Bakery and Cake Decorating

Nothing is better than looking down at your beautiful cake creation and knowing that it was your hard work that made it happen, right? But let's get real, this is not a perfect world and if you're like most beginners, the decorating is the most frustrating part. But fret not, there are a few things you can do that will quickly and cheaply get you into the cake decorating game.

Create A Mental Picture- As with any artistic or inspired endeavor, you must bring a non-existent thing into being. I know this might sound a bit lofty, just stick with me. Try to think about the cake you want to make. Get as detailed as you can. Think about why you're making the cake, who you're making it for, and what could be incorporated into the theme. What colors do you want to use? What techniques or tools will you use? Become familiar with what your cake looks like before you ever begin.

Pictures Come Into Focus- Look at pictures online or in baking magazines or books for some last-minute ideas and begin to sketch out your cake. This is just another step in the creative process. It doesn't have to be a great drawing you just want to get your brain used to the idea of creating this cake. It may sound funny, but trust me, this will definitely help.

Ready, Set, Practice- Break out your favorite tips and frosting bags and practice your frosting techniques. Bring together your colors and style in the ways you envisioned on a dinner plate, it's that easy. For a more advanced practice you could even lay down some icing on a shoe box.

Finally, bring your cake to life. At this point you'll be so familiar with your cake, it should come fairly easy. These simple steps will greatly reduce the stress and frustration of cake decorating as the creative process gradually unfolds. It may not always be the most practical method, but give it a try at least once, and keep practicing.