Wilton Classes (Guidance Needed)
Decorating By AngiesIdea Updated 24 Mar 2007 , 4:26am by TexasSugar
2 things...
Do you all think that it would be a good idea to skip level 2 (basketweave & more flowers) and go on to 3 (tiered and fondant) and then take a fondant class and only after completing those classes take level 2? (Sorry about the runon sentence)
Do you all think that I could get better training from someone that does not strictly teach the Wilton Method? Someone that teaches a at cake, candy and cookie supply shop?
Yes!!! I have taken classes from a wilton instructor and from another cake decorating store. You learn so much when you have two different perspectives. Even when they are teaching totally different courses (or even the same). Are you planning to make flowers in buttercream? I do most flowers in fondant and very few in buttercream. If you are planning to do the same then go on to the fondant and gumpaste class.
You'll be working with Royal icing, buttercream frosting and Fondant in course 3. But in course 2 you'll at least see the instructor make the royal icing.
In my opinion, I would take all the Wilton courses first and then take more advanced classes offered in your community.
hmmm, I don't know your skill level, but I know for me that I could have learned much of what wilton taught me by reading a book. It really just depends on what you want to do. Do you want to learn how to make flowers? If not then skip wilton 2. I found that wilton 3 and the gumpaste and fondant class really aren't that different as far as skill level is concerned. I would suggest just choosing one or the other of those. I graduate the fondant and gumpaste class next monday. I kind of found it a waste of time. It is all pretty self explanitory if you have the book. All that said, what is it you want to learn from these classes? I think you can learn almost all of it plus way WAY more on here. Unless you need hands on learning and demonstration. Also, if there is a specific thing you want to learn, I know that our Michaels instructor will do tutoring sessions for 10 dollars an hour. I don't know if that helps you out much, but there are my 2 cents on the issue.
You'll be working with Royal icing, buttercream frosting and Fondant in course 3. But in course 2 you'll at least see the instructor make the royal icing.
In my opinion, I would take all the Wilton courses first and then take more advanced classes offered in your community.
Okay, what if I took level 2 after I take 3 and the fondant class? Would that be a great disservice for me?
Not really.
A lot of my students are going straight to the fondant/gumpaste classes after course 1. But, fondant/gumpaste course doesn't touch on royal icing or color flow, which I personally think it's great fun. And I personally think course 2 opens more avenues for cake decorating.
I think that if you want to learn the buttercream flowers..definitely take course 2. For the fondant...I would take the fondant/gumpaste (not just fondat;course 3). My wilton instructor told us that we were learning the same thing plus how to use gum paste. I have to say once I had the book it was pretty self explainatory. But the things that I learned in class were tips. Like the things I learn on CC. 
I think that if you want to learn the buttercream flowers..definitely take course 2. For the fondant...I would take the fondant/gumpaste (not just fondat;course 3). My wilton instructor told us that we were learning the same thing plus how to use gum paste. I have to say once I had the book it was pretty self explainatory. But the things that I learned in class were tips. Like the things I learn on CC.
I don't have my book with me now so please excuse my ignorance. Does Wilton level 3 offer fondant and gumpaste together?
Course 3 uses fondant with gumtex (the little packet is included in the kit) added.
No there is a seperate class that is not listed as 1,2, or 3. It is just called Fondant and gumpaste. I am finishing it next Tuesday. It is supposed to be for people who have an idea of what fondant is about, but they go over everything anyway. The benefit is that you get to learn gumpaste also. I thought it would be better than just taking fondant (course 3) and then still not nowing about gumpaste.
i've only taken wilton 1, but plan on skipping course 2, and going straight to course 3 (as soon as i graduate from college in may 
) i generally dislike flowery cakes, so i thought it would be a waste of time. im not worred at all, because i know my instructor, and she'll help me if i need it, since im skipping course 2.
I've already signed up for course 4 and haven't yet taken 2. I'm more interested in the fondant an gumpaste. I plan on taking 3 but it wasn't yet listed. I will probably go back and take 2. I wish they had an airbrush class.
Kelley
The new Fondant and Gumpaste Course(not Course 4) is made to be taken at any point after Course 1. They set it up that way.
As far as Course 2 before Course 3, personally I would do 2 first, then 3. The reason I say this is that unless you have experince with Royal icing you may have trouble with that lesson on Course 3.
Course 2 does cover more than just flowers, and while I don't do alot of floral cakes I think learning the techiniques can be helpful. Plus you never know you may have a need for them in the future. In Course 2 you will also learn the reverse shell, rossette, rope border, basket weave and rose bud.
Course 3 covers several different mediums and while the Fondant and Gumpaste course does cover alot of what is taught in Course 3 Lesson 2, it has alot more in it.
Course 3 Lesson 1 does buttercream techinques such as the cornelli lace, sotos, bead border, string work, garland, ruffles and either the intro of or the actually completely of the Fondant Rose. Course 3 Lesson 3 will do Royal icing flowers using the lily nail. You will do the Easter Lily, Poinsetta, Petunia, and Morning Glory. Course 3 Lesson 4 will be you putting together a teired cake.
Yes of course if you have the books (or other books) you can learn a lot of things at home. There are many selt taught people out there. But there are also people that it helps to see someone do it, or have someone be able to tell you what you may be doing wrong. Alot of my students also enjoy the classes as a time way from home, kids, hubby or just a break from life for a little while.
Only you can decide if it is worth it and what you want to do.
I am a Wilton Instructor, but before I became a Wilton Instructor, I was mainly self taught. Either way, I have found that taking all three course in order and now taking the Fondant and Gumpaste Class whenever available is your best bet. What we as instructors are offering is our expertise and knowledge with respect to performing the decorations. Of course, some people can figure out the same at home, but the benefit of our experience and knowledge is well worth the class.
I love fondant and work with it often. I am not a big flower girl either, but ROYAL ICING is a lifesaver and it is only covered in course 2 of the Wilton Classes. The recipe and consistency is so important that I would definitely give it a go and take it, even if it is later. 
I have never taken a Wilton course. I was taught by a cake shop owner that gave fantastic classes. When I took the class many, many, many years ago, fondant, gumpaste were not popular, so I have never done a class with this method. I was considering calling her and asking if she would start up a class for this method. She sells Magic Line pans and doesn't push just Wilton. Yes, she is still in business and only has 4 or 5 people in each session. You know your skill level, so go find someone that will work with your needs. Michael offers classes near my house, but I prefer to drive 30 minutes to the cake shop for her unique style of teaching. She gives so many secrets and lets you do make up classes without fussing.
The new Fondant and Gumpaste Course(not Course 4) is made to be taken at any point after Course 1. They set it up that way.
As far as Course 2 before Course 3, personally I would do 2 first, then 3. The reason I say this is that unless you have experince with Royal icing you may have trouble with that lesson on Course 3.
Course 2 does cover more than just flowers, and while I don't do alot of floral cakes I think learning the techiniques can be helpful. Plus you never know you may have a need for them in the future. In Course 2 you will also learn the reverse shell, rossette, rope border, basket weave and rose bud.
Course 3 covers several different mediums and while the Fondant and Gumpaste course does cover alot of what is taught in Course 3 Lesson 2, it has alot more in it.
Course 3 Lesson 1 does buttercream techinques such as the cornelli lace, sotos, bead border, string work, garland, ruffles and either the intro of or the actually completely of the Fondant Rose. Course 3 Lesson 3 will do Royal icing flowers using the lily nail. You will do the Easter Lily, Poinsetta, Petunia, and Morning Glory. Course 3 Lesson 4 will be you putting together a teired cake.
Yes of course if you have the books (or other books) you can learn a lot of things at home. There are many selt taught people out there. But there are also people that it helps to see someone do it, or have someone be able to tell you what you may be doing wrong. Alot of my students also enjoy the classes as a time way from home, kids, hubby or just a break from life for a little while.
Only you can decide if it is worth it and what you want to do.
Ditto
I started with course 1 and took courses 2 & 3. Finished the Fondant/ Gumpaste course 2 weeks ago. Before I was even half way through course 2, I was playing around with fondant - covering cakeboards, cakes, etc. I had all 3 course books and my instructor enjoyed the fact that I looked ahead.
I wasn't bored or disillusioned with either course 2 or 3. Nor with the Fondant/Gumpaste course. I looked forward to each class every week and can honestly say that I took at least one or two hints/tips home with me from the instructor that I still remember as I'm decorating now almost a year later.
Some may find they can learn it from a book or on their own - I applaud them!!! I personally enjoyed watching and having a hands-on learning experience.
If there was a shop around here that offered classes, I'd probably take those also. I don't think you can ever learn too much. And thank GOD for Cake Central and those that take the time to help others with questions!!
I started with course 1 and took courses 2 & 3. Finished the Fondant/ Gumpaste course 2 weeks ago. Before I was even half way through course 2, I was playing around with fondant - covering cakeboards, cakes, etc. I had all 3 course books and my instructor enjoyed the fact that I looked ahead.
I wasn't bored or disillusioned with either course 2 or 3. Nor with the Fondant/Gumpaste course. I looked forward to each class every week and can honestly say that I took at least one or two hints/tips home with me from the instructor that I still remember as I'm decorating now almost a year later.
Some may find they can learn it from a book or on their own - I applaud them!!! I personally enjoyed watching and having a hands-on learning experience.
If there was a shop around here that offered classes, I'd probably take those also. I don't think you can ever learn too much. And thank GOD for Cake Central and those that take the time to help others with questions!!
Perfectly put for me too! DITTO! Well said!
I must edit this to say I am at the end of Course 2, finishing up this Monday. You echo my thoughts on the subject perfectly.
I have one more class in course 2. I have enjoyed making different flowers. So far I'm not board really. I never really knew how to make different flowers. My Instructor has told us that we should take the fondant class before the course3 because it is a more beginners level and we might be lost a little in course3. Haven't made up my mind yet what I'm going to do. They offer both next month...can I handle 2 nights?
I have one more class in course 2. I have enjoyed making different flowers. So far I'm not board really. I never really knew how to make different flowers. My Instructor has told us that we should take the fondant class before the course3 because it is a more beginners level and we might be lost a little in course3. Haven't made up my mind yet what I'm going to do. They offer both next month...can I handle 2 nights?
Wilton has set the new course up where it can be taken before or after course 3. I think you will get more information about the fondant in the new course, but you will get some infromation in C3. Remember they have been doing the fondant cake in C3 for years now with out everyone taking the new class first.
I personally am teaching it after C3, but that is just where it fit into my schedule. There are some instructors that are offering it before C3. Since you can take it any time after C1, decide which is best for you.
As far as two courses at once, that's an aweful lot of work. You will do two cakes in both courses, and for the same lessons, 2 and 4.
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