Cake Decorating

I was thinking about giving it a try, I've always been interested in cake decorating, but just never got around to trying it out. I've really been thinking about it a lot lately, though. Does anyone have any suggestions for books or dvds about it? Any suggestions for what equipment I would need to get started? Any suggestions for the best way to start? I'm thinking about practicing with cupcakes to begin with (there would be at least more of them to practice with, I suppose!), and then move on to bigger cakes if that goes well. I really don't know much about it at all at this point, so any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Can you take classes anywhere? I did 2 1/2 terms (I dropped out of the third  ) of Sugarcraft classes at the local college when I lived in Wales. All free of charge! Books are fine, but it is pretty fiddly and there's no real substitute for hands-on learning.

I love baking, and I just make cakes and try decorating them as best I can, and if they look terrible....well, they still taste pretty bloody good!!!

Can you take classes anywhere? I did 2 1/2 terms (I dropped out of the third  ) of Sugarcraft classes at the local college when I lived in Wales. All free of charge! Books are fine, but it is pretty fiddly and there's no real substitute for hands-on learning.

I've had a look around, but there isn't anything around here, really.  I suppose I could try to find something in Newcastle once I get used to driving and pass my test, though. I really prefer taking classes to learning things on my own, but I guess to start with, I might have to just dig in on my own time. Any suggestions for how to do that?

I've had a look around, but there isn't anything around here, really.  I suppose I could try to find something in Newcastle once I get used to driving and pass my test, though. I really prefer taking classes to learning things on my own, but I guess to start with, I might have to just dig in on my own time. Any suggestions for how to do that?

I'd look for some DVDs. I've never used them, but I think that would probably be better than a book to start with (though books will give you some good ideas once you've got the hang of things). Maybe have a look around Amazon and see which DVDs have been given good reviews?

My first term, we made little bouquets of flowers and leaves:


I then adapted them and can now put roses, etc. on cakes!

Those are gorgeous, H! It's hard to believe you were able to make that during your first term! I wish I could take some classes! But maybe a dvd will help. It will be hard to watch while practicing, though, since I don't have a telly in the kitchen. Maybe I could bring my small kitchen table in the living room, though and pretend I am actually having a class! 

Do you have a laptop you can play a DVD on in your kitchen?

Gorgeous, H!

I've been able to find lots of books at the library on cake decorating.  I think your biggest thing will be lots of practice. Have fun making and eating your disasters and successes 

Do you have a laptop you can play a DVD on in your kitchen?

Unfortunately, I don't. I looked on Amazon, but it seems all the dvds have been given crap reviews. Some of the books have gotten excellent reviews, though. I may look into the library, as PB suggested and see if they have some books there. At least a book should be able to explain the basics and maybe I can start practicing on some of the easier techniques.

What sort of kit would you need to get started, do you think?

Wiltons make the best stuff.

Sounds like fun! I wish I could take a class too. I live to far and don't drive yet. I know this may not help you here but in the US at Michael's they used to sell Cake Kit's and had cake decorating classes. You might be able to buy on line and if not at least take a look at them for some ideas. They also have a message board. Good luck! When you start making them post some pics so we can see your progress.


http://www.michaels.com/bakeware

Try your closest hobbycraft.  I know they sell the cake decorating stuff and might have classes or info about some.

direct.hobbycraft.co.uk

What sort of kit would you need to get started, do you think?

I don't have a kit, per se, but a lot of individual tools: a little rolling pin, a cel board, dog bone (modelling tool), ball end (modelling tool), cones, veining tools, leaf shapers, various different size and shapes of flower cutters, leaf cutters, leaf veiners, edible glue, colours (powder and liquid), styrofoam block (for drying), etc. Honestly, you can keep accumulating stuff so easily!!

I'd say it depends on what you want to make. To make roses and leaves, I'd need a rolling pin, cel board, dog bone, flower and leaf cutters and colours. I think that's probably a bare minimum.

I don't have a kit, per se, but a lot of individual tools: a little rolling pin, a cel board, dog bone (modelling tool), ball end (modelling tool), cones, veining tools, leaf shapers, various different size and shapes of flower cutters, leaf cutters, leaf veiners, edible glue, colours (powder and liquid), styrofoam block (for drying), etc. Honestly, you can keep accumulating stuff so easily!!

I'd say it depends on what you want to make. To make roses and leaves, I'd need a rolling pin, cel board, dog bone, flower and leaf cutters and colours. I think that's probably a bare minimum.

Whoa... I have no idea what any of those are, really, other than the rolling pin. LOL. I really am a serious beginner.  I was thinking piping bags and nozzles to start! Haha.... Maybe I should get a beginners book and then see what tools I need to do the basic exercises in the book.

No Hobbycraft around here, unfortunately. I am going to be in the states soon, so I might be able to pick a few things up there, but I'm only there for a week, so I don't know if I will have time. I think ordering online would be for the best. Any good sites for that? I've found a few, but I just don't know what to get!

Jewlz, amazon is your friend-
Search for "cake decorating equipment" you'l find tons