. But I really like to do it and would love to learn this stuff, but I'm just wondering what all of you think and what you would do. I hope this makes sense. Below are the descriptions of the classes. THANK YOU!!
Sugar Art Teacup: Part 1&2 with Kim Morrison
1-5 PM $165
Learn how to make and decorate an exquisite sugar art teacup, in 2 half day sessions. Now We're Cooking is delighted to welcome renowned cake decorator Kim Morrison again. Hands on; class size limited. Materials list will be provided.
Fondant 101 with Kim Morrison
8AM 12PM $90
Learn how to work with fondant, and to make decorative fondant accents, working with renowned cake decorator Kim Morrison. You will decorate a dummy cake, as well as an edible layer cake to take home. Hands on; limited class size. Materials list will be provided.
i would do it just for the fun of it. not everything has to make sense, just do it for yourself 
ok first off let me tell you up front, i am jealous of you!!! being able to take classes and learn from her is truly amazing! i would take the classes, if the finances allowed it. i would say the most helpful would be the fondant class. but i have seen her work with teacups and it is awesome! you could always call and see if she would be doing that class later in the year and take it then. also, if you are on the books with your business, you could write these classes off as a business expense on your taxes. so u would get a little compensation for them which could help! also u say you are pratically giving away your cakes. you should check with your local bakeries and grocery stores to see what they charge and then create a price that would set u at what u would need per slice to cover your costs. and be firm with the price. you can not go to a car mechanic and demand to pay him 50 cents an hour and get the replacement products for free! so it does dumbfound me when people complain about the price of a cake. they owuld never go to work to get paid so cheaply as they wnat us to and use their OWN money to pay for the cost of supplies! so stay firm with your price and even if you have to explain taht the cost helps cover the cost of materials. and too, with the classes under your belt, you could always list them on a brochure, etc. to help promote that you have these talents!
These classes (or some like them) will be offered again, when you may be better prepared to pay for them.
Some of these classes are available on VCR and DVD.
I know they are fun, but I understand about the cost.
Perhaps you can do more GP flowers and offer them for sale? that way you can practice your craft and make back some money?
Good LUck.
Thank you all for taking the time to help me out. I'm still not sure what to do. As some of you said I would just love to do it for me because they are fun and it is what I like to do...if only they didn't cost so much.
dessertprincess-You are right about the price of cakes...I think I'll do what you said about figuring out a price per serving and just go with it.
Thanks again!!
I have seen Kim's work and in my opinion she is worth every penny. Even if people aren't willing to pay the price for this type of work, you are learning this for you and once you have learned it you will have the ability to create anything you want. I don't think learning to do something you love is ever a waste of money. And who knows, if you are really good at recreating what you have learned you may just want to teach, rather than decorate and feel you aren't getting what the cakes are worth.
Thanks Shirley, I think you have a good point! I think I'll try to convince my husband to just let me do it! As a SAHM, I don't have my own money, so as wonderful as my husband is about making me feel like its "our" money, things like this I still have to "ask" 
Why don't you compromise and go to the fondant class and leave the teacup class for another time.
The knowledge you would get at the fondant class you would be able to use with your customers.
If money is tight and most often these days it is that would be a fair compromise with your husband.
Good luck!
Kathy
I would do it, because you may not be able to do it now or the next few months, but it might come in handy later down the road. I think it is always a good idea to learn new things. I know what you mean about living in a small town, our town had a lady open a cake shop, unfortunately it didn't even last 3 months.
If you have to charge it I would wait til you have the money what's the hurry if it's only for your pleasure, your hobby should not put you in credit card debt not that you will but I guess I'm just very careful with what I charge
I agree with everyone about learning more, etc but you said the classes were pricey. I am assuming you are asking others for their opinion because of the cost. That should be your answer right there. If you weren't concerned about the cost, there wouldn't be a doubt in your mind about taking the classes.
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