"LOVE IS BLUE"

1.- Stacking layers of cake.  For this particular project, I baked a "Chocolate Cake" and I divided the cake in (4) layers

 2.- Adding a filling to the cake.  In this case I made a coconut butter-cream icing.

 3.- Cover the cake with icing.  Instead of icing, I used raspberry jam, thin consistency. 

 4.- Cover the cake with fondant.  Always make sure that you have enough fondant to cover your cake. 

5.- Smooth the fondant around the cake and cut the remaining fondant.  Start from the top and than go to the sides of the cake.

 6.- Be creative.  Explore your options.  Choose the right theme, colors, etc...

 7.- Choosing the right colors.  Choose colors that will complement each other, creating a balance.

 8.- Let you imagination fly.  You can create applications that will make your cake look just awesome.

 9.- Have fun in the process.  Don't be afraid to make mistakes.

 10.- Finally, share with your friends what you have created.  You will feel good about your self knowing that you are able to do amazing  cake decorations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIvhZrRcn5k

Wilton Bake Even Strip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahFaRyf9R6g

ICING A CAKE:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znSQj0o0BOU

Due to the amount of mails we receive daily regarding the cake decorating classes, I am creating this section with answers to the most commonly asked questions.

1.  Where do classes take place?

At Michaels Store, on Broadway Street.  

2.  When do classes take place?

We have classes running every month of the year.  The schedule for each month is always posted on this website and also in my Facebook group: NATYCAKES, yummm! https://www.facebook.com/groups/natycakes/

3.  Where do I register?

You need to register at the Michaels Stores.  They do not accept payment by phone.

4.  How much is the cost of the Wilton courses?

Regular price of Wilton courses is $45.  Michaels store offers different promotions with discounts of up to 50% off sometimes.  

5.  Do I need to bring anything for the classes?

When you register for the classes at Michaels, you will be given a supplies list.  Please, make sure you read that list.  You might already have some of the supplies needed.  There is also some baking involved.

6.  What is the age limit? 

Students have to be 12 years old or older.  We have special courses for younger students.  

Covering cakes with Fondant:

Tip # 5: Place the fondant on the cake and trim the excess fondant from the bottom of cake to help eliminate seams and folds caused by the excess fondant. 

Remember: If the fondant has cracked, use the solid vegetable shortening and smooth the cracked area together, using a circular motion. Don’t use water because that will break down the fondant.

WILTON Course 4 - Advanced Gum Paste Flowers

In Course 4, you will learn advanced techniques working with gum paste to make realistic flowers. The flowers and arrangements you create with these skills will be the perfect addition to any cake, cupcake or party table.

Your skilled Wilton Method Instructor will help you each step of the way as you learn to:

• Use Gum Paste to create advanced, realistic flowers, including gerbera daisies and stargazer lilies
• Create a variety of leaves, blossoms, and bouquet designs
• And more exciting skills and techniques!

WILTON Course 3 - Gum Paste and Fondant

In Course 3, you will develop new skills working with fondant and gum paste and apply them to create shapes, borders, flowers, and much more.

In addition, you will learn to cover a cake with fondant and will work with your instructor to design and create a complete project using all your new skills and techniques.

Your skilled Wilton Method Instructor will help you each step of the way as you learn to:

• Prepare and color gum paste and fondant
• Cover a cake with fondant
• Create more than 10 different types of bows and flowers, including the calla lily, rose, and carnation
• Design and complete a cake with the shapes and flowers from the course
• And more exciting skills and techniques!

WILTON Course 2 - Flowers and Cake Design

In Course 2, you will learn to work with royal icing as well as an intro to using fondant and gum paste. You will develop core skills to make many varieties of flowers, such as pansies, lilies and the Wilton Rose.

You will learn how to design a cake, from selecting the colors to arranging your flowers.

Your skilled Wilton Method Instructor will help you each step of the way as you learn to:

• Design the color palette and pattern for a cake
• Work with gum paste, fondant and royal icing
• Create 9 different types of flowers, and how to feature them on your next project
• Pipe additional decorative borders onto your cake
• And more exciting skills and techniques!

Below you will find pictures showing some of the things we do in this course:

WILTON Course 1 - Decorating Basics

In Course 1, you will learn a broad set of butter-cream decorating techniques using The Wilton Method and develop skills you can use for all of your decorating projects, from cupcakes to cakes for any special occasion. Whether you are new to decorating or have been decorating for years, when you finish the course, you will be proud of the new skills and techniques you've learned and ready to showcase them on your next project. Your skilled Wilton Method Instructor will help you each step of the way as you learn how easy it can be to: Make icing the right consistency to decorate Fill and use a decorating bag Ice and decorate cupcakes Pipe lines, letters and shapes Make simple borders , letters, and shapes on your cake Make 5 different buttercream flowers including the ribbon rose Transfer images to a cake to decorate And more exciting skills and techniques!

Below you will find pictures showing some of the things we do in this course:

Valentine's Day is coming soon!

What would you bake for your love one?

Covering cakes with Fondant:

Tip # 4: Carefully place the fondant over the cake and smooth the top first.  Than, smooth the sides down.
Remember:  If an air bubble appears, insert a pin on an angle, release air and smooth the area again.

Wilton – February 2014

Wilton Decorating Basics (COURSE #1) 
- Friday, February 7, 14, 21, 28 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wilton Flowers and Cake Design (COURSE #2)
- Tuesday, February 4, 11, 18, 25 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wilton Gum Paste and Fondant (COURSE #3)
- Wednesday, February 5, 12, 19, 26 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wilton Advanced Gum Paste (COURSE #4)
- Thursday, February 6, 13, 20, 27 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wilton Tall Cake Project Class:
- Sunday February 3rd from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm


Location: Michael Store on Broadway

665 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G7

Phone:

(604) 638-2523

Store Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 9:00pm 
Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

This is one of my favorite cakes: 

"Strawberry shortcake"

Covering cakes with Fondant:

Tip # 3: "Use a silicone rolling pin when rolling out fondant, you’ll have fewer problems with the fondant sticking to the rolling pin." 

Remember:   You can spread a thin layer of solid vegetable shortening on your work surface before you start to roll out the fondant, this will prevent the fondant to stick to the mat.

Notification:

Next "Tall Cake Project Class" will be on Sunday February 3rd from 10:30 am until 1:30 pm. Please let me know if you are coming through an e-mail. Thank you!

Location:  Michael Store on Broadway

"PATTERN TRANSFER"

An excellent technique to make wonderful designs.

Covering cakes with Fondant:

Tip # 2: "Before rolling out fondant, knead it until it is a workable consistency." 

Remember:   Never flip the fondant over after you start to roll.

Classes are starting tomorrow! 

Wilton – January 2014

Wilton Decorating Basics (COURSE #1)            
                                     
-           Tuesday, January                       7, 14, 21, 28 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm  
             
Wilton Flowers and Cake Design (COURSE #2)        
                                     
-          Wednesday, January                   8, 15, 22, 29 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wilton Gum Paste and Fondant (COURSE #3)                        
           
-          Thursday, January                      9, 16, 23, 30 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Wilton Advanced Gum Paste (COURSE #4)                                      
 
-          Friday, January                          10, 17, 24, 31 – 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Location: Michael Store on Broadway

665 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1G7

Phone:

(604) 638-2523

Store Hours:

Monday - Saturday: 9:00am - 9:00pm 
Sunday: 10:00am - 7:00pm

Covering cakes with Fondant:

Tip # 1: "Crumb coat your cake smooth by lightly icing the cake with butter-cream icing. Any imperfections will show through the rolled fondant. Try to use white icing unless you are using a dark tinted fondant."

Remember:  Do not put to much icing, this will prevent the fondant to break and the cake will look smoother.  You can also use jam instead of butter-cream icing.

Wilton Cake Decorating Classes

Experience how easy decorating can be by taking a Wilton Method Class and show the world how fabulous you really are!

For more information follow us on Facebook at: NATYCAKES, yummm! or send us an E-mail at natybrockss@gmail.com

Welcome to my Blog NATYCAKES, yummm!

Natalia Brocks, born in Venezuela, South America. She graduated from Agricultural Engineer School at the Central University of Venezuela in 2001. In 2003 she decided to move with her family to Canada.  Thanks to her European origins, she has always shown deep passion for the art of pastry, baking and decorating cakes.  She has over 10 years experience in decorating cakes and baked goods for family, friends and special events. Over the years, she has taken several courses on cake decoration, which has led her to successfully become a Cake Decorator Instructor.  Managing the art of working with Butter-cream Icing, Royal Icing; creating icing flowers; sculpting gum paste and fondant flowers and decorations, she has guided many students, kids an adults, sharing her knowledge by offering them the opportunity to explore the art of baking and cake decorating.