(Family Features) - Hobbies offer a sense of accomplishment as well as many forms of expression. There's one hobby that has recently exploded as perhaps the sweetest option of all - cake decorating.

According to the Craft & Hobby Association Attitude & Usage Study, sales of cake decorating supplies grew 103 percent in 2009, the largest craft segment increase in the industry. In the list of the Top Ten Crafts by U.S. household participation, cake decorating comes in third (14 percent), preceded by scrapbooking/memory crafts (17 percent) and crocheting (16 percent).

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at making fun or beautiful cake creations, a cake decorating course from Wilton can get you started on the way to a delicious new hobby. In-store classes can take you from the basics of cake decorating to helping you master the finer techniques used by the pros.

Here's a sampling of what you can learn.

Icing Information from the Pros

What's In-Store for Cake Decorating?

Over the years, both amateur and professional cake decorators have relied on Wilton, the cake experts, and their long history of offering classes and products. The Wilton School of Cake Decorating and Confectionery Art, located in Darien, Ill., held its very first class in 1929, more than 80 years ago.

In 1975, a curriculum was created for local craft and specialty stores nationwide, making The Wilton Method classes more accessible to more people. These classes have attracted more than 4 million students.

This year, marking its 35th anniversary in stores, the original in-store curriculum has been refreshed to offer more techniques and more interaction.

Visit www.wilton.com for more decorating tips and ideas and to find classes near you.

SOURCE:
Wilton Enterprises