I love baking but I feel like I'm inbetween being a novice and intermediate baker. My best friend and I are discussing slowly starting our own cake/cupcake home business. I have total faith that we can do this and we are both really creative but I feel like I need a jumping off place to start learning/practicing. I have been reading these boards for days and have learned a lot but wonder how you all learned your craft..

Is there a book/DVD/any reading you suggest I start with? Or any advice in general would be appreciated.

We are taking some Wilton classes in the next two weeks, so maybe that'll give us a crash course.

Thank you so much! I am in awe of the things I've been seeing on this site. =D

Hi There Mangospectacular,

Firstly, welcome to CC - if you are interested in cake decorating, you got the right place.

I have had no formal training other than having a lady show me how to cover a cake with fondant 3 yrs ago. Once I had the feel for that, I started making cakes. I read some Debbie Brown Books and Lindy Smith - they were my two favourites but I love novelty/carved cakes. I have researched on the internet to watch people and worked out a lot myself. I guess it depends on the type of cakes you want to make but I have seen on some threads on here a DVD that you can purchase in there they give you demonstrations.

With every cake you create, you will teach yourself one more thing every time.

I am sure if you are creative and willing to try, you will have no problems.

Good luck, I am quite sure you will get some great information to get you started.

I would love to be able to tell you where to train but I am a little far away .

Best wishes for cake happiness

This site is a must! Check your local library for books. You Tube is wonderful. Google techniques, terms, [ictures, etc. I took all the Wilton Classes, but have learned so much additionally from the Internet, and in brainstorming with a friend.

I am trying to decide if I want to take the Wilton classes again, from a different teacher, just to see a different take on the Wilton way. Maybe if they have some 1/2 price deals I will!

Thanks so much for the replies and welcome! I will make sure to use all those resources to start training myself.

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=wilton_cake_decorating

They are doing a 50% off classes right now for the month of September! =)

The best DVDs you can get are from sugarshack. www.sugaredproductions.com She takes you step by step through butter cream, stacking, fondant, boxes & bows and topsy turvy. Very inexpensive and informative. I've watched them all more then once and will watch them again.
Edited to correct website

agree sugarshacks dvds are excellent.
I also find youtube and watching ednas and lorraines how to's on there exceptionally helpful.
There is a wealth of information out there.
Personally from my point of view who had no experience baking before , i found that once you have the recipies down and have iced a few 10 inch and above cakes and covered them in fondant, then it gets easier if you are a " creative " type. getting the cakes general shape and keeping it held together was the hardest part for me.

How Did You Learn Cake Decorating:

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-644134-.html

HTH

Welcome.

Start making cakes for everyone. Make them bigger than they need to be. Make them ostentatious. Go nuts with cake making. Make a few mistakes.

Cupcakes, as I'm sure you have read, can be a bit of a hassle....to decorate. One cake or fifty cupcakes? I'll take the cake! Learn a half dozen specific decorations for cupcakes and nail those. Then you can sell them.

Not many people will pay $2 or $3 for a cupcake that looks like their Aunt Fanny made it. Get good at decorating. If you are motivated, it won't take long. Then you can expand your repertoire as you go along.

Lastly, be prepared to transport these little gems. It can be a royal PIA if you are not ready. If someone ordered 70 for next Saturday, how would you package them for the customer( expensive - could eat into profits) and/or get them delivered in one piece, without rolling around your car?

Lots to consider. Good luck.

Research and learn your craft. Taking the Wilton courses doesn't neccessary equal to getting to start a business. I can't tell you how many just graduated Wilton people I've met that turn around start a business...and then don't even what a swiss meringue buttercream is.

Yup, Indydebs right. I don't have payroll, cause it's just me, but all that licensing, registering and then my county does their taxes different. All HEADACHES! Ha,Ha, I don't do big advertising, no problem for me.