I noticed that a lot of you use Collete's books for ideas. I'd like to get one of her books, but am not sure what to get first. I've had all the Wilton courses, but wonder if her Art of Decorating would still be a good place to start. Recommendations?
I have both The Art of Decorating and Birthday Cakes, but to tell you the truth, I learned more from my Lindy Smith and Debbie Brown books. Collette has great cakes, but the books are not as explicit as the other two artists. But if you really want Collette then get the birthday one the other seems dated.......Hope that helps.
Tiptop, I took a peek at your photos to see what you learned from Smith & Brown. Great cakes! I specially like the candy box. It's beautiful and I wouldn't know which to eat first--the cake or the candy (lol). Thanks for your suggestion.
Denise...check out your local library and see if they can get some for you so you can see them before you buy! I was able to check them out and make my decision. Or....go to your local book store and just sit and look for a while. OR....if you have a cake supply store in your area, they should have some you can look at.
Collettes website will all so give you some peeks at her books - I think she is soooo inspiring! I have all her books and can never look at her cakes enough - I also have some of Debbie brown's books. She is great for modeling fondant - I referred to hers a lot for that. I do agree that Colette is a bit sparce on the directions - I think she assumes if you are going to make one of her cakes you are a pretty seasoned decorator - but I am not and I have made a some of hers! I don't think you can go wrong with any of her books. 
I love Collette's cakes, but her style is SO specifically her own, that I look at them as just pretty picture books. I don't want to become a Collette Peters clone, so I've never really tried to copy anything she does. I have the wedding cake and Cakes to Dream on books. I like them both, but I can't imagine any situation I would ever bake for that would justify such elaborate cakes. They're fun to look at, though.
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