Wilton Cake Decorating Course 2: Final Cake

I had a really good time taking Wilton Course 2.  The class was much smaller, which meant it was easier to spread out and get some more attention from the instructor.

Course 2 focuses on making flowers out of royal icing.  I was so happy I didn't have to make the icing using Crisco again, at least for most of the classes.  Royal icing dries to a hard finish, so you can make a ton of flowers ahead of time and they keep well until you're ready to decorate your cake.

We also learned how to work with color flow.  I have to say, I'm not a huge fan.  You can see the colorflow in the little blue bird on the cake.

So in each class, we learned a few different flowers that we saved until the final class.  I think my favorites were the pansies and the violets.

In the final class, we also learned how to make a rope border and a basketweave.  I have to say, once you get the hang of the basketweave, it's awesome!!  I loved how it came out. It's my favorite cake so far!

The Final Cake - Wilton Course 1 Class 4

I can't believe my class is over already!  It's been a fun four weeks experimenting with frosting and decorating.  Our final cake is a layer cake with roses, leaves, sweet peas and a bow.  It was a lot of fun to make.  I'm still having an issue with making roses.  I think they look more like cabbages, but they'll do for now.  My frosting was a little too thick, which is why they look cracked on the top.

I did a much better job frosting my cake.  I used a thinner consistency.  Next time I'll try it even thinner.  It's a work in progress.

So that's my final cake!  Not a bad job. 

I already signed up for course 2, which starts next week.  It's all about flowers.  We don't have to bring a cake to each class, which is good.  I'm kind of tired of cake!  In each class we'll make and save flowers to be used on our final cake.

Wilton Course 1 Class 3 - Clowns and Flowers

In my 3rd Wilton class I learned how to make clowns and some flowers.  The clowns are actually pretty easy to make and you can pose them in a variety of positions.  You have to be careful to make their legs longer than their arms or they look like an octupus or an amputee.  Well, I failed.  One of them is both an octopus and an amputee!

Oops!  He's still cute anyway. 

We also learned how to make a few flowers.  I liked these best.

Pretty!

I need to work on my cake frosting skills.  My teacher said I probably made my frosting too thick, so I'll try a thinner one for the final cake.

I'm still not a fan of this frosting, but it's what we need for the class.  It's so greasy.  I have to make 2 batches for every class and it's such a mess. 

So next up, the Wilton Rose, sweet peas and leaves!  And it's the final cake from Course 1!

Wilton Cake Decorating Class 2

First, let me start by saying, "there's one in every class!"  We've got one of "those" people - that annoying person who interrupts the instructor, talks incessantly, and just makes everyone in the class roll their eyes.  I try not to let it bother me, but when the instructor is talking about the perfect frosting consistency and this lady is asking questions about when the next beadworking class will be, I want to hit her!  It's frustrating because we're all there to learn about cake decorating and the poor instructor can't get a word in edgewise.  In class 2, we're supposed to learn about pattern transfers, a few flowers and borders, and get started practicing on roses.  But instead, we listened to this woman brag about how she bought her supplies at Ocean State Job Lot and how she refused to make the Wilton Class Icing because it was just cheaper for her to buy a jar of Betty Crocker.  This class is not "Cake Decorating on a Budget!"

And on another note, AC Moore over-booked the class by 7 people and didn't order enough supplies.  I've been to the store 3 times now and still haven't been able to purchase everything I need for the class. I didn't have any icing color, so I had to borrow from someone.  And the instructor forgot to tell us to bring extra cups to mix colors in, so I was off to a bad start to begin with.  But I think I made do with what I had and my cake was pretty cute!

This is the kitty logo that I use for my Cat sitting business (Cat's Meow!).  I thought it would make a different cake, since most people in the class made rainbows.

Next week we're working on roses.

Wilton Class 1

Last week was my first class of the Wilton Cake Decorating Series.  We didn't get to do any decorating of our own, but we discussed what supplies we'd need and what to expect from the class.  The class itself is cheap at $27 for the 4-week series, but what they don't tell you is how much you'll spend in supplies!  I've already spent about $40 and have probably only purchased about half of what I need.

For the 2nd class we have to come prepared with one cake already frosted with Wilton Class Decorator Icing and 3 bowls of different concistencies of icing: Stiff, Medium and Thin.

I have to say, the icing is pretty gross.  It's made with shortening.  It's not my thing, but I'll do it for class.

Here is the recipe:

1 Cup Crisco White Solid Shortening (1 stick, NOT butter flavored)
1 Teaspoon CLEAR flavoring of choice (no pure vanilla here!)
2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons of water
4 Cups (1-one pound box) Sifted DOMINO 10X Confectioners Sugar
1 Tablespoon Wilton Meringue Powder

Mix together with electric mixer - Crisco, flavoring and water.  Mix on low to medium speed to a creamy texture.  Gradually add sifted sugar (if you're using the Domino 10X, it is already sifted) and meringue powder.  Beat approximately one or 2 minutes or until all ingredients are incorporated and creamy.

This makes the STIFF Consistency - about 3 cups.  For MEDIUM consistency, add 1 teaspoon of water per cup, and for THIN, add an additional 2 teaspoons per cup.

I think this stuff is gross.  It leaves a layer of grease in your mouth.  But I guess it's the right consistency for the Wilton Classes.

So tomorrow, I decorate!

Wilton Cake Decorating Class

I finally signed up and I'm so excited!  They offer this class at most local AC Moore or Michael's craft stores. It's a 4-part class that teaches the Wilton techniques of cake decorating.  And it's only $27, plus any supplies you want. 

Here's the description:
Discover Cake Decorating – Course 1

Thousands of people just like you have experienced the excitement of decorating their first cakes in a Wilton Method Class. With your Wilton Method Instructor as your guide, you will see how easy and rewarding it is to decorate wonderful cakes and other desserts that will delight your family and friends. Course 1 is the perfect place to start. Your Instructor will show you the right way to decorate, step by step. You will share the fun with other students, who encourage you along the way. As you learn each new decorating skill, you will gain a sense of pride in your accomplishments. Plus, you will be able to share your delicious results with family and friends!

So my class starts on February 4th at the AC Moore in Dedham.  Anyone care to join me?