Do You Recommend Taking Wilton Classes?
Decorating By getfrosted Updated 18 Jul 2006 , 7:13pm by stephanie214
I have read that a lot of you have taken the Wilton classes and am wondering if they are worth it? I am a self-taught baker and thought that I maybe not doing things 'properly' or efficiently.
I just contacted the Michael's closest to me and the classes are 1/2 price for the month of August ($17.50 CDN) so it's not like I would be throwing too much money away ....
Any thoughts or information on what is in the cake classes would be appreciated!
Thanks!
I loved taking the courses, and am considering taking II and III again, just because it's been a while and I haven't used those skills in a while. I liked the learning, and the interacting with other people who love cake, the making friends, all of it. And I think you learn more than you think you will.
Hi getfrosted, I too am a self-taught decorator (6 years). I started Wilton course I two weeks ago, and I have already learned stuff I never knew decorating on my own. Plus, it put me in touch with other people who are interested in decorating cakes. IMO, there is no substitute for hands on. 
Good luck!!!
I too am self-taught but took course I and II for the experience...boy was I disappointed 
My instructor was a disappointment, she didn't even know how to do a gel transfer...I had to teach her 
and she totally messed up my rainbow cake trying to do it that I didn't even take a picture 
I went back to her again for course II because I met some nice students but couldn't bring myself to go back to her for III; enough was enough
If you can find a good instructor, I would highly recommend the classes.
Good luck
Here's what I think Wilton classes are good for - basic techniques - good to know - and meeting other people who enjoy cake decorating. Don't expect to find some of the newest most trendy techniques - and it DOES depend on which instructor you end up with. I would find out about the instructor from people who have taken a course with him/her - that will tell you more than just the Wilton name. But like others have said, you can't beat the price!
Thanks everyone for the great feedback! You guys are amazing!
I think that I will try out course I and see if it's worth continuing - with the class half-price and probably having all the stuff I need for the class. It will be a time to get away from the kids (5 1/2 yr. old & 2 yr. old twins) and my DH and talk about cake if nothing else!! 
Thanks again!
I took 2 of the classes. I learned a lot of little things I didn't already know. However, I would warn you about the hidden costs - supplies. That is where they get you. I had a bunch of basic stuff already, but they like you to purchase a class kit for an additional $25 for the basic classes. The fondant class I took didn't have a kit and I had to purchse stuff individually. That really added up $50+. Also, we didn't end up using all the supplies. I would say it's worth it, but be careful of supply costs too.
I have taken all three courses and enjoyed them thoroughly. I did it primarily to learn something new; however the break from the kids and DH were a welcome treat. SO TREAT YOURSELF and take the class, if not for learning decorating techniques, do it for your sanity. Good luck!
Because I had some basic decorating experience, I was able to skip course I and just take II and III. I'd say that's the way to go if you can. Instructors probably vary as to just how much knowledge and experience they have, but if you live in a larger city, you may have options of where to take the course: Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn, etc.
Just be aware, you may be expected to buy a kit for the class. Some of the items in the kit may not be available at the store if you have part of the items already and don't want to get the entire kit. But I know my instructor made it work, and would lend a tip or other items needed at times.
To get 8 hrs of instruction for $25 or less.........Can't beat that!
thanks justducky! I'm trying to find more pictures (pre-digital camera), but everything got packed up last year when we moved and I haven't come across them ... it's amazing things that go missing when you move!
Anyhooo, back on topic ...
I think that I should probably have all the supplies - I've been doing this for over 10 years ... breaking after the twins were born (talk about NOOO time). I can't go near a cake decorating store without spending money.
Thanks again everyone!
I don't think it is necessary..you can learn a lot by self study..I never did but I can do a lot of things about cake decorating. what I know is all experiment and trials and errors.. 
I've been a self-taught cake decorator for three years now, and I am currently in Course I. We did our second class (first cake) last night. I've already learned a few things I never realized. It's really fun too. I agree with an earlier post. Be very wary of the cost of supplies. They will sneak that in on you. In fact, if I didn't already have everything for Course I, I probably couldn't have taken the class if I had to buy everything. Also, an added expense is all the ingredients you will need for your cakes each week. That adds up too!
I just started as an instructor and I'm currently teaching course 1 myself... just in the teaching, I learn something new that either I've forgotten in time, or something that may have gotten past me or my instructor didn't cover in the class... so to me, it's worth it.. and it's especially worth it at the half price amount they're offering for August.
Best of luck to you when you take your course and I hope you learn something new and exciting!!
I too am self-taught but took course I and II for the experience...boy was I disappointed
My instructor was a disappointment, she didn't even know how to do a gel transfer...I had to teach her
and she totally messed up my rainbow cake trying to do it that I didn't even take a picture I went back to her again for course II because I met some nice students but couldn't bring myself to go back to her for III; enough was enough If you can find a good instructor, I would highly recommend the classes.
Good luck
Great, Steph!! Now you got me all freaking out wondering if my students are going to think that of me!!
I'm into my second set of students and I'll have to say when they showed up last week, I was very nervous!! I don't know how to do that gel transfer...I mean, technically I know how, but i've not actually done one.
Also, you have to be careful what you teach as far as tips because it cannot contradict Wilton's method. For instance, I cannot teach the rose on a stick and I also have to "soft sell" Wilton product instead of telling them a cheaper product or unusual household item that would work just as well. Of course, you have to look out for the students so you do inadvertantly slip some "helpful informatin" into the class here and there.
Hello All:
I agree with Stephanie 214 if you get a good instructor it will be great, but my was a disappointment as well. We started with a nice size group and in the end it was only 2 left.
Eventhrough I think I do a good job, I'm thinking about taking it again for someone else. I can use some improvement on my roses. 
Deedee44
I'm with Deedee44...I too, needed to review a lot of what I learned because now as an instructor, I am learning stuff I missed when I took the classes. The roses were (and still are) the hardest thing for me. And it's hard to teach a technique to someone. I know the correct techniques, but being able to explain it to someone is hard. The classes are great for those who need more hands on teaching like me. There are a lot of things I've learned from this site, but it my taken three different people explaining it to me before it really sunk in.
Hey fytar,
I know without a doubt that you are a fabulous instructor and your students are very fortunate to have you
I'm still trying to get that perfect Wilton Rose 
How's the packing for next week coming along? Don't have too much fun without me I can't wait for April 29th to get here
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