Q: Why did Wilton change the Curriculum?
A: The purpose of refreshing our already thriving curriculum is to continue the success of Wilton classes through experiences that will teach and inspire family celebrations. This updated curriculum will appeal to the new generations of moms as well as to a broader market encompassing all ages.
This broader market includes a consumer who is “busier,” who is looking for value for their money AND time invested and is more family and group oriented. This evolving group of consumers also want to have an active participation in the end product. In other words, they want to “do it myself” so they can say “I made this myself” and receive praise and adoration from friends and family. The vast majority of topics still are the same, so there is a close correlation from the previous curriculum to this one. This refreshed curriculum has been designed to encourage success and confidence; ultimately increasing your opportunities to move into techniques that expand the color, beauty and excitement you can create with your Wilton Method skills.
Q: We went from four courses to three. What am I missing?
A: You’ll be “missing” quite a bit of duplicated instruction, particularly between Course 3 and the Fondant & Gum Paste course. Course 3 did have some information on “tiered cakes” which is not in one of our refreshed main courses. But, we’ll be introducing a “Tall Cakes” project class which will cover stacked cakes, two-plate assembly, combining stacked and two-plate assembly, transporting cakes, and more. What you’ll gain, with the Gum Paste and Fondant course, is much more interaction with your WMI than in the previous curriculum.
Plus, all the refreshed curriculum courses take an approach that makes it even easier for you to succeed. In addition, we explore cake design, work space preparation, and fresh, new techniques in a range of media from buttercream to royal icing, to fondant, and gum paste.
Q: What if I took Course 1 of the previous curriculum? Or, what if I took some other combination of the previous Curriculum? What do I do next?
A: The refreshed curriculum is designed so that, once one has taken Decorating Basics, one can go to either of the other two. Just ask yourself … What do I WANT to learn?
- If you’re interested in flowers or would like to explore cake design, then sign up for Flowers and Cake Design. Because this course includes the Wilton Rose, it offers a chance to practice that lovely flower a little more.
- But, if you’d like to explore gum paste or fondant, we’d suggest going to Gum Paste and Fondant. It will cover many of the techniques previously presented in both Course 3 and Fondant and Gum Paste. In addition, for example, you’ll also do the Calla Lily and study how to accomplish geometric designs.
- Whatever you’ve taken already, even though a new course might involve some “review,” you’ll get a great chance to practice and get coaching on what you’ve already learned. Plus you’ll also cover new techniques & ideas.
- That being said, though, the course registration fee is very low, so if time permits, you should consider taking any of the refreshed course. For example, although it certainly isn’t necessary to go back to the Decorating Basics course, we’re sure it will be fun and a chance to reinforce the skills to which you’ve already been introduced.
Q: Are the products covered in the refreshed curriculum really different than the previous one?
A: No, the vast majority of products – and skills taught – are much the same. Of course, we’ve included some products that are more relevant to today’s fashions and trends. Your Wilton Method Instructor can provide you with a small list of any of the differences in product.
So, if you already have one of the previous course’s kits, you can learn the exact differences. That way, you can purchase many of them open stock at most retailers. If they’re not stocked by your store, check the wilton.com online store. All in all though, the new kits are very appealingly priced. So, purchasing them in preparation for taking any of the refreshed courses will beneficially add to your collection of Wilton tools.
Q: Why don’t you number the courses anymore?
A: It never was a sequential curriculum, despite what the numbering system implied. One always had the opportunity, once they’d taken Course 1, of going on to Course 3, Fondant and Gum Paste, or Course 2.
The numbering system actually confused more than it explained. Plus, it caused scheduling difficulties in the stores, who acted on the assumption the courses had to be presented in order. They didn’t.
