How many teachers can say they feel like they have traveled to 92 different countries, but remain in their classroom? Over my past 23 years of teaching at the Wilton School I can boast that I have taught students from as far away as Greenland, France, Spain, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Mexico, Brazil, the Bahamas, the tiny island of Mauritius, just to name a few. All of whom have attended the 2-week Master Course in Darien, Il. Of course, it goes without saying, that students have come from every State in the US.
So why so far? Students have come for a variety of reasons: enhance their career, start their own business, broaden their knowledge, stimulate their minds and of course have fun while learning at this very International School.
We have broadened our 2010 schedule to include 1-day up to 3-day baking classes. We have nearly 1,500 students a year who come to learn to decorate. We also have students who say they can’t even bake. They would love to learn how to take the mystery out of scratch baking and learn to perfect a cake and compliment it with the best homemade buttercream like Italian Meringue or a French Buttercream. YUM!
For two consecutive weekends (Jan. 30, 31, Feb. 6 & 7), you can learn how to make spectacular SUGAR and “ISOMALT®” creations in our Sugar Artistry Class. Isomalt® is currently the most popular substance used in Sugar Artistry today. If you like the WOW factor that you may have seen on the Food Network, Laurie Bradach makes it fun and easy to do.
With over 50 classes to choose from, we offer something for everyone. Children’s classes have been very popular. We had a child whose mom signed her up and they flew in from Italy for a 3-day camp. Although that doesn’t mean you can’t just drive over from a nearby suburb or state for a class.
Whether you are learning to decorate cupcakes, temper chocolate, design a cake or work with fondant, our classes are hands-on and taught by instructors who have over 166 years of combined experience. Our instructors love what they do and are great at what they do.
I am also happy to say we have well-known cake decorating celebrities who are pleased to teach at Wilton. Renowned sugar artist Nick Lodge offers his expertise in a 1-week comprehensive Spring & Summer Gum Paste Flower Class. His gum paste is so life-like, you could almost smell the floral scent in the air.
Famed cake stylist Colette Peters was born and educated in the Chicago area and is the owner of Colette’s Cakes in New York City. She is a former Tiffany’s designer and is best known for her unique designs and “crooked or topsy turvy” look. She has written five books and enjoys teaching three times a year at the Wilton School. She believes in thinking outside the box so the school has some great representations of student cakes on display. What a place to learn how to be creative with fondant, the hottest look around!
I could go on and on about the great class schedule we have for 2010, but you can check our website for more details. Right now, I am looking forward to seeing where the next student will be traveling from to make country “93”!
Sandy is the Director of the The Wilton School. Sandy has been teaching professional cake decorating classes for over 25 years, 18 of those with Wilton. Internationally, she has shared her expertise with well-known professionals and enthusiastic students in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Taiwan. Folsom had the opportunity to work side by side for 10 years with Wesley Wilton, the youngest son of Dewey McKinley Wilton, founder of Wilton Industries. Sandy's students describe her as "patient, fun and a great instructor."