Use one frosting.
Practice with American buttercream first. If your kitchen runs warm, ask about high-ratio shortening or Sweetex before the frosting gets too soft.
After Cake Class Practice Guide
After class practice guide
Keep your cake hands warm this week.
You do not need a whole new kitchen setup after one decorating class. Start with one small practice cake, the right bag setup, and a frosting that will not quit halfway through the border.
Prep extra bags.
Disposable piping bags save the day when color or texture goes sideways. Keep one bag for borders, one for writing, and one backup.
Transport like it matters.
Use a board that fits the cake, then a box that fits the board. That one detail prevents most car-seat cake drama.
What to pick up
A small, useful kit.
Bring your next cake size and the frosting you want to practice. We can help you keep the supply list tight.
✓
Board plus boxMatch the box to the board, not just the cake. Leave finger room.
✓
Two or three piping tipsOne star tip, one round writing tip, and one border or flower tip is enough to practice.
✓
Gel colorStart lighter than you think. Color deepens while buttercream sits.
✓
Practice surfaceUse parchment or a small cake board for drills before you touch the cake.
Questions students ask after class
Should I buy every tool from class?
No. Start with the tools you will use this week. A board, box, bags, a few tips, and gel color will teach you more than a drawer full of gear.
What should I practice if my frosting keeps sliding?
Chill between coats, keep the room cool if you can, and ask us about high-ratio shortening if your buttercream is soft in a warm kitchen.
Can Gloria's help with a photo cake after class?
Yes. Custom edible image printing usually takes 1 business day. Bring or send the photo, and we will help you pick the right print size.