i just started taking an interest in cake decorating a few months ago ... i plan on taking the wilton classes at my local michael's after the first of the new year. i decorated my first cake a couple of weeks ago using some guidelines i found online and from watching the food network (im a food network junkie). im going to attempt my second cake today. i have a few basic supplies (icing knifes, a turntable, nice new pans, a cake leveler, the wilton dessert decorator pro - it hurts my hand so i also just bought an 8in decorating bag and some parchment triangles). my first cake i used store bought icing. today i am going to attempt to make buttercream icing. i got a recipe from www.ch.com and i have all my supplies. my 8" round cakes are out of the oven and cooling. does anyone have any suggestions or tips for me? ive been browsing the website and articles and pictures and forums for a few days and i just wanted to dive into the forums and start chatting. thanks for reading ... and happy decorating to you all 
Here's a tip for you.....enjoy every minute of your cake decorating! Be careful when you are browsing on the internet for sugarcraft "must have's" A lot of the time they turn out to be something you could do without! To this day I still have some equipment, tools and cutters that I have never used and forget what some of them were for! 
The answers to your questions will be here as everyone is so helpful.
Go decorate! 
Not much advice here just a huge GOOD LUCK! You're gonna love it!
Welcome! Definitely take those courses. They'll teach you a lot about proper techniques for decorating survival. Enjoy decorating! Word of warning - this site is addictive. It is the only site I open many times a day. Love everyone's input and willingness to help. We have comraderie here!
I've never had a need for those decorator pumps or whatever you call them. They could never beat the way the those 27 bone movement coordination that your hand can pipe those decorations with.
Another suggestion, buy the caddy kit that contains all the basic tools, I believe it is cheaper, rather than buying them individually or trying to compile all.
I'm new at it too, since March and I've done 2 weddings and many other cakes. Mmmm. . . love this hobby!
And save those Michael's store coupons! They help especially when you are buying the expensive tools/gadgets.
Welcome to CC. Cake decorating is a wonderful hobby for many and a rewarding way to earn a living if you are so inclined.
Don't be afraid to try different things. The very worse that can happen is you'll have a cake to eat, and isn't that really what it is all about? Take your time and enjoy the process. Everyone is here to help.
Congrats on finding all the other ADDICTS! We all have become addicted to this hobby/job/love. I too am pretty new to decorating and to the site but am totally addicted to both. This site has been an immeasurable help to me for help, inspiration, encouragement and friends! So come on in and MAKE, BAKE, DECORATE!!!!!!
Oh, tips: #1 tip in MHO is If you have a question, ask it! We've had that same question before or have it now.
Good luck and have fun! I'm fairly new to this, too. My hubby signed me up for classes as a Christmas gift last year, and I've been making cakes for everyone in our families ever since. I'm REALLY glad I found this site, because now I don't buy the Wilton magazines anymore for ideas, I just check out the galleries here. Fun, fun, fun!!!
Welcome to CCC. I am fairly new myself but feel like I am part of the family. Just remember never be afraid to ask anything, even if you feel like it is a silly question, it won't be treated that way here. The people here treat everyone like family and are always willing to help, give support and ideas whenever they can. Good luck and happy decorating.
We are so happy to have you at CC as the others have said just enjoy there is so much info and help here that one should have no problem having any question answered.
Don't forget to print and use Hobby Lobby coupons off the internet too! That's how I got most of my pans and accessories.
Good Luck!
Best of Baking! 
Welcome to CC. As you have already been told; you'll be addicted in no time.
the only tip I can give is... If you have them near you; Go to hobbylobby.com & acmoore.com & sign up for the coupons. I get michaels coupons in my Sunday paper.I get them everyweek. I usually print out a few of them. Good Luck. Don't forget to breathe & remeber this is a "love."
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