I am really wanting to up my skills but my family is really tired of cake and cupcakes. 
I am just itching to do several different cakes and no orders or requests..... 
I don't have the money right now for cake dummies either!!!!! 
I am so stuck...any one else having this problem and what do you do? I may be having my first decorating withdraw! 
I find myself in your situation alot. We're really broke most of the time so I can't afford to waste cake stuff. But, if I have what I need to make a cake around the house, I'll make a couple of 6 in. round cakes and then deliver them to neighbors or send them to work with my husband. That way I get to practice, get my name out there, and also work on my people skills. 
I don't like approaching people too much so delivering a cake to a neighbor helps me get used to that. If I don't have the stuff that I need to make cakes, I just turn my pans over and decorate on them.
That's what I do. 6 inch rounds are my favorite to make because they are so small and cute, and just the right size for giving. I also like to use them to give away because they are just the right size to experiment with - like with new fillings, flavors, methods, etc. That way, if it turns out way bad, you can just toss it and you haven't lost too much. Good luck on your practicing... sometimes you just have to get creative!
Also go to you favorite craft store and get styro from there. When I practice I make my BC with out flavors. So I can save a little there. Take a picture and then redo the cake. The craft stores have the styros in any round shape and square shapes. Also HL has discounts off and on thru out the month. Save money that way.
Also go to you favorite craft store and get styro from there. When I practice I make my BC with out flavors. So I can save a little there. Take a picture and then redo the cake. The craft stores have the styros in any round shape and square shapes. Also HL has discounts off and on thru out the month. Save money that way.
Never thought about styrofoams...what's HL?
Hobby Lobby, it's a craft store similar to Michaels, JoAnn's, etc.
Make some practice icing, turn your cake pans over, and practice your icing and border skills. Take the top off your cake saver, or get a piece of straight-sided plasticware, ice it, and practice your side designs and drop strings.
Theresa
I mentioned HL cause it is the only craft store here besides Walmart. But yes Michael's and JoAnns are also great places to get styro's for practice. I would cover the styro with cling wrap to help make clean easier. HTH
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