Another thing...you can take the same class from 2 different teachers and learn something else, just by their different teaching methods. Or, when you are very new at this, I notice students don't 'catch' everything. When my students ask a question about a subject that I've just covered extensively, I know they either weren't listening or got lost in thought over the tech words.
   Many of the cake decorators who attend our AOL chats teach for Wilton or other shops. You can bet that these are good teachers who really care if their students learn when they also are still learning here themselves.
   I would be prepared to travel for at least up to one hour to attend a good basic class. And of course, a lot more for special classes (more below).
   You may find a class listing in your local newspaper, for the basics. (more later)

GOOO8:  What section would you look in the newspaper...I've never looked there
CCChefDol:  GOOO...mostly in the food section. Our Sunday paper has a food section here
Bridal1:  Or sometimes Michael's advertises them in their ad
Kidzcakez:  Arts and Lifetime or Life and Entertainment
LISASCAKES:  my first class was taken at the local college
CCChefDol:  usually large cities offer some kinds of classes. Sometimes high schools or Vocational Schools offer classes too

CLASSES I HAVE TAKEN: When I first started out...waaay back in the dark ages LOL...there weren't any classes within 5 hours (Chicago & Wilton here). So I taught myself from the Wilton Yearbooks. My first Yearbook (which was not really a 'Yearbook', but covered several years then), didn't even have a icing recipe in it. At that time, people rarely did cakes at home - mostly bakeries were the only place you could get a decorated cake. The next 'Yearbook' I got did contain an icing recipe. This is when I really learned to make an icing that would work as expected. I decorated for around 10 years through struggling and reading this way. Finally, there was a cake show in Cincinnati and it was like dreamland for me. Getting together with other decorators was a real learning experience.
   Then I took Comprehensive Decorating...2 weeks all day 10 days, from Mildred Brand at Country Kitchen. (Also MINI classes here) - more later on this. And of course, at ICES. And many more. I have a manila envelope full of graduation certificates now.

WHAT CLASSES: First, I would definitely take a local comprehensive course. Probably you can do this at your local cake decorating supply shop, Penny's, Joann's Fabrics or Michael's. I vote for trying the local cake shop first. Shop owners may be more experienced. (Though I have heard of some who aren't). Usually these classes will last for around 4 weeks, one night per week. This will probably be just a BASIC (Wilton) Course. Which teaches you the basics of baking, how to make icing, and basic cake decorations including roses.
   I do things a little different here. I offer all 12 week's (of the Wilton Course) in a package for $75.00. If anyone wants to just take 4 weeks the cost is $25.00.

SPECIALTY CLASSES: Once you know the Basics, you will feel more comfortable taking special classes from big time teachers...like Earlene :-) - or Nicholas Lodge etc. These types of classes are not so easy to come by. Expect to save your pennies all year and travel for these classes. But they are well worth the effort, believe me!
    Most shops offer special classes for techniques including: Gingerbread houses, candy making, sugar eggs, gumpaste flowers, rolled fondant, etc... These usually are only one or two evenings each - for 2 to 2 1/2 hours each night.

HOW TO FIND OUT ABOUT THESE CLASSES: The best/easiest way is through your ICES newsletter, or here online now. Both Diane Shavkin and I are posting schedules of special classes as they are forwarded to us. Mine are listed on http://w3.one.net/~proicer/index.html - then go to 'ANNOUNCEMENTS' - Diane's are here: http://members.aol.com/shavkin/index.html
   Otherwise, you may find class schedules in other cake decorating newsletters.
   At first you won't realize it, but teachers usually have a specialty they teach and love. Mine is gumpaste or rolled fondant. (Wilton now includes ROLLED FONDANT class in their Course 3). I usually offer Rolled Fondant class once or twice a year. It is a one-day all-day on Saturday. My gumpaste class is 2-evening/2 1/2 hours each. My gumpaste class is an introduction/basic class. This prepares you to the 'biggy' classes later on.

ICES (AT) http://www.ices.org      Having explained Basic and Specialty classes, there are also Seminars. (Usually not hands-on). ICES is the very best place to get this. Each year the convention is held in a different city, usually in the US, in August. Dates vary, but I have them posted on my ICES page at http://w3.one.net/~proicer/index.html
   At ICES teachers come from all over the world. You can attend Seminars on Thursday through Sunday that last about 1 hour each. All seminars are included in your initial registration package of about $100.00 or a little less. If you have never been to an ICES convention, you will think you have died and gone to heaven LOL. These teachers (and many others), bring wonderful decorated cakes. These aren't the norm. They are the most fantastic cakes you'll ever see. Total cost of this convention varies according to IF you have a roommate to share with and how many items you 'just have to buy' at the trade booths there LOL.

MINI CLASSES:
Then there are mini classes. Mini classes are where we come for a week...or a day...or however long we can...or whatever days the teacher we want to take class from is doing the class we want.   Classes are usually hands-on. You bring your tools with you - and you can also buy many other specialty tools from a particular teacher doing a class. Before I attend these classes, I would have wanted to have taken basic classes and know a little bit on some of the subjects taught. You get more out of most specialty classes if you already understand the basic concept.
   Years ago Country Kitchen in Ft. Wayne Indiana offered mini classes. Mini classes at Ft. Wayne is where Earlene and I first met. And this is also where I met Diane Shavkin(Shavkin), Carolyn Lawrence (Bridal1) and SO many other decorators. I understand that they want to resume these classes. They tried last summer but they were too close to the ICES convention and we all had to make a choice (ICES of course). I hope they find a better time schedule and can offer these again.
    Then, I understand that this same concept is offered in Illinois and maybe somewhere in California. Watch your ICES newsletter (or our web sites) for schedules (as I explained above).
 Teachers came from all over the world to teach. These classes usually last around 2 hours each for about $15-20.00 each. Again, roommates help to defray expenses. This is a wonderful activity for cake clubs!
 
KBius:  Dol,do your students purchase the kit separate?
CCChefDol:  Yes, the kit is sep. but I give them 10% discount on all supplies and any other they buy during classes duration

GOOO8:  Is Nicholas the one in Atlanta?
CCChefDol:  yes...or near, but travels too. I'm taking his class next March

Ploeger642:  Nov. 1 - MINI CLASSES! FL mini classes. Geraldine Randlesome, Carole Faxon, Carol Webb, Mercedes,
Carolyn Wanke & Beryl’s. Members or non-members same pricing for FL mini classes
CCChefDol:  WOW! That’s like those mini classes of old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GOOO8:  I've finally got a Mercedes rose class to attend on Saturday...yippeee
Icing Wiz:  You know whose cake s I love besides Colette? Claire Barton of Alaska
Bridal1:  Claire is wonderful!
Icing Wiz:  I see a lot of hers in Mailbox news
Bridal1:  Claire has been in MBN mag a lot!
Icing Wiz:  yes some real awesome cakes and cake tops that she made

Pippingirl:  hey, does anyone know anything about that new cake mag? A publisher sent some info to Dolores' message board but neglected to say what it was called. I called the publisher several times but never got a person on
the phone. Not one of my messages was returned. Is it out?
CCChefDol:  Pip...think its from England. Wonder what happened to them!
Pippingirl:  i know!  Not a great way to hook subscribers! LOL
CCChefDol:  I think its been out...but they may be trying to get a US distributor
Pippingirl:  I just think its a shame that they neglected to share some important info with the message …like name, price, newsstand vs subscription
Bridal1:  I think it might be Jillian Cole from England that has it.  I know at convention she was coming out with one - and Sheila Lampkin is helping her, I think. Jillian doesn't have e-mail because Kerry Vincent has been
relaying messages from her  in getting demo packets and registration packets for KC. Jillian is helping Kerry do Publicity for Kansas City Convention. Bridal1:  It's a different mag.  This is brand new. Jillian branched off on. I think Jillian was with them first.  Now on her own.

Bridal1:  Kansas City ICES convention July 29-August 1, 1999. I want all of you to come!!!  To Missouri ICES convnetion~!~
CCChefDol:  come one come all...we'll do our chat live again
TeresaT610:  I live in Kansas City!!
Bridal1:  Well, Teresa, come on over to ICES convention.  Do you belong to a cake club??
Icing Wiz:  Yeah - we need a roommate referral
CCChefDol:  Icing...this summer on my message board there was a lot.. no prob
CCChefDol:  getting a roommate like that

Slsbmw:  Hi...This is my first time on.
TeresaT610:  I'm interested in learning all about it-haven't taken classes yet.
Slsbmw:  Thanks for the welcome.
Bridal1:  We meet up near the airport once a month - love to have you.  Will
give more info if you would want to come Teresa
TeresaT610:  How do I find one in my area?
Icing Wiz:  Bridal don't you live in KC?
Ising C:  cake clubs are good, but don't expect to learn a full course at one
CCChefDol:  Bridal lives near you Teresa...she can tell you all
Bridal1:  I am north of KC about 30 minutes
TeresaT610:  Thanks Bridal-that would be great-I live right by the airport about 5 min or so!!
CCChefDol:  ...Teresa hit a gold mine here : )

KBius:  Dol, do you know if Ck still has classes in Ft. Wayne?
CCChefDol:  KB...definitely so...where I took mine. But not the same teacher, she’s retired now. Guess Vi teaches them now...Mildred’s daughter
KBius:  Dol, do you know off hand if Indianapolis has anything to offer in the way of learning.
Icing Wiz:  how far is Indianapolis from you Dol?
CCChefDol:  Indy is 2 hrs from me is all
CCChefDol:  took classes there but it wasn't good...that teacher is not there anymore
Bridal1:  Is that Jean Adams, Dol? I loved Jean!! Miss her in ICES
CCChefDol:  I wish she had been!
KBius:  Dol, where do you live?
CCChefDol:  Jean A. helped me a lot when I first opened my shop too. She was at Washington last I saw her
CCChefDol:  I live in Oxford OH, just 15 min. from the In border
KBius:  Dol, I didn't realize that, when will you have your next gumpaste class
KBius:  Dol, could I get some info on your next class, I live close enough to go
CCChefDol:  KB...my shop is another 20 minutes EAST - in Hamilton
CCChefDol:  KB...I post my class info on my ANNOUNCEMENTS page all the time
KBius:  Dol, is your shop a shop that customers can walk in off the street
CCChefDol:  Yes KB...I have everything imaginable you will say...plan to stay awhile
KBius:  I'll start making plans now to come, are you open on Saturdays
CCChefDol:  yes, Saturdays 9:30-5 est.be very sure you tell them you are there! I never work in the shop

KBius:  Dol, in your class, do you teach with a kit?
CCChefDol:  Its an introduction, with the Wilton kit
KBius:  Do you teach anything more in Depth with gumpaste?
KBius:  Do you teach how to color with chalk?
CCChefDol:  Sure...I do that in basic GP class...is very easy. KB...to chalk...get the proper chalk and use a soft brush
GOOO8:  I don't recall any previous discussions about chalk?  That's different than the powders?
CCChefDol:  Powders are chalks...same (but this is not food coloring)
COMMENT TO KB: Once in awhile I do a more in-depth gumpaste course. This is when I get enough people’s names. Then I call them and set up the class.

Kidzcakez:  Dol, do you sell gumpaste flowers?
CCChefDol:  Kid, yes we do...most are pictured at http://www.sugarcraft.com
GOOO8:  Are GP orchids hard to do?  I love orchids.
CCChefDol:  I liked orchids with Wilton’s OLD gp cutter set
GOOO8:  I like the looks of the gp flowers
Bridal1:  If I did gumpaste, I'd rather do the people.
Bridal1:  Not many people who teach the gumpaste people.

Kidzcakez:  For those who do wedding cakes, do you do more fondant or buttercream for brides?
Bridal1:  buttercream, definitely
CCChefDol:  Buttercream for sure, yes
Ising C:  buttercream

Suemabel:  Question??  Could you use stiffened buttercream in the lace presses and molds?
Bridal1:  Not Sure Suemabel if you could or not - try it and let us know
Suemabel:  I'll give it a whirl....

CCChefDol:  I saw a demo on another KOPYJET last night...$4500.00
Bridal1:  $4500?????????
CCChefDol:  Yes...it is a computer, a tiny keypad, a scanner and the SAME printer…Cannon BJC 4400 -
Same as KOPYKAKE's
CCChefDol:  Better quality edible paper though
Bridal1:  Was everyone signing up for that machine???????/LOL
CCChefDol:  LOL Bridal...Bakery Craft would have saved money if they'd paid me a visit first...30 minutes from my shop
Ploeger642:  We have a new shop in Hollywood, FL doing computer portrait
cakes.  1/4 sht - $33 - 1/2 sheet - $58 - FYI 6853 Stirling Road - Going to check it out after the 20th
CCChefDol:  Gee PL...they must have that $15000.00 machine. I charge $5.00
CCChefDol:  Just wait...the printer using edible ink is not going to be so expensive soon and is easy to use too. The Bakery Craft system is designed so even comp. illiterates can use it. One key punch does a picture.

KBius:  Kidz, you mentioned earlier you are teaching yourself gumpaste, Me too, what are you doing now with it
Kidzcakez:  I really haven't started.  Just bought the Wilton kit and am reading the book.
KBius:  I used the Wilton kit first a few days ago
Kidzcakez:  Keep me posted on your progress, KB
KBius:  Wilton is a good start, but I also bought Rosemary Watson’s lily press
CCChefDol:  Yes, Wilton is a good introduction
CCChefDol:  There are many pros...like Rosemary
Kidzcakez:  Do you have to put all flowers on stems, when learning how (gumpaste, that is)
Bridal1:  I bought some gumpaste flowers for my Mother's 80th birth day - think that's the way for me! I'm too busy and no one wants to pay.
CCChefDol:  Me too Bridal...I buy what I can and make the rest
GOOO8:  I was signed up for a GP class early last spring and it was cancelled.  So finally broke down to get the Wilton kit/tools and begin on my own.
CCChefDol:  I have a cake in my window with gp flowers on it and this wk I have to do it with NO flowers!
Bridal1:  I don't do gumpaste competition so the boughten ones are fine for me.
CCChefDol:  I'd do them for competition...that’s the fun and challenge. But on my castle cake, I bought the irises and the mom said they were 100% happy with that cake.

Bridal1:  Is Pwd gone on trip?
(Pwd is gone to the Oklahoma cake show this week)
GOOO8:  I hope we'll be seeing some photos in the future from her labor.
GOOO8:  By the way, do you know if she has submitted the Suddarth cake photos from a wedding in Lubbock
(I don’t know)
CCChefDol:  I have just put on a BIG file on ‘how to do a cake club’