What skills would you like to improve?

For me it would be most definitely painting/drawing (as mentioned on the latest cake). I am a great admirer of Calli (Callicious Cakes) and love her painted roses and have always wanted to do a cake with these on but me and a pain brush just don’t get on!
Having said that my husbands Aunty is a brilliant artist who paints for a living (paints on to vases etc). I have often thought of asking her for some tips etc, so watch this space……………… You will be waiting a few years I can tell you now lol (great talking point Linda xx)

I am with Carol on the hand painting especially roses and floral. I would also love to master the skill of sculpting a figure, just wish I had more time!

Definatley hand painting!!! Love the hand painted cakes but I really need to take a course to at least gain basic skills!! Would also like to improve figure modelling and try out wafar paper!

I would like to have a go at modelling chocolate, royal icing and piping skills as I have ever really done any of these things. I might also have a dabble at flowers – I think a Gerbera would be high on my list. Where time permits I like to go and join a class for a new skill as it is fun to get out and about and meet other cakey people as well as see the skill demonstrated before you. Other than that, I usually try and work it out for myself and consult if I get stuck. My figure modelling is self taught, so I now find it fascinating to see how other people achieve their results. Good luck with it all Linda, hope to see some lovely creations showing off your newly acquired skills! Xx

Many thanks Carol, I do enjoy painting and have already done a couple of classes and another couple coming up. How wonderful about your talented aunt. Yes you must ask her and get practising onto old boards covered in left over fondant. It’s all about being inspired, looking closely at what you are painting and also lots and lots of practise. Xxxx
This is a great discussion and one things for sure we all are on a continuous learning curve as new styles and trends come into the confectionery arena. I’m constantly inspired by all the styles, techniques, designs and trends from everyone. That’s why I love coming here.
I would very much like to learn how to work with royal icing (like stringwork etc) and also buttercream designing (flowers etc).

Hmmmmm….. Linda…where to start??? It’s usually the dreaded time and Eeeee $$ for classes. I’m retired…and it’s still both!!! That being said….painting on cakes, improving my buttercream skills….covering a cake in, piping…and making realistic bc flowers….that’s definitely not easy. And really mastering getting clean, crisp edges on my cakes…always a challenge. That’s what so great about CD. You can see, look and learn all that cakey stuff here!! 😉

For me it’s just getting the fondant onto the cake smoothly. I struggle with edges and would love to master the art of sharp corners. Most of my cakes end up with curved edges.

Hmm let’s see….sculpting figures, modelling chocolate, piping, painting, and the list goes on & on

I would definitely like to improve on my figure sculpting, sugar flowers, hand painting, and piping skills. I like what Calli said, that we are all on a continuous learning curve. Life would be so boring if we stopped learning! Another thing I struggle with is comparing my work to others’, being jealous and wishing I was as good as so many of the extremely talented artists on CD, but I am learning that what I should be striving for is improving my own skills instead. I love this quote, " Remember how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be." Learning from others and comparing myself to others are two different things. I love the support and knowledge here on CD! It is invaluable!

Well said Pamela…..and oh so true. We all have our own cakey strengths and weaknesses. Just thinking too …just when you think there’s nothing new in the Kakey Kingdom….along comes some wonderful new technique!!! Always something…..Always learning…..Always challenges.