Does anyone know where you can buy this magazine or is it only available through subscription? Thanks

Google it. I was able to subscribe online.

It's mostly through subscription. However, a local cake decorating supply store carries it here so I know it can be purchased without subscriptions.

KimAZ

I've seen some back issues at cake shows and at some cake shops, but I got mine through subscription. However...I'm not going to renew. I didn't find it particularly helpful or interesting and was kind of disappointed.

some barnes and nobles book stores carry them. sammie

If you just want to check it out and not buy, my library has them...yours might also.

ETA: I got a lot of back issues through Freecycle.org and you might even check out craigs list.

I agree Susan....I am primarily a BC decorater and I found the magazine to soley concentrate on Fondant!Too bad really...I cancelled my subscription also!!

I still subscribe. I like it. Cake decoraters do not have many magazines out there. I have all issues of this magazine. When it was first published it was almost all buttercream. You're right now it is mostly fondant. Bummer.

I understand that fondant is king right now. I get it. But the annoying part for me is that when they request cake decorating articles featuring buttercream, the guidelines are so-o-o restrictive. It can't take longer than 2 hours to decorate, no advanced skills should be used, no pre-made items, and so on. You can do more with BC than strictly beginner level stuff, but that's the only thing they want to put in the magazine. Like I said, I find it annoying!

I agree. There is so much skill using buttercream. I wish we could forward this to them.

WALMART sells them...

I forwarded our topic to the editor of American Cake Decorating today. Here is his reply. Thought you would be interested.

Thanks for the heads-up. I have also come to this conclusion and am taking steps to find good buttercream ideas. What I need is more original buttercream ideas to cross my desk. I am always on the lookout for talent--and if there is one thing that I am short of right now, it is people who are dedicated to pristinely clean buttercream ideas. Ideas that exhibit good design and originality.


There are some people I have worked with over the past few years who I thought did great work, but I would like to get a variety of perspectives into the book rather than the same people all the time. There are established names that contribute regularly, but I do like to give opportunities to up-and-coming decorators with good ideas. GeminiRJ is right, the American Style Competition is restrictive--because it is aimed at a more novice level and limited to a 2-page layout. I know there is a need for more intermediate and advanced buttercream designs and I am actively looking for new people to bring these to life.


The best way to get noticed is to send me pictures. With the relentless turnover of deadlines, I have only a limited amount of time available to scout for ideas (I wish there was more time for this), and when the deadline gets close I have to go with what I have. Submitting pictures is a critical step in the process. Obviously, I cannot shift completely the other way and exclude gumpaste/fondant/pastillage, but I am currently trying to achieve more balance. Maybe the folks on your thread have some ideas...


I appreciate you taking the time to contact me and please know that I am always open to constructive criticism. There will always be room for growth and improvement and that is the part of the job that makes it enjoyable. People subscribe because they are looking for something to inspire them. If they aren't finding it in ACD, I need their feedback so we can make it better. We can't be all things to all people, but I challenge you to find a cake-decorating class that offers as much as we do for less than $30--and we will continue to refine and improve as we grow.


Kindest regards,


Craig Gustafson
Editor in Chief
[email protected]

I think what he is trying to tell us is they want both. They seem to want to be expanding their articles.

Just got my October/November ACD magazine. They included at least 2 buttercream decorated cakes and they were really nice, especially the halloween cake with easy step-by-step directions. There was some work with a cake covered with ganache, very beautiful and explained well by Browen Weber. There was also some run sugar. There was a great mosaic witch halloween cake by Autumn Carpenter using chocolate transfers. So I thought there was a nice variety of techniques and I felt I got my money's worth.

I don't mean to change the subject but I was wondering if you recieved the newest issue Oct/Nov. did it include pictures from the ICES - Orlando Convention? (I have not received my issue yet)

I was there and entered my 3d Bumblebee Cake in my photos - and was wondering if by chance it made it in the issue.

Please check out my cake and let me know.

Thank you.

I'm more of a recent subscriber (I don't have my latest issue yet, either) and I really think it's a great magazine. I really like working w/ BC and fondant, and I think they have some great articles in there. Like I said, though, I'm a new subscriber (since last Dec), so it's totally possible it used to be even better. I have to admit that I get sick of the Wilton Yearbook for the same reason (almost all fondant). It's annoying! Plus the Wilton Yearbook has too many little projects in it. I think it should focus more on regular cakes....

Ok, off subject, I know!

Hi Mazz,
There was an article "2008 ICES Convention Review". They showed around 26 cakes, but I did not see the 3-D Bee cake. Sounds really cute. Is there any way you could post it on this site? Next issue they said they will talk about new products from some of the vendors that were there.

well I am a fondant person
I dont think I have the talent for buttercream
I prefer fondant and I got my first magazine last month I think
beautiful cakes I was very happy with it.
But I would like to be one day good at BTC too
I hope.......