I am considering taking a Wilton cake class, but am trying to decide if its worth my time. I really need help figuring out how to make flowers and other frosting accents. But I don't want to be inundated with pressure to buy a lot of stuff, as I already own so much. Also I don't like Wilton fondant I think its gross, so when we are doing a fondant cake can you use mmf or do you have to stick with Wilton products? Basically I just want to know what to expect from the classes, I assume that you have to start at the course #1 correct? I am completely self taught and it shows in my cakes so I just want to put a more professional look to my cakes as well as learn how to maximize the tools... thanks for any input.
I do not know if the classes vary by state, but in WA you have to start with Class 1 but then you can either move on to Class 2 or 3. You do not have to buy the class kits if you already have the stuff. Just find out what are in the kits and make sure you already have it all. I think class 1 would be worth your time because you learn a lot of little techniques and "secrets". Also, I enjoyed learning all the borders. I am in class 2 right now, and you make a ton of flowers, so this class would definately be for you. You learn to work with Royal Icing as well as Color Flow and you learn basketweave as well as a few new borders. Not sure about the Fondant.
I took 2 courses from an ex-Wilton teacher at our our Adult Ed. center. Does your area have the same? It looks like you could by-pass courses 1 and 2. Just sign up for course 3. I would not feel obligated to use their fondant, etc. One of the small supply stores in my area (San Diego area) offer specialized classes, such as flower making, chocolates, etc. Also, look into cake clubs in your area; many small stores are members and you can learn about classes they have to offer. Have fun!
I think it would depend on the instuctor as mine let us buy what we wanted and even told us things that really were not worth the money or where we could get it cheaper lol. I used rolled buttercream on my cake and she was amazed as she had never seen or heard of it before. I would start at class 1 as there are things to learn for every level of decorator and they build on the techniques from course 1 so course 2 and 3 are easy to learn once you know the techniques they use. If you get a good instructor you will learn alot.
The Wilton courses are a lot of fun! They will suggest you use their products however. You will have to buy a kit for each class, or at least make sure you have everything in the kit. You don't have to use Wilton fondant. I used MMF on my cakes. But don't expect the instructor to comment on it, they are required to stick to the Wilton method in class.
In the first course you will learn very basic stuff. How to level, torte, fill and ice a cake. Borders, writing,stars, dots, figure piping, gel transfer and the buttercream rose.
In the second course you will learn royal icing flowers a whole bunch of different ones. Also basketweave and colorflow.
In the thrid course you learn how to cover a cake in fondant, make a bow, fondant roses, lily nail flowers, a bit of stringwork and tiered cake construction.
I hope this helps! For what you pay to take the class it is totally worth it!
I am considering taking a Wilton cake class, but am trying to decide if its worth my time. I really need help figuring out how to make flowers and other frosting accents. But I don't want to be inundated with pressure to buy a lot of stuff, as I already own so much. Also I don't like Wilton fondant I think its gross, so when we are doing a fondant cake can you use mmf or do you have to stick with Wilton products? Basically I just want to know what to expect from the classes, I assume that you have to start at the course #1 correct? I am completely self taught and it shows in my cakes so I just want to put a more professional look to my cakes as well as learn how to maximize the tools... thanks for any input.
I would recommend taking all 3 courses if you want to acquire that "professional look"
in course 1 you learn the basics about correct consistancy for your icing, basic piping techniques, correct bag positions, borders for your cake, etc.
In course 2 you learn how to make various flowers like daffodils, violets, victorian roses, chrysanthemums, morning glories ets. You also learn how to use color flow. More borders, basketweave, etc.
In course three it's fondant, fondant roses, proper cake constuction etc.
Now, you don't need to buy each and every item the teacher recommends to you. Just buy the items that you need for class or that will come in handy later.
When I took the class I bought some Wilton fondant to make the roses for my cake. As I understand it, their fondant is the right consistancy for making the roses. If MMF has the same consistancy then use it. I just went ahead and used their stuff to prevent myself from having any grief while trying to get the hang of making roses. I did however have another brand of fondant that I used to cover my cake.
I would highly recommend that you take all 3 courses and any other courses offered that would help you with your cake decorating.
I found that each and every course helped to build my confidence and I learned something new at each one.
I even decided to take course 2 twice just to make sure I had all the flowers down pat. I then took an additional course called Elegant Fondant which was nice. I am still practicing 3 flowers that I find difficult and I am very strongly committed to conquering them. There are more coming up in the fall and I intend to get as many in as I can. I am learning all the time even from CC I think if you want to be a good no GREAT decorator you can never learn enough or stop learning you may take a little rest here and there but never stop.
I find this craft so interesting I am so curious and want to learn all I can.
Good luck and you get out what you put in. PRACTICE , PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
Kathy R
It really depends on your teacher. Some teachers require you to use Wilton fondant and all wilton products. But, others realize that the fondant is nasty and that MMF is better. It all depends. But it is SO worth it.
Rachel
As a Wilton instructor, we are required to point out the advantages of Wilton products, but it is a soft sell approach. Many students come to enhance their skills and already have tools and others are just starting out. I never insist a student use a Wilton product because it is about the decorating and having fun.
What you will find is that the instructor will not share alternative company products or send you to another competitors store. When they are teaching, they represent the store and Wilton.
That said, you will have a wonderful time. The classes are full of people with a common interest-cake and they are free to share their experiences as well as the instructor. I always find I learn something as I teach and I have been decorating for years!
Happy Decorating,
Junebuggey
You should definitely take the classes and looking at your cakes you will want to take all 3 as you are definitely at the advanced stage. You will enjoy yourself and will have something to contribute to the class as well.
The classes are great! Sure, the instructor highly recommended Wilton, but she never insisted we buy their products. Even if your instructor seems to really push the stuff, it doesn't mean you have to buy it. We had 14 people in our class and some of the people had various other supplies. She never told them to go buy the Wilton supplies.
I say go for it!! You'll learn alot. I can't wait for course III to start, myself!
Angie
Our instructor didn't push the wilton brand on us. She was there to teach us the techniques and show us how to work with the fondant more than anything else. I didn't even use fondant on my final cake when I took course III, I iced it with buttercream. I only used the fondant when I did the bow cake so I would have a feel for what I was doing with it. It really does depend on your instructor I would say. And of course you have to have the supplies that are needed for that course/class so that you can learn the technique, but when you start and get your class book, just go through it and match up the supplies that are going to be needed to what you already have. If you find you dont have everything it's going to call for, then it sounds like if you need anything at all it isn't going to be much. If your loving cake decorating I think you will really enjoy all 3 of the courses! Good Luck with your decision, and have fun!! 
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