Cake decorating is one of the most popular creative hobbies in the US, with over 30 million Americans enjoying this delicious art form. And it‘s no wonder why – not only is cake decorating a fun and rewarding way to express your artistic side, but it can also be quite lucrative. The US cake decorating industry is expected to exceed $1.5 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of nearly 5%.
Whether you‘re looking to start a side hustle, launch a full-fledged cake business, or simply impress your friends and family with beautiful custom cakes, learning the fundamentals of cake decorating is key. And thanks to Hobby Lobby‘s affordable cake decorating classes, mastering this skill is easier and cheaper than ever before.
As a retail expert and professional consumer advocate, I‘ve analyzed all the options for learning cake decorating on a budget. I‘m excited to share why I believe Hobby Lobby provides the best value, convenience, and quality for aspiring cake artists.
Free Online Cake Decorating Videos
One of the best things about Hobby Lobby‘s cake classes is that they offer an extensive selection of free online video tutorials. These in-depth lessons are taught by experienced decorators and cover a wide range of skills and techniques, from basic frosting and piping to advanced fondant work and cake sculpting.
Hobby Lobby adds new video lessons regularly, with their current free class offerings including:
- Cake Decorating for Beginners
- Mastering Buttercream Basics
- Intro to Fondant and Gum Paste
- Piping Floral Designs
- How to Stack and Transport Cakes
- Trending Cake Techniques
The videos are available on Hobby Lobby‘s website and YouTube channel, so you can access them anytime and anywhere. They also provide downloadable written instructions and supply lists for each lesson. And if you need any of the tools or ingredients mentioned, you can easily order them from Hobby Lobby‘s online store or purchase them at your local Hobby Lobby location.
This convenience and cost-savings is unmatched by other arts and crafts retailers. Competitors like Michaels and JoAnn Fabrics do offer free online cake videos, but they have a much more limited selection. They also heavily promote their paid in-person classes, starting at $25 for a two-hour session. In contrast, you could complete several of Hobby Lobby‘s free videos in that same timeframe without spending anything beyond your supplies.
According to a survey by the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA), 68% of consumers who purchased decorated cakes did so from supermarkets. However, 44% said they would consider purchasing from a local independent baker. By completing Hobby Lobby‘s free online classes, you could tap into this market demand and start your own cake business with minimal startup costs.
Affordable In-Person Classes
For those who prefer a classroom environment, Hobby Lobby also offers affordable in-person cake decorating classes at most of their 900+ store locations. These hands-on lessons are taught by trained Hobby Lobby employees and provide an opportunity to practice your skills alongside other students.
Hobby Lobby‘s in-person cake classes typically cost between $20 to $50 per two-hour session, depending on the topic and supplies included. This is an incredible value compared to other cake decorating courses. For example, Michaels charges $25 to $200 for their classes, while Wilton Method courses at specialty baking stores can cost over $500 for a series.
Hobby Lobby keeps their class prices low by using their own brand of supplies and leveraging their employee talent. They also limit class sizes to around 10 students to ensure everyone gets personalized instruction. And if you need to purchase any additional tools or ingredients for the class, you can use one of Hobby Lobby‘s famous 40% off coupons to save even more.
Some of Hobby Lobby‘s popular in-person cake classes include:
- Basic Cake Decorating (4 sessions)
- Intermediate Cake Techniques (3 sessions)
- Fondant and Gum Paste Flowers (1 session)
- Cake Sculpting Basics (1 session)
These structured curriculums are designed to build your skills over time, with each class focusing on a different set of techniques. Hobby Lobby also offers one-time project classes for various seasonal and themed cakes.
It‘s important to note that due to COVID-19 precautions, some Hobby Lobby locations may have temporarily suspended their in-person classes. However, you can still access all the course content through their online videos. And once it‘s safe to do so, Hobby Lobby will resume their in-store classes with added safety measures like social distancing and mask requirements.
Comparing Costs and Options
To help you evaluate your cake class options, I‘ve compiled a handy comparison table below. As you can see, Hobby Lobby offers the most budget-friendly and convenient way to learn cake decorating across the board.
| Retailer | Online Videos | Avg. In-Person Price | Supplies Included | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobby Lobby | Yes (Free) | $20 – $50 | Sometimes | 900+ |
| Michaels | Yes (Limited) | $25 – $200 | Sometimes | 1,250+ |
| JoAnn Fabrics | Yes (Limited) | $35 – $150 | Sometimes | 850+ |
| Wilton/Specialty Stores | No | $100 – $500+ | Sometimes | Varies |
Of course, cost isn‘t everything. But Hobby Lobby‘s free online videos and low-cost in-person options make cake decorating accessible to anyone, regardless of budget or skill level. And with their extensive retail selection of baking and decorating supplies, you can easily purchase everything you need to succeed.
Additional Ways to Learn and Practice
In addition to classes, there are plenty of other ways to develop your cake decorating skills. Here are a few of my top suggestions:
- Follow cake artists on social media for inspiration and tutorials
- Join online cake forums and Facebook groups to connect with other decorators and get feedback on your work
- Volunteer to make cakes for friends and family events to gain experience
- Enter local cake competitions and fairs to challenge yourself and get exposure
- Sell your creations at farmers markets, bake sales, or online to start building a client base
The more you practice and push yourself, the faster your cake decorating skills will improve. And with Hobby Lobby‘s affordable classes and supplies, you‘ll have a strong foundation to build upon.
A Sweet Future Awaits!
Whether you‘re pursuing cake decorating as a hobby or a potential career, one thing is certain – this delicious art form is only growing in popularity. Industry research firm Technavio projects that the global cake decorating market will see a yearly growth rate of over 4% between 2021 and 2025. And as more consumers seek out custom cakes for their celebrations, the demand for skilled decorators will only increase.
By taking advantage of Hobby Lobby‘s cake classes and supplies, you‘ll be well-positioned to turn your passion into profit. Their free online videos and low-cost in-person sessions provide a solid education in all the essential techniques. And with their convenient retail locations and online store, you‘ll have easy access to all the tools and ingredients you need to create stunning cakes.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your nearest Hobby Lobby or visit them online to start your cake decorating journey today. Your future is as bright and sweet as the beautiful confections you‘ll soon be creating!
