Piping Skills
Upcoming Start Dates
This is the course to get some professional skills that will turn well decorated cakes into creations that really have the wow factor.
During the day you’ll learn the art of making perfect royal icing, shell piping, pearl beads, lines, dots, run outs and a host of other skills, including how to pipe writing with a neat and professional finish. You will learn how to create run out cookies.
Your cupcakes will become mini works of art, you’ll become more creative with your celebration cakes and if you embark on a wedding cake, your hesitation will just melt away; we give you the confidence and the skills that will bring more enjoyment to your baking.
We provide everything you need, just bring your enthusiasm and a steady hand.
- Tutorial – All about Royal Icing, what it is, how to use it, when and how to use it, how to store it.
- Tutorial – how to make Royal Icing (you will get the recipe in your course notes) including the science behind why you need to do what you need to do.
- Tutorial – the different types of piping bags, advantages and disadvantages of each, how to use, store and wash (during the day you will use plastic disposable bags, paper bags and fabric bags so you can evaluate and choose your own favourite)
- Tutorial – the different types of piping nozzles, how to choose them, store and wash
- How to make a paper piping bag
- How to prepare royal icing for piping and how to fill a piping bag
- How to create shell piping
- How to create snails trail (pearl beading)
- How to pipe dots
- How to pipe lines
- How to create side designs
- How to pipe scrolls and filigree designs
- How to pipe a message
- Brush embroidery
- Run outs (Annabelle will share her method for creating run outs with ease – less mess and more success!!)
- How to include polka dots and pulled hearts in run out designs
- How to pipe leaves
- Basketweave piping
- Rope piping
- Royal iced biscuit designs
Annabelle
Annabelle
Director
Annabelle established Confection Perfection (now re-branded as Annabelle Jane Cake School) in 1996 from her kitchen table; bought her first retail premises in 2000 and is now settled in a delightful setting in Bearsted, just outside Maidstone. Annabelle has extensive cake decorating experience and is highly creative and artistic. Annabelle is an accredited tutor for the PME Diplomas in Sugar craft and also designs and delivers a wide range of other highly successful cake baking and decorating classes. Annabelle has a huge vision for our Cake School and ensures that the strong reputation we have earned continues to grow lead by her consistently high standards.
The course price includes everything you need.
We will give you an iced dummy cake for you to practice on throughout the day which you can then take home in the box provided. We will also provide cookies and a box. We will provide all the materials, all sugarcraft tools, equipment and refreshments.
Course attendees will also receive a full set of course notes and a 10% discount on items purchased in the cake decorating supplies shop on the day of your course.
- What's the skill level?
Any level, beginners and upwards. Whether you have never held a piping bag before or if you have muddled along at home and want to know the professional way to do things – this is the course for you.
- Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, age 14+ (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult who is attending the course)
- What are the course times?
This course is a full day course 10:00am – 4:00pm, with approx. half hour lunch break.
- What do I need to bring?
We provide everything you need. You may like to bring a sandwich or alternatively it is a short walk to the local deli. We offer tea, coffee and cake.
Fantastic course, lots to practice as home. Fun day filled with skills + tips, lots of information & watchouts.
— , 25th March 2023
You will never regret attending a course it is amazing. I learned loads and improved my piping. Tutor amazing as always. Friendly environment, fun.
— Claire, 25th March 2023
Very friendly & welcoming. Tutor excellent ~ always great tips. Worth talking about Gluten free option if doesn't come up in conversation.
— Sarah Clark, 15th October 2022
Everything was perfectly explained. Course what I expected and more. Very likely coming back!
— Karen Hannah, 15th October 2022
I had a lovely day - I learnt a lot and enjoyed myself. Very friendly, very helpful, very, very good tutor. Time flew by - Annabelle made me want to keep practicing & improve. Lovely place to learn - shop amazing! Thank you.
— Helene Riordan, 15th October 2022
Extremely good tutor, very good at breaking down each step and explaining clearly. Has a lot of patience too! I have avoided royal icing for so long because it felt like a mountain I couldn't achieve but I've loved today! Thank you!
— Laura, 30th April 2022
Excellent tutor! 5*+ course. I've been scared of royal icing for a long time and have put off doing a course - but I'm loving it and I am so pleased I came. This has been one of my most enjoyable courses:) Thank you again for another enjoyable day!
— Sandra Spencer, 30th April 2022
For somebody with an unsteady hand I was very apprehensive about piping skills. I had no need to worry, Annabelle was patient and .informative throughout, explained everything in detail, nothing was too much trouble. The skills you leave with are worth every minute spent. Thank you.
— Lisa Hance, 30th April 2022
Course what I expected, but lots of great hints & tips too. Excellent tutor. Very knowledgeable, friendly and made the day very enjoyable. Came away excited to try out my new skills. Informative and good fun.
— Gill Vandersteen, 16th October 2021
Thank you for showing me how to pipe with royal icing. Tutor absolutely amazing! Has an answer for all things cake. Can not do anything better. A truly fantastic course, I look forward to using my new skills!
— Jackie Frost, 16th October 2021
Very informative + fun! A lot of skills were learnt today & very many tips! Tutors are great!
— Nicola Paine, 16th October 2021
Perfection!!!
— , 1st February 2020
We learnt so many techniques in one day and great tips to make cakes look fantastic. The teacher was excellent. Very knowledgeable - went at a good pace. It was great. I learnt so many things today!
— Annabel Griffiths, 1st February 2020
Excellent introduction to a new area of creativity. As an absolute beginner extremely helpful to get started. Tutor first class - imaginative, creative ideas. Extremely enjoyable.
— Jane Wilcock, 1st February 2020
5 stars. Tutor helpful and welcoming.
— Sandra Wilkinson, 1st February 2020
I would recommend this course for anyone who wants to learn to pipe. It teaches you all the basic's and then the second half of the course you learn more different things. However, our teacher, Linda, made it look so easy, and it was.
— Penny Wilcock, 21st September 2019
Excellent tutor. Course what I expected. 5 stars.
— J.Hurst, 21st September 2019
Friendly course + good learning. Great experience + increased my confidence in attempting cakes. Tutor knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, answered questions and explained things clearly.
— Mary Bigwood, 21st September 2019
Such a wonderful experience. Linda was brilliant. Very friendly + helpful. Great day meeting new people and learning a skill.
— Sarah Pearson, 21st September 2019
What I expected. 5 stars. Very good tutor.
— Kristy Harkett, 21st September 2019
Everything is perfect. Linda and Annabelle, both are lovely and professional. Teach every bit properly and help when you want.
— Kamal, 21st September 2019
Excellent content. All I needed. The Best tutor. Excellent communication information + support.
— Gwen Jarrett, 21st September 2019
Very pleased. What I expected and more. Helpful tips. Tutor very friendly and factfull.
— Jo Craig, 21st September 2019
5 starts!! Linda was very patient & encouraging. Loads of tips.
— Jo Prideaux, 21st September 2019
A fascinating & fun course. Tutor was fantastic, very patient and supportive.
— Theresa Stanton, 21st September 2019
A revelation! Loved the course - a real eye-opener to skills I knew about but have never dared try before. Brilliant, skilled, understanding, generous tutor.
— Sally Williams, 19th January 2019
Learnt so much in one day. Very good tutor, always patient and happy to help.
— Amy Jeffrey, 19th January 2019
Very interesting. More professional than I expected. I have learned more than I expected, although difficult for me. Very good excellent tutor.
— Carole Sandom, 19th January 2019
Full course, lots of content. Fantastic, knowledgeable, positive tutor. Really well planned / format.
— Steph Lee., 19th January 2019
Super course & instruction. 5 stars. A lovely day.
— Susan Blake, 19th January 2019
Everything I had hoped for. This course provides helpful, informative instruction. So many new hints & tips plus the basic directions. Allows hands-on practice and you will leave with a real sense of achievement. Do it!
— Sue Vallender, 19th January 2019
Great course. Learnt so much. Excellent tutor.
— Deborah Jacques, 19th January 2019
Lots to learn & first time at piping. A great experience today - excellent, thoroughly enjoyed. Annabelle is great & won't hesitate to book another course.
— Linda Stringer, 14th April 2018
The course is fantastic. Piping is quite difficult but it's great to be taught the tools and techniques - can't wait to start practicing! Excellent tutor, so patient and friendly, always reassuring.
— Julia Cleaver, 14th April 2018
The course was enjoyable, Annabelle was amazing, the course experience was great, friendly. Brilliant.
— Eva Cheesman, 14th April 2018
The day covered so much, so many skill sets. The best tutor, explains things so easily. Thank you.
— , 14th April 2018
Absolutely loved it! Learnt so much from today such a enjoyable course.
— Sarah, 14th April 2018
Brilliant course. Annabelle was brilliant and very patient. Course was just what I wanted. Loved it.
— Sue Butcher, 14th July 2017
This course is very informative and is great experience if you enjoy baking but just lack a bit of know how to decorate a cake to look like its professional. I couldn't have wished for a more informative and lovely tutor. Explained things well and explained why things happen with icing etc.
— Delenda James, 14th July 2017
Covered everything I wanted and more. You learn so many skills that can further aid you in many different cake/baking projects. Also lots of great tips that will make life so much easier! Loved it!!
— Dan Bouton, 14th July 2017
A lovely course in a lovely environment, friendly & welcoming. Very knowledgeable tutor, able to explain things very well - always willing to help and answer questions.
— Jackie, 29th April 2017
Definitely going to do more courses – you learn so many techniques.
— , 29th April 2017
Annabelle explains the whole course very well. 100% likely to do more.
— Arlene Tye, 29th April 2017
Very pleased I did the course. Clear explanations, nice atmosphere. Had a fab day. Tutor covered topic very well; well equipped workshop.
— Julie Hubbard, 29th April 2017
A very fun day. Friendly environment, good size groups. Excellent course content Annabelle very knowledgeable, explained everything in such simple terms, very approachable and friendly. Amazed myself that I could decorate using skills. Can’t wait for next course... a wonderful day.
— Michelle Neilson, 29th April 2017
Very friendly + informative, easy to follow + very useful. Very good tutor, clear to understand + patient. Fantastic day.
— Jackie, 19th November 2016
Mix of skills & fun. Very friendly. Excellent tutor & brilliant day.
— Kathy, 19th November 2016
It was a present and I’m so glad.. so friendly and patient, so knowledgeable… I can’t wait to book another one. Perfect.
— Rosie, 19th November 2016
Great day & well worth it. There was a lot to learn & very keen to put into practice. Great.
— Thelma, 19th November 2016
Brilliant.
— , 19th November 2016
Relaxed atmosphere, easy to follow instructions – everything explained clearly, not too fast and very generous with knowledge. The only thing I might add is how to pipe a rose shape perhaps. Wonderful.
— Nina, 19th November 2016
Helpful staff and very good courses. Tutor was knowledgeable and approachable - fabulous!
— Tracey Martin, 20th June 2015
Lovely welcome, as always. Very knowledgeable tutor.
— Laura Glithero, 20th June 2015
Very welcoming. Excellent tutor - very patient and knowledgeable.
— D Chamberlain, 20th June 2015
Such good tutors and I have learnt so much. Amazing day!
— Sue Duffy, 17th January 2015
Very informative course, cheerful welcome and tutor was excellent.
— Sarah James, 17th January 2015
Brilliant, friendly and very informative.
— Louise, 16th November 2014
Great tutoring and great environment.
— Hayley, 16th November 2014
I have really enjoyed the day very much. Annabelle was brilliant
— Jenny, 12th April 2014
Loved this course – thank you. As a left hander it was helpful when Annabelle showed me the techniques left handed. Simple tips that are worth remembering!
— Emma, 12th April 2014
Everyone is very friendly and informative. Lovely staff. Totally awesome day! Thank you
— Alison, 12th April 2014
I wish I had come on this course years ago – I have learned so much.
— Tara, 5th April 2014
Thank you so much for an amazing day. I loved it and learnt so much.
— Cathryn Dresser, 12th July 2013
This course was a gift. Brill as always - a joy to come along!
— Emma Wilson, 10th July 2013