Bump - I'm just marking this one because I want to read each and every comment and

TRY TO REMEMBER THEM ALL!!!!

Can anyone tell me about the coffee mate tip and the tip for using kisses for roses. I miss those two

My best hints are my introduction to the Americolour brand (the BEST colouring I've ever used)
and
someone once told me that adding a packet of Fixodent powder to a baseball-sized piece of fondant = instant
home-made GUMPASTE! How cool is that?

and
my introduction to Red Velvet Cake!

Biggest tip I've learned...If you have a question...Ask!...love the others listed too...Coming to the realization that the members on this site want to share is transforming me from a surfer to a real member. THANKS to the experienced ones who teach us with grace and generosity!!!VIVA

This is my very first post, although I have been addicted to CC for awhile!! I am self taught, so everything I have learned has been from this site! Thank you all so much! I have just recently become addicted to reading the forums and have had all of my questions answered before I even asked them, lol!
My favs have to be:
-the Viva paper towel trick, and now the Melvira method
-the cake release-I always used the Crisco with flour spray and although my cakes popped out clean everytime they were always crusty around the edge, not anymore!
-the cake extender is a blessing, I always had compliments on my cakes, but now people are RAVING about them.

Just today I learned about the frosting plugs, the violet canceling out the yellow, and microwaving the tips!! Thanks!

1. concept of CCC
2. cake extender recipe (turns one box of cake into enough batter for 9x13 pan)
3. MMF
4. pushing the top of the cake down
5. flower nail
6. making a purse cake

new tips learned from this post:
1. microwave tips to clean
2. icing plug

cake mix extender... gotta love it and flower name..and love those cake balls

I think the violet cancels yellow and cake balls. The papertowel trick and flowernail trick my mom had been doing for as long as I can remember.

NFSC, yummy!! and adding pudding to cake mix

Using Coffee Creamers. I don't use it in my coffee....but, I've become a Coffee Creamer Connoisseur!!

Beth in KY

the flower nail trick , i'll try it sooner or later.

I can't think of anything that hasn't already been said! I have learned so much from CC. I still have a lot to learn but I know what improvement I've made is due to CC and all of the amazing advice, support and inspiration!

Ooh ooh...I don't think anyone mentioned tiaras yet! I made my first royal icing tiara after reading a post about them on CC. I got so many compliments on it and it was so easy!

I've learned SO much, it's hard to pcik one... but if I had to I'd have to say the Melvira method for smoothing!

I like everything so I really don't think I could just pick one.

The best thing I've learned, the Melvira Method, FBCT, chocolate transfer, cleaning tips in the mic, so many more.

Question for those who use the vanilla caramel coffee creamer. I couldn't find the liquid, so I got the dry in that flavor. Is it just as good, or should I just save it for my coffee?

my fave tip is the no leveling thing. To wrap the cakes in saran wrap when they are still hot.
I LOVE IT!!!!
but i still have no idea what "cake balls" are, what are they and what do you do with them?

There have been SO many things that I have learned here. But the ones that come to mind first is a FBCT and the nail trick. But I could go on and on with everything else I have learned and all the help you all have given me!!! Thanks!!


~Heather

Ok... I just read some people level their cakes by weight as soon as they come out of the oven?? What exactly do you do???

~Heather

So many tips that i've missed! We need a best of the best tips article!

Definitely the Melvira method! My new favorite tool is my paint roller!

Yahoo!!!

I agree that it is hard to narrow down all the great tips, but I also wanted to add that seeing what other decorators can do is such great inspiration that I have learned so much just by looking at their work.
Other things I have learned include
MMF, sugar bubbles, luster dusts...Oh it's no good, the list would be way too long!
Diane

I have a few favourite things I have learned.
..decorating cookies..
..Viva method and variants..
..learning how to model with fondant
..Sarah Bernhardt Chocolate Glaze
..learning to cocoa paint
..removing a cake that is stuck in the pan by turning on the element of your stove and moving around the cake pan like you were going to make popcorn..removes very well once it is warmed up..

melvira method!!!

Flower nail trick, wrapping warm cakes to keep them moist, Melvira's amazing cake smoothing technique and much-much more to mention.


Wanda

Where to begin? Does there have to be a favorite? If so, then I think my favorite thing I've learned is that there is a cake family out there providing the love and support that we all need to help us grow into competent and confident cake artists! We have our joys and sorrows just like a real family does and I think that speaks very well of us.

That CCers are the most sharing and giving (and creative) people in the whole computer world!

All I know is that I wouldn't have a clue as to what I was doing if it wasn't for everyone on here!

My fav:

mmf
americolor
baking strips and flower nail
lemon cream cheese filling recipe- delicious!
all tips on how to ice cakes
design ideas

Big one:
Crumb coating!

Thanks CCers!