Hey I am just wondering how many of you have and have not taken Wilton Decorating classes or other classes and if you think they were beneficial. I have never taken a class, I am a research nut and think I have a pretty good knowledge of how to do things and create things. Do you have to start at the beginner class and go up or do they allow you to skip classes and get right into what you want to learn about? I just started out and just do not have much money for classes right now however I can try to swing it if you all think it would benefit me in my persuit for a cake business.

thanks
Amanda

I think the Wilton classes are fun and I don't think they really check to see if you've taken the classes before. I have learned new techniques from all of the classes I've taken, even the ones I had taken before, many years ago. You certainly look like you have the basics down. It also depends on the teacher. Some are better than others, just like anywhere. They are cheap, though, and I think worth the money.

I personally found Course I to be helpful. I learned good tips and tricks and the Wilton Rose. After that I've just taught myself. I've learned a lot on here and just trial and error. I did enjoy the first class.

I took the second wilton before the 1st class because i felt I had more knowledge than what I needed.. I did go back and take the first class..just because when i was taking the 2nd class things were said that and done referring to the first class so I felt i may have missed something..I could have gotten by without the 1st one after i took it tho.. but I wanted the certificates for all of the wilton classes. I truly enjoyed all the classes.

As someone who decorated cakes before Wilton classes and also after, I think that the first class is the most important. I learned more from that class than the others. They give out lots of hints and ideas in that class. And that you will learn so much if you get a great teacher. They will have information to give out and you will be able to learn so much from them. Well worth the little bit of money you spend there. It helps when you don't have to spend more on equipment. And don't have to spend more.
It will be a win win stituation.

I think your work isgreat. Iwouldrecommend buying the course books for reference and sign up fo classes if you have any problems mastering certain skills.

I took the Wilton classes and I really loved the first class. It was a great introduction to cake decorating. The 3rd one, for me, wasn't that great. After the first one, I started to do a lot of research as well and I really wanted to learn to use fondant and didn't want to wait till the next class. So by the time I took it, I already knew alot of the things they covered.

But, the one good thing about taking the classes is that you learn tricks you wouldn't otherwise learn from a tutorial or book. No matter how detailed the explanation is, nothing beats seeing something done right in front of you.

If you can, definitely take at least the first one. The Michael's where I took the classes always has promotions. I paid 1/2 price for all the classes I took.

Alex

I have taken the 3 Wilton courses, and for me, they were worth it. (I need to "see" the process - I don't understand as well just looking in the book.) You can usually find a deal where you can get the class for 1/2 off and you may already have most of the supplies. I don't know if they allow skipping classes, but you could contact your local instructor and ask.

But, from looking at your photos, I don't know how much you'll get out of the Wilton classes - your cakes are great already! Course 2 is nice - because you learn a lot of flowers and using Royal Icing...but I personally don't use those techniques very often.

Do you happen to have a local cake shop around that teaches classes? They may be more expensive, but based on your work, those classes may be better suited to you. Or, if there's a Cake Club in your area, you could join that and most meeting come with free demos and whatnot.

I don't think classes are a "must" and if you're comfortable teaching yourself, I think that's great! Cake Central will definitely answer most of your questions.

I thought they were all great. I definitely reccommend (as with the others) to start with class 1. It was very annoying to be in Class 2 with some people who skipped Class 1 constantly asking basic questions that are answered in Class 1. If you use your coupons and specials wisely, the classes become very reasonably priced and are invaluable in the pursuit of cake decorating.

Hi and Welcome to CC!

I took all 4 of the Wilton courses and enjoyed them all. I've also taken a wedding cake class at a local cake decorating shop. I can honestly say that in each of the classes taken I did take a couple of ideas, hints and suggestions home with me.
When I took the second Wilton course, there was a girl that the instructor allowed to take without taking course 1 but she brought in photos of her cakes and that helped her a whole lot! By the looks of your cakes here you would be able to do that also I would think. As mentioned, talk to an instructor at Michael's or Hobby Lobby if you can before the classes start and tell them what part of cake decorating it is that you want to learn more about and maybe they can help you out.

I too have never taken classes and can pick up most things from reading or looking at examples. Your pictures prove that you do great work. I think fondant is harder to work with than BC and you seem to do that really well! I think classes give you the extra tips and techniques to be more proficient and quicker. If you can't afford it right now you should just keep reading and practicing. CC has a lot of great tips, and practice makes perfect!

I checked with my local hobby lobby and classes right now are 1/2 off so they are only $12.50 so I decided just to sign up and take the class this month Thanks for everyones input

Have fun with the classes. I think they are great, even though I learned tons from CC it helps me to see some things done in person. I am starting Course 2 now, good luck!

I'm taking the second course right now. It is helping me learn flower making. I'm planning on taking course 3 and the fondant/gum paste courses as well.