How do I sign up for a course?
You will need to sign up in person at Michael's (Springfield, OR) to register for class. Any of the cashiers can register you for the course. You can not place your name down to reserve a spot and will need to pay at the time you register.
What Supplies do I need for class?
It is strongly recommended that you purchase either the course kit, or one of the larger multi course kits. You will also need to buy additional items such as cake pans, color gel's, tips and additional decorating bags from Michael's. Supplies for baking a cake, and making frosting will also be an additional cost.
Do i have to bring a cake to class each week?
It is not mandatory but does help you perfect your skills and gives you the whole experience of cake decorating.
What if I miss a class? Can I make it up?
This is done on a case by case basis so please see your instructor to see when and if a make up class is possible.
What does it take for me to get a certificate?
Many times a student will feel pressure to make a cake look exactly like the book but don't worry if yours doesn't. If you show up and have fun you have earned your certificate.
Can I bring someone with me to class?
Michael's and Wilton's policy does not allow you to bring anyone to class with you who is not a paid student.
Do I have to use only Wilton products?
Since you have signed up for a Wilton Course it is preferred that you use only Wilton products in class. It helps to keep all students on the same track, and keeps you from trying to find another brand name that is equivilents tip
How young can my child be to take your course?
Wilton's courses are written for students of age 16 or older. Please note that the Michael's policy states that any child under the age of 18 must have a paid parent taking the course with them.
If any younger children register for this course they may have problems with some of the techniques and/or working with the stiffer consistencies. The instructor is not able to substitute easier techniques if this happens and the younger child will be expected to sit quietly and practice techniques they are able to do. Also, if the child is too young to sit through a two hour lesson and becomes disruptive on a consistent basis and it becomes a problem with instructon time and keeps the other students from being able to properly learn as well the instructor will work with her superiors to reevaluate the child continuing on in class.
Wilton does provide a Kakes for Kids class. It is a one time project class that lasts for only 2 hours. It is suggested for anyone age 12 and under to take that class first. This will allow the instructor to be able to better evaluate the child to see if they would be a good fit for taking a four week course.
How do I store the buttercream? How long will it keep?
Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it up to three weeks at room temperature or in the fridge. Rewhip it for about a minute or two before using it again.Always have it at room temperature to decorate with.
How do I store royal icing? How long will it keep?
Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it up to six weeks at room temperature or in the fridge. Rewhip it for about a minute or two before using it again. Always have it at room temperature to decorate with.
What is the difference between Fondant and Gumpaste?
Fondant is used to cover a cake, and gum paste is used to make accessories, that is the short answer. Fondant is also used to make accessories but it will not dry as "hard" or "crisp". It will have a bit of a bend to it and will crack. If you want it to act more like gumpaste you can add about 1 cup of gumpaste powder (gum tex) per pound of fondant. Gumpaste dries hard and will snap apart when it breaks.
What is Petal Dust?
It adds color, not shine. It is good to use on fondant or gumpaste flower petals. It gives a more realistic look to flowers. It can be brushed onto the dried gumpaste with artist brushes. If you want deeper colors you can thin them with alcohol (vodka), lemon extract, vanilla etc. You can also dust with dry petal dust and then hold your finished flower over a pan of steaming water to set the color so it doesn't flake off on your icing. It also darkens the color a bit and adds a sheen. Let the flowers dry after steaming and be careful not to touch the colored areas because it will remove the color and leave white spots in the petal.
What is Luster Dust?
It is a shiny, metallic looking dust that can be brushed on dry to add some color and sparkle. To get a deep, shiny pearl or gold you mix them with alcohol (vodka), lemon extract, vanilla etc. and paint them onto the dried gumpaste. They can also be thinned with alcohol and used in an airbrush to spray the color onto gumpaste. The mixture wants to separate, so you need to stir it from time to time. Clean your airbrush thoroughly after spraying so the Luster Dust doesn't clog the airbrush parts. I always color my fondant and then match the luster dust to that color - that gives a nice deep color and a very brilliant shine.
What is Pearl dust?
It comes in different colors (blue pearl, green pearl, etc), but it doesn't really add a noticeable color if you brush it onto white fondant - just a nice iridescent shine.
What are Highlighter/Shimmer Dusts?
They have sparkle and can be brushed on dry over white or even colored dried gumpaste. It will add sparkle without changing
the color too much. You can also add alcohol (vodka), lemon extract, vanilla etc. and paint them on, but they won't have the intensity of Luster Dust.
What Are Disco and Pixie Dusts?
They are the same thing. They are non-toxic just like the Luster Dust. They are VERY sparkly and are pretty much like real glitter--but
have a finer texture. You can sprinkle tem on BC iced cakes--or take a bit in the palm of your hand and gently blow the dust across the cake for full coverage. I have also mixed them with vodka and painted on gumpaste.
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This site is not affiliated with Wilton or Michael's. It is independently owned and operated by Carolyn Alexander, Wilton Method Instructor.
Please
note that course cost, discounts, class/Michael's store policies for the courses
and project classes held at Michael's are set by Wilton and/or Michael's.
Carolyn is unable to offer further discounts or alter the price of the course
or adjust policies that are currently in place by Wilton and/or Michael's.
Course/Project Class related graphics on this site are provided courtesy of Wilton Inc.
