Chevron Lines

I've wanted to make chevron patterned cookies for awhile.

I tried once but the lines were...not pretty.

Then I saw this chevron cutter at Plastics in Print and figured it couldn't hurt to try.

I decided to use it as a "press" to imprint the lines on the unbaked cookie

After baking, since the imprinted lines are still visible

I outlined them in white.

Easy.

Filled in the white parts and let dry for about an hour

Then filled in with other colors and let dry overnight.

Easy as chevron pie!

These are probably some of the easiest cookies I've ever done

Only because I had that chevron cutter!

Thanks Plastics in Print

What's Your Plan Little Elves?

When I was a teacher of 30 --3rd graders and it was time to make holiday crafts, I always came up with a PLAN.

Let's say we were making a googly-eye, Valentine heart creature, with long dangly arms and legs.  (I'm sure you remember those, right?)

I didn't like "crazy-ness" so I'd have everything prepared ahead of time.

-small white squares to cut out eyes

-big squares to cut out heart body

-long strips for arms and legs

-one gluestick per child

-etc.

Then I'd call the kids up in small groups to get their supplies.  Orderly.  Non-chaos.  Smooth.

A PLAN!  If all went well, each child would go home with a cute creature to hang on the fridge!

(I would always make the kids sign their artwork, write their age and the date so moms could cherish it forever!)

The same applies to when one MIGHT have to make over 35 dozen cookies in one week.

Rare, but it is true.

I get all of the ingredients ready so my little elves can come in and make the dough really fast!

This is where the magic happens for the elves.

 Butter soft, ready and out of packages.

Grab and go!

 Sugar scooped and pre-measured.

 Flavoring ready and pre-measured then poured into little cups

 Eggs cracked

 some whole egss and then just the yolks.

 Flour is measured and put into bowls-- ready to use.

 When I have everything ready, those little elves work really fast and things go smoothly!

Just the way I like it!

This was day 1. 

Day 2 and Day 3 were just the same. 

The elves quit on Day 1!

Bummer!

P.S.-Some of you gals probably have other ideas about how to make things run smooth.

This is what works for me!

Tools, tools, tools!

Since I'm in Kentucky getting educated about cookie decorating,

I figured I'd share a little tidbit with you!

There are MANY handy tools to use in the world of cookie decorating,

but I find cookie cutters to be on the top of my list!

Not just to cut out the main shape of a cookie,

but to add the details!

When I'm creating a cookie of a certain image or character,

I realllllllly like for all of the cookies to look the SAME. 

So...I use some tools. 

 This is the lion I was trying to create--cute huh!

 These are the tools I used to cut out the head

and

create a guide for the lions face.

I cut out the head just like usual

but I knew I could make a "guide" for his face by using other cutters 

I shaped the big part of the face with an oval

 then I imprinted the ears with a small oval

 

 Baked as usual

and

LOOK!

They all have the same imprint for me to follow!

Cheating I know!

I proceeded as usual.

outline

 flood

 add details

wrap him up with his pals

Send him on his way!

Like I said,

 tools are all around you!

Have a great weekend!

I can't wait to share details about the

Spring Fling in Kentucky!

Come back next week!

Tag Tutorial & Giveaway--FOR YOU!

According to RANDOM.ORG
The GIVEAWAY WINNER IS:
Moonglitz
Please send me an email with your address


Many of you create some great cookie gifts for others! 

Why not add a cute little tag to go with it?

Here's what I do...

I have one of these die-cut machines

I bought mine at JoAnn's for about $30 (maybe $40)

(use a coupon!)

You can buy "die cuts" in many shapes

but I use the TAG die-cut set to cut out...

TAGS!

You can cut 3 sizes (I most often use the large one)

I always use cardstock for tags

P.S. I've seen tags for sale at Hobby Lobby too!

YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE A DIE CUT MACHINE!

You can cut out a rectangle (any size) and punch a hole in it!

I also have a lot of rubber stamps.

All of these were purchased at Michaels Craft Store.

Did you know that at Michaels they have a small $1 section (wire baskets)

 and they have a bazillion stamps just like this!

 Birthday-ish

 Thank You-ish

 Wedding/Baby

Misc.

Then I just add a quick stamp on the tag.

You can use ANY color ink pad your heart desires!

Add the tag to your cookie package

These were a different type of tag--actually a TOPPER.

And that's it!

You can add a little bit of personalization to your already fabulous cookie creation!

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY

If you want to win this little BRAND NEW set to get you started,

just leave a comment on this thread-that's it!

Easy peasy!
This giveaway ends on Wednesday, March 14, 2012

If you have any other questions,

shoot me an email

jackielee4@yahoo.com