Cake Decorating Stuff?

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Where are the closest shops for cake decorating supplies?

I used to go to Kitchens Etc or Verna's but they are both gone now. Le sigh.

Thanks.

[ETA: Thanks for the great suggestions, all! For the record, I do have a car so am not limited to places on the T, but prefer to stay local when possible. I know a lot of folks here appreciate the bus info, though.]

Comments

[seaweedgirle.livejournal.com]

I've surprisingly had the best luck at Michael's (arts & crafts) in Everett. They even feature a variety of decorating tips you can buy by the piece.

[damsel-ophelia.livejournal.com]

They wouldn't happen to be T-accessible, would they?

[tisana.livejournal.com]

I'm pretty sure a bus goes to the Target Greatland (in the same plaza), but I'm not sure which number or where it comes from...possibly Wellington. Wellington seems to be about half a mile from that plaza (warning: I've only driven it, so that may be really off--check the MBTA site for trip planning).

[treacle-well.livejournal.com]

It's at the Gateway Mall--not too far from Wellington Station. I've walked it, but I think there is a bus that runs there too (I've just never found waiting for the bus to be more convenient than walking).

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Michael's, eh? I've been there many times but have not examined their dessert section, but clearly I should. Thanks!

[leenah.livejournal.com]

i remember seeing some stuff in China Fair - i don't decorate cakes, so i don't know how extensive their supply is.

[turil.livejournal.com]

Yeah, China Fair might have some stuff, but they have more serious cooking things, and cake decorating is more crafty, I suspect. So they may not have too many weird things.

How about Playtime in Arlington Center?

[lissie930.livejournal.com]

Michaels and AC Moore?
The 90 bus goes out to the shopping center where AC Moore is.
I think you can take two buses out to Everett where Michael's is - looks like the 90 and the 97 would get you there...

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

They do have some selection, but it's pretty meager.

[tisana.livejournal.com]

Verna's is gone?? Damn, I don't keep up.

Yep, Michael's has a similar selection of food coloring, at least, though perhaps not as varied a selection of random plastic things to stick on cakes--but their selction of frosting bags and tips (and classes) are way better than Verna's was. AC Moore is a bit more limited for cake stuff, but does have other candy supplies (there may be an overlap, I'm not sure).

Have you thought of asking bakeries like Lyndell's (in Ball Sq) where they get their supplies?

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I just found out when I read an article about their donut shop closing. I don't actually shop for such things very often.

I guess I assume the pros mostly mail order and/or deal in large quantities and sets, since it's cheaper that way. I'm still at the point where I want to see things in person before I buy 'em.

[leighjen.livejournal.com]

I think, and I may be way off base, Pearl in Central has some cake stuff.

[sissychrissy1.livejournal.com]

I think Michael's will be your best bet. You can take the 90 or the T to Wellington and walk the rest. It's not a bad walk, but don't do it on a windy day or crossing the bridge over the Mystic River will kill (trust me, I know).

[turil.livejournal.com]

AC Moore has nearly the exact same selection as Michaels, and it's at least in Somerville (though the Assembly Square Mall is about as difficult to get to as any place in Medford...

[rosiewoodboat.livejournal.com]

It's not close, but Sur la Table has a nice selection.

[peebers.livejournal.com]

I used to work at Kitchen Arts at 161 Newbury St. I know they carry most of the Ateco tips (a buck for the little guys and 1.75 for the big ones). They also carry a few decorating sets, some with nails, for a decent price. You can pick up the concentrated coloring gel packs but those are about $12 for a multi colored six pack. Also, if you are tired of cutting your own cardboard rounds you can pick some up there. I know the address seems pricey but stuff is within reason for an independent business. You can get there by taking the T to Copley. It's one block from there. They're good people.

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Excellent, thanks!

[rufustfi.livejournal.com]

I'd try the Concord Shop, 13 Walden Street, Concord. They bill themselves as a hardware store for the kitchen--lots of baking supplies. They have a website: http://www.concordshop.com/. Accessible via commuter rail.

[aki.livejournal.com]

If you're willing to sit on the T for a bit, there's a place in Coolidge Corners (Party Favors is the name I think?). There's also a cake decorating place, Miriam's, on Cambridge St. a few blocks from Lechmere.