Hi, I'm from Malaysia and have recently discovered a Wilton outlet near my home. Naturally I got really excited and did a little shopping. Around here, it's a little hard finding the supplies you need 
. Anyway, the lady suggested i take a couple of decorating classes. I checked out the prices and found out they're around RM500-600 
. My mum and i got a shock, so I'm wondering is it really is worth going? A lot of their techniques are on their website. I'm still a student and baking/decorating is a hobby of mine. Should I continue self learning? Or consider taking one of the courses? Thanks. As a newbie, any advice would be great. By the way, Does Wilton fondant really taste THAT bad? 
I would suggest you take at least course 1. My teacher is the BEST! She is full of information and she encourages you even when you don't think you can do it. Even though I trying to do the roses. The fondant does not have any taste unless you use candy oil. So yes take at least the 1st course and don't spend all your money in the outlet store!
suggested i take a couple of decorating classes. I checked out the prices and found out they're around RM500-600
I'm in the US, how much is that in our currency?
Yes, the fondant does actually taste that bad. It is, however, pretty easy to work with, so I think it is good for beginners. My advice is (and I am a WMI) that if you think the classes are too expensive, then don't take them. Continue learning on your own, and if you find you can't master something, then consider taking the classes. The classes have some really good information in them and it does help to have someone there to help you out with technique, but if you are doing okay on your own, keep doing what you are doing. If you do decide to take a course, take Course 1 and Course 3. Course 2 is mostly flowers and basket weave (which you can learn on your own), and I have only used one of the flowers I learned in my Course 2.
Just my suggestions.
Everyone learns differently. Some are able to read and practice on their own and others require the feedback that you get in class. I took 2 Wilton classes and didn't find the classes too expensive but the equipment that was needed and the weekly cake can run into some money. YES, Wilton fondant tastes awful!!!!
I live in Hong Kong and took Wilton Course 1 class.... it was US $200! I didn't realize how expensive it was until I started getting into this hobby and surfing the net. Aside from learning the "viva" smoothing method, the only other significant thing I learned from the course was making the rose. Not sure that the class was worth the money, but then again, it got me "into" cake deco. In the end, there are lots of websites out there that offer plenty of info if you're self-motivated and will practice on your own.
I also was wondering what the price was there. I took Wilton I & II and each class was only $12. Which is very cheap! Yes, the tools you will need is where the expense comes in. I too am a self learner, but did still find some things learned in the classes. But if you already know pretty much what you are doing, you may not need the classes. This site taught me more than the classes did anyway! And it all depends on your teacher too. You can easily pick up the ga-zillion books out there on the subject as I'm sure there are also videos as well. Good luck.
I live in Hong Kong and took Wilton Course 1 class.... it was US $200! I didn't realize how expensive it was until I started getting into this hobby and surfing the net. Aside from learning the "viva" smoothing method, the only other significant thing I learned from the course was making the rose. Not sure that the class was worth the money, but then again, it got me "into" cake deco. In the end, there are lots of websites out there that offer plenty of info if you're self-motivated and will practice on your own.
Joined: May 07, 2005
Posts: 1301
Location: Torrance, CA
Birthday: May 09
Posted: Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:47 am
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How much is that Amerian?
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I'm in the US, how much is that in our currency?
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Around US 110.
Hong Kong -- US $200.
Malaysia -- US $110.
Wow! That's a lot. Did the lady tell you what you would be learning in the class? Are there different courses?
I am a Wilton instructor in the US and the "regular" tuition for one 4 week course is $25.00.
Course one, lesson one: making icing and different consistencies; preparing bags (parchment triangles, featherweight and disposable); icing and smoothing the cake; torting and filling a cake; correct bag positions; basic color mixing; and coloring for special effects.
Course one, lesson two: star border; star fill-in; curving line; tight zig-zag; writing, printing and outlining; and pattern transfer.
Course one, lesson three: drop flowers; shell border; the rose center; figure piping; and an icing clown.
Course one, lesson four: the rose; sweet pea; bow; leaves an stems; and arranging a icing rose floral bouquet on your cake.
All for $25.00 unless there is a class special. Hobby Lobby has been having a half price special all of 2006 so the classes have been $12.50.
Hong Kong -- US $200.
Malaysia -- US $110.
Wow! That's a lot. Did the lady tell you what you would be learning in the class? Are there different courses?
I am a Wilton instructor in the US and the "regular" tuition for one 4 week course is $25.00.
Course one, lesson one: making icing and different consistencies; preparing bags (parchment triangles, featherweight and disposable); icing and smoothing the cake; torting and filling a cake; correct bag positions; basic color mixing; and coloring for special effects.
Course one, lesson two: star border; star fill-in; curving line; tight zig-zag; writing, printing and outlining; and pattern transfer.
Course one, lesson three: drop flowers; shell border; the rose center; figure piping; and an icing clown.
Course one, lesson four: the rose; sweet pea; bow; leaves an stems; and arranging a icing rose floral bouquet on your cake.
All for $25.00 unless there is a class special. Hobby Lobby has been having a half price special all of 2006 so the classes have been $12.50.
All she said is that i would be working with buttercream.
My classes here in US, kentucky to be exact were 35.00. But we had really good teachers and they follow you through the classes. The same teacher for all three courses. I found course 1 very helpful in learning baking basics, recipes and hints on homemade cake release, buttercream icing variations and cheapest places in town to get supplies too. Also course 2 has yielded me finding this site and many others also. So in that respect, they have been worth the money for me. But baking a cake every week and making 4 or 6 different icings for every class has been a challenge for me being I have a 2 year old and a 13 year old. And getting the time to practice flowers and borders has been challenging also. But it depends on how much you are willing to give to this, hobby status, very serious status or just checking it out, ya know? Well, good luck with what ever you decide to do!!!! 
For my the class was worth it, but not for just the information but also for the social part as well it was nice to talk to people and hear what they were having trouble with and how they fixed it. I think I could have read a book and learned how to make a rose it's just nice to share that experience with someone learning the samething
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