I'm sure this has been brought up before but...
Is it a Wilton company requirement that you must take course 1 to get to the other courses or is it more of a regional/instructor thing?
I know that there's always something new to learn, but I am trying to save those pennies...
So, just wondering. Thanks for any input.
Sarah
I think it is required to take 1... some of the others don't need other classes but I think one is required. As far as savings... They almost always run some sort of 1/2 price special at Michaels on the classes and after two of my classes instructor gave us $5. coupon. So I got series 2 & 3 for $7.50. Not bad for about 8hrs worth of classes! I can always use a newspaper coupon if it doesn't go on sale. I did hear that the price is going up to $30. But that is full-price. You will learn some things even if you don't think you need them....
I am not sure about the course 4. But all the classes I have taken (1,2&3) Were all $25 reg. price but they were 1/2 off. So I paid 12.50 each. And as far as taking other courses without course one. My niece wanted to jump to course 2. She had taken classes in highscool (she was a senoir)and had learned the basics of course 1. She was told she needed course 1 first. I hope this helps
It's my understanding that Courses 1, 2, & 3, are $25 for each course of which each contain 4 classes. The cost for the fourth set of classes, which is not technically called course 4, but it is comprised of 4 weeks as well, is $30. And, you still must buy the kit for each and usually there are a few more supplies, etc., that you must have for each. Also, as jopalis said, you may use coupons or watch for specials. By the way, the special for the month of March, is that you buy the kit, which you can use a coupon for, and then you get the class for free. This is at the Michaels in Greenwood, IN. I would think they would run the same specials anywhere. HTH
It can be up to the instructor. Most places and instructors will require course 1 though. And they may also require that you take the classes in order. Your best bet is to try and talk to the instructor at the store you want to take classes. If you call the store the person you talk to might not really know.
Just to share a bit of information, the quote below is taken from an email from our instructor at Michaels. Just FYI! 
"I don't have information on how much the kit is yet, but the class is $30. As always, there will be promotions each month. February is 1/2 off, March is buy the kit, get the class free, and April is 40% off."
Hi, Sarah;
Wilton doesn't require courses 1, 2, and 3 to be taken in order, though each one builds on the skills learned in the previous course.
Each course is 4 classes (weeks) - which others have identified - and you pay for each course, not by the class.
The new Gum Paste/Fondant course DOES require that you've taken course 1. It's also a 4 week course and all the typical specials will apply.
Each Wilton instructor is an independent contractor, so they sometimes have their own stipulations about requiring the courses be taken in order. I've taught for a few years and have allowed students to enter courses 2 or 3 without having the previous courses and, honestly, it almost always takes more time to get them up to speed on the techniques they've missed. They almost always wish they'd started at the beginning & sometimes, when they realize what they've missed that other students are doing, they've often gone back and taken course 1 after they finish 2 and/or 3.
koolaidstains' advise about touching base with your closest instructor is good - see what they allow for their particular store.
Good luck!
Vickie
The price for all Wilton 4-week classes at Michael's will raise to $30 starting in February. So that is C1, 2, 3 and Fondant & Gum Paste. But of course, there are promotions every month. C1 is a requirement to take any of the 3 other courses which can be taken in any order. But, if you do speak wiht the instructor, maybe show her some pics of your work, he/she may let you opt out of C1. But be prepared, because some will require that you take it no matter what. But as was said in an earlier post, Michael's and the other chain stores are always offering a monthly promotion.
Sarah,
A reply from "Vickie" was a correct one for here in Michigan too! I also understand that "1" is required to take "4" (although not considered 4). The kit for 4 contains a lot of repeats I noticed. But if it's a matter of buying the kit (half price) and then getting the class free...I'm there!
I thought I knew (and had all the supplies) NOT to take 1, but decided to anyway. I learned so much more and needed so much more. Some I'll still use, some maybe not.
Thanks everyone for the input! I've got a call in to the instructor, and I'm just waiting for her to call me back. I'll tell her what I've done and show her my pics -- I know I already have all the materials for all the courses -- I've got 2 tackle boxes, a practice board, over 100 tips, 15 various bag sizes, flower formers, tons of colors, and so on. I've been collecting equipment for the last few years as I've needed them or they were on sale. (Don't you just love Michael's 40% off coupon!) People have also given me their stuff when they were finished with it. So I'm not worried about that aspect of it.
Uh oh, new question: they don't make you buy new equipment that you already have do they????
I will talk to her and find out exactly what they do in the course. If I truly feel that I can do it already, I'll make the appeal. If there are things there that I can learn new, I'll definitely take it. I'm not trying to sound like a know-it-all (and I hope I'm not coming across that way), I just don't want to spend money when I don't truly have to. I'm pretty sure that this gal requires course 1 though -- at least that's the impression that the manager had.
Thanks again everyone -- you are all so much help, I don't know what I'd do without this site!
Sarah
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