Product Review: Basic Cake Decorating DVD

Mrs. Kathy Brodock (of Teaching Good Things) approached me about reviewing her "Basic Cake Decorating" DVD. I have taken all 3 of the Wilton Cake Decorating courses and regularly decorate cakes for family and friends, so I was excited to see what she chose to present. Here are my findings based on viewing her DVD. Enjoy!

Product: Basic Cake Decorating DVD.
Company: Teaching Good Things.
Starring: Mrs. Kathy Brodock.
Length: 59:10 minutes.
Price: $19.95.

Review: If you want to know how to decorate lovely cakes for birthdays or special occasions and DON'T have the time or money to invest in taking Wilton classes, this is the product for you. I would have saved myself so much time and money if I had had this video when I first took classes. Here are some reasons I appreciate Kathy's video:

• The video's organization. The video is divided into important areas of decorating knowledge: supplies needed, recipes for decorator frosting, decorating tips and their purposes, and more. The amount of information provided is just what you need to know in order to begin the process of cake decorating.
• Kathy's pleasant speaking voice. Kathy is so likeable- from the first moment you hear her Alabama drawl. You will feel like you are in the kitchen cooking with a friend (albeit a very talented, experienced friend).  :o)
• The DVD format.  The fact that you can review information when/as needed is crucial in learning good cake decorating skills. The DVD format makes that easy to do. If you can't remember how to do a perfect shell, simply return to that part of the DVD. If you need to jot down a recipe or list, pause the DVD. So helpful.
• The close-ups. Seeing the piping bag so closely (as well as the angle at which it is held) is a huge plus over taking regular classes. Truthfully, I never saw my instructor's hand closely (I had to crane my neck to actually see my instructor at times), so seeing the "close-ups" really help to get your angle correct- which hugely impacts how your frosting appears.
• The fact that Kathy herself "messes up"...and she shows you how to fix it. Oh, how I appreciated this! In my cake decorating classes, my instructor NEVER messed up- therefore, we never knew how to fix our mistakes! Kathy shows you how to repair dropped garlands and more. Cake decorating is an art, and even artists at times need to correct mistakes on their canvases. I appreciated Kathy showing how to correct those inevitable boo-boos, rather than pretending that everything always goes as planned (Note to novice cake decorators...it DOESN'T!). :o)

Now, for some additional information: If you are looking for tutelage on how to do everything when it comes to cake decorating, you will be severely disappointed. I've taken 3 classes, can make wedding cakes, and still don't know all there is to know! This video delivers what it promises: basic cake decorating skills. Cake decorating takes lots of practice, so be prepared to take time to learn! I think this is a fantastic video for "getting your feet wet", and it will have you easily creating lovely cakes for your family without the usual expense in getting started. :o)

Thank you, Kathy, for allowing me the privilege to review your video- I can't wait to see the next one out! :o)

NOTE: Cake decorating can be a real ministry to others, and I have included it under the "Month of Cheerful Thrift" as it is one of the ways that I save money for our birthday parties for our children.  Here are a just a few of the cakes I've created for our family (click to enlarge):

Comments

[Word Warrior]

A hearty AMEN to this review! Kathy is a good friend and one of the most talented people I know.

This resource is a gem! First-rate homemaking skills to add to our (and our daughters') repetoire, in the comfort and convenience of home, at such a low price--what more could you ask for!

Every Mother and/or daughter needs this one!

Mrs. Wilt here: I totally agree on that. The time and talent it takes to put together a video like this is evident. I would heartily recommend it to any lady who wants to learn this valuable skill. :o)

[Step]

First, I'm done with my 20 stars -- yeah!!! I'm going to make my dd a couple of simple skirts while I have the sewing machine out. They are literally two seams, a hem, and an elastic waist. What I love is that I can customize the waist size to fit my skinny-mini!

Ooooh, oooh, this DVD is right up my alley. I love to do cakes, crafts, whatever I can at home to save money. I'm only a novice cake decorator, but I've made some pretty nice ones all the same -- just takes some patience. My 6yo dd just loooooves to help me in the kitchen, too. My dh gave me the green light to order a couple of things for mother's day and this might be on my list. :)

Mrs. Wilt here: You'd love it, Step. It's very clear and concise. Plus, she gives you instructions on how to make more advanced things like garlands and roses. :o)