Cake decorators who have never been to an ices convention don’t have any concept of how much there is in the sugar field to learn.  Most decorators know only what they can find offered in local classes and in books that they happen upon in the local Barnes & Noble stores.

I wish I could wave a magic wand over all of you and just let you have a peak into and ices convention weekend

FIRST
it is the old friends you get to see again and then it is the new friends you will be making for a lifetime.   Those friends will help you build a network of people who can help you with decorating problems you encounter.  You see none of us ever know what our customers are going to ask for next.  For instance I have an IMAC computer with keyboard to make for a grooms cake in a few weeks.  Because of my ices cake decorating friends sharing with me some techniques they have used in the past in building 3-d shapes I feel I can do this cake without to many problems.  But, time will tell.

SECOND
We all seem to get in a rut with what we do for our customers.  When you walk into that cake room with decorated cakes on every conceivable idea and level you will find many things that will stir your creative juices.  You must take a camera to be able to capture those cake ideas that you can use for your customers.  Remember we will have all level decorators.  From beginners to masters.  No matter your skill level you can share an idea with the other decorators.  And besides that when you bring an entry it makes you eligible to win a thousand dollars.  That is a pretty good incentive.  Then there are many more prizes that are given away to those who have brought a cake entry.  I would encourage you to be a participant in this show.  I haven’t ever won the $1000 but I have won a tv and lots of books and equipment.  You get a ticket to enter for a prize for every cake or tier above 6" that you take.   This room alone is worth the trip - just to obtain all those new ideas for your customers

THIRD
You have many decorators who are willing to show you how they do cake decorating techniques.  Such as making some of the gumpaste flowers, foliage, rolled fondant techniques, and etc.  Dolores will be demoing the wedding cake iced and decorated in less than an hour again. (I think)  she can really do this and have time to spare.  Wow - and she will show you how.
   I will be domoing as requested - the grooms cake ideas demo again. I have done this two years at conventions that I can drive to.  I have to take a tremendous amount of stuff to do this demo.   I will be showing you lots of different side designs that are fun and fast using the chocolate shades of icing.  This is a very practical demo for all levels.  And then there are many, many more demos in the line up.
These demos are available at no extra charge to all who are registered for the ices convention.  Remember these are not classes - simply demos from people who are very sharing decorators.

FOURTH
You will have opportunity to meet many of the authors of the cake decorating books.  You can purchase them at ices and even have them personally autographed by the authors.

FIFTH
You will have opportunity to visit the vendors area and see all the brand new equipment and the people who have come up with ways to use it.  Nicholas Lodge, Rosemary Watson, Geraldine Randlesome, Jill Mathem, Margaret ford and many more wonderful creative people will be there with their equipment that you can buy and will even be showing you how to use some of it.  I always come back with some things I simply cannot live without.  Lol

SIXTH
You will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other decorators from all over the world.  While you are waiting in line or sitting waiting for a demo to start find out who those around you are and where they are from.  Who knows just who you might be rubbing elbows with.
   Pat Ashby,  Roland Winbeckler,  Colette peters or Frances Kuyper might just be that person next to you.  I was standing in line to register a few years ago and struck up a conversation with the people ahead of me.  A mom and her son who had come to an ices convention for the first time.  After we had talked for a few minutes and I had learned where they were from they inquired the same of me.  I thought they were going into shock.  They said "you’re famous - how come you are standing here in line with us"   sure they boosted my ego just a little but at an ices convention everyone is important.  We all go through the registration line one at a time.  Since it is a volunteer organization you might find any of us being a door person, manning a video camera,  being a floor walker in the cake room to help protect those beautiful creations you will be bringing to the convention.  We are all equal at ices.  From beginner to master - we are all there to learn, share and get our creative juices going for another year.

SEVENTH
I do turn cakes down for that weekend of the convention and it does cost me money to take off, go to convention, buy new equipment and etc.   But I come home with so many new ideas that will benefit myself as well as my customers.  I have made new friends, spent time with some old friends and learned things to benefit my business all at the same time.

   I hope you will start saving your money and meet us there this year in Kansas City, MO.
   Come prepared to go home with your brain stuffed with new information and your pocketbook a little emptier from all the new things you will find available.  A little advice.  If you plan to remember it - take a notebook and pencil with you everywhere you go and write it down.  Stock up on film and take a good camera with you.
   Go prepared to have a wonderful time and learn more than you thought possible in one weekend.  I will look forward to seeing you there this year in MO, next year in MI and the next year in or.  I have been to but all but two of the conventions and have never come home disappointed in what I learned.  There is so much out there in this continuing changing sugar world of ours.   Come ready to learn lots of things.  See you there

I am SO glad Earlene is here tonight. Some of you may not realize it, but she is a past President of ICES!!! She certainly knows why we should attend the ICES show and convention! She can answer most questions you have I am sure. I have a place on my web site for ICES too. Then if you haven't found the ICES web site itself, you must take a trip there soon!

And my answer to whether it is worth it...a BIG astounding 'YES'! I consider this a part of my business as well as the everyday hum drum of cakes etc. ...my secret is out --- this is where I find all the new items I carry online! : ) Not to mention how wonderful it is to see my old friends again each year.
   I learn so much there. All the latest new items available to us. Its the best place in the world to find gumpaste and other 'different' tools. Vendors come from all over the world. And 'BOOKS!' There is always something new. (Don't forget to have your new books autographed!)

PLANS: I spend the entire year making plans for ICES really. Certain things need done at certain times. You need to enroll before June 1st if you can. It is cheaper to register by then. Millie and Carolyn are anxious to get us all registered so they can make better plans. They really do need to know how many people are coming asap. It may be our own faults when things go wrong...think about that. I [am] registered.
  
COST?...gee that can be anything .... (I must think that I need every book and gumpaste tool there is LOL). You'll pay your reg. fee way ahead, ($95.00), so that is out of the way. (or you CAN upon arrival even-not recommended). Some meals are included in the registration fee. Probably two? Otherwise, you'll need money for food and your hotel room. We bring our coffee pot and so we can skip the hectic and expensive breakfasts we don't care about anyway. You may have more ideas for cutting meal costs too. Who has time to eat at ICES!
   Be sure and make your hotel reservations really early too. I always like to stay in the main hotel so I can unload my packages faster and easier. There isn't much time for commuting. The hotel has a web site and I've printed out there maps. I don't know the address??? anyone else? It is in the newsletters.

CAKE: We have a cake show too! No judging, just wonderful cake ideas. The best anywhere. Mine isn't done yet, but it will be. I have never gone to ICES yet but what I brought a cake to share. ...even when I wasn't so experienced. Just try and think of a cake you like to do that is really fun...and bring it. I ice mine with an icing that will keep...like rolled fondant or royal icing. Besides sharing and really feeling "in" when you bring a cake, you may win a good prize too.
   DO bring a camera and loads of film. By the way, CLARKS now develops the Advantix film...any size for $6.00. That IS a bargain. They have a web site. I think it is clarkcolor.com. I always bring about 8-10 rolls of 36 pictures...or the equivalent. Last year I ran out and had to borrow some. It may be crowded in the cake room, but there will be special times set aside for taking pictures if you want.

VENDORS: There will be wholesale vendors for the businesses. But if you 'just do cakes' there will also be a retail vendor area (much nicer than the wholesale!). This is where I shop too, if I want something just for me....and not a dozen of each. You will be surprised how much fun this is if this is your first time going.

DEMOS: There will be demos from Thursday morning through Sunday. Once you are registered you will receive the list of what demos are offered. Once you get the info, choose the demos you would like and send it right back in. IF - you don't get the tickets (in your packet upon arrival at ICES), try anyway. There are usually a few empty seats so that you CAN get in to see the demos you really want to see. (Because people get tickets - but the time interferes with other plans.)
   Earlene and I are both doing demos. Mine is a 'wedding cake from start to finish' --- from putting the layers together to adding the final flowers etc. This is 'paybacks' and sharing for all that ICES has done for me.

DON'T MISS ANYTHING! You should attend all scheduled functions on the program. Your first time can be overwhelming. Last year several people missed the talent show on Friday night. NEVER miss an ICES performance. It is sure to be a big laugh. (See some pictures of this on my web site from http://w3.one.net/~proicer/index.html)

Bring a notebook and comfortable shoes. Believe me, there won't be time for fancy shoes, except for the Saturday night banquet! That is a little more 'dress-up.' Otherwise, just wear the same kind of clothes you usually would to a hotel. (I think I'll bring my airport carrier so I won't have to lug stuff around).

CCChefDol:  Do you all realize that Bridal1 and MHohimer are hosts of this year's convention????
Then we have our president, Kim Fess here also.
CCChefPwd:  or Bridal1@aol.com.   Bridal1 is Carolyn Lawrence who is one of the show directors
Bridal1:  Don't think you'll get to come back to Missouri so you'd better come in '99
Bridal1:  My first convention was in Texas and it opened a whole new world of adventure to me
SpecBySue:  I enjoy seeing all the new decorators and the joy they receive from sharing their cakes and all the new ideas they pick up and the possibilities
CCChefPwd:  and MHohimer is Millie Hohimer who is the registration chairman. Either of these two people can help you will good information.
MHohimer:  I am not too busy right now and can use your registrations.
Bridal1:  We're here to help and want all of you to come!
Icing Wiz:  next year is Oregon?
Swtelegnt:  No, Icing wiz 2001 is in OR
Kimfess:  No, next year is Detroit.
Ploeger642:  I can't wait for OR
CCChefPwd:  Next year is Michigan and then Oregon
CCChefDol:  yr 2,000 is Michigan, right?
Kimfess:  Yes, I'm excited about going to Oregon, too.
DEBLPN1955:  is there a fee??
Kimfess:  Membership info is at www.ices.org.
Kimfess:  $27 per year.
Gvmcmillan:  Think I missed something while checking stats.  Membership is $27.00 annually.  Please check our website for particulars.
Kimfess:  1, 135 registered for St. Paul.

MEMBERSHIP/REGISTRATION FOR THE CONVENTION:
Nadgabjoe:  If you haven’t received your ices membership yet can you still register as an ices member?
Gvmcmillan:  Send your registration in Nad, and Millie will check with me if you are not on her list.
Bridal1:  Yes Nad - Gayle is online with us
Bridal1:  Need to become member so you can get your registration cheaper!
DEBLPN1955:  how do you become ices member??
CCChefDol:  Go to http://www.ices.org to join ICES anytime.
MHohimer:  Yes, Nad, I'm the membership patrol also.  I always check with Gayle before proceeding.
Bridal1:  If you hurry, then you can beat the newsletter that will be having a listing of the demos.
Bridal1:  You cannot order from the newsletter though - you MUST register first
GOOO8:  that was my next question:  have I waited too long already to get the demos turned in that I may want to attend
Bridal1:  No Gooo
GOOO8:  Good, now all I have to do is wait for Millie to get my registration in the next day or so. "check" is in the mail   LOL
CCChefPwd:  Send them in now GOOO
Nadgabjoe:  Well get a list of all the events going on for the day plus ices

MONEY MATTERS & TRAVEL INFO:
Ploeger642:  Sue, someone asked about how much from TX to fly this year?
Kak decor1:  I can fly from bryan to kc for 249
Bridal1:  check out Preview Travel on AOL - best deals I have found
TP4JB:  I'm assuming ICES is at the hotel everyone is staying?  Price per night?
Bridal1:  What's the hotel room price Millie?
MHohimer:  $99.00 I believe Carolyn - can check in a minute
GOOO8:  $102 for 4 I think
EMGStone:  So basically the cost is getting there, staying there, and eating
as well as the cost of the stash you buy there
MHohimer:  At the Marriott, single $92.00 Double $92.00 Triple:102 and Quad $102.
TP4JB:  Dol- I sent on my money for Columbus May 1st.  Haven't heard anything
and the check has not cleared.  Is that a problem?
CCChefDol:  I bet she won't cash checks until all come in TP
Nadgabjoe:  Will the checks take long to be deposited for the Kansas city convention
MHohimer:  I'll have it about a week before depositing.
TP4JB:  Can I get a brief summary of the dates and price
Bridal1:  Dates are July 29-August 1...starts July 29th-Thursday and ends that Sunday. Price for early registration before June 1 is $95. It is in Kansas City Missouri.
Kimfess:  Yes, we definitely want to see kids' work.  They are the future of cake decorating.
TP4JB:  Dol- Around what price is air fair from our area?
CCChefPwd:  Then you need money to shop, hotel and eats.  You don't have time to sleep so the room is just to store your stuff     LOL
CCChefDol:  depends...but I am driving...its around 12 hours DRIVE FROM Cincinnati, Ohio.
GOOO8:  For those of you about to make airline reservations, I have recently
learned from reservationists that the prices have gone up ... just watch gas you pump into your car
MHohimer:  But, I'm staying at the hotel from Monday to Monday.
Nadgabjoe:  What can one average for a beginner decorator to spend
Kimfess:  We better not tell!
CCChefPwd:  is a must.  Leave clothes at home.  Must have room for stuff. LOL
Kak decor1:  I spent tons of money on cake pans, I couldn't live without now have over 150!!
CCChefDol:  I spend tons on books and gumpaste tools
Bridal1:  Nad you can spend as little or as much as you want!!
Nadgabjoe:  How can you carry it back on the plane
Bridal1:  Extra suitcase Nad
GOOO8:  Yes, I need embossing tools!  Can't find what I'm looking for yet.
CCChefDol:  GOOO...there will be so many tools & books etc., at ICES you can't even choose!
CCChefPwd:  And remember that the show is close to Branson, MO if you want to play a little longer
CCChefDol:  ...and near Springfield for BASS PRO SHOPS...for the guys. My husband & I went there once. It was so fascination that we decided to stay overnight and go back the next day. They have every kind of fishing gear there is. Even a collection of antique gear.

THE HOTEL:
MHohimer:  Address for ICES convention this year: MARRIOTT - 200 West 12th
SpecBySue:  after you register you get a packet has the map and other info
GOOO8:  Icing, how did you come by that Marriott website, can you share?
Ploeger642:  WWW. Marroitt. com will work
SpecBySue:  there is a Kansas city web site: www.Kansascity.com
CCChefPwd:  The president KimFess,  our Membership chairmen, one of the show
chairman and the registration chairman for this years sho9w
Kimfess:  www.marriott.com/marriott/mcidt/
Http://w3.one.net/~proicer/index.html
Bridal1:  That's where you can find Kerry's Press Release about the '99
Convention

DO YOU WANT TO HELP? THEY NEED YOU AND THIS IS THE MOST FUN. YOU GET TO KNOW PEOPLE REALLY FAST THIS WAY!
MHohimer:  Anyone with spare time, I can use your services.
CCChefDol:  I understand MH...but I am going to try and do my part there to help too

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
TP4JB:  Is the ICES convention directed more toward business owners or individuals that are
home-based or both?
CCChefDol:  TP...more toward all of us...no matter. I'd say more for 'just' decorators than businesses
CCChefDol:  EM...never...you will be glad you brought a cake and came!
CCChefDol:  No one judges anyone here
TP4JB:  I figure a new decorator can bring new ideas that can place well!
CCChefDol:  TP...well said
Bridal1:  You're right TP
Kimfess:  We really need and want decorators at all levels to share their work. We couldn't give an average age, as we don't ask for ages on the registration form!
CCChefPwd:  EMG - this will be the most concentrated learning experience you can imagine
Gvmcmillan:  EM  I still remember 2 cakes from the California show that were all stars.  Beautifully done
CCChefDol:  New decorators may not have the skills but they bring great fresh ideas
Ploeger642:  Youth TOO!!!
TP4JB:  On Ploeger's point, what is the average age that attends ICES?
CCChefDol:  TP...all ages...lots of older and younger attend
Kimfess:  We have all ages.
Ploeger642:  I know the FL youth ages ranges from 6 to 15
EMGStone:  Approx. how many people attend each year?
CCChefDol:  EM...1,000
Bridal1:  We're hoping for about 1500
Bridal1:  Can you come to convention?  This is 2nd time in Kansas City in 4 years! I used to be very shy and reserved - ICES was a big boost to my self-esteem
CCChefPwd:  Bridal - I do believe that has been the case for many of us.
Bridal1:  Yes, ICES opened a whole new world for me!
CCChefDol:  I got out of my shyness when I was  a Girl Scout leader...for my kids I wanted to
GOOO8:  when you going Icing
CCChefPwd:  ICES has opened to world to many of us that would have never ventured away from our little

EMGStone:  You know you are right when you are hungry for knowledge there are not a lot of places to go.
Kak decor1:  I'm so excited, I can hardly wait!

CLASSES/SEMINARS:
Nadgabjoe:  Will there be any classes to take
Bridal1:  Demos from Thursday through Sunday
Bridal1:  Then Sunday night is Sharing night
CCChefDol:  Nad...but YES! Seminars we call them
Nadgabjoe:  Hands on
CCChefPwd:  No time for hands on classes
Bridal1:  55 demos
Ploeger642:  PWD I was thrilled to see you doing this again
Nadgabjoe:  How shall we choose the demonstrations
CCChefDol:  Demos...once you register, they'll send you the schedule
CCChefDol:  But I didn't get what I wanted last year very well at all - demos
MHohimer:  I didn't get any Dol!
Bridal1:  You have to register with Millie first and she will send
confirmation letter with demo form
CCChefPwd:  By the MO people.  The demo schedule I just received along with the order blank for tickets
Kak decor1:  I'm bringing my Nick book!!! (for him to autograph)
CCChefDol:  wish we could see every demo
Bridal1:  Yes, we tried to give some new ones as we had lots of requests.
Ploeger642:  Lots of mini demos in the vendor area too.
CCChefDol:  I try to imagine how long Nick Lodge spent dreaming up his new flower methods
SpecBySue:  As I have registered for convention, I received my demo list. Go TX demonstrators!
GOOO8:  PWD was my very first contact with all of you.  She opened me up to the sugar art world.
Nadgabjoe:  You register for the demo before you leave or when you get there

PICTURES!
Icing Wiz:  and don't forget lots of film EMG
TP4JB:  Are cameras and video camera allowed?
Bridal1:  You'll need probably 15 or more rolls of film!
SweeteJstc:  I had plenty of time to take pics last year and took digital pics too
GOOO8:  speaking of film, do you ladies let your film get run through the x-ray machines
Gvmcmillan:  We have a couple of states that seem to have a contest on as to who has most members.
GOOO8:  or do you protect them by hand carrying them through the gates at airports
CCChefDol:  never had film ruined in the airport

DEMONSTRATIONS:
Kimfess:  I thought I'd see you on that demonstrator list, Sue.
Nadgabjoe:  How long do they usually last how many are you allowed at the convention
SpecBySue:  You will learn more at convention than us old timers did in years of searching.
CCChefDol:  Nad...1 hour and as many as you can manage to go to
Bridal1:  You get 8 and they last about an hour Nad
GOOO8:  How is the scheduling of the classes set up?  Do some overlap others?
Bridal1:  yes, some overlap so you have to make your choices
CCChefDol:  ...just not enough time
Ploeger642:  Yes, GOOO on the 1 hr and 1/2 hour - two tracks
CCChefPwd:  There are many of the demos scheduled in the same time frame - you just have to choose
EMGStone:  Does it cost extra to take classes?
CCChefDol:  NO EXTRA
Bridal1:  No extra cost EMG if you are registered

AND THE VENDORS TOO!
Kak decor1:  better bring an extra suitcase!!!
GOOO8:  am looking forward to buying things I can't find here.
Kimfess:  Yes, I have a whole basement full of things I simply cannot live without!
GOOO8:  If you buy too much, just box it and ship it home!
CCChefDol:  One yr I thought they wouldn't let me on the plane to go home LOL
Bridal1:  oh, yes pack a suitcase inside of a suitcase!
Ploeger642:  Oh GOOO you'll have a fit - definitely need another suitcase
CCChefPwd:  Oh now your really think so Bridal....   Have you been in my drawers of stuff.   LOL
Bridal1:  no, in mine Pwd!
Kak decor1:  guess I'll use my food money on cake stuff...
GOOO8:  Guess I'll plan on the big suit case with the wheels then
Kak decor1:  can start my diet then!! lol
Kimfess:  Carolyn, that sounds like a "souvenir idea"!!  ICES luggage.
Gvmcmillan:  You know you are "hooked" when your dec. equipment begins to run you out of house and home!
CCChefDol:  my husband always goes around asking me if THAT is also going to fit in the car
EMGStone:  Gosh, I guess you guys just save all the money you make on cakes for the convention.
Bridal1:  Yes, we have some luggage plans.
CCChefDol:  ICES luggage! What a grand idea!
CCChefPwd:  Yes the folded flat suitcase that will expand to hold all that stuff you can't life without
CCChefPwd:  That carrier thing is great just for the shopping in the vendors area
GOOO8:  Powder, I'm not sure I know what you're talking about ...like the airline stewardesses wheel
CCChefDol:  yes GOOO
Bridal1:  I think we are going to sell some wheelie bags in the souvenir area
GOOO8:  the carrier thing, I'm trying to understand if I know what it is
Bridal1:  Pwd., I think we are going to sell some of those at souvenirs
CCChefDol:  I think we need ICES luggage with cakes on it!
GOOO8:  Pwd, I am envisioning the "luggage" with built in handle that stewardesses use to wheel
around in airport
CCChefDol:  carts...I'm bringing a cart to ICES...real handy there
CCChefPwd:  I'll bet they were talking about the wheeled carts to have with you so that your arms don't get loaded down
CCChefPwd:  I had some students who hid what they bought in the trunks of their cars and then took in one thing at a time so the husband would not know how much they were buying.

WHAT TO WEAR? (wear whatever you usually would when you go to a nice hotel. It is that simple)
Nadgabjoe:  I saw there is a banquet formal?
CCChefDol:  formal if you like...most people do dress nice
Bridal1:  Yes Nad, it can be formal or anyway that you would dress for a New Year's Eve Celebration

WHAT WE ARE GOING FOR - THE CAKES!
Bridal1:  If you are coming, help support your state by bringing a display of some type. Otherwise, there would be no Convention. We all have to take something to make it worthwhile for everyone
CCChefDol:  thats is true...we make it what it is!
CCChefPwd:  Bridal  I seem to remember that one of the Bridal magazines will also have a photographer at the show....   Is that right?
Gvmcmillan:  Bridal:  Aren't you having special buttons for those bringing a cake this year.
Nadgabjoe:  Once you enter a cake do you have to do anything else
Icing Wiz:  Nadia you get a ticket for each tier and a chance to win stuff
SweeteJstc:  Oklahoma challenges you all...we're bringing at least one each, mostly 2, plus the show cake
Bridal1:  If you don't bring a display, then you will be left out of this group that gets this pin
CCChefDol:  good souvenier too!
Kimfess:  If we have 1500 people at convention, we should have at least 1500 cakes on display!
Bridal1:  that's right Kim
EMGStone:  What kind of special measures do you take with the demo cakes getting them there.
Icing Wiz:  how many display cakes were at last years convention?
Ploeger642:  872?
CCChefDol:  last yr was slow...over 800
Bridal1:  We want to double that so everyone has to help us!!!
CCChefPwd:  I think it was over 800 but  don't remember how many
Icing Wiz:  Oh yeah there were like 2,000 at Orlando
Bridal1:  No, don't think quite that many Icing
Kimfess:  There were 700 cakes in St. Paul brought by 559 conventioneers.
CCChefPwd:  EMGStone - just pack them carefully in boxes or on seats of your car and then if you have a little damage they have a cake hospital to do repairs
Nadgabjoe:  is it ok to bring a styrofoam cake
Bridal1:  Yes Nad
CCChefPwd:  Styrofoam cakes are fine - much lighter to handle
Bridal1:  You can ice styrofoam with spackling from the hardware store. Works just like buttercream
Kimfess:  But it should be something that could be done with "real" cake.
Kak decor1:  can you use the wilton coloring on the spackle?
KLFran:  Bridal, I bet your cakes don’t taste as good as the ones with real food. Spackling and styro?
EMGStone:  Is the spackling hard to spread.
CCChefDol:  no Kak...use acrylic
Bridal1:  Yes, Kak, I have
Bridal1:  Right KL, but good for shows
CCChefPwd:  Spackling and Styrofoam are just for dummy cakes for displays. Real stuff is to expensive and too heavy to carry around along with the spoilage factor
Bridal1:  No EMG - just like buttercream if you get the lightweight kind
CCChefDol:  you can keep and wash the dummies if you use permaice but not with spackling
Icing Wiz:   I wonder if I could send the display cake to myself at the convention instead of bringing on plane
PjW10:  Sure you can Icing
Kimfess:  A friend of mine sent hers to the hotel by UPS.  They came through just fine. Use lots of bubble wrap and "worms."
CCChefDol:  or toilet paper Pwd...LOL
Bridal1:  Yes, you can Icing.  I did that when I went to California - sent UPS - arrived in great shape
Icing Wiz:  yeah then maybe I can bring more. wouldn't want to be shown up by Oklahoma

ROOMATES AT ICES:
TP4JB:  Is there a list for roommates needed?
Bridal1:  It is usually in the newsletter TP
CCChefDol:  TP...go to my web site and ask...people are looking...I think its also in the newsletter for roommates
GOOO8:  I believe Chris mentioned to me that roommates list was in June issue

OUR CHAT
Ploeger642:  DOL, PWD - Are you doing the live chat this year?
CCChefPwd:  Not this year Ploeger
PjW10:  Oh cmon, Dol and Pwd, if I'm bringing rose petals, you need to do a live chat!  LOL
CCChefDol:  Pj...we would but...no room for us : (

ICING QUESTION:
KLFran:  I have a question about icing. Can you leave a cake out that has icing that is made with butter? Or do you have to refrigerate it?
Icing Wiz:  No Fran keep in fridge
CCChefPwd:  Depends on the temperature in the room KLFran Warm room - refrigerate it
KLFran:  For how long?
CCChefDol:  Depends on where you are KL...is okay in Ohio
NYC RobM:  KL? consider a different icing
KLFran:  I wonder if it is OK to leave out cake with icing in Virginia. I don’t want to have to leave it in Ohio
KLFran:  Thank you.  I never wanted to inadvertently rot my cake so I always refrigerated it
NYC RobM:  KL? what is your refrig set for?
KLFran:  NYC, my refrig is set to glaze liquids over; I think it is cold enough
Icing Wiz:  with butter and milk in it could stay out for awhile but not all day
KLFran:  Ohhhhhh now I'm hearing butter and milk has to go in fridge?
Icing Wiz:  plus I live in Florida and the icing would slide right off within an hour
KLFran:  So Icing on cake that has butter and milk should not be left out for more than a day?
Icing Wiz:  I use butter and milk as well as Crisco in my icing KL
CCChefDol:  KL...that will NOT spoil the cake at all
KLFran:  I need the naked truth...can I leave the cake out or not? or is it a difference of opinion?
CCChefDol:  putting milk in icing will not make it sour
CCChefDol:  YES Kl you can

PAN STORAGE:
TP4JB:  Question - what is the best way to store a large number of character pans?  I'm designing and building a shed and want to make it the most efficient.
KLFran:  TP4, what kind of shed?
TP4JB:  Don't know yet.  Depends on my needs.  About 12X16.
KLFran:  TP4, is it going to be 2 dimensional?
CCChefDol:  I keep my shaped pans in BIG boxes with the names of what is where on the boxes. I think ... I have every pan ever made...collecting those
TP4JB:  I'm designing it myself so it can be anyway I want.  I just finished a framing class so I
can build it exactly as I need it.
SpecBySue:  some hang the pans on clips over a closet rod.
TP4JB:  Maybe 2 divided rooms?
KLFran:  TP4, what are you going to use the shed for?
SpecBySue:  similar to shower curtain clips so they can be taken off easily.
TP4JB:  I've got about 85 shaped pans.  That doesn't include rounds, etc.
Kimfess:  I've put holes in all of my character pans and have them hanging on nails in the basement.
TP4JB:  Only storage for baking supplies.  I have enough to fill it.
CCChefPwd:  No matter how much space we have we fill it up with sugar stuff and want more room
TP4JB:  The problem is, you can't stack most of this stuff. I've had a couple older women (80's) sell me all there stuff . I've even got a mixer in my second bedroom that stands as tall as me. It was a large group of items.  For $400 - 3 fountains, the mixer. 20 pans, molds, stairways and a lot more. I had them in those type of containers, but I ended up with 15 containers. couldn't find a thing.
GOOO8:  Tb4 I have recently moved all my pans into a large clear Rubbermaid type container - works good for me.  I just go to one box and you can spot one easily
GOOO8:  KLF-- I enjoyed attending a class here in Orlando and that lady had all of her "stuff"  labeled on the outside of the boxes.  I have since bought wide masking tape and labeled mine
KLFran:  Ohhhhhhh Labeling boxes might help. I just labeled it "pots and pans"
GOOO8:  you might even keep one box to a certain range of sizes and label accordingly
TP4JB:  I tried separating by holidays, sports, etc., but they cross over so much it didn't work. I'm actually very organized just majorly short on space.
KLFran:  Im just very disorganized and short on space.  And I’m not building a shed either

VICTORIAN ROSE
Icing Wiz:  hey I have a question about that new Victorian Rose I can not get it to curve like in the
picture. Does anyone have any hints?
CCChefDol:  Icing...you aren't left handed are you?
Icing Wiz:  no right handed
Icing Wiz:  I have to teach it to my students
CCChefDol:  then its a matter of practice...I used that tip before the 104 and was easier for me
Icing Wiz:  but I just don't like the way it turns out
PjW10:  Icing, keep your tip more vertical
Icing Wiz:  really. I love the 104 I didn't know that was around I thought it was new
Icing Wiz:  I will keep that in mind when I do it next time Pam thanks

CURRENT ISSUE OF ELEGANT BRIDE
 CCChefPwd:  Have you all picked up the current issue of Elegant Bride?  Six of the fabulous grooms
 cakes that were at the OK show last Oct. are in there.  They are fabulous.
SpecBySue:  more OK Show cakes in the fall issue of Elegant Bride

FRUIT DIP:
ROBINO1123:  does any one have a idea for a fresh fruit dip for dipping
ROBINO1123:  can any one help me with a dip for dipping fresh fruit, it's for my daughters party
Gvmcmillan:  My family likes Marshmallow cream, cream cheese, pineapple or orange juice and a dash of cinnamon for fruit dip.
ROBINO1123:  this will be served to teenagers - something simple
GOOO8:  Dip:  sour cream mixed with powdered sugar was a good one I had before
Soybnqn:  Robin, I have also used yogurt with maple syrup and vanilla

FRANCES KUYPER
Ploeger642:  Did you all hear Frances's cakes are getting a home at her new home?
CCChefPwd:  Ploeger - tell us about Francis's moving her cake stuff
CCChefDol:  Frances Kuyper?
Ploeger642:  The retirement/assisted living place she's moving into closer to LA has agreed to take in the cakes too. They are going to open it up for show during certain months of the year
Ploeger642:  she was thrilled.  She didn't want to leave them. She needs to be closer to LA because of all the taping of Howie's show. I think the appt. times end around convention
Kimfess:  I think you can also visit Frances' cake display by appointment.
KLFran:  OH my goodness
CCChefDol:  she was the trainer for Wilton when I started teaching classes yrs ago
CCChefDol:  saw Fran on Howies show...nudist colony one day!

CAKE SHOWS:
KLFran:  Im really too scared about cake competition.  Is it really that fun?
Bridal1:  Kl, you have to have a little bit of adventure to do the cake shows, I think
SweeteJstc:  take a chance on the cakes shows, even if you don't win, will learn and might win neat prize with the raffle tickets...
KLFran:  Bridal, If the cake shows have low-quality talent cake makers, I’m there! But I just am not artistic
Bridal1:  Oh, don't say that!  You're a winner even if you don't win - just try it!
TP4JB:  You don't have to be artistic.  You have to be open to trying new things.!!!!
SweeteJstc:  you meet folks and see other cakes and get ideas, fran
CCChefDol:  Shows are a test of your abilities and a place to expand your knowledge
CCChefPwd:  The prizes aren't the important thing at a cake show.  The important thing is to meet other decorators and share ideas with them

PRINTERS THAT PRINT EDIBLE INK ON EDIBLE PAPER:
TP4JB:  Dol- do you think the market is over-saturated with the new printers?
I see Krogers and  Meijer ads for the edible pictures all over.
CCChefDol:  I don't know but I made 25 of those today!...about 100.00 worth. I saw Krogers had it
PjW10:  Liar..LOL
TP4JB:  I would like to buy one in the next month or so.
CCChefDol:  Well, it is the truth. I am making those for a mail order catalog firm. I make about 50 pictures per week for them.
TP4JB:  Kroger has a huge billboard on 275 showing it.
CCChefDol:  TP...get the big one. I have to trade mine off for the large one...wasn't avail. when I
got mine. Personally, I think it is the best thing since the airbrush for many cake jobs!
   Make a driver’s license cake now and you can make an edible picture for it! (We made a stencil of the driver’s license). Nothing better for a 16 year old - boy OR girl!
   Now we all need to get more creative and think of more nifty things to use this printer for with our cakes.
TP4JB:  Price?
CCChefDol:  Go to http://www.sugarcraft.com and you will find pictures, choices and prices.

DIGITAL CAMERAS
GOOO8:  question about digital pictures and sending via email. I recently received a pic from a friend who took pictures of my cake with her digital camera..
KVsugarart:  Digital reproduction is not up to speed yet
CCChefDol:  <----digital camera next on my agenda!
GOOO8:  does anyone know if it is better to scan pic as an JPG or is BMP or GIF better?
CCChefDol:  GOOO...my scanner scans in TIF...but JPG COLOR is the smaller file. I can only send JPG or GIF over the web too
GOOO8:  thanks for the input; have access to a scanner at work but it comes out at BMP. Some viewers couldn't open it
CCChefDol:  GOOO. I convert my pictures using Hijack. No matter what format you save your picture in you can convert it using several programs. Hijack is just one you can use. I think Paint something does the same thing.
SweeteJstc:  when you save your scan, save it in jpg instead of bmp. I always have options with my scanner, you should too
CCChefDol:  You need to convert all pictures to either JPG or GIF format to send over the web…unless you can send them compressed (zipped on a PC). I don’t know formats for the Mac except that I know Earlene also can save in JPEG which is JPG to me. And I can open them. On AOL you can also INSERT a picture into email using the icon of the camera that you see on the little screen when writing an email.
   TIF pictures are very HUGE. Notice sometime, how much small of a file it becomes once you convert or SAVE it at a JPG or GIF file. JPG files are best used if you have more than 4 colors in the picture. It is best to use GIF for low color or black & white.