Guest blogger Lydia Regalado is an arts educator, crafter and blogger who writes about people who gather to make things.

A perfectly frosted cake, ready for decorating and eating at Cake Carousel.

Have you heard of sugar arts? Until this week, neither had I. Popular shows like Food Network’s Ace of Cakes have shown behind the scenes work that goes into cake creating and crafting. But, not only does it have to look good, it also has to taste good. I love cake, but after my first class of cake decorating at Cake Carousel, I have a whole new appreciation of cakes as an art form. Cake Carousel is located in Richardson, just off Central Expressway and Arapaho, and has been serving the North Texas for more than 30 years. This is a one stop, do-it-yourself, cake creating depot. The store is filled to the brim with specialty cake pans and baking and decorating supplies. Whether you are an expert who just needs to rent a discontinued character pan, or just curious, Cake Carousel has something for everyone. It can be overwhelming, but the staff is friendly, professional and eager to help.

Cake Carousel also offers different level decorating courses: beginning, intermediate and advanced, and also offers classes for fondant, airbrushing and stenciling techniques. The price is right, however this does not include your supplies. My first class in Basic Cake decorating began this week and is going to be great; it was full of useful information. Our first class covered supplies, the best cake and frosting recipes, frosting a double layer cake, and the best way to slice and serve cake. I’ll post about my progress in the upcoming weeks. I can’t wait to create confections for friends and family this holiday season. Sweet!

Next up: Corn Husk Dolls at the Latino Cultural Center

This Saturday, November 8, is Target Second Saturday at the Latino Cultural Center. The craft workshop this month is Corn Husk Dolls with local artist Sal Barrón. This Thanksgiving, spruce up your table with traditional dolls from Native American, Latino and African cultures. This hands-on workshop is free, and is from 1–4 p.m.

See you there!