Cake Decorating Ideas You Can Use

Cake decorating is an art that can be enjoyed and appreciated by everyone. There is no better way than to have great pleasure than to present a beautifully decorated cake at a celebration. This is so true especially when the event is for a child or loved one. Usually the cake is the centrepiece of any party or gathering. The art of cake decorating can be defined as taking a plain cake and turning it into an edible piece of art.

Decorating cakes take patience, time, practice, and steady hands. Taking a few basic lessons in decorating can be very helpful for the beginners. Cake decorating contests are all over the channels offering large monetary awards. But the true reward is not with the money but in the satisfaction that the bakers have when presenting their edible masterpieces. These contests are showcasing the skills of talented cake decorators.

Beginning cake decorators may choose to spend less time on making the cake itself. Some tips from bakers have suggested that home cake decorators take a short cut and use a good box cake mix. By adding a few extra ingredients in the cake batter, the cake will have a taste close to homemade. Cake decorating takes many hours of preparation before the actual process begins.

Good decorating bags, tips, and spatulas are essential needs in the kitchen when decorating. A good food color is vital to achieving the bold and rich colors desired. Use an oven thermometer to make sure the oven is heating to the proper temperature before baking. Always begin the decorating process with a level cake or cake layers. Keep your work area clean, cool, and organized.

Some may choose to stay away from cake decorating and order theirs from the grocery store or bakery. Not everyone has the skills needed to decorate successfully. The interest has to be very strong to develop mastery in cake decorating. You can not be a good cake decorator just by looking at beautiful work of others. There are some back-stage tricks and techniques involved. If you are serious you should spend some time to learn those.

Cake Decorating Courses For Beginners

Do you view yourself as the baker of the family? Do you obsess and worry over the consistency of your icing, or what colors you use on your cakes? If so, do they always come out exactly as you planned?  Or do you find yourself constantly running into difficulties as you try to make your masterpieces?

If you're enthusiastic about cake decorating but feel that you just don't have the skills necessary to do it well, then you may be pleased to learn that there are cake decorating courses that can help you.   It's easier than you think!

Cake decorating for beginners can prove to be very intimidating at first.  There seems to be so much to know!  Fortunately, these courses can help you learn:

To make the perfect icing, every time
How to apply the icing well
How to use other decorating tools to add to your options
How to make complicated decorations, such as roses
The possibilities are endless!  You don't have to have any experience at all to register for a beginners guide to cake decorating!

Learning something new can be hard, but if you have a trained professional guiding your every step, then it can be a breeze.  It can be frustrating to simply follow a step-by-step guide from a magazine, as nothing ever goes exactly how it's supposed to.  However, in cake decorating courses, you can simply ask the instructor how to get the best results.

This isn't the only reason to enroll in one of these courses, however.  There will be plenty of chances to mingle with people who also enjoy this hobby.  Everything is more fun if you do it with a group, and taking cake decorating courses is a great way to get one started!  This may be a little more expensive than trying to do it yourself, but it basically pays for itself in rewards!

It's a great idea to pursue your passions and try to turn them into a little extra cash.  It may be easier than you think to start your own cake decorating business.  If this sounds like something you are interested in, then it's practically necessary to get the education you need to succeed.   You will get paid to do what you love!

If you have no such business ambitions and just want the skills to make the best cake you can, then these courses are for you too.  If you're tired of hiring other bakers to take care of special events, only to find that you overpaid, then take a cake decorating course and do it yourself!  You can be the talk of your family or social circle. Plus, doing something by yourself and learning a new skill in the process is very satisfying, and you will gain a rich sense of achievement if you are recognized for your new ability.

You may think that it's hard to find someone teaching the right course, but that just isn't the case.  Any establishment that focuses on teaching arts and crafts, or offers adult education, probably teaches a cake decorating course.  Also, culinary academies in your area offer courses for beginners.   No matter what your schedule or availability is, you can find a cake decorating course that you can work into your routine.  There are courses at any time of day, and you can choose to take only a few courses or really immerse yourself in your new art.

If you happen to be out of reach of one of these cake decorating courses, then don't fear!  All you need to do is access the internet and you can bring the course into your living room.  Courses are taught through video instruction, and you can post pictures of your work and get the criticism you need to improve.

What are you waiting for?  Make a better cake today by enrolling in cake decorating courses!

Cake Decorating Classes

Interest in cake decorating classes is on the rise. Magazines are filled with glossy pictures of frosted cupcakes and custom-designed wedding cakes. Whether you are a home baker, working in the culinary industry, or yearning for a business sideline, a cake decorating course may be an excellent investment.

As a hobby, cake decorating is a unique creative outlet. You work with colors, shapes, and textures; and bring pleasure to celebrations with family and friends.

Many home bakers bring much love and talent to their projects, but struggle with basics, such as evenly spreading frosting and using an icing bag. Others have basic skills, but are dying to feel more confident creating different types of icings, borders, and flowers.

A beginner's cake decorating class is a perfect way to get started, fill in knowledge gaps, find out about the best tools and ingredients, and get step-by-step instructions on how to create professional-looking desserts. You'll learn time-saving tips, current fashions, and connect with other people with a passion for learning cake decorating techniques.

Advanced classes are useful for professionals and experienced enthusiasts. As an experienced decorator you may want to strengthen your skills, learn new techniques, or collect some new cake decorating ideas and tips.

Traditional techniques continue to be popular, but new fashions and methods are also entering the scene. Current trends include:

wedding cakes assembled with cupcakes;
cakes molded and decorated as popular cartoon figures and movie stars;
airbrushed designs; and
edible ink photo transfers.

Taking classes is a way to tune into these and other current trends.

Some advanced courses offer a certificate, which can boost your credentials when you are trying to impress potential employers and customers. Some certificates are recognized by local or national culinary associations.

Taking cake decorating classes is a great way to start or develop a business. You can learn ways to:

successfully market your creations;
discover a lucrative niche--such as custom-designed wedding cakes, cupcakes, cake sculptures, or ethnic delicacies;
decide who your customers will be--for example you could cater to business events, large social events, or bake for small local parties.

There is a variety of cake decorating classes to choose from. Classes are offered by large arts and craft stores, food craft stores, small local cake shops, high schools, community centers, community colleges, and private culinary schools. You can choose from one-day workshops, a series of weekend seminars, night courses, and full-time training.

An online course is also a viable option. Improvements in video technology make online courses very easy to use. Online courses offer step-by-step video instructions. You can repeat all or part of a video as often as you need while you practice in your kitchen. Online education also offers flexibility--you can study at any time, any day, in your own home.

Finding Cake Decorating Supplies Wholesale

If you do a lot of baking or your business is baking and decorating cakes then one resource you need more than anything is a place to buy cake decorating supplies wholesale or at least at a really discounted price.

The first place that I would look for wholesale supplies is eBay. eBay is an excellent source for retail goods as well as wholesale items. I was able to go to eBay and do a search for Wilton cake decorating supplies and eBay returned over 40 results. I was able to get a really good deal on a set of supplies for 20% off the normal price. There are also "Buy It Now" items for sale on a regular basis that offer tremendous value.

The second place that I would look for discounted items would be Amazon.com. Believe it or not you can find some really good deals in Amazon's marketplace. Amazon has small and large business partners who provide discounted and wholesale products. Simply do a search and Amazon will return an array of products, some with terrific discounts.

One thing to keep in mind is that cake decorating is a big business. There are many people who would like to find quality products at a wholesale or reduced price. You can use a service like Worldwide Brands to help set up your own retail business buying wholesale supplies. Worldwide Brands has a huge database of thousands of wholesale suppliers that you get access to once you join as a member. Becoming a retailer yourself provides you with an additional income stream.

Liquidation.com is another excellent place to find wholesale and surplus items at auction. There are great deals to be had here because you can score a lot of products for virtually pennies on the dollar.

If you have an interest in finding cake decorating supplies at wholesale the 4 places listed in this article will definitely help you achieve your aim.

Gum Paste Cake Decorating Tips For Beginners

Making gum paste decorations is an art in itself.  The results are durable and can be saved as souvenirs long after the cake has been eaten.  Following are some cake decorating tips to help you along the way as you explore experiment with gum paste:

Purchase gum paste at a local arts and craft or cake decorating supply store - some enthusiasts make their own, but you may want to skip this step at first.
Familiarize yourself with the many colors available.  You can add color yourself with a gel or paste - or purchase colored gum paste.
When coloring be very careful to not use too much color gel or paste.  Knead in tiny amounts at a time.  Application with a toothpick helps you to control the amount you use.
Start with simple projects first and then progress to more complicated ones.  A lily is one of the simpler flowers.  Also try creating your own fantasy figures, such as a teddy bear or gnome.
You don't even have to make your own flowers - you can purchase them at a bakery or cake decorating supply center. Ready-made flowers are also useful as templates you can copy.
Give yourself lots of time if you are planning to make your own decorations - especially if you are inexperienced.  You can achieve wonderful, colorful results, but the work is very detailed and time consuming - involving cutting, molding, shaping, detailing, and assembling each creation.
Keep the gum paste covered at all times and wrap it tightly when you put it away - just like other malleable substances, it is not workable when it dries out.

What Tools Do You Need?

You can purchase a tool kit or only tools that will suit your current project. Some of the tools that are handy for working with gum paste are:

Dog bone shaping tool - helps to shape flower petals
Shell tool for making lines on flower petals
Umbrella, Ball, and Veining tools are other shaping tools specifically designed for flower making
Cutters
Foam surface to cut on
Heavy gauge wire for spearing a piece while you work on it
Small brushes.

Finding More Cake Decorating Tips

Unless you are a very artistic person or have experience making decorations with fondant, the most efficient route for acquiring skills will be from an experienced instructor or even an instructional video.  This is probably the most practical gum paste cake decorating tip, that is:  Attend a class or workshop to gain a solid foundation in the skills you need to work with gum paste.  This foundation will be the springboard for your own personal style and creativity.

Wilton Cake Decorating Classes - Professional Decorating Techniques For Beginners

Wilton cake decorating classes are the ultimate form of instruction for decorating cakes. A huge selection of Wilton cake classes is available at the Wilton school in Darien, Illinois, with options ranging from a three-hour workshop focused on one project to a 10-day Master Course of Wilton cake classes designed for students interested in a career in decorating cakes. You can also learn the Wilton Method of cake decoration outside of the Wilton school classes by looking for cake decorating instruction at local craft stores and culinary schools. If none of these options will work for you, you can even learn all aspects of cake decoration with online courses you can take at home.

Wilton Cake Classes - Introduction to Gum Paste

Introduction to Gum Paste is a beginner's course in how to make gum paste flowers and arrangements. Learning to work with gum paste will take you a long way in designing and decorating all styles of cakes. The class is offered over four days in three-hour sessions covering the following lessons.

Day 1: Demonstration of the use of gum paste; how to prepare gum paste; how to make gum paste leaves, a rose base, and a daisy center
Day 2: Making gum paste rosebuds, roses, and daisies
Day 3: Making gum paste orchids, stephanotis, and calla lilies
Day 4: Highlighting; assembling and finishing orchids and calla lilies

Wilton Cake Decorating Classes - Introduction to Rolled Fondant

Introduction to Rolled Fondant at the Wilton school, in three 3-hour sessions, includes cake decorating instruction on the basics of using fondant. Students practice fondant decorating techniques to make a complete display cake that they can take home.

Day 1: Basics of using fondant, including covering a cake with fondant, making fondant bows, and crimping and embossing
Day 2: Making flowers and leaves; using fondant molds and ejectors; fondant cutouts
Day 3: Assembling bows; sponging; making drapes; positioning flowers on the cake

Wilton Cake Classes - Introduction to Sugar Artistry

Another of the beginner Wilton decorating classes is Introduction to Sugar Artistry. In this class you'll learn the art of making sugar decorations, including recipes, pulling, and molding. Students get to take home floral cake toppers and bows made in class. The following topics are covered in one 9-hour session.

Explanation of recipes and sugar art equipment
Making simple leaves and flowers
Creating a floral cake topper
Explanation of Isomalt sugar substitute, including recipes and equipment
Making sugar cages
Using spun sugar and bubble sugar
Demonstration of sugar molding
Making sugar roses
Creating ribbons and bows

More Cake Decorating Instruction at the Wilton School

There are dozens of Wilton cake decorating classes available at the Wilton school in addition to the three featured here, but these are an excellent beginning in cake decorating instruction. If you complete one of these Wilton cake classes, consider an advanced course to add to your skills. Try a class focused on a theme, like Sugar Artistry for the Holidays, or one that adds new techniques, such as Advanced Fondant Art. With any of the Wilton cake decorating classes, you'll learn everything you need to know to make beautiful cakes for all your special occasions with family and friends.

Trends in Cake Decorating

Baking a cake is one of the best ways to make any occasion extra special. Here you will find some of the most popular trends in use now for both cakes and cupcakes.

Today, it is possible to creatively customize a cake to look almost like anything. The most popular methods in decorating trends includes the use of fondant because of its smooth surface, vivid colors, uniquely crafted shapes and chic finish. The next two favorite icings include butter cream and cream cheese. Cake and cupcake flavors in the top spot are carrot, chocolate, white, lemon, almond, red velvet, tuxedo, strawberry, orange and pistachio. Do you want a delectable filling for even more taste? Try one of these top picks of raspberry, bavarian cream, white chocolate mousse, chocolate mousse, strawberry, mint, lemon, fudge and cream cheese.
Bright, vivid colors are also a growing trend in the world of cakes and cupcakes. These colors add flair and fun to any occasion, whether it is for a wedding or a birthday party. Summer colors range from brilliant oranges, lemony yellows, sky blues, petal pinks, shamrock greens and other bold summer mixtures. Guests will love these delightful cakes and cupcakes when you serve them at outdoor events during the summer months.

The rising popularity of having cupcakes instead of cakes at large and small festivities is another trend that is sweeping the cake decorating world. Cupcakes are becoming the new fad for the main dessert at parties and many brides are using cupcakes instead of the more traditional wedding cake at their receptions. Cupcakes come in an assortment of tasty flavors and can be iced and decorated many ways. A cupcake wedding cake is made by using dozens of individual cupcakes. These can be all one flavor or you can have a variety of flavors to appeal to different guests. They are usually set on a cupcake tower or elaborate pedestal for a stunning presentation. When all of the cupcakes are placed on the pedestal, it resembles a traditional layer cake, but instead of layers you have delectable cupcakes. This is a grand way to present cupcakes, but setting them at individual place settings has also become popular at weddings.

The popular trend for brides is moving toward a simple, yet elegant cake, using smooth fondant finishes covered with royal icing dots or simulated pearls to create the look of porcelain. These cakes will have a somewhat higher price tag of up to $12 per slice. Butter cream icings decorated with fresh flowers or gum paste flowers are still very popular for weddings. Cake decorating is sometimes more artful with creations made to look like famous people such as Elvis, Princess Diana, or Mickey Mouse.

The fall season is right around the corner and top decorating trends this year are already becoming obvious. Cupcakes are a favorite with adults and children, so Monster cupcakes are a sure hit for your Halloween party. Decorate them using icing to make vampires, witches, ghosts and monster faces on the tops. For monster fangs, use candy corns and gummy worms for an even more added frightening presentation. If you are wanting to bake and decorate a fabulous cake or make cupcakes for a Thanksgiving event, start a new tradition and use a butter cream icing decorated with leaves in assorted fall colors on the tops and sides of the cake and tops of the cupcakes. The brighter the colors, the better, for an autumn celebration.

Tea parties are also at the top of the list for party planning, so add lovely, delicately decorated cupcakes to these events in beautiful pastel colors for the topping on the so called cake for your party.

The use of sugar-styled art or gum paste art on cakes and cupcakes for use in the decorating process is a major trend being used this year. These can be molded and crafted to look like gum paste animals, flowers, and sculptures as well as detailed and endearing sugared flowers, ribbons and leaves. Add more elegance by using luster dust, customized molds and forms which can be found at craft stores. Fondant plays an important part here as well, as it can be used in molding and forming any of the specialty shapes and creations of the decorator.

Many cupcake specialty stores are opening nationwide serving cakes and cupcakes with creative designs and flavors. These trendy gourmet cake shops are in demand due to their nostalgic presentation of a favorite dessert that everyone loves to eat.

So, get creative and start decorating using your favorite themes. Get your inspiration from movies or favorite TV shows. Use cookie cutters to help decorate your cake, as they come in many different shapes and designs. Or, use fresh fruit sprinkled with sparkle dust for a stunning presentation.