I hope you didn't have to pay for the class! If you did, I would get a refund. I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience, you were probably really looking forward to the class. I can't believe that she can pass herself off as a teacher. I could do a better job than that without ever having taken an actual class. Not to mention I know better than to let someone stick their finger in a cake or lick the frosting off my fingers while I'm working. Ewww!Where was the class?

Joanne

Joanne, at Michaels Craft Store.

Too bad, it sounds awful.

I was just going to ask who sponsored the class. For sometime I have been trying to find time to take one of those classes that Michaels offers. Considering their attention to customer service, I'm not surprised that the class leave much to be desired.

Shaun, copy your post and email it to Michael's Corporate office, give them the details concerning store location and teacher. Realize that stores have a hard time finding people to teach classes (low pay) so you won't get anywhere with the store mgr. I would however ask for my class fees back. I'd also copy Wilton the same info you send to Micheal's as Wilton is probably underwriting these classes.

Did the teacher claim any previous experience?

Nancy

I bet that woman dropped the cake on purpose.

Get a refund as well as threaten to report to Health Authorities if corrections aren't made!

Hey, that looks like one of my cakes, Shaun! I wouldn't want to go back to that class, either....I'd be demanding my money back.

Nancy, yes she said she's been teaching Cake Decorating for 17 years.

Jessy, at first I thought the same thing - maybe she did it on purpose but I know that wasnt the case. SHE ate the cake before she dropped it. She was the first one to taste the icing too.

There was another girl with me who I know from my group of friends here in the hood and she was totally freaking out over the same things I was.

I feel bad reporting her, I mean, what if she really depends on this job? Her appearance screamed that she didnt have a lot of money, you know, old faded clothes, worn out shoes, not a good hair do, she just looked like she needed the job. I would feel terrible if this woman lost her job. She has two adopted kids from China. I mean, she was real sweet and down to earth but I am just really anal in the kitchen with cleanliness etc.....and that stuff skeeves me right out!

She also teaches at that craft store, AC Moore who is a competitor of Michaels, She was laughing because she works for the enemy and Michaels knows it.

I understand that Michaels just laid off ALL of the teachers except for the cake decorating teachers.

Next week, we're supposed to make a batch of their icing at home and bring it in to practice making roses on a plastic lined piece of cardboard. I havent decided if I'll go back or not....sort of hate to commit to something with a friend and then back out. I just dont know ........

Oh my! The finger-licking and the kid-poked cake would gross me out, too! I bet Jessy's right, the woman dropped it on purpose.

Geez! Where did they find this "teacher"?

Yep, I would demande a refund of my class fee and write a letter to corporate, but I would also let the store manager know why I was demanding a refund! They can't fix it if they don't know it's broken....

As for that cake....looks like a child decorated it.

Linda

Geeze, you do need to report that to Michael's,and they will report it to Wiltons, most Michale's cake decorating classes are sponsored by them. They both need to know. And the reasons you feel bad for reporting her are all the more reason to, if she really needs a job she should be performing great, so she can keep it. And I have heard from Wilton teachers at Michael's store's that they really do not make good money teaching but they get great discounts on supplies and they can take advanced classes The teachers at our Michael's do it mostly for the "sport". The one sport that you gain calories while doing it! LOL Don't give up on Cake decorating it is SO FUN.. Keep us posted of how this plays out.

Gosh, I'm pretty critical of my decorating skills, but I can do better than than & never taken a class. I'd want my money back., I'd be astounded if everyone else isn't wanting a refund.

Shaun, I took one of those Wilton Cake Decorating classes a long, long time ago. I did learn that I hate to decorate cakes, LOL.

If I had to taste that cake I'd probably have said "no thanks, I'm dieting". Everyone always believes that! Even I'd definitely have a problem with the cleanliness and I'm pretty unaffected by a lot of stuff that bothers other people.

The cake mix thing, I think tht's a matter of taste. My girls don't like homemade cake, they LIKE the cake mix cakes, go figure. I probably would have spoken up and said that I make homemade cakes all the time and that they aren't all that difficult. I might have even offered to make one for the next class, LOL. At least I could be sure it was safe to eat!

I found that the thing that helped the most was to practice. I learned specific techniques in the class and then went home and practiced things like edging and flowers. I just piped decorations onto waxed paper, then scraped them off and did them again until they looked OK. Then I forgot about it and never did it again. (grin)

So, if this class is actually just a social occasion with a friend, I'd probably go back, just so I could giggle with her over everything. If it didn't cost very much and you aren't having fun, I wouldn't go back. If it cost very much, I'd ask for a refund. Either way, I'd still complain about the cleanliness.

Annie

Thanks for all the input.

The class was very inexpensive, $17 for 4 weeks, one night a week. Comes to $4.25 a class. Cheap. Guess I'm getting what I paid for eh?

I DO want to learn how to decorate a cake, learn tips, making flowers, special techniques, etc., I guess I could just go and soak in everythnig I can and then practice at home. I just dont want to eat anything she makes. And I won't.

I also won't report her. I just can't do it. I am so not confrontational it's sickening. Push over? Yep, I'm it.

I was just so shocked at her lack of cleanliness and professionalism. If MY kid had poked holes into the cake I was taking to my job where others would be eating it, you better believe I would have either baked a new one or stopped at the bakery and bought a new undecorated cake to bring to class.

OH I forgot to tell you what she said about her 3 yr old daughter poking holes in to the cake.... She said as punishment, she put her daughter to bed and all she had for dinner is what she ate from the cake. I was horrified!

This may open up another whole can or worms, but I think that is cruel beyond words to put a child to bed without dinner.

Shaun,

Was it a Wilton class? If so, then she probably works directly for Wilton, and they take their representation very seriously.

I took all 3 of the Wilton cake decorating classes about a year and a half ago through Joann's and the instructor informed us that instructor critiques are a very serious thing with Wilton.

Rule #1: NO LICKING THE ICING!!!

hee!! Yes it was Wilton but I asked her who she worked for, Wilton or Michaels and she definitely said Michaels.

My reason for posting any of this is that I was really feeling that I was so impressed with you all and your cooking/baking abilities as shown on this forum and to go pay for a class and them not seeming to know as much as you all do, it was weird. Then my germophobia kicked in with all that licking, touching, etc.

I think I'll bite my tongue about the instructor's cake, but, if you think you'd enjoy cake decorating, then stick with it. You might have fun and learn something.

But Shaun, I feel the same as you. I would also avoid creating an acrimonious relationship between the teacher and her class by reporting her "techniques."
It sounds like this lady needs the job. But, on the other side of the coin, no one in her class should have to endure her begrimed fingerprints seal of approval all over her cakes. Ick.

I would make a copy of this thread and (anonymously and inconspicuously) place it where she will inevitably find it. The note may give her a chance to redeem herself.

If that doesn't work, then I would either report her, or suddenly come down with an allergy to commercial cake mixes, frostings ... or both. You could also become diabetic for the next four weeks.

Last resort...
{{gwi:1519696}}

Sol

I took a Wilton cake decorating class with a friend a loooooong time ago, when my (and her) kids were babies. We wanted to learn to decorate cakes for our kids' birthday parties. The class was free. The idea was that the store would make $$$ when you bought all your supplies from them. It was great! The woman who taught it was much better than what you are describing, and it was much more hands-on.

I learned enough to make those bday cakes for the kids when they were younger, I've pretty much forgotten it all now!

In your place, I'd probably finish out the class and at least learn what I could from her. At the end though, I'd definitely be tempted to send an email to the store manager, wilton's and michael's to let them know your impression of the whole class.

I took the Wilton classes as well but I was very satisfied with our instructor. The color flow stuff was very fun. If I had your experience I would ask for my money back then go to Walmart and ask one of the bakery ladies to teach you lol.

Wow! What shape was the cake... a heart? It reminds me very much of my first attempt (which was a month ago today!). I'd certainly expect better from a teacher of 17 years. I bet there was hair in the cake too!

I'd probably have walked out when she started licking the icing. I remember one of my home ec teachers (the one I had in 7th grade, I took it every year I could) stuck herself with my needle when she was trying to show me how to sew on a button, she was actually bleeding. I asked for a new needle and she got offended. I got a C on that project!

I bet it was hard to control your laughter when the cake was dropped. I've had a stressful day, and reading that made me giggle so hard. It was just what I needed!

I wonder if she teaches at Joanne's too!? I've considered signing up for quilting classes, but if the teacher licked the sewing machine I'd be outta there fast!

Oh hahahah!!! Of course I laughed myself silly when that pathetic cake hit the floor! Besides the garbage can, the floor was the perfect place for it.

You know what Sol? I dont think anyone in that class besides me and my friend, minded that she was licking up all on her fingers. They all raised their hands for cake!

I was thinking back to last night, watching her unload her bag o goodies and it was a big canvas bag. She was pulling all kinds of stuff of that bag, her purse, containers, bowls, the mixer and the last thing she pulled out was the beaters for the mixer, just laying on the bottom of that bag. Not even wrapped in plastic or a towel or anything! I think I would have had my beaters in a zip lock bag or something..... I'm anal, told ya so.

I made up my mind that I will go back and just learn all I can and go from there.

And something funny happened today. I was driving thru the Costo parking lot and a woman and her little girl were crossing the street. I stopped to let them go - it was HER and her little cake poking kid!! She didnt recognize me.

Shaun, I'm sorry the class turned out so badly. That is a totally different experience from the one I had when I took a Wilton class at a Michaels. Our instructor was very professional and informative. The first class our instructor went over the equipment we needed, how to make the frosting including demonstrating testing whether the frosting was the right consistency and demonstrated frosting the cake including talking about ways to get the frosting smooth. For the second class, we were to bring a cake ready to decorate and frosting for decorating.

Here is the cake I decorated at the second decorating class.

I understand why you don't want to complain about the teacher, but there may be people in the class who can't afford to get sick or they may take what they have learned and make cakes for others. And probably some people taking the class can't afford to pay for a worthless class. I think you should ask for your money back from Michaels.

Mustangs, perhaps you could ask to sit in on part of a class session to see how the instructor at your Michaels is before you sign in. Or check what their policy is on refunds.

Well that's a beautiful cake. That was your second class? See how your cake compared to my instructors?

Based on your description of your first class, I'd have to say, yes, she basically did those things.

I just was shocked at how her cake turned out when she was finished decorating it. I guess I was expecting something like our Sol's. And I was taken aback at her unprofessionalism in licking her fingers and bringing in a cake that a 3 yr child had stuck her fingers into. I was let down and thought the class would be better.

I honestly can't speak for the people taking the class with me, as to their financial status and what they can afford or not. But there were 2 teenagers in attendance and they might pick up her bad habits. I might mention to them that you aren't supposed to lick your fingers when cooking for other people.

I'm not going to ask for my money back but at the end of this course I think I might have to mention it to the manager.

You're right, someone could get sick.

Every time I look at that first cake I giggle a little. It's just so odd looking. I suppose her frosting was a bit thick. My favorite part is that sad, out of place little heart in the corner. rotf

I don't think that I'd taste anything that I didn't make myself! LOL

Every time someone doesn't complain about "improper practises" they are contrinuting to more of the same.
We seem to have become a society of "don't make waves"...but that's not right.
Go report her to Michaels and to Wilton.....she needs to clean up her act and LEARN what she is supposedly teaching.
Don't feel sorry for her....this may be the biggest favor you will do for her!
Linda C

kandm yeah that rose DOES look lonely

Now that you mention in, that big lavender flower underneath it looks downright obscene, ala Georgia O'Keefe

Wonder who ate that one

Oh, gosh, Jessy, you made me forget what I was going to say, and it was so witty and intelligent, too! lol

My late, great MIL baked and decorated cakes semi-professionally. Basically, she did it from her home, but it was mainly for church members, friends and family. She made my wedding cake, and it was beautiful. Anyway, even baking at home, where no one could watch her bake or do the decorating, she was insistent on sanitary practices. In fact, she made a point to teach me not to lick the serving or cooking utensils. Up until then, I didn't even think about it, but I guess she wanted to make sure the woman taking care of her son did it the right way.

Sally

*snort* thanks Sally. 'witty and intelligent' is not what is on everyone's mind, but I sure do appreciate it!

LOL, Jessy, I don't think she meant you, I think she meant HERSELF.

Not that you aren't, of course. (grin)

Annie

cloud, your cake looks like an advanced class project, perfect !

Shaun, maybe they should put your teacher's cake on display next to the
sign-up list, at least get advanced notice of things to come.

I think you could anonymously send a letter to the store re: hygiene, helpful to others and to the teacher, she really does not seem to get it at all.

Actually, the boxed cake mix is great for "practicing" when you're doing cake decorating, especially when you start to get to the tiered cakes and you have to make a lot of cake. Plus the boxed mixes have a 99% reliability factor for the end product...no guessing. I used to make my practice cakes and then take them in for my sharks...um...coworkers to devour. They were happy just to get food!

You can doctor up a cake mix pretty well, and it will taste very good. Duncan Hines is my fav for cake mixes. When I'm doing "real" cakes (for birthdays, special parties, etc.) it's all from scratch, baby!

Shaun, you should just forward a copy of this thread to both Michaels and Wiltons. The instructors cake sure isn't a great example to use to draw customers.

Ann

I understand how you feel about whether to report the lady or not. I think I've told the story on this forum somewhere about the sample lady at Whole Foods that was sampling her own samples, sticking her gloved fingers all the way into her mouth as she placed the bit of food in her mouth. I stood there staring at her the whole time. She didn't even change gloves after doing that. I should have said something, but chickened out. I still think about the poor unsuspecting people that took samples from her after that. Why didn't I do something about it! I could have at least said something to her, and asked her to change gloves, but no, I didn't. Hopefully, she wasn't sick.

Sally

Shawn, I understand your dilemma! At least these people could choose whether or not they wanted to participate in the communal frosting. I was at one of those chain buffet places (aka feeding troughs) when I noticed this guy sticking his hands in several things and eating randomly off the buffet. I followed him a minute and realized he was mentally challenged. So instead of confronting him, I ended up going to the manager and complaning loudly. The manager spoke to him, but very quickly he was back sticking his hands in the marshmallows. My kids were veery upset when I wouldn't let them have marshmallows with their ice cream. The man was with his parents, but they were not attending to him as they should have. So back I go to the manager complaining again. He warned him again, but since he wasn't mentally competent, I don't think it did much good. Needless to say I now tend to stay away from buffets!

Bless her heart....that cake looks like something I'd have decorated. Without my glasses.

I see the quandary. There has to be a way, though, to address the sanitation issue. Maybe a polite but firm note to the manager that she's a nice person and you don't want to cause trouble, but reminding him that demonstration classes DO need to conform to health standards? (Anonymous, of course).

I guess for $4.25 a class it's at least cheap entertainment, but no way would I go for samples.

Last night was class 2 of my decorating class. This time it wasn't so bad.

We brought in our own icing and practiced making stars, lines, dots and writing out Happy Birthday on plastic covered pictures of what we were practing. Sort of like tracing.

I made a mean star. Circles were okay, gotta learn how to not get that little tip on the center of it.

My writing stinks. Maybe practice makes perfect?

Next week we take in already baked cupcakes and we'll be making clowns and roses. Looking forward to learning to make a rose.

The instructor still licked her fingers all night long and I can't help but wish she would wax her mustache.

There is one girl in the class who came with her mother; very immature, yelling out things, giggling uncontrollably, just really acting strange and I honestly thought she was a mentally challenged teenager. Come to find out, she is 10 yrs old. All along she's just been acting like a 10 yr old girl. But she sure does look older.

Another woman, her husband died 18 mths ago. I didnt know this and had no way of knowing ... anyway and when she cut the cake last week, I sang, "The Bride Cuts and Cake"....... oye vey! She then sang, "The Widow Cuts the Cake".......I wanted to crawl into a hole. Well, she wasn't there last night because she was too sad; yesterday would have been her husband's birthday.

Another woman who has taken this course before and never went onto Course II. She is the class know-it-all. She's getting on my last nerve I tell ya.

The woman next to me, if the instructor touches her things, moves them in any way, she freaks and it messes her up. So now the instructor knows not to touch her things. The woman opened up her Decorating Kit and her spatula wasnt in a plastic bag and her brush didin't have a cap on it, she had the instructor return it and get her one that "someone hadn't already used". I would have switched with her but I had already stuck my spatula into the icing. She was being so anal about everything, more so than me and I couldn't help but cackle when she found a hair in her icing an it was her own. hahahaha!

Interesting night~