Now in Stores

Sign up sheets for January classes are now available. Take advantage of 50% off. Happy Holidays and Happy Caking. See you next year.

January 2010 Schedule

Here is the schedule for January. The class will be 50% regular price, so it will be $22.50. Use your $5 coupon and make it $17.50!!!

Course 1 Thursday 6-8pm with Bonnie
Course 2 Wednesdays 6-8pm with Brooke
Course 3 Mondays 6-8pm with Brooke
Fondant and Gumpaste Fridays 6-8pm with Bonnie

Classes start the week of January 4.
See you all then and Happy Holidays!!

Just wanted to share this...

Here is a picture of the Jet cake that I did recently. I think that it turned out great. See you all in January.

Apple Basket Cake

This beautiful bushel holds a harvest of red and green apples—ripe and ready for birthdays and seasonal celebrations. Because the lattice is piped on the cake top, rather than the sides, it's easy to do. The Apple Spice Cake alone, will quickly become a family favorite!

Instructions and Video Link

November Schedule

Here is the November Class schedule ----updated 11/4/09

Please note that Course 2 is being offered twice due to the large student turnout :)
AND also we will not be teaching the week of Thanks Giving, except Course 2 group 1, so make sure and check the posted classroom schedule and below.

Course 1 6-8pm Fridays
Course 2 6-8pm Mondays-- group 1
Course 2 6-8 pm Wednesdays-- group 2
Course 3 6-8pm Thursdays
No Fondant and Gum Paste this month.

Another note---
course 2 group 2 will meet on the following dates: 4, 6, 13, 20
course 2 group 1 will meet on the following dates: 9, 16, 23, 30
course 3 will meet on the following dates: 5,12,17,19

Thanks Lisa!!

Coupon

Check out the link to Michael's store coupon on the left hand side of the page. There is a special coupon that is only available online. It is a 45% off and is good until 10/31.

Halloween Project

Cute Spider project with video.

November Schedule

I just wanted to post that the November schedule will be posted in the classroom tonight and I will post it here on Wednesday night. We will not be having classes the week of Thanksgiving, so a few classes will be moved to other nights. More info to follow.

Very Funny Video

Check out this video about a mistake made on a cake done at Wal Mart.
video

Wilton Holiday Cookie Contest

Check out this link for the Wilton Holdiay Cookie Contest.Top prize is a gift pack worth $160.
Good Luck!!

October Schedule Update

Here is our updated October schedule:

Monday and Thursday Course 1 from 6-8pm
Wednesday Course 2 from 6-8pm

October Schedule

Course 1 Monday
Course 2 Wednesday
Course 3 Thursday
Fondant and Gum Paste Friday
all classes start the week of October 5th at 6pm to 8pm.
*Note= class may be cancelled if less than 4 students sign up.*

Wilton Halloween Contest on Facebook

New Wilton Halloween contest on Facebook. Check it out to win a $30 gift prize pack.

Wilton Technique of the Month: Sunflower

As fall now just about here. You may be looking for some new ideas for Fall themed cakes. The sunflower is a great addition to a cake at anytime of the year, so why not for a fall cake. Here are the step by step instructions. Make a sunflower cake or cupcakes today and share them with someone you love!!

Wilton Contest

Wilton is celebrating their 4 millionth student this fall. They are running a contest from October 1 to October 30. Fill out an online application for your chance to win some great prizes.
Good luck and check it out Contest

Great Link on How to Store Cakes

Hello Everyone!!
I know that I am getting excited to resume our Wilton Method classes at Michael's. The classes should be full and we will have a great time. Now that fall is approaching, I thought that I would pass along this great link from Wilton on how to store your cakes.
I hope you all had a great summer. See you all soon!!!

Course1

Course 1 fist class is scheduled for September 7, which is Labor Day. Bonnie will reschedule to another day so that you can enjoy the holiday. So please sign up and you will be contacted by Bonnie.

September Class Schedule

Here is the schedule for September. Classes start the week of September 7th.

Course 1 Monday 6-8pm

Course 2 Thursday 6-8pm

Course 3 Wednesday 6-8pm

Fondant and Gum Paste Tuesday 6-8pm

Demo this month is on the 26th--Halloween Treats 1-3pm.

August Class Schedule

Course 1, 2, 3, and Fondant and Gum Paste classes have been cancelled for August. My Kakes for Kids class will run on Saturday the 15 from 11am to 1pm. Kids must be registered 24 hours prior to the class.
Have a great rest of the Summer and I will see you in the fall. As always, contact me if you have any questions.

Looking for a new icing recipe??

Tired of the same old buttercream icing? Wilton is here to help. Try one of our fun icing recipes, like Dark Chocolate Buttercream or Key Lime Cream Cheese Icing.

http://www.wilton.com/recipes/browse.cfm?cat=Icing&OTC-fb2009&link=icingrecipes

Wilton Color Chart

Ever wonder what icing colors you should use to make Chartreuse icing? How about Periwinkle icing? Wilton has a color-mixing chart that will help you make your icing that perfect color every time.
http://www.wilton.com/decorating/icing/icing-color-chart.cfm?OTC-fb2009&link=icingcolor

Wilton Video

Here is a link to making candy plauques. They are really cute.

http://www.wilton.com/idea/Sun-Time-Candy-Plaque?OTC-fb2009&link=candyplaque

Coupon

Here is a 40% Michael's coupon that I got yesterday. It is good until next week, remember you can use it with an AC Moore 50% coupon.

http://www.theknackkids.com/Coupons/20090713TKNewsletter.aspx?token=633834524143145000&id=171&referenceNo=02589379409&reg_source=KNL0709&cm_ven=mic&cm_cat=news&cm_pla=email&cm_ite=0709Kid

Cake goes to the bears!!

Check out thos cute video of a panda bear and his birthday cake.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=14415516

July Class Update

Unfortunately all courses for July have been cancelled due to low turn out. The Kakes for Kids class will still be offered on 7/18. I will also be in the store this Saturday from 1 to 3pm to show off the 2010 Yearbook. Stop in and say "Hi".
Email me if you have any questions.

July Class Schedule

Here is the July Class Schedule:
*****Starting the week of July 5th.**************

Course 1 Monday 6-8pm
Course 2 Thursday 6-8pm
Course 3 Wednesday 6-8pm
Fondant and Gum Paste Tuesday 6-8pm

Demo 2010 Wilton Yearbook Saturday July 11, 1-3pm
Kakes for Kids Saturday July 18 11am to 1pm (only $15 for the 2 hour class)

Wilton is offering $10 coupon off tuition for the month of July. If you need a coupon, please contact me.

I Approve...

I highly approve and recommend the Wilton Bake Even Strips. I used them on a sheet cake the other day and today on a 10" round. My cake is beautiful. Completely level, even color, perfectly baked.

Here is the product info:

Bake Even Strips
Cakes bake perfectly level and moist, without high-rise centers or cracked tops. Just dampen our strips and wrap around the pan before baking. Oven safe, instructions included.
Small set: Two 30 x 1 1/2 in. wide strips, enough for two 8 or 9 in. round pans.Large set: Four strips, 36,43,49 and 56 in. long x 1 1/2 wide. Enough for one each: 10, 12, 14, 16 in. round pans.

Kakes for Kids June Class

I wanted to share a picture of my two students for the June Kakes for Kids class. Antasia (left) and Alexis(right)were very good students, fast learners, and awesome cake decorators. We sure had a lot of fun on Saturday and they made some beautiful cakes. :)

Father's Day Ideas

Wilton has a section on cake, cupcakes, and cookies just for Father's Day. Check out this link. Pictured here is the golf cart cake that is all butter cream.

http://www.wilton.com/celebrations/Fathers-Day/?EMC-ewi61109&link=fathersday

Course 2 Class 2 Adjustment

Class 2 for Course 2 will start at 5:30 pm and go until 8:30pm this Thursday. We will not meet on the 18th, but will finish the course on June 25.

Mini Tier Stacked Cake

I just wanted to share this cake that I did this weekend. I used a mini tier pan set and the total height of this cake is about 14". I also used Wilton gold leaves and "50" pick for this anniversary cake.

Michael's Coupon

Michael's is offering a 50% off coupon valid until June 15.
Here is the direct link: http://www.mommysavesbig.com/printable-coupons/michaels-50-june-15.pdf

Cake Boss

I have recently started watching TLC's new show Cake Boss. I really like this guys cakes. They are pretty and look like they taste great. It is different than Ace of Cakes, more practical? I don't know. There are also lots of tips on different techniques such as using a clothing steamer to "steam" a fondant cake. The result is a shiny cake. Set your DVR and check out http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/cake-boss/about-cake-boss.html for more info.

Can you guess the cover?

The 2010 Wilton Yearbook is due out next week. Everyday, Wilton is unveiling a small section of the new cover picture. Check out this link to make your guesses. http://www.wilton.com/publications/yearbook_cover.cfm

Push In Pillars

Hey everyone. I just wanted to post a quick pic of a cake that I did this weekend. I used the Push-In Pillars. It turned out great. This is a very simple idea of just placing the tiers around an elevated center tier.

June Class Schedule

Here is the class schedule for June:
Course I Mondays 6-8pm
Course II Thursdays 6-8pm
Course III Wednesdays 6-8pm
Fondant & GP Tuesdays 6-8pm

Kakes for Kids Saturday June 20th, 11am to 1pm

Final Classes

Boy does time fly. Next week is the the last class for my Course 2 and Course 3 students. Everyone is doing such a great job. Course 2 will be doing the Basket Weave cake and making use of all the flowers that they have been making. Course 3 will be doing a cake of their choosing. I am interested in seeing how creative these cakes will be. The schedule should be out for June soon, and I will make sure to pass it along.

Kakes for Kids Info

note: if anyone would like this info in a Word document, please email me.

KAKES FOR KIDS
Classes: 6/20, 7/18, 8/15 11am to 1pm Altoona Michael’s
Contact Wilton Instructor Brooke Grassmyer at 949-0153 or brgrassmyer@yahoo.com
**Pre-registration Required at least 24 hours before class**
Join the fun!

In this 2-hour class, kids will learn the basics
of cake decorating and leave with a completed
project to show off to family and friends!
Only $15 per child!
Supplies not included-see below for complete list.


Sign up today for Wilton Kakes for Kids
Student Supply List

REQUIRED PRODUCTS FOR CLASS
􀂉 4 tubes Wilton Tube Icing, colors of your choice
􀂉 5-piece tip and nail set
􀂉 1 can Wilton Decorator Icing
􀂉 1 single layer unfrosted 8” round cake, or a cookie baked in a Wilton Giant Cookie Pan, on a
cake circle or plate.
􀂉 Small Decorator Spatula
􀂉 Cake Decorating Beginner’s Guide
REQUIRED FROM HOME
􀂉 Reusable disposable clothes (ie. Handi-wipes®)
􀂉 Toothpicks
􀂉 Hand towel (to cover work area)
􀂉 Plastic food storage bag to take home used supplies for clean-up
􀂉 Roll of waxed paper
OPTIONAL PRODUCTS
􀂉 Wilton Trim and Turn Cake Stand
􀂉 Up to 3 extra #16 star tips and 1 Coupler Ring Set

Cute Idea: Festive Floral Cupcakes

Check out this link on making these gorgeous cupcakes. This idea is using Royal Icing flowers. The flowers would also look beautiful on a tiered fondant covered cake.

http://www.wilton.com/idea/Festive-Florals-Cupcakes

Course 3 Class 2 Tonight

We will be making fondant roses tonight. Pleas bring along to class your clear vanilla extract. This will be used as a glue.
Also, you need an 8" square cake that is at least 3" tall. This can be achieved with a single layer that is 3" high, or by combining 2 layers that are 2"+ tall. The taller the cake, the easier it is to apply fondant.

This Week's Coupons

Hello All. Good news: AC Moore has a 50% coupon and Michael's has a 40% coupon. Remember that you can use both of these coupons if you have 2 different items in 1 purchase. Course 3 students, use your coupons to buy fondant. Also 50% off the 4lb ready made BC icing is a great deal. See the side menu for links to these coupons.

Mother's Day Wish

Happy Mother's Day to all those Mom's out there. I am giving myself a well deserved break this weekend from making cakes. This seems to be the only time to take break. My May and June calender is quickly filling up. with Birthday and Wedding cakes.

Here is a link that is easy for children to make--just for Mom.

http://www.wilton.com/idea/Kids-Put-Their-Hearts-in-it-Cake

I hope that everyone has a great weekend and maybe someone who loves you will make a cake or at the very least, breakfast in bed. :)

Margarita Cupcake Video

Here is a to make these cute Margarita cupcakes, just in time for Cinco de Mayo. Click on this link to find recipe and a how to video.

http://www.wilton.com/idea/Margarita-Cupcakes?OTC-fb2009&link=margarita

Course 3: What to Bring to Class 1

Please bring the following for Course 3 Class 1:
Course 3 student kit
1 batch butter cream icing

We will be making the Wilton Rose starting with Part I: the Center

This will need to be stored so bring a Ziploc bag or rubber maid container.
I will provide you with a small piece of fondant to make the base, so don't worry about it. But for the rest of the classes you will need to have your own fondant. You can buy the 5 pound box if you want. The box has 2- 2 1/2 pound bags, just make sure to store any unused fondant in an Ziploc. USE A COUPON TO BUY FONDANT.

For future classes I suggest having the following in your supplies:
baggies, disposable gloves, small amount of Crisco, small amount of corn starch and powered sugar (1/2 cup) mixed together, bottle of clear vanilla extract, extra paint brushes, rolling pins(we will discuss), cheap Dollar Store roll of tin foil, box or container for flowers (class 3).

Beater Blade

I have mentioned this before in class, but thought that I should post more info. I love my Beater Blade. Amazon has them starting at $24.95.

Here is the description:

Size: 5-Quart KitchenAid Tilt-Head Mixer
Replacement blade fits all KitchenAid tilt-head mixers regardless of model number
Flexible, high-quality food-grade rubber wing down each side of blade continuously scrapes bowl clean
Also beats, folds, and mixes ingredients; eliminates batter build-up on blade
Cuts mixing time by up to 50%
Made in the USA and UL certified ANSI/NSF2; dishwasher-safe

Course II Final Class

Here are the results from Course II final class. Everyone did a great job. Congratulations and Thank You for being great students to : Kim, Erica, Sherena, Theo, and Robin.

3D Thomas the Train

Well he is finally done. This cake was made out of a 1/2 sheet pan, cut into thirds, stacked and then sculpted. His face is made out of fondant, which I made about a month ago. All Butter Cream icing. Not bad for my first Thomas, the face is a little over sized,but that is cool.

Clearance Sale

I was in the store today and there are some Wilton items on clearance. The manager also told me that the section was getting changed out. New items are going to be added. So this means that more items will be on clearance.

They did have the Desert Designs in stock for $5.99a pack. They are really cute and quick. Another new product Wilton has out is pre-made flowers. They are nice, and great in a pinch or small amounts, but handmade flowers are still the best bet.

Saturday Demo and Best Wishes Cake Project Video

Good Friday afternoon everyone! I am busy baking cakes for this weekend. I am doing a Thomas the Train 3D sculpted cake which I am really excited about!

I am doing a Cupcake Demo tomorrow at Michael's from 1-3pm. Stop by and say "Hi" if you get a chance.

Follow this link to watch a video on how to make the square cake this is pictured here, it features the brush embroidery technique that we will be doing in Course III.

http://www.wilton.com/idea/Best-Wishes-Squared-Cake?OTC-fb2009&link=squaredcake

Have a great weekend :)

Vintage Wilton Yearbooks

So I briefly mentioned the other day in class that I love the Wilton Yearbooks. I especially love to collect vintage yearbooks. Take a look and see if you have any vintage Wilton Yearbooks. They are great resources for ideas, techniques, and sometimes even a laugh. I am hoping to do some "vintage" cakes from my yearbook collection. If you are interested in starting your own collection, go to EBay and find them.

One of my favorite yearbooks is from 1974. I was only 1 back then! But I just love the cakes from the 70's.

Also the current Yearbook is awesome. The next Yearbook is due out this summer. Check them out.

Course 2- Class 4-What to Bring

As we come to end of Course 2, we will finally get to see the results of your hard work.

For this final class please bring:

Cake - 2 layers, made in oval pan set, please have this iced and ready to go.

All of your flowers from classes 1-3.

Your Color Flow birds.

Butter cream icing- the book calls for a double batch. Make a double and use it for your crumb

coat on your cake, the remaining icing we can use for the Basket weave and Rope Border.

Bring your camera if you want, I will be bringing mine as well so the pics will be posted here.

Any questions, please let me know how I can help. See you Tuesday!!

Class Schedule for May

Here it is:

Course I on Fridays Instructor Bonnie

Course II on Wednesdays Instructor Brooke

Course III on Tuesdays Instructor Brooke

All 6pm to 8pm.

Class Question Course II

Should all the flowers for Course II finale cake be done in Royal Icing?

Yes, all the flowers should be done in Royal Icing and in advance so that they can dry completely. You can do the mums and rosebuds in butter cream, but it must be stiff consistency. These will need a lot of time to dry and they will not try hard. They are also not as durable as Royal Icing flowers.

Also, there is a link to Royal Icing flowers under "Cake Websites".

New product from Wilton

Brand New - Dessert Designs give plain cakes, cookies and cupcakes a fun hand-decorated look with ease! Dessert Designs are made from edible paper that melts into your freshly iced treats, leaving the image on the surface. I don't think that these are on the shelves yet at Michael's, but I will keep an eye out.

Check out this link for more info.
http://www.wilton.com/store/site/department.cfm?dc=4.19&killnav=1

Upcoming Events

Here is a tentative schedule for demos and project class that I will be offering at Michael's over the next couple of month. Wilton Course schedules will be posted soon. Bonnie and I are working on them, so stay tuned.

April 25 1-3 pm Wilton Demo Cupcake Fun
May 2 1-3pm Wilton Demo Mini Treats
May 16 1-2pm Project Class Part 1 Flower Cookie
May 23 1- 3:30pm Project Class Part 2 Flower Cookie
June 13 1-3pm Kakes for Kids
June 20 1-3pm Wilton Demo TBA
June 27 1-3pm Kakes for Kids (if there is interest)

Kakes For Kids classes will be offered all Summer long starting in June. This is a great activity for kids on summer vacation. More info to follow.

Stop by and say "Hi". Bring along a friend and I can give them the $5 off coupon good for Course I.

I have added few links: Wilton's website, AC Moore and Michael's coupon links, and YouTube video links. I also listed information on the Refer a Friend program that I am offering.

Welcome Students

Hi everyone. I wanted to create an interactive forum for my Wilton Method of Cake Decorating students. This will be a great way to post questions and answers, pictures of cakes, class announcements, and anything else to do with the Wilton Method and cake decorating. Please feel free to share this site with your family and friends. I hope to have a lot of great information on decorating tips, articles, and fun cake stuff.