L2jlu2: Hello Everyone!  Dolores are you having fun at the convention?
CCChefDol: yea....to be sure I am...Earlene is sitting right here beside me!!!
CCChefPwd: Feels funny to be sitting next to my partner.  No long distance tonight
L2jlu2: wish I could be there with you guys!
LadyWest2: Never been there, what’s it like?
CCChefDol: Wonderful cakes - Lots of decorators from all over the world
Ising C: i'm glad we have this time at least with you at ices...
CCChefDol: we're kind of distracted...lots of decorators in the room with us
CCChefPwd: Hugs and seeing old friends that you haven't seen in a year
Millie D2: How's the convention?
CCChefDol: Millie...its wonderful!
Millie D2: Wish I could be there.
CCChefDol: Pwd & I are here side by side
CCChefDol: wish all of you were here
Millie D2: then we couldn't do the chat LOL
CCChefDol: LOL...guess you're right Millie
Millie D2: How many of "us" are actually with you at the show
CCChefPwd: Seven, plus us two
Millie D2: Have you done your demo's yet?
CCChefDol: Florida says to tell you they are having great fun
CCChefPwd: We are having a ball - we haven't actually seen each other for 4 years
CCChefDol: this is like a dream come true
GOOO8: Bet it seems just like yesterday and you picked up where you left off though.
CCChefPwd: So this is like meeting an old friend that you haven't seen in that long only
RachDminor: You work together so well, I'd never have known :)
CCChefPwd: We just both love this sugar art and the sharing of what we know
RachDminor: I've never met either of you (or anyone else here) but this connection (even though I can rarely come) really does mean something to me .. keeps me excited about it and it's really fun to talk about

It is so great to get together with our friends most of us haven't seen in at least a year. Things are really humming. There is not enough time in the day. It is hard to find time to get to the demos, take pictures of the cakes and visit all the vendors and authors. Then we get loads of papers and items we buy from the vendors and lug those around too. NEVER be without our cameras! We wouldn't dare. At each demo, the demonstrator gives out precious handouts so we can make notes and retain all we've been introduced to.

CAKES: People bring there cakes in on Thursday. We don't have a count as to how many there are yet, but there will probably be nearly 1,000 displays. Maybe you don't all know, but this is a 'sharing only' show. There is no judging. Since we all realize how important the displays we bring are to the rest of the conventioneers, we try to bring something fabulous. I brought my castle cake. All covered with rolled fondant. I'll have a picture later to share with those of you who couldn't attend the show.
   The public (who haven't paid for the entire convention) can attend this part of our show. I think the fee is about $5-6.00. Lots of local people do attend this.
   We DO get some compensations for sharing. For each entry our name is put in a box for a drawing. We usually get some nice prizes. Once I got a handkerchief doll carrying a basket of flowers. I still have it.

DEMOS:  Demos are preplanned carefully all year long. We must each have a ticket for the demos we choose. When the room is filled, no more decorators can get into the demo. We have BIG monitors so it is just as easy to see clear in the back of the room as in the very front row, sometimes more so. Compensations here too...One year I got a front row seat to the demo of my choice, for doing a demo. I chose Roland Winbeckler's sculpturing demo. BTW, Roland and Marsha are both here! I'll be doing my wedding cake demo on Thursday morning.

WHOLESALE VENDORS: Vendors who manufacture or import our cake decorating products are here! Wilton included. They have a fancy booth all set up and display all the new items in their new 1999 catalog, etc. And we get to meet the people we talk to all year on the phone. Time is designated for just shop owners with the wholesale vendors. Otherwise, anyone can get in to view this room.

RETAIL VENDORS: In another room, we have retail vendors. (Never Wilton). But most others. Just so they have a license to sell retail, they can sell to any conventioneer. There is Country Kitchen (carries all cake decorating & candy materials), Linnea's, ILA (candy making materials & molds), Apollo (candy molds) and probably 30 more. You'll see things here you'll never see in a shop! I always stock up on fine florist wire etc.

AUTHORS: Authors bring all new books and we have the chance to buy one and have it autographed, not to mention meeting the author in person. They'll also bring older books, so we can go crazy buying books.

FUN! We no more than get inside the door of the hotel before we run into friends. There are so many hugs and so much to get caught up on. We exchange tiny mementos we've made...nothing expensive. I just made a bus. card magnet. We take special care to offer one to new conventioneers. They usually don't know about this part so they'd feel really bad if we didn't greet them. Their badge has a 'spot' on it so we know they are new. It sure feels a lot better after someone starts talking to you when you're new.
   Then there is the banquet on Sat. night. We all dress up and attend the dinner and entertainment.
   Sunday night sharing is the final part. We go into a big room and some of the demonstrators do mini demos over and over. Sometimes they even share recipes or directions. This is really nice for those of us who are too busy volunteering to attend all the demos we'd like to see. Of course I can't re-do my wedding cake demo.

Mrs. Barloca's Gum Paste (The one I like best).... Great for Gum Paste dolls
     1 Tbs.. Gum Tex *
     3 Tbs.. water
     1 teas. lemon juice
     1 teas. glucose
     1 lb. Confectioners' sugar (or to the desired consistency)

* I prefer to mix the gum tex with the Confectioners' sugar - much faster and easier to dissolve - makes no other difference.
Mix warm water and glucose until glucose is absorbed. Add the gum tex and lemon juice and, after these ingredients are thoroughly mixed, add small amounts of powdered sugar until you can work the mixture with your hands. Continue adding small amounts of powdered sugar as you knead the mixture on a table top. As soon as the mixture is pliable and can be shaped without sticking to your fingers, you've added enough sugar (a pound or more) and the paste is of correct working consistency. If you're not going to use the gum paste mixture immediately, place it in a plastic bag and then in a covered container to prevent drying. When stored properly, your gum paste will keep for several months. Gum paste handles best when it is several days old.

How to color gum paste
Once you've made the gum paste recipe, you can tint it any color you desire, or divide the mixture and tint it several different colors. To color gum paste, apply small amounts of liquid or paste food color with a toothpick. Then with your hands, knead and work the color into the gum paste piece until the tint is evenly applied. If you would like a deeper shade, you can add more color a little at a time, and re-work the gum paste until you achieve the desired shade. Remember, you can always darken a color easier than you can lighten one.

How to roll out gum paste
Always dust your work surface with cornstarch first! This is standard procedure for rolling out gum paste to cut any floral shape. After your work surface is adequately dusted, take a small piece of gum paste, work it awhile with your hands and then place it on the cornstarch-covered area. Now dust more cornstarch on the surface of your rolling pin and roll out gum paste until it's the thickness you desire - this is usually about 1/16-inch for most flowers. Remember, roll out one small piece of gum paste at a time to avoid drying; and cover every petal and flower cut you make with saran wrap.

How to hand-work gum paste
When you remove gum paste from a plastic bag or covered container, you will need to re-work it with your hands until it's soft and pliable once again. If the gum paste has been stored for some time and seems a little bit stiff, add a small piece of freshly made gum paste and then re-work it with your hands.

Important reminders:
     ALWAYS dust work surface, rolling pin and your hands with cornstarch when handling gum paste and flower cuts. (my note: Instead, I often grease my hands
     AND the work surface lightly with Crisco - especially when I'm making very tiny and delicate flowers. They won't dry and crack nearly as soon.)
     ALWAYS keep gum paste and flower cuts covered to prevent drying
     ALWAYS add food coloring in small amounts until you achieve the gum paste tint you desire
     ALWAYS re-work gum paste before roll it out to cut flowers and, if the gum paste has been stored for sometime, add a small piece of freshly made gum paste and re-work until pliable.
     She stressed when making dolls or figures that need longer to dry that you always make fresh gum paste.

Em1walt3: i have not really gotten into the gumpaste stuf yet.  I have started
GOOO8: Can you overknead it?
CCChefPwd: Gumpaste is so much fun Em - you must try it
CCChefDol: Em,...its like a craft
CCChefDol: GOOO I never have at least
Icing Wiz: Did you say mix gum tex with powdered sugar or add the powdered sugar at the end?
CCChefPwd: I had some that didn't have much life in it last week and added a little piping gel and it came right back to life
Em1walt3: i have tried it, but have not really gotten into it.  I need to learn to make flowers and stuff. I have done gumpaste bows
CCChefPwd: You have a start Em
Ising C: will the color darken when it dries?
CCChefPwd: Not really
CCChefDol: no...may get lighter. I like to dust with color
CCChefPwd: If you let it stay in the paste stage colored it will darken and then after you make the flowers and they are drying they get slightly lighter.
Icing Wiz: FOR DUSTING: I put cornstarch in handi wipe and tied with rubber band
GOOO8: I like that little bag trick.
RachDminor: that's what my teacher taught us, too, Icing
CCChefPwd: Cornstarch in a new white knee hi hose works great for keeping the gumpaste from being stick sticky

FROM OUR FRIENDS IN THE CHAT ROOM HERE CONVEYED BY CCChefPwd:
CCChefPwd: Need a shoe box and line with wax paper
Make royal icing and pour it into the shoe box.
CCChefPwd: Make boiled sugar syrup while you are doing this other
CCChefPwd: Then pour the boiled sugar syrup into the royal icing and it will rock and roll and really
CCChefPwd: bubble up and that is what it is supposed to do.
CCChefPwd: Color the royal icing black to start with to make the lava
Pippingirl: Pwd - can this poured on the cakes themselves?  I don't want bits & pieces I have to "glue" to the cakes
CCChefPwd: If we hadn't been here at convention we would have neither would have known what to do
Pippingirl: hmm...will the syrup change the color of the royal icing?
CCChefPwd: No you cannot put this on the cake hot.  You must let this completely cool and then break it
CCChefPwd: to look like lava rock
CCChefDol: Pippin..niether of us knew how...this is all thanks to Shirley Manbeck
Pippingirl: thank Shirley for me!  :-)
CCChefDol: we did Pippin
CCChefPwd: I wish you could see the demo she did this morning. Shirley did a neat royal clay demo that makes figure making really easy
Pippingirl: I've never heard of royal clay
CCChefPwd: It is brand new - a new technique
Ising C: sounds intriguing
CCChefPwd: I will give you all that info next week.  We have been so busy this few days
CCChefPwd: that we haven't had time to get all of that info ready for you
L2jlu2: will we be able to get info or buy all the new things being shown at the convention?
CCChefPwd: I am sure they do but the vendors area will not be open till tomorrow
CCChefPwd: You bet that is part of the joy of being here
JWGPKG: Do they have the new Wilton yearbook there?
(Yes they sure do…and many of the cakes from that Yearbook so we can see them in person too)!…Dolores
CCChefPwd: Lots of vendors will be here will all the newest things for us.
CCChefPwd: I just saw the new calendar and it is great.  About 50 retail vendors
CCChefPwd: Approximately 700 cakes and sugar pieces
CCChefPwd: Tomorrow is actually the beginning of the show so we have doing set up and watching demos today

DLOCKEY: hi from Texas
L2jlu2: does the convention ever come to NY?
CCChefDol: L2...maybe if that state makes a bid for it
CCChefPwd: Marsha, Roland, Nicholas, Betty Van Norstrand are all here
L2jlu2: Took a class with Betty Van Nostrand she is great
Icing Wiz: I got some nice prizes last year for entering a 3 tiered cake
Millie D2: Does Colette Peters also attend?  Just wondering
CCChefDol: hey...Pwd just showed us her calendar!!!
Icing Wiz: Colette was at last years convention
CCChefDol: Colette...not yet
CCChefPwd: Yes Colette will be here
Ising C: i met Colette in Ohio last spring--she was very friendly and easy-going
CCChefDol: right icing...Colette is great
CCChefPwd: She is a regular gal with an extraordinary talent

CkeLdy: Is Martha Stewart there????
Icing Wiz: Martha? yeah right
CCChefDol: Martha ...prob not at all...never was
CCChefPwd: No to Martha - I am not sure she could take all the hugging
(When I told the room that question, ‘Is Martha Stewart there?’ they just roared laughing!) …Dolores
Millie D2: What else would you expect from a cake decorator :)
Bag1321: When Was Martha on QVC
CkeLdy: did anyone catch Martha on QVC selling cake supplies? Her prices were very expensive last week
Icing Wiz: I met Martha Stewart she wasn't so happy. I went to Marsha's rolled buttercream demo it was great
CCChefPwd: So much to learn in so little time
FITZBARB: Martha Stuart et al there?
CCChefDol: ‘Martha who’?… they said here LOL

Icing Wiz: so is it crazy busy there tonight Dol and Pwd?
CCChefPwd: crazy and wonderful to
CCChefPwd: My mom came with me this year and she is really amazed at the hugging and family feel
CCChefDol: Pwd's mom is so sweet
Icing Wiz: I know I love going to all the ICES DOS's too just to socialize!
CCChefPwd: That is the best part of ICES  - the wonderful people we meet
JWGPKG: Not only do you have to save up for the trip, but the shopping, too!
Ising C: ohhhh the shopping!!!! :)
CCChefPwd: The shopping is where you really want to have some extra money. The temptation is huge when there is so much new stuff available
Bag1321: Where does this shopping experience take place
CCChefPwd: Some of the people here went on a tour tonight and they are out on a riverboat on the Mississippi river.
L2jlu2: i would love to have been there to buy some of these books
CCChefPwd: The vendors are also showing their new stuff tonight only you can't buy anything yet

FITZBARB: where are the books? /WHERE? convention, meeting, what?
CCChefPwd: St Paul Minnesota is where we are tonight
CCChefDol: we haven't gotten to see books yet...authors are here Sat.
Icing Wiz: were there any demos today?
CCChefPwd: Three sets of demos today and you had to choose from 12 demonstrators

Filam33: where is the event ccchef?
CCChefPwd: St Paul, Minnesota
Icing Wiz: what is the banquet theme this year?
CCChefDol: land of 10,000 lakes!
CCChefPwd: Northern Lights

CCChefPwd: Talent Show Friday night
JWGPKG: TALENT SHOW? What do they think convention is?  LOTS of talent there.
CCChefPwd: Sunday night is sharing night and you can walk up to any table
NOTE ABOUT THE TALENT SHOW: You should be sure NOT to miss one thing at ICES! That talent show turned out to be GREAT fun. Imagine Frances Kuyper up on stage doing rap (she use to be in vaudeville)…or Roland Winbeckler singing to us…or the Tennessee gang doing a ‘Hee Haw’ act, complete with scenery props!…and more. I’m sorry that many of the first-timers did miss it. That was one fun evening. I can’t tell you how important it is to get everything in that you can at ICES. You just never know what will happen. The program book just said ‘talent show’….Dolores

CCChefDol: Icing...I saw that you won a scholarship last year here???
Icing Wiz: Yes, at last years convention. I am still trying to use it up most qualified teachers are far away

RachDminor: (sorry I'm late .. would someone kindly tell me the topic, please?)
CCChefPwd: We are at convention tonight RACH
RachDminor: I lost track of the date ... what fun you must be having :)
CCChefDol: so right Rach...its a riot...lots of ICES members right here in the room with us
RachDminor: <waving to the other ICES members>
CCChefPwd: They are waving back
CCChefDol: they all waved back
Icing Wiz: are you two Dol and Pwd in a room with others? is anyone there also in the chat?

MISTWI: chefDol  How did the castle turn out?
(It turned out very well…my transmission was acting up in my car and so we drove my husband’s new truck…with camper shell. The cake did fine except for the flags on the castle turrets….those were gumpaste and melted. When I got there I removed them, waded the gp into a ball, rolled them back out…with a pen LOL…and replaced them).
RachDminor: Did we hear how the castle came out?
RachDminor: I mean.. did I miss that?
CCChefDol: The gp flags melted...I waded it up and remade them
RachDminor: How did you transport it, Dolores? I can't even imagine
GOOO8: was it in the belly of the plane or on board with you
CCChefDol: Castle...the transmission decided to go out of my car last week...
CCChefDol: put it in the back of my husbands pickup truck...It has a camper shell...made it pretty well considering
CCChefPwd: In the back of a pick up - can you believe it   LOL
RachDminor: LOL
RachDminor: How many miles was the trip?
CCChefDol: 12 hours...my trip
CCChefPwd: I flew and boy that is another story
RachDminor: I have palpitations just moving a 6 or 8-inch cake to classes I teach ;)
CCChefPwd: Flying with sugar stuff is something else
GOOO8: I can't even imagine it ... have yet to live through that experience.
JWGPKG: People may not see it, but they sure can smell it!
GOOO8: Going to see my daughter in Sept so may try it then for the heck of it
DLOCKEY: Did you carry it on?
Icing Wiz: Hey Rach do youb use the rubber drawer liner in your trunk or in your cake boxes?
LISASCAKES: i've heard of people flying with cakes but i have trouble driving a couple of hours
CCChefPwd: We are talking with the cake decorators here in the room as well as trying to pay attention to you guys so we are a little crazy tonight
LISASCAKES: cake decorators are all a little crazy arn't we?????

Icing Wiz: Have you seen Carolyn (Lawrence) yet?
CCChefDol: Carolyn...looking right at her : ) I saw her...I hugged her...and I can talk to her everyday : )
Icing Wiz: Is anyone from Florida there in the room with you tonight? I mean in the actual room at the  convention/ where in Fl. are you from Mohoro?
Mohoro: orlando
Icing Wiz: are you serious? you were that close! It was awesome last year Mohoro
Mohoro: i was achef there  i didnt know bout it !

DLOCKEY: Has a date and city been set for next year?
JWGPKG: Yes, they're set for several years - about 4 more, I think.
CCChefPwd: Yes the last week in July going into August in MO, Kansas City
Icing Wiz: Bag in Florida last year
JWGPKG: At Disney!
COOKYBAKER: Does any one know where the next Convention is??
Lzanyk: Kansas  City missouri
(Earlene and I have both been invited to do demos at next year's convention and we have turned in our paper work. See you there I HOPE)...Dolores

GOOO8: Hey, is Mercedes expected to attend ICES?
CCChefDol: GOOO...yes she is...doing a demo
CCChefPwd: She has the demo right before mine tomorrow
Icing Wiz: Dol is anyone from Florida in the convention room with you?
CCChefDol: YES...FL met so many
CCChefPwd: We just found out one of the gals here found out about this convention right here on our chat info

CAKE CLUBS: tHIS IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR EVENING AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED! I LOVE FINDING OUT OUR HARD WORK HAS PAID OFF IN SUCH A WONDERFUL WAY:
RachDminor: Dolores, do you remember a few weeks ago when the topic was cake clubs and I mentioned my very friendly gum paste class .. and you suggested that was the start of a cake club? Welllll ... our class is over and we're going to continue meeting .. how NICE!  Thanks for the idea!
CCChefDol: wonderful Rach!!!!!
Kidzcakez: what's a cake club?
Ising C: Kidz--where a group of people meet (usually 1 month) to share & demo about cake deco
Kidzcakez: how do you get started
CCChefDol: cake club...cake decorators meet and share
RachDminor: For us, we're going to meet to practice gum paste flowers .. and enjoy each other.  I'm so happy about that.
Ising C: i went to the local cake store and ask to start a list of people interested and just set a
Ising C: date and went for it..now our club is 5 years old
Icing Wiz: we had the convention last year at Disney were you  there Mohoro?
RachDminor: good for you, Ising  :)
Kidzcakez: Ising C -- great idea.  Thanks
Icing Wiz: Naples
Ising C: go for it!!!!
DLOCKEY: We're using your ideas to start a cake club, first meeting will be Sept 30
Ising C: be sure to have DEMOS at the meetings!  that's what keeps people interest
CCChefDol: another cake club...we are so glad we could help you
CCChefDol: club...and take turns doing the demos...not one end up doing it all
Millie D2: we are hoping to start one in NYC (5 boros)
DLOCKEY: I read every word on Delores' web page everyday and now this chat room too!
Millie D2: I've met 2 new friends through this chat and the message board. It really is cool to talk to people who are as excited about it all as you are

Icing Wiz: I am doing a cake into a shape of a flamingo for my birthday I got an idea from a tissue holder. I am thinking of a Raspberry filling with whipping cream any suggestions?
CCChefDol: Icing...3D?
Icing Wiz: Yes 3 D

COOKSHACK1: Any of you make a marine corps cake ? in the shape of a bowling ball only put a fuse 9yarn) a and a small balloon inside? causing a small pop when it is cut?
JWGPKG: COOK, cute idea!
RachDminor: LOL .. how funny!   (dangerous, too, though .. yikes!)

GOOO8: Have a fabulous time at the convention ladies!  See you next week. THANKS!!!!!!!
RachDminor: Have fun, Dol and Pwd ... <waving good-bye to you and the others in the room>