LEWISTOWN, Ill. - This winter, Fulton County 4-H offered an appetizing adventure for young creators—a food decorating workshop designed to help youth express their artistic flair through frosting and fun. Part of the 4-H Visual Arts project area, the program invited youth ages 8 to 18 to discover that in 4-H, creativity is always on the menu.
The session welcomed enthusiastic participants eager to learn the delicate art of food design. From mastering the consistency of different frostings to navigating professional decorating bags and tips, these young decorators discovered that patience and precision grow hand in hand. By the end of the lesson, each attendee had crafted four beautiful Valentine-themed cupcakes to take home and share with their families.
The workshop wasn’t just about sweets—it was about stitching together skills for life. Participants learned the value of practice and the importance of "learning by doing." Leading the way was Fulton County 4-H alumna Kaylee Grebner, whose presence provided a powerful example of where a 4-H project can lead.
Kaylee’s story began in the very same way as the youth in attendance—signing up for a food decorating project as a young girl. Over the years, she continued to study and perfect her techniques. By age 14, Kaylee obtained her cottage food license and launched her own home-based business, Kaylee’s Country Cupcakes.
During the workshop, Kaylee shared how her 4-H journey helped hone her entrepreneurial skills, financial responsibility, and community involvement. For Kaylee, mentoring the next generation comes naturally; she is currently attending college to obtain a degree in elementary education.
"This workship isn't just about learning to do cake decorating; it’s about threading together confidence and entrepreneurial spirit,” commented Krista Gray, Fulton 4-H program coordinator.
From first frostings to successful businesses, the 4-H Food Decorating project is helping Fulton County youth discover their creativity, build professional skills, and gain a sense of accomplishment that goes far beyond the kitchen.
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Fulton County 4-H alumna Kaylee Grebner taught techniques to local youth during the winter food decorating workshop. Kaylee turned her 4-H project into a successful home-based business, Kaylee’s Country Cupcakes.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.