tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-506274677563946742024-03-19T01:47:28.380-07:00Honeycat CookiesMessing about with sugarAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-45472185964065750982019-01-04T14:21:00.001-08:002019-01-04T14:21:56.661-08:00Frosty Handpainted Hare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyC-zmLQ1d5bj3BWmsUx-3MTbW1aPh61mXav2xaqEVSPULL1G3kxWaZVBDjIGN5UzmmN8Kl2yHrOP57tZZKFcMEFTOCUDUmI8CDuiQgvCh8vHCDQQntzI8KTxnHA_UG5tZud6fzwN/s1600/Killer+Zebras+Charity+Calendar+January.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img alt="Fondant icing and lustre dust leaves, handpainted hare" border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizyC-zmLQ1d5bj3BWmsUx-3MTbW1aPh61mXav2xaqEVSPULL1G3kxWaZVBDjIGN5UzmmN8Kl2yHrOP57tZZKFcMEFTOCUDUmI8CDuiQgvCh8vHCDQQntzI8KTxnHA_UG5tZud6fzwN/s1600/Killer+Zebras+Charity+Calendar+January.jpg" title="Frosty hare and leaf scene" /></a></div>
<br />Last year my contribution to Killer Zebra's charity calendar was 'January'. (You can buy the 2019 calendar <a href="https://www.killerzebras.com/products/2019-cookie-calendar" target="_blank">here</a>, to which I contributed 'August'.)<br />
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I decided to create one entire scene out of royal icing on a big old slab of cookie. The cookie was pretty much superfluous to be honest. I had great fun spreading stiff royal icing on with a palette knife, and adding texture to the wet icing with sugar. Once dry, I piped the copses of trees and the outline of the hare in liquid royal icing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXH3PKYllJ2h-aktPp6ggPO8FJl3iWAj-wDOenEtAM_V2uTv-HW_n9kuh5MYgZBikOf4bhfFrbP3Dn5DZjU2WsvHEV378F2aYIofeBtFvM8AezoI6m-lvnoP9vv8eyIE6DNIzrfjK/s1600/Handpainted+Royal+Icing+hare.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Killer Zebras charity calendar 2018" border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXH3PKYllJ2h-aktPp6ggPO8FJl3iWAj-wDOenEtAM_V2uTv-HW_n9kuh5MYgZBikOf4bhfFrbP3Dn5DZjU2WsvHEV378F2aYIofeBtFvM8AezoI6m-lvnoP9vv8eyIE6DNIzrfjK/s1600/Handpainted+Royal+Icing+hare.jpg" title="Handpainted hare in royal icing on giant cookie" /></a></div>
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I painted just a few tiny details for the silver birch bark, and properly went to town on the hare. I like this frosty scene, but felt it needed something to make it more vibrant and striking. There's an old pack of gold fondant icing in my larder, that's been waiting for me to find a use. I rolled it out really thinly, cut leaf shapes with my cookie cutters and bent and shaped them by hand. I let them dry overnight in the dehydrator to hold their shapes, then liberally dusted them with autumn leaf coloured lustre dusts, then piped the edges with a little white icing before dipping gently in granulated sugar. These I kept seperate and moved around to try different effects in the photos, seeing as this project was about the end photo, to be sent for inclusion in the calendar. But I like the effect of the leaves - they make a very simple decoration for a birthday or christmas cake. <br /><br />Happy 2019 everyone<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8PBlU4Vv_BKjReg-hU87bi2pLsM0BL7nhOJljvO8wESSss6rbJPCZj9i15XmfWgx58b-IUOl88xZRKPweDNv271RGPrS-3vjRCGaUg1aQRINKr6dB99anFwi-ar17972m4Ld7Ws6/s1600/Handpainted+royal+icing+winter+scene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fondant handshaped leaves and handpainted royal icing hare" border="0" data-original-height="927" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8PBlU4Vv_BKjReg-hU87bi2pLsM0BL7nhOJljvO8wESSss6rbJPCZj9i15XmfWgx58b-IUOl88xZRKPweDNv271RGPrS-3vjRCGaUg1aQRINKr6dB99anFwi-ar17972m4Ld7Ws6/s1600/Handpainted+royal+icing+winter+scene.jpg" title="Killer Zebras charity calendar 2018" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-22638707666457262952017-01-12T09:00:00.000-08:002017-01-12T09:00:47.105-08:00Cat Cookies for the Honeykitten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJuOQ5ivnDKyusXOON1Jj0QDs6CP0c6Uv_7_dc4yJ5F9APgOvstsu1nFLTUL7msY8y3qcw3PZegFY0ZOzuMk0JC_q1uUDBNSDARYfRDK4ysg8wDltKDPmvlzoFnQ9vd2K-Jqb74gl/s1600/Cats+Facebook+Cover.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMJuOQ5ivnDKyusXOON1Jj0QDs6CP0c6Uv_7_dc4yJ5F9APgOvstsu1nFLTUL7msY8y3qcw3PZegFY0ZOzuMk0JC_q1uUDBNSDARYfRDK4ysg8wDltKDPmvlzoFnQ9vd2K-Jqb74gl/s1600/Cats+Facebook+Cover.jpg" /></a><br />
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Just before Christmas it's the Honeykitten's birthday. Because of this, she often doesn't get the best of cookie sets, as I'm all cookied out from the seasonal orders. It's very unfair. This year I decided to remedy that. As cats are naturally her faourite animals, I made her these three, using gold and silver to add a little winter sparkle.<br />
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I'm very proud of them. Especially the one with gold eyes - controlling that gold leaf was not easy! I also love the simplicity of the edible silver tabby. The Honeykitten's not that impressed. They don't look exactly like the ones in her books, that she had attempted to describe to me, frequently and in great detail over the previous few months. I should have tried harder.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLRyMITRB3JGv-bOyiv2tqGKWBNFD_qD089QVlTkOK2gs7sllIjjlv_mGWpR57Q5q3RXpgNt0gPv4n5a9K3lZ2Ehqt0WQ9YOXoOyzwV9-IdguZ109CjgDCOds5HQZfSMqRfmBOJ2v/s1600/Edible+gold+and+silver+tortoiseshell+cat+cookie.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqLRyMITRB3JGv-bOyiv2tqGKWBNFD_qD089QVlTkOK2gs7sllIjjlv_mGWpR57Q5q3RXpgNt0gPv4n5a9K3lZ2Ehqt0WQ9YOXoOyzwV9-IdguZ109CjgDCOds5HQZfSMqRfmBOJ2v/s1600/Edible+gold+and+silver+tortoiseshell+cat+cookie.jpg" /></a><br />
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Still, I had three extra flooded and dried cookies for her to decorate. I left her to it, with tools, food colour palette and brushes, and I am most definitely impressed with her! She engraved the details with the scribe tool, carefully added eyes, and painted over the surface very thoroughly (they were all white flood to begin with).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRawWDww95FbWElyOu7pr3Blp1HmSJDTt9Kgp73gGZVpuISHPmdEHc411RIapJ1dLAZwckLekTVIMuyhN98syh5zGtxpG4QaX76CSLBdeRQ2B-GIy8yKAbJg1T0pKS5YnZP29Rixqt/s1600/Honeykitten+Cat+Cookies.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRawWDww95FbWElyOu7pr3Blp1HmSJDTt9Kgp73gGZVpuISHPmdEHc411RIapJ1dLAZwckLekTVIMuyhN98syh5zGtxpG4QaX76CSLBdeRQ2B-GIy8yKAbJg1T0pKS5YnZP29Rixqt/s1600/Honeykitten+Cat+Cookies.jpg" /></a><br />
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On the black one, she added gleaming pearl eyelashes. The orange one has carefully adjusted eyes, for added symmetry! The blue one has a stick. The stick is an important attribute apparently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPfSom-KH0ZP57VoXanBQpZwcZbg0MTTXEbeSg1UE2o2NQ5i56JUleKsUU0mWxINmRc8gkY2eU99RzE83Rav11MiAtSjIRMAE5fyvhveU8G9aaKX8R8ZBMtn5y-QYO2CEfR4Tg2SH/s1600/Honeykitten+Black+Cat+Cookie.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPfSom-KH0ZP57VoXanBQpZwcZbg0MTTXEbeSg1UE2o2NQ5i56JUleKsUU0mWxINmRc8gkY2eU99RzE83Rav11MiAtSjIRMAE5fyvhveU8G9aaKX8R8ZBMtn5y-QYO2CEfR4Tg2SH/s1600/Honeykitten+Black+Cat+Cookie.jpg" /></a><br />
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I was instructed to take 'proper photos', and heatseal them so she could keep them. The ones she decorated that is. The ones I did are for eating.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsupOvFJ-VWsXPkam4dZDVn7pHvyYx_7DYhdyMRyXOoCmr4IWjKycDf-RZfo3WPGKskux0hH_8FHLLR1FWfY-XUxfXFmnjxALh_qHnK_Gctw3w0h5Fc1ZXKUZyTj_n2H-3RW3zwAK/s1600/Three+white+cat+cookies.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsupOvFJ-VWsXPkam4dZDVn7pHvyYx_7DYhdyMRyXOoCmr4IWjKycDf-RZfo3WPGKskux0hH_8FHLLR1FWfY-XUxfXFmnjxALh_qHnK_Gctw3w0h5Fc1ZXKUZyTj_n2H-3RW3zwAK/s1600/Three+white+cat+cookies.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-30076703788291954732016-12-10T10:45:00.000-08:002016-12-11T09:49:39.166-08:00Spicy Sugar Cookie Recipe and Gingerbread Houses<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ4HckUzjMeqV82J3MqcqparC775fppttbiRC65gJgZyYYZhqOtEIgzlfBEkLxPyCQhCMH2IOxkxZf4B3eCjepD_xlRK71_PoW6pBVxCsjKBjfe_HRJIjPTB_XtT2jOxZC874NXZ8/s1600/Winter+Flavours1.jpg"><img alt="Town scene made of gingerbread, chocolate and vanilla decorated cookies, by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ4HckUzjMeqV82J3MqcqparC775fppttbiRC65gJgZyYYZhqOtEIgzlfBEkLxPyCQhCMH2IOxkxZf4B3eCjepD_xlRK71_PoW6pBVxCsjKBjfe_HRJIjPTB_XtT2jOxZC874NXZ8/s1600/Winter+Flavours1.jpg" title="Wintery gingerbread town scene" /></a><br />
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Just in time for Christmas, here it is, the spicy version of my shortbread style sugar cookie recipe.<br />
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It's not a tough gingerbread, suitable for construction, it's a delicate, crunchy biscuit, perfect with a rich vanilla icing (or just as it is!) baked long and low until it's crisp. I've swapped out the usual powdered sugar for light muscovado, which is a bit more of a faff, but it makes such a difference to the flavour and colour.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4fXZewXnyU8FofYLFdicxZgJDptPw7QVhMERqjrue56prFRH72uVDEDL999bb5zOv8XHBntOWR16Hq8sqhEkKwoDqz_XCTdwTAK2Rj2FASY7qM01mfCYXyuxLjlw0tqEuETZFALu/s1600/Winter+Flavours2.jpg"><img alt="Close up of Gingerbread town scene, cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4fXZewXnyU8FofYLFdicxZgJDptPw7QVhMERqjrue56prFRH72uVDEDL999bb5zOv8XHBntOWR16Hq8sqhEkKwoDqz_XCTdwTAK2Rj2FASY7qM01mfCYXyuxLjlw0tqEuETZFALu/s1600/Winter+Flavours2.jpg" title="Gingerbread Houses" /></a><br />
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You can find my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/sugar-cookie-recipe.html" target="_blank">Vanilla Bean recipe</a> here</div>
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and my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/07/dark-chocolate-cookie-shards-recipe.html" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate recipe</a> here!<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b>:<br />
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250g butter<br />
190g light muscovado sugar<br />
1 large egg<br />
2 ½ tsp orange essence <br />
385g plain flour<br />
100g cornflour<br />
3 ½ tsp ground ginger<br />
3 tsp ground Cinnamon<br />
2 tsp ground mixed spice<br />
1 ¼ tsp ground allspice<br />
¾ tsp salt<br />
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Sift all the dry ingredients together and set aside. Carefully push the muscovado sugar through a seive with the back of a spoon; it gets clumpy, and is too moist to simply shake the seive. Toss away any hard lumps that won't break up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbnqCbSOyX4Vaf0IFrzDEN_a2l3cGDDWUzqTb4qSXcJ1hd6susVuB8k8rxyeKp_jvkZ6W90YfFgNyajsBCZ3VP7zMl5BfaJI6009fDduyo2Pmp6Ik9m0M39a1Cxe5MpeVjxBHjpse/s1600/Sifting+Muscovado+Sugar.jpg"><img alt="Close up of muscovado sugar being pushed through a seive with the back of a spoon, photgraph by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbnqCbSOyX4Vaf0IFrzDEN_a2l3cGDDWUzqTb4qSXcJ1hd6susVuB8k8rxyeKp_jvkZ6W90YfFgNyajsBCZ3VP7zMl5BfaJI6009fDduyo2Pmp6Ik9m0M39a1Cxe5MpeVjxBHjpse/s1600/Sifting+Muscovado+Sugar.jpg" title="Sifting muscovado sugar" /></a><br />
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Gently but thoroughly mix the sugar with the butter, taking care not to whip for too long (helps to keep the cookies from spreading). Beat the egg in a cup, then add to the sugar/butter mixture. Add the orange essence at this stage - I think it would be lovely to try adding orange zest too - if you give it a try let me know how it turned out!<br />
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Add half the dry ingredients and mix on low, then add the rest. Mix on low only long enough to ensure the dough is fully incorporated and otherwise the cookies may become tough and distort a bit when cooling.<br />
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At this stage, I usually divide the dough in two, roll out in resealable plastic bags between cookie slats to keep the thickness even, and freeze the slabs until I want them. No mess, no fuss. I prefer to cut and bake cookies from frozen slabs of dough as they're so much easier to handle. For these little houses, I simply cut them out with a ruler and scalpel. <br />
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Bake in a low oven (around 150c) for 8 minutes, take out and gently flatten the tops with a fondant smoother or other flat implement, and pop back in the oven for as long as it takes until the cookies are thoroughly crisp without burned edges. How long will depend on the size and shape - a three inch cookie will need anything up to 15 minutes more. (I keep checking every few minutes.)<br />
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I made a little video of decorating one of the houses:<br />
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I wanted this little night time town scene to showcase each of my recipes with minimal icing: vanilla bean stars with edible gold and silver speckles, spicy houses and snowflakes, and dark chocolate leaves and acorns on the ground. <br />
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My kitchen has never smelled so good!<br />
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*I have two of the tins (below) left this Christmas, for £39 inc p&p to UK. There are three layers, each 14cm x 18cm: one dark chocolate leaves and acorns, one of spicy houses and snowflakes, and one of vanilla stars with gold and silver. The cookies are heatsealed and will be good to eat until well into January. Let me know if you're interested, and I can pop them in the post this coming week!*<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45IXqA9jm3L20vLN3taxdkNc4fbmMmPLguWDo92_pDG4vlq3YysWLKnjx72mBwPfNF2gOwN12DrUBy2iLgE0MyrBtGKVEqEX1wVdQBdsmpDejJ58I8CSqT-Pun5CN5rQnMq_sQfqT/s1600/Winter+Flavours3.jpg"><img alt="Gift tin decorated with tags, containing Honeycat Cookies' three sugar cookie flavours: gingerbread, chocolate, vanilla. Photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45IXqA9jm3L20vLN3taxdkNc4fbmMmPLguWDo92_pDG4vlq3YysWLKnjx72mBwPfNF2gOwN12DrUBy2iLgE0MyrBtGKVEqEX1wVdQBdsmpDejJ58I8CSqT-Pun5CN5rQnMq_sQfqT/s1600/Winter+Flavours3.jpg" title="Tin with three flavours of cookie: vanilla bean, dark chocolate, gingerbread" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com135tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-56842305443610832082016-11-24T14:59:00.001-08:002016-11-24T14:59:35.703-08:002017 Cookie Calendar: Mushrooms and Snails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvmH95PpLKehAo_k_2FoF90-1CTo4gcFtyumi1SS1TWxIIbIMBLFyMtzt6eSqCeJmI9dUeRwUwpZYdPkhdBtJnNP68GO5kCXJ8-2umxcKfjYqUMmoQSBdGdgTQ0I8-TgfG55lNEuv/s1600/September-high-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Illustration for "September" in Killer Zebras' 2017 Cookie Calendar" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvmH95PpLKehAo_k_2FoF90-1CTo4gcFtyumi1SS1TWxIIbIMBLFyMtzt6eSqCeJmI9dUeRwUwpZYdPkhdBtJnNP68GO5kCXJ8-2umxcKfjYqUMmoQSBdGdgTQ0I8-TgfG55lNEuv/s1600/September-high-res.jpg" title="2017 Cookie Calendar "September"" /></a></div>
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Earlier this year I was so excited to receive an invitation to contribute to <a href="http://www.killerzebras.com/products/2017-cookie-calendar" target="_blank">Killer Zebras' 2017 Cookie Calendar</a>, to raise money for <a href="http://ourrescue.org/" target="_blank">Operation Underground Railroad</a> (rescuing child victims of human trafficking) and the <a href="http://www.nami.org/" target="_blank">National Alliance on Mental Illness.</a><br />
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<a name='more'></a>My excitement stemmed mainly from the fact that I had recently created a set of detailed, handpainted mushrooms based on botanical illustrations, and I was completely obsessed. I wanted to make more! It was September at the time, and my garden still had a late summer feel but there were hints of autumn appearing, with damp days and a few mushrooms sprouting. So I volunteered to do "September" for the calendar.<br />
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I had a vision in my head of a background almost entirely one large field, with distant hills near the top, from a picture I saw somewhere, but could not find again. There were children in that picture wandering along a lane across the bottom. And so there are children in mine, but not the human kind!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPFIPu3gS7ZhPQgC_vrcQd7dBUcihyphenhyphenrYqpIrmIRCxKAS7Yl2vDg3TDRBeWpOIt3PABFE-fFUY6r73wyq9xQvMVGo5MbniUKrZAu1CS8MKhcRqa3hRS7usjaFaKQvObJqwiiWqsmlK/s1600/DSC_3969rawpic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Giant cookie background for Calendar glued onto slate" border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPFIPu3gS7ZhPQgC_vrcQd7dBUcihyphenhyphenrYqpIrmIRCxKAS7Yl2vDg3TDRBeWpOIt3PABFE-fFUY6r73wyq9xQvMVGo5MbniUKrZAu1CS8MKhcRqa3hRS7usjaFaKQvObJqwiiWqsmlK/s400/DSC_3969rawpic1.jpg" title="Giant Cookie Calendar Background" width="400" /></a></div>
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You'd think the background would be simple, but no. The large piece broke under its own weight, and needed to be glued down with royal icing to keep it still for the flood.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP5Yh2FKrAl7hs7hfdny2UUpctOOYSpvBtRY2vRXESOYeJhlDlQKJwS3JwW1bCQ9Ayg4jDSvQjNl6DKalXrGPAq8WdOYqzEGzYJRVQcby_0zMAEkPimf_e4bqTcGpSymJISuAQVlR/s1600/DSC_3972rawpic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Giant cookies flooded with overflowing royal icing" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiP5Yh2FKrAl7hs7hfdny2UUpctOOYSpvBtRY2vRXESOYeJhlDlQKJwS3JwW1bCQ9Ayg4jDSvQjNl6DKalXrGPAq8WdOYqzEGzYJRVQcby_0zMAEkPimf_e4bqTcGpSymJISuAQVlR/s400/DSC_3972rawpic4.jpg" title="Royal Icing flood overspill" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then the flood was just too much and flowed off and pooled everywhere. Oddly, it took a fair bit of swearing and weeping and stamping of feet before I remembered that this project was for a photo... which wouldn't be showing the edges!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7GS_5QPILLh3Jv1CW-vtcEUMjj-k9wATP6TMWFtN0J6bn81wJcpebz47xW0kTJEnbS5pzvuLrlkY18qeZg9VSj27wDbrWCssW4SUILERu1F9vv0BPhU_VRq-M4IOy1c_saDqnOGI/s1600/DSC_3977rawpic7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Giant cookie calendar background of fields and trees handpainted onto dried royal icing base" border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7GS_5QPILLh3Jv1CW-vtcEUMjj-k9wATP6TMWFtN0J6bn81wJcpebz47xW0kTJEnbS5pzvuLrlkY18qeZg9VSj27wDbrWCssW4SUILERu1F9vv0BPhU_VRq-M4IOy1c_saDqnOGI/s400/DSC_3977rawpic7.jpg" title="Fields and hills and sky painted onto cookie background" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once dry, the icing was painted in field, hill and sky colours. This icing was also quite old, just using up what I had lying around, as this part of the project wasn't intended for eating, and after I'd whipped it up, it dried fairly porous, so the background has a slightly rough textured look. Which I decided to like seeing as I was not going to be starting over and had already used up my swear quota.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE1KfcIZQmLxfCze0RuyJQM5POcHW6PEaIK4fBrWUfSXDVNJvIMp1jhfuAzww49wZgg6TLpazh8pAV7lhibEYw-k2cKc_ECxShXv_NL7h7DuD3OqBtRWhhYE0qgeS_gf-1oU_ZHiM/s1600/DSC_3993rawpic10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cookie calendar background piped with ears of wheat" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwE1KfcIZQmLxfCze0RuyJQM5POcHW6PEaIK4fBrWUfSXDVNJvIMp1jhfuAzww49wZgg6TLpazh8pAV7lhibEYw-k2cKc_ECxShXv_NL7h7DuD3OqBtRWhhYE0qgeS_gf-1oU_ZHiM/s400/DSC_3993rawpic10.jpg" title="Wheat ear background piped in royal icing" width="400" /></a></div>
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I piped simple stalks of grass (using a method similar to my ears of wheat in this <a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/what-s-new-honeycat-harvest-mouse-set" target="_blank">'What's New, Honeycat?' tutorial</a>). Seperately I created transfers of pink flowers, as I felt the piece needed a lift of colour, and to keep it in the 'late summer' rather than 'early autumn' category.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPnG7EZbrhltCuFNGIoqFKFrtQqjR5T1aBNS9W1FhS6cmD5KPzxZmi2CCcS1kt5dEqSGqn5uS07Wx0cY2T1AxY4JTdP9VOVa8dwM3sVxF04DHXflpWHjiJLzX3C_M5kkNoZLLgFJ5/s1600/DSC_3978rawpic8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of tiny royal icing snails" border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPnG7EZbrhltCuFNGIoqFKFrtQqjR5T1aBNS9W1FhS6cmD5KPzxZmi2CCcS1kt5dEqSGqn5uS07Wx0cY2T1AxY4JTdP9VOVa8dwM3sVxF04DHXflpWHjiJLzX3C_M5kkNoZLLgFJ5/s400/DSC_3978rawpic8.jpg" title="Tiny royal icing snails" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I made these little snails. I love them! They were so simple. Pipe a thick bendy body, using a scribe tool to tickle up the ends into little eye stalks. Then pipe a swirl over the side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlbajuVFGEsGJEg6up8XR-ld23DY9jp-se3KUCgspRiOS8hC48iv0DWNy4hm3oQDnawFSRrwTztG-rwVRW9ksWqIx4as0pUBno36QxGdmNOcpI0yHR18hfKIvYR4qANIZzGH1g4XP/s1600/DSC_3979rawpic9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of fully painted tiny royal icing snails" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlbajuVFGEsGJEg6up8XR-ld23DY9jp-se3KUCgspRiOS8hC48iv0DWNy4hm3oQDnawFSRrwTztG-rwVRW9ksWqIx4as0pUBno36QxGdmNOcpI0yHR18hfKIvYR4qANIZzGH1g4XP/s400/DSC_3979rawpic9.jpg" title="Tiny royal icing snails painted in cepaea colours" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once dry I painted them but wanted to avoid using too much wet as some were so tiny I thought I'd just wash them away. So I used a sort of 'oil paint' by mixing the colours with Americolor white as a base. It worked really well but was a little flat. Clearly what they needed (and got) was a dusting of pearl lustre dust.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLXfFTVO8UjnhWxxvqwFaxMAAVxmS1H-enC5NCKWCige7e98UcUiwagmSiBu_Jo42d09hmzTVL2OYHi7EKVFniIU_GdDldA7QMKPZ_z8ux81Sy6u-LR4cGiGsbs8oSV6hnFwywYKj/s1600/Teeny-tiny-sugary-snail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of very tiny royal icing snail on human finger for scale" border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLXfFTVO8UjnhWxxvqwFaxMAAVxmS1H-enC5NCKWCige7e98UcUiwagmSiBu_Jo42d09hmzTVL2OYHi7EKVFniIU_GdDldA7QMKPZ_z8ux81Sy6u-LR4cGiGsbs8oSV6hnFwywYKj/s400/Teeny-tiny-sugary-snail.jpg" title="Teeny Tiny royal icing snail" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then on to the mushrooms. Hand cut, flooded with white, left to crust, and then flooded with a rich mustard yellow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCQr0AJCR9c4x6sNUC1Qpr4ZETMQIG-W4-DDRHZ1PBicfmx0UiUXK2a64aCrKNHgs_m1pf0n2Cnqf7uQ10lS6rexHW4LMwm7bG6T8qjvDNtMGPMv1SYPWvnUUPKG5KC1fmq7kbNJC/s1600/DSC_3974rawpic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mushroom cookies handcut, flooded white and yellow, before painting" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrCQr0AJCR9c4x6sNUC1Qpr4ZETMQIG-W4-DDRHZ1PBicfmx0UiUXK2a64aCrKNHgs_m1pf0n2Cnqf7uQ10lS6rexHW4LMwm7bG6T8qjvDNtMGPMv1SYPWvnUUPKG5KC1fmq7kbNJC/s400/DSC_3974rawpic6.jpg" title="Handcut flooded mushroom cookies" width="400" /></a></div>
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I rather liked them simple like that, but simple was not the plan here. I painted over the white to create depth and detail. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu6bcgstJ8qWTbEqOALD638sInnU477oPKrucx8t6vZp_S8oOxz4qbN95PDR94BStNUvS8LC18Zq0GBlylxtt-DmB-iUvWl_LNFvserH1l7gduTlTxVd8ahf3rlsJifBldT1fe_v1/s1600/DSC_4015rawpic11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Detail of handpainted cookie mushrooms and snails" border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTu6bcgstJ8qWTbEqOALD638sInnU477oPKrucx8t6vZp_S8oOxz4qbN95PDR94BStNUvS8LC18Zq0GBlylxtt-DmB-iUvWl_LNFvserH1l7gduTlTxVd8ahf3rlsJifBldT1fe_v1/s400/DSC_4015rawpic11.jpg" title="Handpainted sugar cookie mushroom with royal icing snail" width="400" /></a></div>
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As for the photo, in the end I didn't stick everything down, I just played around with the pieces until it looked right, and just then the sun came out, low in the sky, casting light and shadow across the scene perfectly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIqFYZqRm3rOupO4dkSZHgskomkuF5gASScSsrJtT9odNMrT73ysyr2I0E6_p1vbEakmItAcRvHhyphenhyphenexHZZb7ByQ3A_LB6b77vAlfjLoh_jOkd8JkJPA4lt1c0Z_u75a0PvT2yjLLM/s1600/DSC_4013rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of trial arrangement of sugar cookie mushrooms on background for cookie calendar" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIqFYZqRm3rOupO4dkSZHgskomkuF5gASScSsrJtT9odNMrT73ysyr2I0E6_p1vbEakmItAcRvHhyphenhyphenexHZZb7ByQ3A_LB6b77vAlfjLoh_jOkd8JkJPA4lt1c0Z_u75a0PvT2yjLLM/s1600/DSC_4013rawpic.jpg" title="Testing arrangements of cookie mushrooms and sugar snails on background" /></a></div>
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I got the picture I wanted, boxed up the mushrooms and snails for a snail-loving little boy I know, and dumped the slate with the massive cookie background (which was stuck so tight there was no getting it off without a rock hammer, and I wanted to keep my slate in one piece!) on into a bucket of water to soak it all off. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L5PWMj1pJvlY5B19I41BJp8bDZvVrAwXcM7m6yxFvROxvyLJTBeRO77dgQEeV2C-YF0N6HV4Ue8D19jSBeO6SXu5QHpm5zSlzMykFfdaCO8P-oNc9vDmJ4L4Wgz6gO46xXYzEusw/s1600/Mushrooms+and+snails12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Line up of handpainted mushroom cookies and sugar snails" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1L5PWMj1pJvlY5B19I41BJp8bDZvVrAwXcM7m6yxFvROxvyLJTBeRO77dgQEeV2C-YF0N6HV4Ue8D19jSBeO6SXu5QHpm5zSlzMykFfdaCO8P-oNc9vDmJ4L4Wgz6gO46xXYzEusw/s1600/Mushrooms+and+snails12.jpg" title="Mushroom identity parade" /></a></div>
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I was very pleased to contribute to both a very worthy cause, and something so fun! Remember if you want a <a href="http://www.killerzebras.com/products/2017-cookie-calendar" target="_blank">Killer Zebras 2017 calendar of your own</a>, the profits all go to two charities that do amazing and important work. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-60483404599882031002016-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:002016-09-15T11:11:18.513-07:00Wedding Favours: Cats in the Window<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qQ_5vgVlO0jRv2NlOEFTyrWcJnzv_n01j9glTeCpHznF9-mZRd9QGydokWe_uLmugT1u6FcNrlQRih1i7qP8HhsVTa1XpVsZVze18p8151TubQO5z-BENYQPn7C7hXYklsofKZpK/s1600/Cats-in-window-cookie6.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qQ_5vgVlO0jRv2NlOEFTyrWcJnzv_n01j9glTeCpHznF9-mZRd9QGydokWe_uLmugT1u6FcNrlQRih1i7qP8HhsVTa1XpVsZVze18p8151TubQO5z-BENYQPn7C7hXYklsofKZpK/s1600/Cats-in-window-cookie6.jpg" /></a><br />
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I recently had the pleasure of creating a design for wedding favour cookies featuring the bride and groom's two cats. The design needed to include both cats, and room for names and date.<br />
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The photograph they sent me (reproduced below with permission) inspired me to create a stylised version of the two cats at either end of a window ledge, with hints of sky and trees beyond, leaving a perfect space in the middle for text.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-pubRTp3K3FoY9gcC6QTxM6qRimYi_q_RJwgLtW4QkqGkbCFgPlWd8OQc1yEt-aBbu9JcljoVKjs1OBxJi5ochG0b58o9pMSip7o5y0ltmQTlzGKdPyvF0hsIos4_-dwnfyuMnz4/s1600/Cats_in_window_original.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-pubRTp3K3FoY9gcC6QTxM6qRimYi_q_RJwgLtW4QkqGkbCFgPlWd8OQc1yEt-aBbu9JcljoVKjs1OBxJi5ochG0b58o9pMSip7o5y0ltmQTlzGKdPyvF0hsIos4_-dwnfyuMnz4/s400/Cats_in_window_original.jpg" /></a></div>
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I chose one of my favourite plaque cookie cutters (from <a href="http://www.trulymadplastics.com/store/#!/Plaque-24-Medium/p/35971451/category=9268547">Truly Mad Plastics</a>) and started sketching ideas. We discussed whether to try and keep the window frames, but I felt that would interfere with placing of the text. Once happy with the cats, I outlined them more strongly in ink, and photographed the sketch so I could use the images in my pico projector.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC4PXMDHc9npkiAjQQlI8JwqFQ0omvL5zSCWVEcltR6xnTg-Pvxry8lSerP1Z-C40RoGHVphxwZ4iQIfhLY7yHkmjZcvlYMbXKOF9SZiHEbFfqf4FbZ1Ow8KQ7HdcBYfGGOKRcqAl/s1600/Cats_in_window_sketch.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifC4PXMDHc9npkiAjQQlI8JwqFQ0omvL5zSCWVEcltR6xnTg-Pvxry8lSerP1Z-C40RoGHVphxwZ4iQIfhLY7yHkmjZcvlYMbXKOF9SZiHEbFfqf4FbZ1Ow8KQ7HdcBYfGGOKRcqAl/s400/Cats_in_window_sketch.jpg" /></a></div>
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I used a very pale grey blue/green for the background and immediately piped fine grey/green foliage wet-on-wet. The bottom third was flooded in white. Once these were dry I piped a window ledge at the intersection, and let that dry. Then I used the pico projector to pipe the two cats.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08zRDlLyqxUory9b_n6BvGkjH7w6sfpeOpLJ1ZTvOaPJaCwiz2o4VSg4dd1SGp-86XPqTkg27Mo9DzX9LHy6BEGrch4Kd70651zmZ1vkIstGHkyPrVjvWr9Pv9BQoEa6Me6-MZHWa/s1600/Cats-in-window-cookie1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi08zRDlLyqxUory9b_n6BvGkjH7w6sfpeOpLJ1ZTvOaPJaCwiz2o4VSg4dd1SGp-86XPqTkg27Mo9DzX9LHy6BEGrch4Kd70651zmZ1vkIstGHkyPrVjvWr9Pv9BQoEa6Me6-MZHWa/s1600/Cats-in-window-cookie1.jpg" /></a><br />
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That central area was perfect to pipe the names above the window ledge and the date below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd-jTunQQcFQqR2wMrWlkwN1xvLLZWMLoZShAv3S0AGcH04yzafInV3kPmYE1opv49gwZDBvX4Z-bGbGeBCeYfEdkYsQKAfybwzMT8yOoJGvRzxc2E0xxZD73cJQVcVE9pWPpylpq/s1600/Cats-in-window-cookie7.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRd-jTunQQcFQqR2wMrWlkwN1xvLLZWMLoZShAv3S0AGcH04yzafInV3kPmYE1opv49gwZDBvX4Z-bGbGeBCeYfEdkYsQKAfybwzMT8yOoJGvRzxc2E0xxZD73cJQVcVE9pWPpylpq/s1600/Cats-in-window-cookie7.jpg" /></a><br />
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In the video below I show the cats being piped two ways: the first (orange cat) I have used the pico to scratch the image onto the dry icing first. The second (brown and white cat) I pipe directly onto the cookie using the pico image. It's difficult to decide which is easier. The latter ought to be quicker, but it's more of a strain on the eyes, and difficult to see when your hand gets in the way! Which way would you prefer?<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1jOMf72XQyo" width="560"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-83691315855514992942016-08-05T12:07:00.000-07:002016-08-05T12:07:10.985-07:00Peacock Feather Cookie Tutorial<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN5NszC7AanWBURL1mStyr2B96itOsgiuybwlCgUS35jMx0F5SvqNHCGs4b1RqaJD8DM0IJLosWjBf9OFmLBJb6xaI4FqM4d5oofw7RebWqr3odWmFGZh-iEJqEYvopI5G0xqAxM8/s1600/Peacock+Feathers4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN5NszC7AanWBURL1mStyr2B96itOsgiuybwlCgUS35jMx0F5SvqNHCGs4b1RqaJD8DM0IJLosWjBf9OFmLBJb6xaI4FqM4d5oofw7RebWqr3odWmFGZh-iEJqEYvopI5G0xqAxM8/s1600/Peacock+Feathers4.jpg" /></a><br />
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I recently had the opportunity to create a set of peacock feather cookies for my step-daughter's wedding. I've wanted to try my hand at these for ages, and thought it would be a doddle. Lovely colours, lots of lustre dust.<br />
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But actually, when you look at a peacock feather, they're complicated things - a myriad of connected lines, branching out into waving strands, overlaid with 'solid' shapes of gleaming colour which seem different depending on what angle you view the feather from. How on earth do you render this in royal icing without it seeming clumsy?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-dvYssIj08LvL9YsLBsyV2iA2SfS7zDzLGgdFgwrptbm2AmN5AjQyTGQo2-M2vQLGfRG6IWDR7RwOD3xmmG71E_XKVCJ-R0trM5ANg-NlliOE3Kr4FN8h-mZpDqknJ02OZPzAx0S/s1600/youtube-thumbnail.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-dvYssIj08LvL9YsLBsyV2iA2SfS7zDzLGgdFgwrptbm2AmN5AjQyTGQo2-M2vQLGfRG6IWDR7RwOD3xmmG71E_XKVCJ-R0trM5ANg-NlliOE3Kr4FN8h-mZpDqknJ02OZPzAx0S/s1600/youtube-thumbnail.jpg" /></a><br />
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Well, as usual, there are lots of lovely examples of how to do just that, as can be seen on my <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/honeycatcookies/peacock-feather-cookie-inspiration/">Peacock Feather Pinterest board</a> (do you follow me there? You should - lots of inspiration!). And if you extend your search to other forms of art, there are plenty of examples. One of my favourites is this beautiful <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/451908143841994948/">art nouveau brooch</a>, which definitely inpsired my simplest design. But as usual, I wanted to make these cookies my own.<br />
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C<a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/what-s-new-honeycat-feather-your-nest">lick here for </a><a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/what-s-new-honeycat-feather-your-nest">my Cookie Connection Hen and Feather tutorial!</a></div>
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However, if you want to know how to make my peacock feathers, read on...<b> </b><br />
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<b>You will need:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Tear drop shaped cookies in large and small (I used <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fat-Daddios-8-Piece-Teardrop-Cutter/dp/B004M6H2B8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1470393631&sr=8-5&keywords=teardrop+cookie+cutter+set">this cutter set</a>), dark cookies look best for design no. 1 </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Flood consistency royal icing in bronze, dark green, light green, light blue, dark blue </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Stiff consistency royal icing in beige, green, light blue </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Edible metallic paint in royal blue (I used the Rainbow Dust Click and Twist pen) and Dark Gold (I used the Rainbow Dust Edible Metallic Paint) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Lustre dusts in Bronze, Royal Gold, Green (I used all Sugarflair Lustre Dusts) </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Clear, flavourless alcohol, eg. vodka </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Food-use only paintbrushes in medium and fine </li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSITGmhkoobfdnoNHZIbEF5jk69-2mpHXsKm-TU14y3cqbwFoLNELCxpDDIx1lbynM49TM_KUM2RIdyzI-d99L6tf-NBzgrYj0IwdTqQRAvTGLiDVWX0kRVNn-z5j53lRvqz7nDFWS/s1600/Peacock-Feathers10.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSITGmhkoobfdnoNHZIbEF5jk69-2mpHXsKm-TU14y3cqbwFoLNELCxpDDIx1lbynM49TM_KUM2RIdyzI-d99L6tf-NBzgrYj0IwdTqQRAvTGLiDVWX0kRVNn-z5j53lRvqz7nDFWS/s400/Peacock-Feathers10.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Design No. 1 (small cookie):</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Start by piping the dark centre of the eye in dark blue, surrounded by the light blue, to form this shape, and allow to dry fully:</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Carefully paint the light blue surround in metallic royal blue paint and allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Using stiff beige icing, pipe a feather 'stem' from the base of the cookie up into the eye. From this stem, pipe random 'barbs' (yes, that's what they're called!) around and up towards the tip of the cookie, overlapping some, leaving some short. Allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Paint the barbs in dark metallic gold.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDqTyUKnF15GCyBNICtcvfxAd9k2llOf52UGgvEG4lYnkJdcIqbUlf6H2RpdYGhtsMBb04FNN0snXbtYAnAStI59kXyiMNyi5u_dQQ7eUEVH3PPckODpfiisJQgoy9ur01jyWNy59/s1600/Peacock-Feathers11.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDqTyUKnF15GCyBNICtcvfxAd9k2llOf52UGgvEG4lYnkJdcIqbUlf6H2RpdYGhtsMBb04FNN0snXbtYAnAStI59kXyiMNyi5u_dQQ7eUEVH3PPckODpfiisJQgoy9ur01jyWNy59/s400/Peacock-Feathers11.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>Design No. 2 (large cookie):</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Pipe the eye as before, using the two blues. Without allowing it to dry, pipe a larger oval of bronze, a narrow band of dark green, and complete the flood with light green out to the edges of the cookie. Allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Paint the lighter blue outer 'eye' in royal blue metallic paint and allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dust the bronze flood with bronze lustre, and the outer edges with green lustre dusts. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Using stiff blue icing, pipe the stem and barbs as before, and allow to dry, then paint over with Royal Blue metallic paint.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9WxQjA9Lbh4o1Lz_jO261eaQwlk8uyuV8RJKVLE5fMJUUEqFhr22vAI4bbJLRq2Vkipvg6pLZEj1eFVuhhzS0CzhLlTmeELmJIlqjZQfUzKiTh0_hibhMuCf_zXcBwes5O1zbAkq/s1600/Bronze-Peacock-Feather.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9WxQjA9Lbh4o1Lz_jO261eaQwlk8uyuV8RJKVLE5fMJUUEqFhr22vAI4bbJLRq2Vkipvg6pLZEj1eFVuhhzS0CzhLlTmeELmJIlqjZQfUzKiTh0_hibhMuCf_zXcBwes5O1zbAkq/s400/Bronze-Peacock-Feather.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Design No. 3 (large cookie):</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>This is a variation on No. 2. Pipe the eye as before, immediately surrounded by a narrow band of dark green, a wider band of light green, then complete the cookie with bronze flood. Allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Paint the light blue outer 'eye' with Royal Blue edible metallic paint.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dust the outer bronze area with bronze lustre, and the inner area with green, avoiding the 'eye'.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Using the stiff green icing, pipe the stem and barbs as before. Allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mix a dilute paint with Royal Gold lustre dust and clear alcohol. Start by painting the green piping from the stem outwards, allowing the green to show through, particularly towards the ends. Paint more layers on the stem and base of the barbs, to emphasise the gold here.</li>
</ul>
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBiz98iHJaX68vNtzdElIVmcUrMRmyhcHiUisoHZYmuEEQXuJQJ7gO_Rv1kyHluVawITCvI6nRGCgGk2Q7C9VR7K0leIgu_r20xcXJAKg6m7ClHOUZX8tAf3fCR_BF8odNvjPJ-k_/s1600/Peacock+Feathers3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiBiz98iHJaX68vNtzdElIVmcUrMRmyhcHiUisoHZYmuEEQXuJQJ7gO_Rv1kyHluVawITCvI6nRGCgGk2Q7C9VR7K0leIgu_r20xcXJAKg6m7ClHOUZX8tAf3fCR_BF8odNvjPJ-k_/s640/Peacock+Feathers3.jpg" /></a><br />
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<br />
<b>Design No. 4 (small bronze cookie):</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Flood the cookie in bronze and allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dust the entire cookie in bronze lustre dust.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Using stiff blue icing, pipe a whole feather, leaving the 'eye' area clear. Allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Using Royal Blue metallic paint, paint over the feather and allow to dry.</li>
</ul>
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And there you have it, four feather designs (admittedly two are variations on a theme). It wasn't until I was finally arranging the cookies to photograph and wondering how I was going to put them out on the table at the wedding, that it occurred to me to make two peacock tail displays - two sheets of slate and they worked perfectly this way!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdctGkH0cSEBkQ-s_1HKvzdcY4FOOD6fxU-ouLyhqRrbWt2ck7OZdqxQy-gexWW5B-SJjpqlwXAO8MbV8ol3vTw_p7fGYF7Sqx0uOVFavLfrl9ObOuDcPYEW6SMp3SP5y3lN5sMJBn/s1600/Peacock-Feathers15.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdctGkH0cSEBkQ-s_1HKvzdcY4FOOD6fxU-ouLyhqRrbWt2ck7OZdqxQy-gexWW5B-SJjpqlwXAO8MbV8ol3vTw_p7fGYF7Sqx0uOVFavLfrl9ObOuDcPYEW6SMp3SP5y3lN5sMJBn/s1600/Peacock-Feathers15.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
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I was lucky enough to actually attend the wedding and see these cookies
in situ (I did notice how the blue icing caused a temporary and mildly
hilarious condition called 'blue lip'). The venue was lit with lilac
uplighters and lots of fairy lights, and the metallic blue positively
glowed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51iLnduP_wnX0BrhMhBt9W1uFNeOtR9y3WZoe82FeKiBggcgKDkA1PwtAbXmA_HMJmfX-aY_tTWgqg1FA1Qj3jX482bVJbqO_ZM6nrjMiiQlY6GUuEe2qs__VTk4WhSnHN84S506q/s1600/Peacock+Feathers14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Half eaten chocolate peacock feather cookie, by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg51iLnduP_wnX0BrhMhBt9W1uFNeOtR9y3WZoe82FeKiBggcgKDkA1PwtAbXmA_HMJmfX-aY_tTWgqg1FA1Qj3jX482bVJbqO_ZM6nrjMiiQlY6GUuEe2qs__VTk4WhSnHN84S506q/s400/Peacock+Feathers14.jpg" title="Chocolate Peacock Feather Cookie" width="400" /></a></div>
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And now you can watch me make all four of these cookies in the video:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ILdxExuEfR4" width="560"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-16678503746746827272016-07-25T07:50:00.002-07:002016-07-25T15:53:51.227-07:00A Deep, Dark, Woodfull of Gruffalo Cookies!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Kh5w-e4NtIvDjP6ug1X4qfANmkVQqnmF_y6QOdBX32Ac3zbYFJtoql5NZxRubXQo_4hK_mET5nEkGuaWcDrkw6eCKWW0vR-7sFoYfC_qwwZ6fcY3fMAoInztTZtescvv45WZyAKB/s1600/Full-Set-of-Gruffalo-Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Full set of decorated Gruffalo cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Kh5w-e4NtIvDjP6ug1X4qfANmkVQqnmF_y6QOdBX32Ac3zbYFJtoql5NZxRubXQo_4hK_mET5nEkGuaWcDrkw6eCKWW0vR-7sFoYfC_qwwZ6fcY3fMAoInztTZtescvv45WZyAKB/s1600/Full-Set-of-Gruffalo-Cookie.jpg" title="Set of handpainted Gruffalo sugar cookies by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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I recently had a request to create a small set of Gruffalo cookies. It seemed fairly obvious that I should handpaint the designs after the illustrations for the book, but I wanted to make them a little different, or original somehow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EnPDER3KFtL002Dh7lgJYCLwVJ7Fblxa8ZeATql0u6p4GijJqNlpd_C0Uku1irGFy2VjOW5V9D4enoyrrIuXcmElk8ol_SlCErhuXQYT_jtnndt0G4bSgtrNWMXWUGYPGy5fK2lt/s1600/Gruffalo-Toadstools-and-Aco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Set of matching handpainted woodland cookies to complement Gruffalo cookie set" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EnPDER3KFtL002Dh7lgJYCLwVJ7Fblxa8ZeATql0u6p4GijJqNlpd_C0Uku1irGFy2VjOW5V9D4enoyrrIuXcmElk8ol_SlCErhuXQYT_jtnndt0G4bSgtrNWMXWUGYPGy5fK2lt/s1600/Gruffalo-Toadstools-and-Aco.jpg" title="Woodland Cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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It was when I was considering which cutters to choose for the set that I hit upon the idea of fitting the characters onto woodland themed cutters. Not only would this give the cookies a varied shape, fit the theme, but also, happily enough, allow me to fit them more easily with each other onto the cushion padding for the tin, than if I'd gone with a bunch of circles.<br />
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So I started with circles for the little hints of Gruffalo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHBzC_FMrRGUPkAZArK-MBgVTyQpE-05Qa5RzRZMT8aF_7HIpkqMzhfrE1dQ10gyRh9hKObHtuKsiGV9nzuAFQwDD-TWfG-MrFMoyJhA7AiNYWfPAniFV5vGxfIjUHdd-CvIQewuq/s1600/Gruffalo-Oh-Help-Oh-No.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handpaited 'Oh Help - Oh No!' Gruffalo decorated sugar cookies." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXHBzC_FMrRGUPkAZArK-MBgVTyQpE-05Qa5RzRZMT8aF_7HIpkqMzhfrE1dQ10gyRh9hKObHtuKsiGV9nzuAFQwDD-TWfG-MrFMoyJhA7AiNYWfPAniFV5vGxfIjUHdd-CvIQewuq/s1600/Gruffalo-Oh-Help-Oh-No.jpg" title="Gruffalo cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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I used a leaf with wide 'arms' for the wings of the owl.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUbqmXixzog2vyeAxZiLFLPxJ7Uo57uiYxy3DWXnajuP1cQ43BAfFfGS5tYfuRfMHRgx_UOgEY639fKwAEq-7jfdFnUjjPkB5XiMvZmxXrSNVWafkClon4uk2TSt9j2YEPXu5zZ2s/s1600/Owl-from-gruffalo-Leaf-Cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handpainted Gruffalo Owl decorated cookie." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUbqmXixzog2vyeAxZiLFLPxJ7Uo57uiYxy3DWXnajuP1cQ43BAfFfGS5tYfuRfMHRgx_UOgEY639fKwAEq-7jfdFnUjjPkB5XiMvZmxXrSNVWafkClon4uk2TSt9j2YEPXu5zZ2s/s1600/Owl-from-gruffalo-Leaf-Cook.jpg" title="Owl from Gruffalo on a leaf cookie and photo by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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Another leaf for the fleeing fox, one with lots of appendages to fit his paws into.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATAtZJ13jHQIYG_U0HbYK-BcmtcNK94n8mEetEd6T7FCJXvm04SD0uxafCwRSaBT77nO2Iq03ySip0OtVQSwyhtLs3s3YfzVHIRvzBMRg2TCydsv6tvIWbe9P8hdmYbb7zlh62X6M/s1600/Fox-from-Gruffalo-Leaf-Cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handpainted Fox from Gruffalo decorated sugar cookie." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhATAtZJ13jHQIYG_U0HbYK-BcmtcNK94n8mEetEd6T7FCJXvm04SD0uxafCwRSaBT77nO2Iq03ySip0OtVQSwyhtLs3s3YfzVHIRvzBMRg2TCydsv6tvIWbe9P8hdmYbb7zlh62X6M/s1600/Fox-from-Gruffalo-Leaf-Cook.jpg" title="Fox from Gruffalo cookie and photo by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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For the snake I used a cloud cutter - not strictly 'woodland', but it did have the wiggliness the snake needed. I felt it also looked a little like a woodpile, and had I had the time to create backgrounds for all these creatures, I'd have painted logs onto this!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0aIEVwxdIsHOg3EUAXXKPOOTLD4D_8QtZsWKrF9h2Atyk6FV_y0AYypTFDrMV1d87K5ZQukojGGHZrLJjc28CGjrrf421C1Z1-WZM0BRh2ASppf-JUI3vUR1DJTeOmoSrciRgAY0/s1600/Snake-from-Gruffalo-Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handpainted Snake from Gruffalo decorated sugar cookie." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0aIEVwxdIsHOg3EUAXXKPOOTLD4D_8QtZsWKrF9h2Atyk6FV_y0AYypTFDrMV1d87K5ZQukojGGHZrLJjc28CGjrrf421C1Z1-WZM0BRh2ASppf-JUI3vUR1DJTeOmoSrciRgAY0/s1600/Snake-from-Gruffalo-Cookie.jpg" title="Snake from Gruffalo cookie and photo by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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And what about the mouse? An acorn of course!<br />
"And the Mouse stood on the nut and the nut was good (and all sugary with a hint of Madagascan vanilla)."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKGkjj4YqvCdOgCX6TcthItl31w-eWERaLSrH-Xz7n-432aWSWOcU7y-kApc_eK2uZ0_n9HSZWlbwUlzI8lWhQoHl0X7JSLLcbiz0dgrgEpPuI5k8CP6XyDkWNIRroueSvyj3mXuz/s1600/Mouse-from-Gruffalo-Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Handpainted Mouse from Gruffalo acorn-shaped decorated sugar cookie." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPKGkjj4YqvCdOgCX6TcthItl31w-eWERaLSrH-Xz7n-432aWSWOcU7y-kApc_eK2uZ0_n9HSZWlbwUlzI8lWhQoHl0X7JSLLcbiz0dgrgEpPuI5k8CP6XyDkWNIRroueSvyj3mXuz/s1600/Mouse-from-Gruffalo-Cookie.jpg" title="Mouse from Gruffalo cookie and photo by Honeycat Cookies." /></a></div>
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For extra cookies I did the usual acorns, mushrooms and leaves, but I painted them in what I felt was a matching style, as you can see here. Simple washes of colour and 'messy' outlines in black. For all the black painting on these cookies I used Americolor black diluted with a little vodka.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1qW5VwG2ohg" width="560"></iframe>
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And here is me creating the whole bunch of Gruffalo characters:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1qW5VwG2ohg" width="560"></iframe></div>
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These videos took an AGE to edit as just speeding them up didn't work - had to edit out each time I dipped my brush in the paint and match my hands (roughly) to where they were before they moved. It's a bit messy here and there, but I like the effect!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEqi6xP4tu__iGFx0Y7Y34X7lE5Z2SRNlHUmJ6tk2fNMLPeyO7ZHv5rJaRy0GDBEa8bFT9GE2srtWoTPvIFG8kJ5WWSu0eyOqtGSVLVGic51SLLYqt3ikVhhoIo3vNOYJQPahTSuo/s1600/Full-Set-Gruffalo-Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Gruffalo themed handpainted decorated sugar cookies." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEqi6xP4tu__iGFx0Y7Y34X7lE5Z2SRNlHUmJ6tk2fNMLPeyO7ZHv5rJaRy0GDBEa8bFT9GE2srtWoTPvIFG8kJ5WWSu0eyOqtGSVLVGic51SLLYqt3ikVhhoIo3vNOYJQPahTSuo/s1600/Full-Set-Gruffalo-Cookies.jpg" title="Full set of Gruffalo themed cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-79627203606519876132016-04-24T13:04:00.000-07:002016-07-26T09:11:59.276-07:00Elvis on a Biscuit with Really Edible, Really Glittery Glitter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGgq73JFj4CNVWdsH9ZlPQZyhpIzLM6lsiS7oDZZ2T23mOvSlImld-nX50MOFyZsehhFWCAJsE4z8wJFEZptEOWdrdCS81UJ2TzzXjgSCV0PIUKT4LPDGoAOuc5YZMnD50aRxoXgy/s1600/Elvis+Cookies+Full+Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Elvis glitter and quote cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCGgq73JFj4CNVWdsH9ZlPQZyhpIzLM6lsiS7oDZZ2T23mOvSlImld-nX50MOFyZsehhFWCAJsE4z8wJFEZptEOWdrdCS81UJ2TzzXjgSCV0PIUKT4LPDGoAOuc5YZMnD50aRxoXgy/s1600/Elvis+Cookies+Full+Set.jpg" title="Elvis cookie set" /></a></div>
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I absolutely love glitter on cookies. When I first started out, disco dust (and glitters like it, such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/CK-Products-Disco-Dust-Hologram/dp/B00824F1UU?ie=UTF8&keywords=disco%20dust&qid=1461527780&ref_=sr_1_5&sr=8-5" target="_blank">this</a>) was still being sold as 'edible' and I happily used it (and ate it) in large quantities. Then The Authorities (in the UK) realised that it was, strictly speaking, not an edible product, as it is not digested and has no nutritional value, and therefore couldn't be sold as such.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>So all the wonderful, glittery products got relisted as 'non-toxic', suitable to be used <i>near </i>food but not <i>in</i> it. Since I'm not about to ask customers to scrape their cookies before eating them, I've pretty much given up on it, except for personal use. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrdFYXobfpvglWg1fFinKjVFd_hfA9wgUy_MdWbCjvY7-PaM3T3fE51Ku0sb2ToNtOdSx1INRsWdeuaoiWwAD-6A4WVMg3COmjKX2ZBrbdKtDBqR3JzlY_iG4oSXwFMgRRULmCs3N/s1600/Glittery-Musical-Note-Cooki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Musical Note decorated cookies with disco dust, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglrdFYXobfpvglWg1fFinKjVFd_hfA9wgUy_MdWbCjvY7-PaM3T3fE51Ku0sb2ToNtOdSx1INRsWdeuaoiWwAD-6A4WVMg3COmjKX2ZBrbdKtDBqR3JzlY_iG4oSXwFMgRRULmCs3N/s1600/Glittery-Musical-Note-Cooki.jpg" title="Glittery Musical Note Cookies" /></a></div>
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Since then, there have been a number of products come onto the market sold as 'edible glitter'. Most of my local supermarkets carry something of the sort - mostly ground rice mixed with lustre dust, like <a href="https://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Stardust-Gold-Waitrose/84809011" target="_blank">this </a>from Waitrose/Ocado. Sprinkle-able, but definitely not glitter. These musical notes were made a long, long time ago, with the old stuff. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigtcr7sbRgSVkx9DYk4c0-T5IGgxVHHATSrrj0MCbImvBMpA32NpbjO08vXQ8IC8Y9DTC6cppO2GtUDUy18QimfJFse2l5H_r5VSyu_7XdH7DaHrnqEQnzvErK3rRCVptDXGA05x3/s1600/Pile-of-Glittery-Musical-No.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Musical note cookies with disco dust, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiigtcr7sbRgSVkx9DYk4c0-T5IGgxVHHATSrrj0MCbImvBMpA32NpbjO08vXQ8IC8Y9DTC6cppO2GtUDUy18QimfJFse2l5H_r5VSyu_7XdH7DaHrnqEQnzvErK3rRCVptDXGA05x3/s1600/Pile-of-Glittery-Musical-No.jpg" title="Pile of glittery musical note cookies" /></a></div>
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But a few months ago I noticed a new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/100-Edible-Glitter-Cupcake-decorating/dp/B00FA9D9CW?ie=UTF8&keywords=rainbow%20dust%20edible%20glitter%20purple&qid=1461527568&ref_=sr_1_1_a_it&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Rainbow Dust 'edible glitter' product</a> in Hobbycraft, in a whole range of colours. So I bought the black, purple and pale green to see what they're like. And I was pleasantly surprised!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y5TU__A_5RcwSAS-cHQcTC9OuVe7EDuSFddB32vRhdd8SzvFkiTDMLYbJ_B14-OIR-UATfQY2n4_hgtYi8udihRMdD2cbqmaqaHRx59Er8BaM3wYMsvjqO4Y480Gqnb71Lw3Yf30/s1600/Edible+Glitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Comparison between disco dust and edible glitter in purple, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3y5TU__A_5RcwSAS-cHQcTC9OuVe7EDuSFddB32vRhdd8SzvFkiTDMLYbJ_B14-OIR-UATfQY2n4_hgtYi8udihRMdD2cbqmaqaHRx59Er8BaM3wYMsvjqO4Y480Gqnb71Lw3Yf30/s1600/Edible+Glitter.jpg" title="Edible Glitter Comparison" /></a></div>
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The purple especially really is glittery! The picture above shows the new edible glitter on the left, compared to the 'non toxic' true glitter on the right. The flakes are larger than the tiny specks of disco dust, so the effect is a little prickly to look at and in texture (but not in the mouth!), but there's a real sparkle. Not all the colours are the same - the black is not quite as glittery, but still perfectly useable, some of the other colours on the shelf look a little too 'dusty' to glitter properly. (By the way, this glitter really is properly purple, it's just really difficult to photograph, and comes out blue!)<br />
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I drew the musical notation by hand with an edible ink pen, just as with these <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2016/02/wrapped-parcels-valentines-day-cookies.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Day cookies</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NYNb4roGCSKrQ6F7Xtzs9h8nISVgQYyLTRnN3qZiZ_sJRmoqB7XeEylOUQ_t17UqGYsUZ73cZ_F8RZkJWyInQknvHv25z3MRxx5064HOdNmzYqSn9jRtNTSHQz_0hmqEhi2qrfgU/s1600/Evis+Silhouette+Musical+Notation+Cookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hand drawn musical notation and Elvis face cookie and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NYNb4roGCSKrQ6F7Xtzs9h8nISVgQYyLTRnN3qZiZ_sJRmoqB7XeEylOUQ_t17UqGYsUZ73cZ_F8RZkJWyInQknvHv25z3MRxx5064HOdNmzYqSn9jRtNTSHQz_0hmqEhi2qrfgU/s1600/Evis+Silhouette+Musical+Notation+Cookie.jpg" title="Edible glitter Elvis portrait on musical cookie" /></a></div>
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It gives me hope for the future - it's got me all shook up! But that's enough conversation for now...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOeZU67Rmd0I05t4qGSPs2v9TxGcnudahl8L79SnbZBsrfLtWMNtd0lywUN8uj7E8tRL116MiJQVpPq3TY5pGXCTS4w0QWqmOyDWU27c-7rPwTlJFl6zzfj5l5x4Rs1ljN4z9evTK/s1600/Three+Elvis+Quote+Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Chalkboard style Elvis quotation cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigOeZU67Rmd0I05t4qGSPs2v9TxGcnudahl8L79SnbZBsrfLtWMNtd0lywUN8uj7E8tRL116MiJQVpPq3TY5pGXCTS4w0QWqmOyDWU27c-7rPwTlJFl6zzfj5l5x4Rs1ljN4z9evTK/s1600/Three+Elvis+Quote+Cookies.jpg" title="Elvis Quotation Cookies" /></a></div>
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...if you want to see the purple glitter in use on the King, here he comes...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-38690042698428349902016-03-04T04:43:00.001-08:002016-07-26T09:25:24.271-07:00How to Pack Cookies for Shipping<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazihWe_Qtug3P4Gy-j9JySsWCi1QKAiFrJMFT2pkmqkIL6zRRjQF2VXZ8-oc_FN9Q0Ji61zdJ0b0onAlJB0HY0ZMgOSlun39_j5VuaNbyqyYqBN93GQuuAw0OaYfy8_W5gGxP_ImC/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dish of decorated flower cookies, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazihWe_Qtug3P4Gy-j9JySsWCi1QKAiFrJMFT2pkmqkIL6zRRjQF2VXZ8-oc_FN9Q0Ji61zdJ0b0onAlJB0HY0ZMgOSlun39_j5VuaNbyqyYqBN93GQuuAw0OaYfy8_W5gGxP_ImC/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping3.jpg" title="Dish of stylised flower cookies" /></a></div>
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It's taken a long time to work out how to pack my cookies so they not only survive in the post, but also create the best impression when they arrive.<br />
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My first attempts were shoddy - I tried to fit as many unwrapped cookies into round tins as possible; I had to hand cut circles of bubblewrap and greaseproof paper to fit; sometimes I tried to stuff in bunches of cookies tied up in bags. I might as well have just tried chucking them out of the front door. Naturally there were breakages, but surprisingly not so many that people minded too much, and they kept ordering, and so I kept experimenting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhER3xOsOufkTMxfC4EdJJwAAPaxXw8JDEFLxVUEr0IT5eNwnjTBfLRILmSqfzXz92_f8xSkDvyu-z6JRPy4nqJjqqIOBxcr290lnY5ssj45zVFkoSgS9WvfTIYtPD3foExurStW0V/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of cookie gift box with ribbon and customised tags by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhER3xOsOufkTMxfC4EdJJwAAPaxXw8JDEFLxVUEr0IT5eNwnjTBfLRILmSqfzXz92_f8xSkDvyu-z6JRPy4nqJjqqIOBxcr290lnY5ssj45zVFkoSgS9WvfTIYtPD3foExurStW0V/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping8.jpg" title="Cookie gift box ribbon and tags" /></a></div>
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Eventually I realised I wanted the opening of the box to be part of the pleasure of ordering the cookies. After all, they've taken a leap of faith and confidence in my ability, they don't know what they're going to see, and I'm not happy with anything less than delight! Layers of recycled bits of card and bubblewrap, whilst effective, aren't pretty. So this is what I've been doing for a little while. Gift boxes that are both pretty (and let me play with frills and furbelows and fancy things) and sturdy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0C3O4p3fYQWPcukZT4_1yzUjdlftx4RPwK4ttO2hz7nusSjXeA6czQwHBFAZ1g3h-Mff714RmWy6A3JMocnyX_MnsZSNaoWiDkLWpJJTOTHLiVm97NKBf5gjgwTEC-Tb5ZV-156H/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Layout of materials needed to gift wrap and post cookies by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0C3O4p3fYQWPcukZT4_1yzUjdlftx4RPwK4ttO2hz7nusSjXeA6czQwHBFAZ1g3h-Mff714RmWy6A3JMocnyX_MnsZSNaoWiDkLWpJJTOTHLiVm97NKBf5gjgwTEC-Tb5ZV-156H/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping2.jpg" title="Equipment needed to pack cookies for shipping" /></a></div>
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<b>Equipment</b>:<br />
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Stiff royal icing 'glue'<br />
Palette knife <br />
Chocolate-box style cushion padding cut to size (I get mine <a href="http://www.keylink.org/productlisting/keyword/cushion%20pad" target="_blank">here:</a> click on the product code to see a picture)<br />
Cellophane bags to fit cushion padding<br />
Heatsealer<br />
'Pizza' style cardboard box (similar to <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/25-Brown-Corrugated-Cardboard-Pizza-Style-Boxes-11-x-5-5-x-2-/140305870290?hash=item20aae1add2:m:mUq1zvjQ3aT5SB2nIezSFig" target="_blank">this</a>)<br />
Tape, ribbon and tags<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5_f1bgtpXrRhVij4EgnOzVeO8Pnd_FIbNeX7xS-VLaT53VW5enkXtjyUncwBK7MdfbANvQxN5AM4g-nYOMFL6dDx8TfO2cLCTPgnxZniNqTkWVmx1NxWqDMRplxfiHeRPAgeKYb9/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dabbing royal icing on reverse of decorated cookie as glue to attach to cushion padding, by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5_f1bgtpXrRhVij4EgnOzVeO8Pnd_FIbNeX7xS-VLaT53VW5enkXtjyUncwBK7MdfbANvQxN5AM4g-nYOMFL6dDx8TfO2cLCTPgnxZniNqTkWVmx1NxWqDMRplxfiHeRPAgeKYb9/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping4.jpg" title="Using royal icing glue to attach sugar cookies" /></a></div>
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Once I've worked out the arrangement of the cookies on the cushion padding, I attach each one with two or three small dabs of royal icing 'glue'. A small amount will fix them quite firmly so they won't move in transit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGijsBSzjMjITdyBsR3kt0Joy1AyNInRhiScdQy9ZmgP751pIlAyrAx0mbm95LJ2-VJzah_O7Y0_3dE0vcLwvZkrayF6jQmF58x73FBSah5Y92w28xYLYS90sOd1Ui8__qg02KrV5/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cushion padding layers with decorated stylised flower cookies, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZGijsBSzjMjITdyBsR3kt0Joy1AyNInRhiScdQy9ZmgP751pIlAyrAx0mbm95LJ2-VJzah_O7Y0_3dE0vcLwvZkrayF6jQmF58x73FBSah5Y92w28xYLYS90sOd1Ui8__qg02KrV5/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping5.jpg" title="Layers of decorated flower cookies" /></a></div>
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They can be gently plucked off without tearing the paper, and just leaving small flat dabs of icing on the base of the cookie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAma_rMasPoUNK5afh5pgY1n2khI8dyQ2CqCEAd62vH-sjIubcE1Fk0goS_RvAmzHOSRqkC-4Fj5TS7aNDIZgqoA5geWWuSe7nqkBzLwGU9DN9BcZ6Tswc4RiVS-KlW5rvhGhj7M8i/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decorated cookie removed from cushion padding showing dried dabs of royal icing, cookie and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAma_rMasPoUNK5afh5pgY1n2khI8dyQ2CqCEAd62vH-sjIubcE1Fk0goS_RvAmzHOSRqkC-4Fj5TS7aNDIZgqoA5geWWuSe7nqkBzLwGU9DN9BcZ6Tswc4RiVS-KlW5rvhGhj7M8i/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping1.jpg" title="Cookie removed from cushion padding" /></a></div>
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I have large cellophane bags that fit over the cushion pads, and I heatseal them in place.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK01p43Zp926Qmz16Z_XhwjHU7NZkmamZ_ylcRNlmpEgkpHNWhtmW9g9pBpWt-noj53nekvBsLxt47n7gSPZIrKpi0ERP2Hg6SbTm-U9zcru_nWkset1RtiilTIAdssCtzblaaaVp5/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Heatsealing layer of flower cookies into cellophane, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK01p43Zp926Qmz16Z_XhwjHU7NZkmamZ_ylcRNlmpEgkpHNWhtmW9g9pBpWt-noj53nekvBsLxt47n7gSPZIrKpi0ERP2Hg6SbTm-U9zcru_nWkset1RtiilTIAdssCtzblaaaVp5/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping6.jpg" title="Heatsealing cookies" /></a></div>
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Each layer can lie on top of the next, with a final sheet of bubblewrap over the top prior to closing the box. These two inch deep boxes, with 5 ply cushion padding, and my cookies, will fit three layers comfortably with no movement.<br />
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Rather than wrap ribbon around the whole box, so that the customer has to undo it in order to see their cookies (most orders are gifts for people they know, rather than for themselves), I put tape and ribbon over just the lid, so that it's both pretty and accessible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs0hE9GqnpnwToTTszo06VvNX_FUj0ZyJ56wQ0PFre1XKzRtfA4H8OQ9ii9vpsksAFqjc7iR-YFtCnCOCDQ4ug1Y53xqJ7kHJhp1zHmUBiAxw3I_4nbKxQ2Zyx6w0ZkCtjDPe2sa9/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Customised gift box of decorated flower cookies, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUs0hE9GqnpnwToTTszo06VvNX_FUj0ZyJ56wQ0PFre1XKzRtfA4H8OQ9ii9vpsksAFqjc7iR-YFtCnCOCDQ4ug1Y53xqJ7kHJhp1zHmUBiAxw3I_4nbKxQ2Zyx6w0ZkCtjDPe2sa9/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping7.jpg" title="Decorated flower cookie gift box" /></a></div>
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The gift box then goes inside a resealable food bag, so that it's not affected by damp in the Royal Mail warehouses.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPBWtvgiP5r-bBN-oixJPTlriuL24cnAEsUlXVNZoYWSN0D2XUJBmrYLz803c1fZSeauI8am_reA4kSpPLvYC2tXbJq_OmNSgx-pcaHI-DwVLfe3ASKMeUUOylUikJqPxwxjW7CRi/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Decorated cookie gift box wrapped in plastic prior to shipping, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPBWtvgiP5r-bBN-oixJPTlriuL24cnAEsUlXVNZoYWSN0D2XUJBmrYLz803c1fZSeauI8am_reA4kSpPLvYC2tXbJq_OmNSgx-pcaHI-DwVLfe3ASKMeUUOylUikJqPxwxjW7CRi/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping9.jpg" title="Plastic wrapped cookie gift box" /></a></div>
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This then sits inside a larger postal box surrounded by packing peanuts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ri40KgyLNtebnFyMs-I8nNz5wYEf32BTyAb4Xel-d9Ur2rzVPZHkiQl6mwdtONa0cV2oO9qoFr0oODIJbHBtXLH5ZR84UdWhyS_jvI84XuwHJ9xEGUAmiDUZfB4ZB32cPfPsmGoo/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Plastic wrapped customised cookie gift box in postal box with packing peanuts prior to shipping" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ri40KgyLNtebnFyMs-I8nNz5wYEf32BTyAb4Xel-d9Ur2rzVPZHkiQl6mwdtONa0cV2oO9qoFr0oODIJbHBtXLH5ZR84UdWhyS_jvI84XuwHJ9xEGUAmiDUZfB4ZB32cPfPsmGoo/s1600/Packing-cookies-for-shipping10.jpg" title="Cookie gift box in postal box for shipping" /></a></div>
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Royal Mail 'small' parcel boxes will fit two of my gift boxes, making it a lot more affordable than it used to be - which is excellent news as all the couriers whose small print I've looked into don't actually carry 'foodstuffs', and are therefore unlikely to pay out if they were at fault over a damaged parcel.<br />
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And finally, here's a bunch of flaars... (and a whole bunch more in my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLr18ScZHJe9sq3WnZPmf0Agcnvf9iSQn3" target="_blank">'flowers' video playlist</a> in my Youtube account)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-32533113366091200312016-02-19T13:18:00.000-08:002016-07-26T09:14:36.319-07:00Wrapped Parcels: Valentine's Day Cookies for a Man<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfLmHlWLEQFrVneJHce_rCvgn5Sd3NNLCmzgElxviIXynja4E2byoxj8p3fDSJ8CAYcf8DvmTU7D2_BEFgUjp1eOCJ5CqDzT7cJ8FVzRk5ftZ85V49ZT5Fvq2m2yC_WRZpOGHzNKo/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Masculine Valentine's Day decorated cookies in wrapping and gift tag theme, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNfLmHlWLEQFrVneJHce_rCvgn5Sd3NNLCmzgElxviIXynja4E2byoxj8p3fDSJ8CAYcf8DvmTU7D2_BEFgUjp1eOCJ5CqDzT7cJ8FVzRk5ftZ85V49ZT5Fvq2m2yC_WRZpOGHzNKo/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men11.jpg" title="'Wrapped Parcel' Valentines Day Cookies for Men" /></a></div>
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Not very long ago, I asked my husband Martin to bring two chocolate biscuits back with him from the kitchen. He brought oranges. Quite apart from being a completely unacceptable substitute, just what on earth was he trying to tell me? I eat too many cookies? I should eat more fruit? He'd eaten the biscuits really quickly in the kitchen so he wouldn't have to share them with me? This was very dangerous territory, so close to Valentine's Day.<br />
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In the end, I asked the internet whether he deserved a set of Honeycat Cookies or not. And because I asked it on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoneycatCookies/" target="_blank">Honeycat Cookies page</a>, the overall consensus was that people wanted me to make <i>them</i> cookies (Martin just being the excuse). So here they are, and here's how I went about making them. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcFlLnC7CHrgxSJuZNykiXGCmBMqRvyfanS90MYcwjEd6VlxabssV0X9DQNK8etLO91fjWfo2EB3wrhBdIlY5T_FA0_URMm5wbvXTFcLUjwzIR5J3qrElMT6hErHjze871ArkucG_/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of decorated cookies in wrapping and gift tag theme, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcFlLnC7CHrgxSJuZNykiXGCmBMqRvyfanS90MYcwjEd6VlxabssV0X9DQNK8etLO91fjWfo2EB3wrhBdIlY5T_FA0_URMm5wbvXTFcLUjwzIR5J3qrElMT6hErHjze871ArkucG_/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men8.jpg" title="'Love' heart decoated Valentine's Day Cookie" /></a></div>
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I have a little Pinterest <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/honeycatcookies/" target="_blank">folder </a>full of pretty packaging (do you follow me over there? You should - I collect all sorts of images to inspire me for sets and then post photos of the cookies that resulted into the same folders). I try to make sure that any orders I make that will fit into nice boxes get pretty tags and ribbons, so opening the big messy postal box reveals a perfect little parcel inside.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyGjf9poo-mpOdtfcM132leX_wjaVZZxZ0YpRUPrUIIrLvhlDlGh6-lCXpPACMknFJq52cU7YT6JmoRMsdI5_9ONpbMSG1skZ7O2yQiUE9iD8mEuYFhlPyBEkifRX1ufsaUMmJJZ_/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Display of Valentine's Day cookies with ribbon and sugar buttons, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyGjf9poo-mpOdtfcM132leX_wjaVZZxZ0YpRUPrUIIrLvhlDlGh6-lCXpPACMknFJq52cU7YT6JmoRMsdI5_9ONpbMSG1skZ7O2yQiUE9iD8mEuYFhlPyBEkifRX1ufsaUMmJJZ_/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men7.jpg" title="Valentine's Day cookies for men" /></a></div>
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I was browsing for new images for this folder whilst pondering what Valentine's Day cookies for a man should look like, and it suddenly occured to me if I can't make pretty cookies, I can at least make prettily <i>wrapped </i>cookies!<br />
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I've had an urge to do something like this ever since <a href="http://thecookiearchitect.net/" target="_blank">The Cookie Architect</a> posted her gorgeous little <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheCookieArchitect/photos/pb.346628752116056.-2207520000.1455909800./833750846737175/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Christmas parcel</a> cookies. I wanted to use kraft brown and music 'paper' and some black, so I could try out a chalkboard effect. And though I mostly wanted these neutral colours, I reckoned the set needed a little 'something' to bring it to life, so I opted for adding hints of turquoise here and there. This set was a case of creating lots of different elements and dipping into them for each cookie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T8VnPlhp8PYdN1UGgMvut5v8FNkqadVx-vij7klD05cLdmnm86-AOzD6i9FC379IGGDcQhkMUxb8hwx5CxN8I09Pk5pm9iq6probDfQczGSXOCCpYXhHF3FhKo_VhKGm6GPyD1XF/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marzipan and lustre painted scrolls pre-made for Valentine's Day cookies, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6T8VnPlhp8PYdN1UGgMvut5v8FNkqadVx-vij7klD05cLdmnm86-AOzD6i9FC379IGGDcQhkMUxb8hwx5CxN8I09Pk5pm9iq6probDfQczGSXOCCpYXhHF3FhKo_VhKGm6GPyD1XF/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men3.jpg" title="Marzipan scrolls" /></a></div>
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I also wanted to make 3D elements, something I don't often get the opportunity to do as I usually have to wrap and post cookies. I used marzipan in some silicon molds, as well as cutting out little buttons and badges. On the whole it worked well, though it was impossible to get the edges perfectly sharp, due to the little almondy bits. It dried nicely and took the blue lustre paint very well indeed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcnE0Karaq5nwWzn_vO4DUB93q7C8eq7VFk2TFVfIeLVBpvaVrQBQWvttbyrSyE-XrZdAgBUguvt_pOZrR93QJqeOCzr6jWzbO9DQnYq4Qy3-y0n6m9CXxBjS_UvC6WpeMPdMh-r1/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Marzipan elements pre-made for Valentine's Day cookies, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcnE0Karaq5nwWzn_vO4DUB93q7C8eq7VFk2TFVfIeLVBpvaVrQBQWvttbyrSyE-XrZdAgBUguvt_pOZrR93QJqeOCzr6jWzbO9DQnYq4Qy3-y0n6m9CXxBjS_UvC6WpeMPdMh-r1/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men2.jpg" title="Lustre painted Marzipan buttons and labels for cookies" /></a></div>
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The musical notation I simply drew by hand with a black edible food pen onto the dried white base, dusted over with pearl dust to soften the effect. You can see me doing this in the video at the bottom of my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2016/04/elvis-on-biscuit-with-really-edible.html" target="_blank">Elvis Cookies</a> post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnmnZUKtBvtnP7djuqbo0Yf7vaFSN8qXRhC2goft2jXUA7scFGnqd6RvT_pO7qK6wCL4KIz3EK7u3bmk-PKvy0es9sCzMAg_e4VXSYVOl5rr4TUry_DcmicKx5TCJyLZ_zHoS-_ZK/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Musical notes hand drawn with edible pen onto heart shaped cookie, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjnmnZUKtBvtnP7djuqbo0Yf7vaFSN8qXRhC2goft2jXUA7scFGnqd6RvT_pO7qK6wCL4KIz3EK7u3bmk-PKvy0es9sCzMAg_e4VXSYVOl5rr4TUry_DcmicKx5TCJyLZ_zHoS-_ZK/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men5.jpg" title="Heart cookie with hand drawn musical notation" /></a></div>
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The black flood was piped onto a dried brown base, then I used white food colour (Americolor) straight from the bottle to paint leaves onto the dried black. I was really pleased with how effective and easy this was.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP-DZ5uJyow4jLtrPIZcArL-PcmOXp7xf3eLRkgKQ9jCg0Ly0wHK3Cix3UU0GOJVgJFD_ufaKFmhYBtSDX_Cn1SbcTqZBzUN7miiVrFquPneE9-itibaZ4i6GaeZhu6t3DgWHFV1K/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Three steps to adding chalkboard royal icing effect to Valentine's Day cookie, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP-DZ5uJyow4jLtrPIZcArL-PcmOXp7xf3eLRkgKQ9jCg0Ly0wHK3Cix3UU0GOJVgJFD_ufaKFmhYBtSDX_Cn1SbcTqZBzUN7miiVrFquPneE9-itibaZ4i6GaeZhu6t3DgWHFV1K/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men4.jpg" title="Steps to creating wrapped chalkboard paper effect on cookie" /></a></div>
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The little spruce branches were piped onto a lightly crushed and lustre dusted surface. I used the flat end of a chop stick to gently crush the just-crusted surface of the royal icing. The dry cookie was then lustre-dusted with Sugarflair 'champagne' dust. <br />
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Using stiff brown and stiff green RI with PME no. 1 tips I first piped the stem and tips, before piping the first layer of green needles sticking out irregularly from the stem. On the next pass I piped needles that were more parallel to the stem, crossing the ones below. Another easy, effective technique! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtwmnST0XCeHe0zd4f7COGFguy2F18CL7JbZ5Tu5mr7eKZaxswpCzq2ut-y1Nsn8Ul81qogyU8hi1Vb0YAJ0ryDzOgl_TqU4Yx7ipYp90nO88ydcoL3nBr-JhbT532UA-b52XgMHm/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Adding royal icing spruce sprig to Valentine's Day cookie, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtwmnST0XCeHe0zd4f7COGFguy2F18CL7JbZ5Tu5mr7eKZaxswpCzq2ut-y1Nsn8Ul81qogyU8hi1Vb0YAJ0ryDzOgl_TqU4Yx7ipYp90nO88ydcoL3nBr-JhbT532UA-b52XgMHm/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men1.jpg" title="Four steps to creating spruce sprig effect on cookie" /></a></div>
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After that it was a matter of using stiff blue and brown piping with a PME tip no. 1 to pipe layers of string, adding seperate elements, such as the buttons and RI transfer 'M's I'd already piped and let dry, with little bows here and there.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASLRai-fqFEmkXwc-jl0EH4aDCH11PkTsG2Nz0FTP7SoWZW_g7zOoLSUHszXEIuHVcvwK88cWljSiMVQzWki_F1AqN24Bcu0Xux1dAbtsPYFexUgAPq5T0nQabpba28MTVDnBxe-o/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mini cookies with royal icing and marzipan decoration, cookies and photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhASLRai-fqFEmkXwc-jl0EH4aDCH11PkTsG2Nz0FTP7SoWZW_g7zOoLSUHszXEIuHVcvwK88cWljSiMVQzWki_F1AqN24Bcu0Xux1dAbtsPYFexUgAPq5T0nQabpba28MTVDnBxe-o/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men6.jpg" title="Tiny heart cookies with marzipan " /></a></div>
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In the end, I think it created a pretty and gently muted set of cookies. Martin has often complained that I won't let him eat special cookies I make for him (I still have the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoneycatCookies/photos/pb.300343123326487.-2207520000.1455910813./791614360866025/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">hot air balloon</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBH8rM2M8p4" target="_blank">Hare and Fox</a> cookies in my cupboard) but when I gave him these he promptly decided he couldn't eat them. Which is slightly annoying as I'd like to know how that marzipan turned out...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSPAJufdzr8BVGrsHYIC82ynRwuMM69ETfkNwAqysudDnTZl9MaljHXL4wRDB6wK-wBRV9hhWCRCyrTHkSsuqTTmHN5G9w8hYUQLsEvKlNQRWntWLQOOawwwg1Cr5d9YrUiUsomN3/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Valentine's Day decorated cookies for a man, displayed with Honeycat Cookies gift tags" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSPAJufdzr8BVGrsHYIC82ynRwuMM69ETfkNwAqysudDnTZl9MaljHXL4wRDB6wK-wBRV9hhWCRCyrTHkSsuqTTmHN5G9w8hYUQLsEvKlNQRWntWLQOOawwwg1Cr5d9YrUiUsomN3/s1600/Valentines-Cookies-for-Men10.jpg" title="Full set of Valentine's Day Cookies for men" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-29244603930088376092015-12-17T01:54:00.003-08:002016-07-31T14:09:35.365-07:00Edible Silver Moonface Cookie with Video<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPXBUrBfEpCBLJCwLFzrSO7Z6-VXEGpOKZy7cN1d-HcamXqstwC8m9TZzlIjCn7asUOmb9TUvaV2vaZGgESxX5yzJwfUwuBnaZdFKfDmz1IxalQIOW4Dwt839Ejm57INzVR0JZQYx/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPXBUrBfEpCBLJCwLFzrSO7Z6-VXEGpOKZy7cN1d-HcamXqstwC8m9TZzlIjCn7asUOmb9TUvaV2vaZGgESxX5yzJwfUwuBnaZdFKfDmz1IxalQIOW4Dwt839Ejm57INzVR0JZQYx/s640/Moonface+Silver+Cookie3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been fiddling about with edible silver this Christmas. It's bloody tricky stuff! I'm very much an amateur, put off practicing by the price of the silver. But it's so beautiful, it gleams like no lustre dust or paint, and creates a lovely surface to pipe onto.<br />
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Whilst I've been keeping it simple for most of my Christmas cookies, with a round moon over which to pipe and paint a leaping hare, for this year's gingerbread collaboration, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.893161444094277.1073741830.113861882024241&type=3">The Ginger Tree</a>, organised by Beth Bougie of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lovebugcakesandcookies/">Love Bugs Cakes and Cookies</a>, I got it into my head to gild a moon with raised features. It was awkward. I just made the one, and I filmed it for you. It's heavily edited as there was a lot of fiddling, and patching up required, and ended up looking a little 'cracked', an effect I rather liked, for a four and a half billion year old face.<br />
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<a href="https://youtu.be/T6a27-ycERI" target="_blank">See my Hare leaping over a Silver Moon cookie. </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJj9a0lhwFRiYbImM5nSeQ5fFYlGPKrGAzZ6L8Y1EjhxgDTDEOJ3RAQ3X6pL4qofzgvlQ_3VU5etNPvHIJSFh-qN_vrGHBrweGPBS5NTgjX8yNJug-JUwGTNX53w_0mepQVd9fgzX/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJj9a0lhwFRiYbImM5nSeQ5fFYlGPKrGAzZ6L8Y1EjhxgDTDEOJ3RAQ3X6pL4qofzgvlQ_3VU5etNPvHIJSFh-qN_vrGHBrweGPBS5NTgjX8yNJug-JUwGTNX53w_0mepQVd9fgzX/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie1.jpg" /></a><br />
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I picked up a little information along the way, which I shall record here, and might come back to edit if I become at all competent in the future.<br />
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Always make sure to buy edible silver leaf. The craft stuff won't necessarily be pure silver, it may be mixed with inedible elements, and it won't have been produced in a food safe environment. Apparently there are 'fakes' on the market - or at least, they're not edible, sold as on a 'base' which might be something like aluminium. Nothing wrong with this unless they're selling it as edible.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAIH0NbqhirtXLIwoIF_Sv8cvvvNPxAGJ7qU36WvjaPHvVkUFARK-rCkzAnXtjUcqxC3glet95YhjKslSxdL4t_TV1tWwHEzoow5UHAAVEdAOLK2Vc7etsD4A5s5CoxL-u9en1Z0N/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAIH0NbqhirtXLIwoIF_Sv8cvvvNPxAGJ7qU36WvjaPHvVkUFARK-rCkzAnXtjUcqxC3glet95YhjKslSxdL4t_TV1tWwHEzoow5UHAAVEdAOLK2Vc7etsD4A5s5CoxL-u9en1Z0N/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie4.jpg" /></a><br />
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The leaf comes loose between fine tissue sheets, usually in a little booklet. In this case, you have to manhandle the leaf out of the booklet and onto the cookie. This is a nightmare. I bought two sheets from Sainsbury's, and the first thing that happened as I was pulling out the booklet from its cardboard wallet, was one of the sheets whizzed out, broke up and fizzled away. This stuff is so thin it's pretty much non existent!<br />
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The other way to buy it is on transfer sheets. It's attached to the sheet of tissue somehow, so that you can carry and position it easily, then as the leaf adheres to your sticky surface, the tissue (mostly) lifts away leaving the leaf behind. This is the stuff I've been using.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhal64BHhkcBxlj3_w0aCWNoQFwF3REHD4yc5trn13FvoXZHIGE_N3rQtIBOd8D1VMg1mHI9rvEBfyc5SeXzqsZVFwSVUeK_QIVPmyej8LTI7W_DqkoXcGSsaR_iD1HlKa6XR1obp/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhal64BHhkcBxlj3_w0aCWNoQFwF3REHD4yc5trn13FvoXZHIGE_N3rQtIBOd8D1VMg1mHI9rvEBfyc5SeXzqsZVFwSVUeK_QIVPmyej8LTI7W_DqkoXcGSsaR_iD1HlKa6XR1obp/s1600/Moonface+Silver+Cookie2.jpg" /></a><br />
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It'll stick to just about anything, either through static (like to my metal tweezers, my brush, my fingers, the dry biscuit, my desk...) or through a damp sticky surface. I've only tried using it on edible glue, though I imagine just using water to wet the sugar surface would probably work too. For this reason, I found it very difficult to neatly cover just one element on the cookie: it stuck to the cookie surface too, so I gilded the moons and then iced around them once it was dry. <br />
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When you first attach it, if the surface is wet enough, it'll slide around and mush up/pull off quite easily. So if you need to patch areas, pop little patches of leaf, but don't try and brush away the edges or work on it too much, or you'll ruin the whole thing. But once it's dried thoroughly, it's a really good strong surface - you can brush it to remove any little floaty bits, and polish it up with a finger or brush. It's lovely to trace an outline onto with a scribe tool. And my, how it gleams!<br />
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And most importantly - it doesn't affect the taste or texture of the cookie. It's so fine, that you cannot feel it at all when you bite into the cookie, and there's no flavour. So here's the video - I have to apologise for not showing the formation of the face in icing properly, but my battery ran out!<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5-XvgXIIfr8" width="560"></iframe>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-25695394166473647502015-11-15T12:05:00.000-08:002016-08-01T04:10:12.836-07:00Venice. (Cake Masters Magazine Cookie Award 2015!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3FlNxZovbqDXnmEiAmQpD0vMoCHntbcHCqPLL7Nkmh75KIr2eUg1Ids5HsM3qmb22Tri3xkHSh3LVnwepnp_w4GQcxD6cX0Rg7TD8WM53_Z6HIfk4WeB3X4c6CRFwI8yMDXO_Jk-/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3FlNxZovbqDXnmEiAmQpD0vMoCHntbcHCqPLL7Nkmh75KIr2eUg1Ids5HsM3qmb22Tri3xkHSh3LVnwepnp_w4GQcxD6cX0Rg7TD8WM53_Z6HIfk4WeB3X4c6CRFwI8yMDXO_Jk-/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio2.jpg" /></a><br />
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Back in October I had an email right out of the blue, from <a href="http://www.cakemasters.co.uk/about-us/">Cake Masters Magazine</a>, telling me I had been nominated for their 2015 Cookie Award, at their annual Cake Awards and was one of four finalists, the others being Marta Torres of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Cookie-Lab-Bolachas-Decoradas-Artesanais-296345657141199/?fref=ts">The Cookie Lab</a>, Sandra Velez-Beltran of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YouCanCallMeSweetie/?fref=ts">You Can Call Me Sweetie</a> and Kim Coleman of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sugarrushcustomcookies/?fref=ts">Sugar Rush Custom Cookies</a>. <br />
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They wanted me to send in a portfolio of ten pictures of my work, which I'm using to illustrate this post. Because who doesn't love a re-hash? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vm-3fPMgvHAzn07_FzNZqq2hlGyAzyKkWGZQH9w611yKFUV9npPhIhoO_GSNEgT9C27_lZg6opKSzjwW1Er1pZyLgNNrjybS47ZHD2a_c0zrbXmoJXjnBucdnih6_G96TrdjhGiR/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio10.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vm-3fPMgvHAzn07_FzNZqq2hlGyAzyKkWGZQH9w611yKFUV9npPhIhoO_GSNEgT9C27_lZg6opKSzjwW1Er1pZyLgNNrjybS47ZHD2a_c0zrbXmoJXjnBucdnih6_G96TrdjhGiR/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio10.jpg" /></a><br />
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I was incredibly excited to be selected amongst such amazing cookie artists and equally devastated to learn that even though this amazing event, known unofficially as the Cake Oscars, is held in my home city, I COULDN'T GO! <br />
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Seriously, I couldn't go! <br />
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Just because this year marks the tenth year of my husband and I managing to stick together (because free cookies) and we'd booked a repeat of our honeymoon (henceforth to be known as 'honeymoon') to Venice. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi3S1wwp_Ui969sb-JSptdzEqsKF9loRw4JiqakwSFb3-xMW5PP9ge5fXQRCU97ucREdcq0h1yhLMLGmOSLxT8KYt-i8ld2I44Q_ppJimXmgMeoxYYEAHPQxT5LtFdezBtuL74nqV/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio11.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi3S1wwp_Ui969sb-JSptdzEqsKF9loRw4JiqakwSFb3-xMW5PP9ge5fXQRCU97ucREdcq0h1yhLMLGmOSLxT8KYt-i8ld2I44Q_ppJimXmgMeoxYYEAHPQxT5LtFdezBtuL74nqV/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio11.jpg" /></a><br />
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Beyond squeaking a fair bit about being a finalist, I tried to keep quiet, I really did. I know it's not good form to ask your husband to postpone a (long-planned, expensive, no-cancellation) romantic trip because some people like your cookies. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTi0NJgmXfKimyvwGuHho3TPB29y_DTk8bafhi22dIbB9SaaU816yBBnCuqSc-R6h5ZxrhWtMhqeDvAedOhxvupxan-_eSy0Psz2inHmXCGy8EkeQev-l215bkwVZV01KCmF1p7yo/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio7.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTi0NJgmXfKimyvwGuHho3TPB29y_DTk8bafhi22dIbB9SaaU816yBBnCuqSc-R6h5ZxrhWtMhqeDvAedOhxvupxan-_eSy0Psz2inHmXCGy8EkeQev-l215bkwVZV01KCmF1p7yo/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio7.jpg" /></a><br />
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But I did. I gave in. I asked if there was any way we could go on our 'honeymoon' a day late. Or even a few hours - shooting up the motorway and rushing through airport security in evening dress. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI71_PLNq-Jr0AoSvHrCZFIIQYr0vVqcDngnUJm4OeNn_ljdlvgaaviBQUUIlLI2uDd6KhwATvybYEBHI14On4gHdLjKPbuN8qlLxaY3bUjk49O-1oIRbyba6a3YBA1EiUoCIwFA-d/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI71_PLNq-Jr0AoSvHrCZFIIQYr0vVqcDngnUJm4OeNn_ljdlvgaaviBQUUIlLI2uDd6KhwATvybYEBHI14On4gHdLjKPbuN8qlLxaY3bUjk49O-1oIRbyba6a3YBA1EiUoCIwFA-d/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio1.jpg" /></a><br />
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Turns out though, that they don't want people from the Midlands going to Venice too often because the next plane wasn't until several days later, effectively halving our 'honeymoon'. Even if we'd been prepared to pay all over again for new flights. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2sunyMODKugdco1LSi-9vnh7HQVL_a60ykuRtjvQ8PVB_GNVXz7HnkcPJSaPUgwsWhEgBsHpZeSqWhvLaJKuiM59GwxJrsInrNL8eHaksZolYUPMffmlxtBWIvph_iHMhLTauRrW/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio9.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2sunyMODKugdco1LSi-9vnh7HQVL_a60ykuRtjvQ8PVB_GNVXz7HnkcPJSaPUgwsWhEgBsHpZeSqWhvLaJKuiM59GwxJrsInrNL8eHaksZolYUPMffmlxtBWIvph_iHMhLTauRrW/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio9.jpg" /></a><br />
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And apparently, it's not fair to expect your husband to spend the first half of his 'honeymoon' alone in Venice. (I don't know, he had books. And wifi.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiljGRWongIaydtuTkXZsoVALBddW53Bd7CwIMXsyBvmbyBj6jJicPoQF08X6OS8xnuyuPF7v59M4Dsq4dBDhESl3w3N2Opocfz7FHqJxsQnw-Xjv7ST6WewOboTd0cQQwdyU5MHIO/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiljGRWongIaydtuTkXZsoVALBddW53Bd7CwIMXsyBvmbyBj6jJicPoQF08X6OS8xnuyuPF7v59M4Dsq4dBDhESl3w3N2Opocfz7FHqJxsQnw-Xjv7ST6WewOboTd0cQQwdyU5MHIO/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio4.jpg" /></a><br />
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So I went to Venice, and all the cake people, including my personal hero Peggy Porschen (who unwittingly got me into this mess in the first place, by producing such pretty books with cookies in them) went to the glamorous awards ceremony. And while it was all going on, I was eating pasta, drinking prosecco and wandering the streets in Venice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sg9rx2KJ8MSToYIha2m-DRusQcWR12SJh_JJ-nDLbKpDE15iOiI0o4tcklaW8mTAzJoqqrPyr7-NaYIre93XCCqUvlwJx1dCl5AJhawLroVpf5895Ohvixy2NL_iBm1cpAHVcoN9/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio5.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sg9rx2KJ8MSToYIha2m-DRusQcWR12SJh_JJ-nDLbKpDE15iOiI0o4tcklaW8mTAzJoqqrPyr7-NaYIre93XCCqUvlwJx1dCl5AJhawLroVpf5895Ohvixy2NL_iBm1cpAHVcoN9/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio5.jpg" /></a><br />
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And it was lovely. I could cry it was so lovely. There was mist, and coffee, and peeling paint and coloured brick, and wine. Exuberant restaurateurs; fabulous, theatrical masks; gold mosaics. Tiny bridges; miniature dogs; little biscuits. Cream horns. (A few of those.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ_Jc4E-JgTyJP6smE69h8ex7Qoxge7Nnw5q56_2NTljzkkKVjHeyyv57zqszSepLaece5D7kuilAzUXrEIKAeZIOiNYYZDqbaDHbQUSwFhrzBqdmm3obMr6GJdMRYtNJe6fS8R2P/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio6.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQ_Jc4E-JgTyJP6smE69h8ex7Qoxge7Nnw5q56_2NTljzkkKVjHeyyv57zqszSepLaece5D7kuilAzUXrEIKAeZIOiNYYZDqbaDHbQUSwFhrzBqdmm3obMr6GJdMRYtNJe6fS8R2P/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio6.jpg" /></a><br />
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There was a wonderful evening spent in the company of Marta, from the Cookie Lab, and her husband, who by sheer coincidence were also in Venice. The four of us spent a wonderful time talking about cookies and drinking prosecco.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEw8bklf1yafcB97y3D8H2ApeQ0srNW5vt-HkaObj9puRcKTtNCg5g0WGf-g1FaA8fGfV9-RWlf4vvCi5xp1YnnRZ919undgWH9h8pHbGalNiV0_oGJJ6Y6Ab8VrYqdyyYPXfYs7F/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEw8bklf1yafcB97y3D8H2ApeQ0srNW5vt-HkaObj9puRcKTtNCg5g0WGf-g1FaA8fGfV9-RWlf4vvCi5xp1YnnRZ919undgWH9h8pHbGalNiV0_oGJJ6Y6Ab8VrYqdyyYPXfYs7F/s1600/Cake+Masters+Award+Portfolio3.jpg" /></a><br />
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There was a text from my mother saying she'd seen a picture of me on Cake Masters' facebook page; cue a lot more squeaking, and struggling with my tiny phone and miniature wifi to discover that Honeycat Cookies had, indeed, won the Cookie Award.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RxgLten92z-cp1fj0UR2dx6Kn8gHvwqjOSdTDEuXbxGJ1BEq_eQbgR9zhaKs3dFjStucXGK1hd7MHpuevKXzJJfLYX_gTlbtBwxDJumXvcCNjTqswf_8b93sq_XFMeplzxBXFBNb/s1600/Drinks+in+Venice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RxgLten92z-cp1fj0UR2dx6Kn8gHvwqjOSdTDEuXbxGJ1BEq_eQbgR9zhaKs3dFjStucXGK1hd7MHpuevKXzJJfLYX_gTlbtBwxDJumXvcCNjTqswf_8b93sq_XFMeplzxBXFBNb/s400/Drinks+in+Venice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And of course there was Martin. And I wouldn't have given up a minute with him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-13681944438304943972015-10-28T11:01:00.000-07:002016-08-01T06:13:59.924-07:00An Autumn Cookie Jigsaw or 'Cookiesaw'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuqAEBuXvatEtxOJdk98wx5gkL_pj4ti6L-WujjNCtx2IpwEQka4TnLOJ8JByld9A0MB8NVXfMs5bPFQLeQgtewMm6hgj1wYjH8ET6O2lFP8bgqZr1_JQ5cT-X2nxt6dzyKb-aGpg/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuqAEBuXvatEtxOJdk98wx5gkL_pj4ti6L-WujjNCtx2IpwEQka4TnLOJ8JByld9A0MB8NVXfMs5bPFQLeQgtewMm6hgj1wYjH8ET6O2lFP8bgqZr1_JQ5cT-X2nxt6dzyKb-aGpg/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw4.jpg" /></a><br />
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I can't deny it any longer. Summer's gone, the clocks have turned back so the evenings are dark. It won't be long before the mornings are dark too. Out come the blankets and slippers. I'd start drinking mulled wine, but apparently that's not appropriate for breakfast. Time to hibernate, like this little mouse. <br />
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I decided to document the whole process of making this cookiesaw from scratch so this is a picture heavy post, but I hope it shows the process clearly enough.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/sugar-cookie-recipe.html" target="_blank">Get my sugar cookie recipe here!</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjLMdOA_do2hHzF8nIJFXxfiZFM6q71psY0DTZo0MBf9bBssHj4axhHRgq3-g9cWK9qVhCxqrrBMbZkDsWN64S7-qQ5Zhs04HL2ZJJmmrlKZ0rD9stJuW0G9B6r1Tn0A_vo_o8yPB/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjLMdOA_do2hHzF8nIJFXxfiZFM6q71psY0DTZo0MBf9bBssHj4axhHRgq3-g9cWK9qVhCxqrrBMbZkDsWN64S7-qQ5Zhs04HL2ZJJmmrlKZ0rD9stJuW0G9B6r1Tn0A_vo_o8yPB/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw3.jpg" /></a><br />
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Naturally enough I started with a sheet of dough, which I cut into a 9" square. This I marked by eye into sixteen wibbly pieces by tracing meandering lines across and down. I only gently scratched the lines, so that I could smooth them over and start again if necessary.<br />
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Then I cut using a scalpel, carefully seperating the shapes and - most important this! - laid them on the baking sheet in their rows, being very careful not to muddle up the position. To create the frame, I baked long rectangles of random lengths, enough to go all around the edge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWztPg-8hGruc0W8xxUZ7bLwyETfmcwr0K9TtJ6pX-g8MIQTGG_vJ0y5xjUu0bNs_Y5HB4EUNGOEgwkB8MezEV6zROGBu9KTmQz_2bzQuW6Le7hA8z_3DyI27OXOfocy65kvp8SMO5/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWztPg-8hGruc0W8xxUZ7bLwyETfmcwr0K9TtJ6pX-g8MIQTGG_vJ0y5xjUu0bNs_Y5HB4EUNGOEgwkB8MezEV6zROGBu9KTmQz_2bzQuW6Le7hA8z_3DyI27OXOfocy65kvp8SMO5/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw2.jpg" /></a><br />
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You can see how the small amount of spread these cookies have when baked, really messes up the tight design of the cookiesaw! (Though if you weren't actually creating a single design, I quite like how they've turned out - makes me think I'd like to grout all those gaps with royal icing!).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/how-to-create-perfect-sugar-cookie.html" target="_blank">See all my tips for baking smooth minimal-spread cookies for decorating!</a> </div>
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So this is where the hard work starts - I use a microplane for the outer, straight edges, and a 6" long round file to gradually file away bits here and bits there until I get a tight fit. It means going back and forth between cookies, with constant small adjustments. But eventually they start to fit together tightly, as you can see from these process shots.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vUOxfX3JJ8tuKsPEY9E0G1sUMTIiHjyzPess10SjUWDnVRtUZVXaKvMgeOTZZlRm3JFoxD6P_JS4iJYYkC09CtTzONw9JsUT1tNfMJ1v3Gp8NQMn12DE1SOf-WO3NrKDSYFLbtJW/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vUOxfX3JJ8tuKsPEY9E0G1sUMTIiHjyzPess10SjUWDnVRtUZVXaKvMgeOTZZlRm3JFoxD6P_JS4iJYYkC09CtTzONw9JsUT1tNfMJ1v3Gp8NQMn12DE1SOf-WO3NrKDSYFLbtJW/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw1.jpg" /></a><br />
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And now comes the fun part. The whole lot was flooded in plain white icing, very carefully right to the edges, and allowed to dry thoroughly. Now I could start painting the background.<br />
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This cookiesaw had to have Scottish elements, and I wanted to create a background reminiscent of hills of Scottish heather. (I looked at photos and old paintings to get an idea of the colours and how to blend them). I used a large brush, and built up the colour in layers until it felt right.<br />
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<a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/honeycatcookies/scottish-autumn-cookiesaw/" target="_blank">You can see my Pinterest board for the inspiration for this cookiesaw here</a><a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/honeycatcookies/scottish-autumn-cookiesaw/" target="_blank">. (Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest for more cookie inspiration!)</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NKy1Jm_ZyM5D1pi8fLDdoCKacxPVHiKHIreKOfQGt5wVIkmASXxbpnc0AhSn-ECsTGdE4tuLGC8moO2YguseWh35vqoaIXJnOWUaNwwKA5T1KLoXXOdsYvYkzPW7zIik0BtEf8Z5/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw8.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NKy1Jm_ZyM5D1pi8fLDdoCKacxPVHiKHIreKOfQGt5wVIkmASXxbpnc0AhSn-ECsTGdE4tuLGC8moO2YguseWh35vqoaIXJnOWUaNwwKA5T1KLoXXOdsYvYkzPW7zIik0BtEf8Z5/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw8.jpg" /></a><br />
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To keep colour mixing down, I used only white, black for the blackberries, and orangey-red for the hips. Most of the design was in my head, with one tiny sketch I did just before starting - like many projects, this was one I had mulled over for a while, elements coming together gradually, often as I'm falling asleep.<br />
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I wanted grasses, I needed to add a Scottish thistle, and I wanted to include a handpainted version of <a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/what-s-new-honeycat-harvest-mouse-set">this little harvest mouse cookie</a> I created for a 'What's New, Honeycat?' Cookie Connection tutorial (I used the same tutorial's technique for the blackberries too). And so I started piping. In the last picture above, I have just started handpainting the mouse. Click on the collages to enlarge if you want to see more detail. I have also uploaded large versions of the individual images to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/42900722@N05/sets/72157660446135701" target="_blank">my Flickr account</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVEkmeF-txvjk623NbBONNYJXuPaykx6HZKYilInE66KFQ7a-aRNlczr9gVQ5pyhh6gF4igvmjj657lStWgX3kLFfKiJ3x0pcXjd6cZcEuzQ-24rhl_hXn6kfiEA_-pLCfdA9LEob/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw6.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUVEkmeF-txvjk623NbBONNYJXuPaykx6HZKYilInE66KFQ7a-aRNlczr9gVQ5pyhh6gF4igvmjj657lStWgX3kLFfKiJ3x0pcXjd6cZcEuzQ-24rhl_hXn6kfiEA_-pLCfdA9LEob/s640/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw6.jpg" /></a><br />
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After this, I continued handpainting the rest, using a little pearl lustre on the thistle seedheads, and light gold lustre on the grass seads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U5aUuBbkEpceLzoMEDGs_JPR-Fh7LaiHb7eb8kmAsFIYVosuyzsYrxYy3kRZxT4eO7FOeFw1SYfBIiG3zyNxk7_JmQzsZE6q5BDePf_DKi5C7KwJx-UDM0ta-k-s9PpPAdtEL5jv/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw7.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5U5aUuBbkEpceLzoMEDGs_JPR-Fh7LaiHb7eb8kmAsFIYVosuyzsYrxYy3kRZxT4eO7FOeFw1SYfBIiG3zyNxk7_JmQzsZE6q5BDePf_DKi5C7KwJx-UDM0ta-k-s9PpPAdtEL5jv/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw7.jpg" /></a><br />
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The edges I flooded in white, and sprayed very lightly in gold, to form a frame. I then added royal icing embellishments I'd made seperately. The honeybee bodies were piped in white royal icing on cellophane, dried, then painted. Once stuck onto the cookiesaw their legs and wings were piped and then painted, using a little lustre on the wings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QtQTdyJdZngTgRt_HSH7ZETAB01ZGwhz2tLLnzi0RYGj4WlNkEoEdlzjq4CTuXEwdvMVm2buXBKijdr4ZCUb3u1Gj0U_COwDKT0U2p3QdFh_4k5tSbTKrGhgE058UccRxSSaPMOs/s1600/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw5.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QtQTdyJdZngTgRt_HSH7ZETAB01ZGwhz2tLLnzi0RYGj4WlNkEoEdlzjq4CTuXEwdvMVm2buXBKijdr4ZCUb3u1Gj0U_COwDKT0U2p3QdFh_4k5tSbTKrGhgE058UccRxSSaPMOs/s640/Autumn+Cookie+Jigsaw5.jpg" /></a><br />
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The butterfly's wings were piped, dried and painted seperately. I piped a body directly onto the cookiesaw, stuck the wings in and propped them up until they were dry, adding a little more icing at the base of each wing, out of sight, for strength. (You might just be able to tell that I used a couple of googly royal icing eyes as props!) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1a5IrWWEEDh5RwCPyS2IExtqcmH26BX2VEOxhnrGhwDEpNmf3PTa5T_5vLEGcILfbH5IrpkPFVR8cEdKNnT6irSa88moN6vi-g_4HaXexPdmlqV8-qQc_0V2y9nQiJcqv2VIn7aC/s1600/Attaching-royal-icing-butte.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1a5IrWWEEDh5RwCPyS2IExtqcmH26BX2VEOxhnrGhwDEpNmf3PTa5T_5vLEGcILfbH5IrpkPFVR8cEdKNnT6irSa88moN6vi-g_4HaXexPdmlqV8-qQc_0V2y9nQiJcqv2VIn7aC/s640/Attaching-royal-icing-butte.jpg" /></a><br />
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So whilst this is a flat piece of work, it ended up with plenty of texture and a few raised elements. Having done a <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/07/cookiesaw-cookie-garden-jigsaw-puzzle.html" target="_blank">Summer Garden Cookiesaw</a>, and now an autumn one, I'm now hoping I might find time over the next few months to do a winter one, and if you subscribe, you might just find out...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TRnHMpEdGxYPYECUhUPhVIaRoWJQdG_rYMiXng6T0ikpPKcq_R5NP2YvszbfCl0tVgcIqmPM-wiOEMD4_y7UIsBzXyeHKlxZIKGaZTjV7LaGjBimpM0hWqZTDc7ld_tI4YjIbnSu/s1600/Autumn-Cookie-Jigsaw9.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4TRnHMpEdGxYPYECUhUPhVIaRoWJQdG_rYMiXng6T0ikpPKcq_R5NP2YvszbfCl0tVgcIqmPM-wiOEMD4_y7UIsBzXyeHKlxZIKGaZTjV7LaGjBimpM0hWqZTDc7ld_tI4YjIbnSu/s1600/Autumn-Cookie-Jigsaw9.jpg" /></a><br />
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Edited to add this brief video montage of all the stages...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KpboQrcAd4Q" width="560"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-64258971106135941062015-10-08T09:50:00.002-07:002016-02-19T14:36:27.630-08:00All the Doctors. A Doctor Who Decorated Cookie Set<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ozsLmlPFaT1TTpVHB6ejvIKE7fcTc-2_HJHGtXY_XBZTCoHQkZgWG8CunuSukWgq9ru9GEie2qN9xZZwpatlREOUGSyLg-6xSe81KqMkydov6F6DpjRtvQKFaWopUA6rBQrLgf_r/s1600/DSC_1475raw+copypic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ozsLmlPFaT1TTpVHB6ejvIKE7fcTc-2_HJHGtXY_XBZTCoHQkZgWG8CunuSukWgq9ru9GEie2qN9xZZwpatlREOUGSyLg-6xSe81KqMkydov6F6DpjRtvQKFaWopUA6rBQrLgf_r/s1600/DSC_1475raw+copypic.jpg" title="'All the Doctors'. Doctor Who Decorated Cookie Set" width="610" /></a></div>
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My brother is a fervent Doctor Who fan, and also at a recent birthday turned very old indeed. He's had Doctor Who cookies from me before, but this time I wanted to do something a little different. So I decided to do ALL the doctors on cookies. (Except Peter Cushing, who doesn't count because apparently he's actually a fictional film Doctor within the Doctor Who universe or some equally confusing nested reality scenario...). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQO44tuGRp2XYhD4nyebSZ9VC5AIadWmOs-HEJh42ZMY7yWjlvqQoXJUUyA1KszcChc6lpYPKfvQoIe9pLqZi-0ow8I-iDUS5TCo5xjOAe_vBqpz9vO5CxjwhKxHH_k6sghlz8Yjt/s1600/DSC_1490rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYQO44tuGRp2XYhD4nyebSZ9VC5AIadWmOs-HEJh42ZMY7yWjlvqQoXJUUyA1KszcChc6lpYPKfvQoIe9pLqZi-0ow8I-iDUS5TCo5xjOAe_vBqpz9vO5CxjwhKxHH_k6sghlz8Yjt/s400/DSC_1490rawpic.jpg" title="Tom Baker Fourth Doctor Who Decorated Cookie" width="265" /></a></div>
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So I put all monster images aside and turned to the problem of how to depict all the different Doctors, without ending up handpainting or mixing multiple colours until the end of time and space. Luckily, the design of the Doctors lends itself well to stylised versions. Their costumes, hair and so on are very recognisable, to the point of iconic. There are plenty of cartoon and stylised versions out there in fan art, but I wanted to create my own. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLORPtiVloWR_bPNkrnUx9YzpbAkJBhHWZyn_e0k33BFn15yyqfjzoYVM7HqIMOzd9GBtFTSQXfGvCtp9_kL9oTiY3E7cfteLczokuZ915FTGNiGz1NTb6Zamf3EB4x0XKxwSz-Wc/s1600/DSC_1456rawpic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXLORPtiVloWR_bPNkrnUx9YzpbAkJBhHWZyn_e0k33BFn15yyqfjzoYVM7HqIMOzd9GBtFTSQXfGvCtp9_kL9oTiY3E7cfteLczokuZ915FTGNiGz1NTb6Zamf3EB4x0XKxwSz-Wc/s1600/DSC_1456rawpic2.jpg" title="Base Cookies for Doctor Who Decorated Cookie Set" width="610" /></a></div>
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As a base for each Doctor I chose a simple rectangle, cutting the dough directly with a ruler and scalpel, with some microplaning after cooking to get clean straight edges. Then I agonised over what background they should all be on... until I fell upon the idea of recreating Tom Baker's scarf! <br />
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I chose the lightest colour of the scarf as a base flood, and once dry, painted them in the other colours. I sprayed the whole lot very gently in gold spray, to help smooth over the painted surfaces, and give them a bit of a metallic gleam.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuGy-_4OQH5e5zBRFMZ4B8w2fepv4iyFkYTFy9zDipx2hshrJPNWiika8-m849luVUD8M47H-d2QWGxZz2n5TkY34Bo6mGUlAcMpezYVQGjnd-uTDDIUijawugtgywnBMUBCmC5fv/s1600/DSC_1469rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuGy-_4OQH5e5zBRFMZ4B8w2fepv4iyFkYTFy9zDipx2hshrJPNWiika8-m849luVUD8M47H-d2QWGxZz2n5TkY34Bo6mGUlAcMpezYVQGjnd-uTDDIUijawugtgywnBMUBCmC5fv/s1600/DSC_1469rawpic.jpg" title="Tom Baker Fourth Doctor Who Scarf Decorated Cookie Set" width="610" /></a></div>
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I selected photographs of each doctor that I felt best lend themselves to being identifiable with fairly minimal piping work and colour mixing. Using my pico projector, I outlined the least amount I felt would allow the particular Doctor to be identifiable. Face, hair, hat if applicable, lapels, and other features. In general this worked well, though perhaps Capaldi looks like he's lost his trousers...<br />
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Whilst I did this directly from projections onto the cookies, from the original images, I've printed out an example (David Tennant) with dark outlining to show the basic principle. I didn't stick to the exact shapes, but made alterations to help the final, simpler image make sense.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQf-as1_uREFMN_qamoBbZXj0JK7IR1Cg4gzQitUeiYcwX8G_iQZg0xRU30Dtv_ykE78qnI7wkk-qwrWTayoHXq5cOpexTttbC0HjZFUvQrInOa6iv5NZsLIugZAYpJRjU3jpXBQL/s1600/Tennant+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQf-as1_uREFMN_qamoBbZXj0JK7IR1Cg4gzQitUeiYcwX8G_iQZg0xRU30Dtv_ykE78qnI7wkk-qwrWTayoHXq5cOpexTttbC0HjZFUvQrInOa6iv5NZsLIugZAYpJRjU3jpXBQL/s400/Tennant+Collage.png" title="David Tennant Ninth Doctor Who Decorated Cookie Design Tutorial" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I simply piped in the areas, grouping their hair colours into as white, blond, brown and black to minimise colour mixing, and I made these colours fit their coats too. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHgz9-1_Rz2e9aMaC4CcIMtgyNhGfehSw4B271tFuR43vtQpbGL-Q2oDo3zbjiHDNZbmaMXSLJojyxf7u60UGEuUQZifXqzVn4XeZVkmwTOYZqIq8poopk9xxzQF8V23eVk9O-yTS/s1600/Four+Doctors.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHgz9-1_Rz2e9aMaC4CcIMtgyNhGfehSw4B271tFuR43vtQpbGL-Q2oDo3zbjiHDNZbmaMXSLJojyxf7u60UGEuUQZifXqzVn4XeZVkmwTOYZqIq8poopk9xxzQF8V23eVk9O-yTS/s1600/Four+Doctors.png" title="Hartnell, Capaldi, Smith, Pertwee Doctor Who Decorated Cookies" width="610" /></a></div>
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So which is your favourite? Though I love all the modern incarnations of the Doctor, it has to be the inimitable Tom Baker, of course! And here they all are, marching off across time and space...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D0QlCJiFTgdFZPTwXtknO5-6ph_TMKfRTHmm1HJrSkGHyPpfctGFOckb1gnqfvEcPhzsUdOa_zMCDOJahJxp2aeH_DjKidA-6knDXFa0nNAQq8UTgA6bDwnILPrMBhcJfoPCLQUJ/s1600/DSC_1485rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-D0QlCJiFTgdFZPTwXtknO5-6ph_TMKfRTHmm1HJrSkGHyPpfctGFOckb1gnqfvEcPhzsUdOa_zMCDOJahJxp2aeH_DjKidA-6knDXFa0nNAQq8UTgA6bDwnILPrMBhcJfoPCLQUJ/s1600/DSC_1485rawpic.jpg" title="'All the Doctors'. Doctor Who Decorated Cookie Set" width="610" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-33364783339874932392015-09-20T10:24:00.000-07:002016-02-19T14:39:06.115-08:00Free Horse Cookie Design and a Ribbon Tying Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHTxJtd5xf_kuvP6fMOxDFQXuCcc0G_X6yspW-4vfB4TlX5T_hD9AA3UfGkf5EfxUq_o4dR6XVt6NNQ0g0EnwJqBTNKzFkw_tbb4FcVrxuxgID1-GrADSDSpo98Z4g-e6MaDu193D/s1600/DSC_1279rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cookies and Photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHTxJtd5xf_kuvP6fMOxDFQXuCcc0G_X6yspW-4vfB4TlX5T_hD9AA3UfGkf5EfxUq_o4dR6XVt6NNQ0g0EnwJqBTNKzFkw_tbb4FcVrxuxgID1-GrADSDSpo98Z4g-e6MaDu193D/s1600/DSC_1279rawpic.jpg" title="Horse's Head Cookie Favours" width="610" /></a></div>
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This is just a quick post. I created this delicate horse's head design for these cookie favours, which you can print or download, and adjust for use on your own cookies (or whatever else you might want a horse's head for!).<br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B50BujSDBOF7cG1BVWxlNmU5cnc/view?usp=sharing" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B50BujSDBOF7cG1BVWxlNmU5cnc/view?usp=sharing" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbGliXW2EpOKVrGqnl7zTtsv9ZwmTlRuUtayqrMYOVQOQnUGzeap5t-vrMnU4YzwgiZqxCagvNYMTfcJmDC6-dMquX1ufVyYQo023rZLZlKJduWuvOEsfaxW8DUivheNxHt-wcAFw/s400/DSC_1615rawpic.jpg" title="Horse's Head Design" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAhoby50dOvAJ5T0eDu2ukgmvf4kuILndUmF9dHeZvVIHoLYR4GhTiG-3INGzRf7HK43SjIzDPwxswu1rqRoKYhIhPdNI0eDLXqDVxqYqwiMLZFY44nQDN-fG1NJIKoFjI_w5V2gV/s1600/DSC_1277rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
I piped my designs in beige on a 'mother of pearl' royal icing background, then painted the beige with gold lustre. The 'mother of pearl' effect was really easy. The cookies were flooded with ivory royal icing, then when perfectly dry, I gently dusted them in patches, with shades of pink, blue, purple and green lustre dusts. With clean dry fingers, I 'polished' each cookie gently, so the surface no longer rubs off dust, and is a perfect surface to transcribe a design onto.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAhoby50dOvAJ5T0eDu2ukgmvf4kuILndUmF9dHeZvVIHoLYR4GhTiG-3INGzRf7HK43SjIzDPwxswu1rqRoKYhIhPdNI0eDLXqDVxqYqwiMLZFY44nQDN-fG1NJIKoFjI_w5V2gV/s1600/DSC_1277rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAhoby50dOvAJ5T0eDu2ukgmvf4kuILndUmF9dHeZvVIHoLYR4GhTiG-3INGzRf7HK43SjIzDPwxswu1rqRoKYhIhPdNI0eDLXqDVxqYqwiMLZFY44nQDN-fG1NJIKoFjI_w5V2gV/s1600/DSC_1277rawpic.jpg" title="Horse's Head Cookie Favours" width="610" /></a></div>
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And the video? Well I've been asked so often about the bag clips I use on my icing bags that I thought I'd film another use I have for them. They're OXO Good Grips bag cinches - you can find them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Good-Grips-Bag-Cinch/dp/B003M8GMZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442769740&sr=8-1&keywords=oxo+good+grips+bag+cinches" target="_blank">here</a> on Amazon, but I've bought them in kitchen equipment shops too. Each one is springloaded, so you just squeeze in the ends, and the centre opens, to pop around your icing (or cookie) bag. As you use up the icing, squeeze a little to allow the clip to move down the bag, and let go. Simple as that. I can't believe how much time I used to spend wrapping elastic bands around and around and around... <br />
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But here I am, using them to make tying ribbon easy:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t4JRSX_S0jw" width="560"></iframe>
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And that's all for this post, really simple. But I've got something timey-wimey in the works I can't wait to show you...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nIlCm2HrQpUuvCHDlvqnslOGuGuR353uudsWv2SWff1_JvOsPc9Ij9yBnF6I428YAAolesh_WstQ9Dj95cTk8vZ2aGZJILbdKtFWH4QxD09pXJppFfPOta1cb7L6beT8HgtcZFwk/s1600/DSC_1289rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nIlCm2HrQpUuvCHDlvqnslOGuGuR353uudsWv2SWff1_JvOsPc9Ij9yBnF6I428YAAolesh_WstQ9Dj95cTk8vZ2aGZJILbdKtFWH4QxD09pXJppFfPOta1cb7L6beT8HgtcZFwk/s1600/DSC_1289rawpic.jpg" title="Horse's Head Cookie Favours" width="610" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-52500351790195624082015-09-05T12:55:00.001-07:002016-02-19T14:45:15.220-08:00Conversation with a Bee. A Midsummer Night's Dream Gingerbread Stage Set and Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zsvI17gUJ7ANLmGOAYoZXTqu-hDS8AsPBIVN1XmbW-77y6uCSb8qV3p4m1iPQJPW6SXdyHkf_V0jMIGGerQ7cHBj648KqMIHBD_zhvViMUYnDq-82VzD2fLjJ2HYt6dE0Vb7NXo0/s1600/DSC_1087raw3pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_zsvI17gUJ7ANLmGOAYoZXTqu-hDS8AsPBIVN1XmbW-77y6uCSb8qV3p4m1iPQJPW6SXdyHkf_V0jMIGGerQ7cHBj648KqMIHBD_zhvViMUYnDq-82VzD2fLjJ2HYt6dE0Vb7NXo0/s1600/DSC_1087raw3pic.jpg" title="Midsummer Night's Deam Gingerbread Stage Set" width="610" /></a></div>
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You know that scene in A Midsummer Night's Dream where Titania gets bored of the donkey and goes off to gossip with a bee? No? Understandable. It's a little known deleted scene from the play*, but having a bee in my bonnet about such things, when I was invited by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Bella.Baking?fref=ts" target="_blank">Bella Baking</a> to participate in a Midsummer Night's Dream sugarcraft collaboration, I jumped at the opportunity. Originally the idea was to reveal our work on Midsummer's Eve, but the project was picked up by <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.cakemasters.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cake Masters</a></span> magazine for publication in September or October (which is how I got caught out and hadn't written this post, or edited the video when the feature was published!), so we've held on to our work for quite some time!<br />
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*This is of course a load of rubbish<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLezrMVZX6tnEE_ZmxYNC22MN2AxSD2QAwoomZWjS-Db-mR5CvJH7is70A82RPkZAfNRQalTo7fsZwWtwtY0VDN29Kvk6QBdKO1zLHBiPlP_rkDItnhrIz6KgBQ2hh5JGzt8nEIpC/s1600/19_Bee_Titania_Closeup_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLezrMVZX6tnEE_ZmxYNC22MN2AxSD2QAwoomZWjS-Db-mR5CvJH7is70A82RPkZAfNRQalTo7fsZwWtwtY0VDN29Kvk6QBdKO1zLHBiPlP_rkDItnhrIz6KgBQ2hh5JGzt8nEIpC/s1600/19_Bee_Titania_Closeup_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Titania conversing with a bumble bee in royal icing" width="610" /></a></div>
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My first thought was to turn to Arthur Rackham's illustrations for the play. I knew I wanted to create something gnarly and natural, but what really caught my eye was this gorgeous little bumble bee painting. I knew he had to feature, and somehow he became the centrepiece, with everything else, including Titania, merely suggestive of the play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsOqCuQJ28tQkoS-cdvmKG0qdB20EP_OzKEgOK479W3buBm8vJit2q-M31hFz70C5ge4qOTABO4oB8rK5BdRH7xOqwg42TYgF9xD4iPtPjMYI2OltlFUGAUb7XTVlJyPzhTZKiR92/s1600/BeeFairy2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of Arthur Rackham's watercolour of a bumblebee." border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsOqCuQJ28tQkoS-cdvmKG0qdB20EP_OzKEgOK479W3buBm8vJit2q-M31hFz70C5ge4qOTABO4oB8rK5BdRH7xOqwg42TYgF9xD4iPtPjMYI2OltlFUGAUb7XTVlJyPzhTZKiR92/s400/BeeFairy2.png" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I knew I wanted to create lots of naturalistic handpainted elements, with a gnarled background, but that wasn't enough. I wanted to be able to convey the warm twilight of Midsummer's night, using a tiny metallic thread of LED lights I have. I had my backdrop, my lighting, I simply needed to add the rest of the stage set...<br />
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I began with a six inch square of gingerbread, microplaned after baking for perfectly straight edges. The side pieces I created by eye, out of a second six inch slab of gingerbread, using a scalpel, and a straw to create the gaps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiDYNUQtqFYdnTOpsIM_GCRNOJi4K40495kIT1xc6P7FxhoAU_zY-yTx9uJzUs2n_ZGH5gg-NXacoQ9te1RQXtRUGZTvZjHNUhBgB3StDl5IulVxuI2bIM5mMpnBqqGnih86dZ7a9/s1600/2_Raw_Side_pieces_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiDYNUQtqFYdnTOpsIM_GCRNOJi4K40495kIT1xc6P7FxhoAU_zY-yTx9uJzUs2n_ZGH5gg-NXacoQ9te1RQXtRUGZTvZjHNUhBgB3StDl5IulVxuI2bIM5mMpnBqqGnih86dZ7a9/s400/2_Raw_Side_pieces_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies+%25282%2529.jpg" title="Midusmmer Night's Dream Gingerbread stage set side piece" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq6B3-CkyAmx0tBlKeijnc97CcM4LrY3IJFTwTtJbntqvUNDoggnIYGqdAAR73_aTu-oLw5H8KiNENMTROFtL6eiDUY2w9hJKMthibv8hpsoHTErek7R7qKjcSE24cU0ziA14i2BN/s1600/1_Raw_Top_pieces_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq6B3-CkyAmx0tBlKeijnc97CcM4LrY3IJFTwTtJbntqvUNDoggnIYGqdAAR73_aTu-oLw5H8KiNENMTROFtL6eiDUY2w9hJKMthibv8hpsoHTErek7R7qKjcSE24cU0ziA14i2BN/s1600/1_Raw_Top_pieces_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midusmmer Night's Dream Gingerbread stage set side pieces" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wasn't entirely sure how I was going to hold up my side pieces, whilst keeping the sides free for the lighting, but in the end, I made dozens of tiny 'buttons' of gingerbread, figuring I'd stack them up with royal icing glue to make colums. I knew there was going to be fiddling and adjusting - this was not a technically accurate piece of work!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJjCa_wheKs9V4sfo0dp1HXZZ7TGbTTxkSYiePdTwAf_DlHIA5ivMweGxlmNTvluzMlG1yXWMi_UCzDEsoUSxUHH1grpQxWTxOn2EHJ4WrrpmKRkFXZCUvi2d7JQUIzChQD8SyOAG/s1600/4_Baked_Test_Assembly_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJjCa_wheKs9V4sfo0dp1HXZZ7TGbTTxkSYiePdTwAf_DlHIA5ivMweGxlmNTvluzMlG1yXWMi_UCzDEsoUSxUHH1grpQxWTxOn2EHJ4WrrpmKRkFXZCUvi2d7JQUIzChQD8SyOAG/s1600/4_Baked_Test_Assembly_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midusmmer Night's Dream Gingerbread stage set practice assembly" width="400" /></a></div>
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The royal icing elements I piped, again by eye, in white icing, directly onto a sheet of acetate. I piped lots of little heads, and whole bodies, so that I could choose the best. I had pictures of mushrooms and bees (inluding Rackham's illustration, above) to reference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfbcoJLPN4PGv1txVCL_8fwYn_Ss6bQrAdvtG0MhFrE2BU0VVH1RZriF-5d0600U44UY9zgmd8-LDM_2K7wFtI2be0eC0Ka5L68_VHsiayIdYVken1EHoxfm6s9ULkVOsjdGmJ1DB/s1600/9_RI_Transfers_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfbcoJLPN4PGv1txVCL_8fwYn_Ss6bQrAdvtG0MhFrE2BU0VVH1RZriF-5d0600U44UY9zgmd8-LDM_2K7wFtI2be0eC0Ka5L68_VHsiayIdYVken1EHoxfm6s9ULkVOsjdGmJ1DB/s1600/9_RI_Transfers_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midusmmer Night's Dream royal icing transfers unpainted" width="400" /></a></div>
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I handpainted all the transfer pieces once fully dry (after a couple of days) and whilst still attached to the acetate, and allowed the paint to fully dry before attempting to detach them (a tricky business as the acetate was quite stiff - I have since used much thinner cellophane, taped to card, to do this, and once the tape is cut, the flexibility of the thin cellophane makes removing the pieces much easier). I used the same handpainting technique as I demonstrate here in my<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwbcSrmnTgs" target="_blank"> Christmas Robin video</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lJ5aRReqmy_yJE5RCJtJJNoSTAL3DZMqPu73nFOYyt70rT1FC75sp7Ulz3-vDs6adH_pENlNeqOZXAHl7LY4V-3ykE68sHygZsegNeu1mOFz9CTuE_Rs5Zys2eAiBnTs3tPsTNx6/s1600/10_Painted_RI_Transfers_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lJ5aRReqmy_yJE5RCJtJJNoSTAL3DZMqPu73nFOYyt70rT1FC75sp7Ulz3-vDs6adH_pENlNeqOZXAHl7LY4V-3ykE68sHygZsegNeu1mOFz9CTuE_Rs5Zys2eAiBnTs3tPsTNx6/s1600/10_Painted_RI_Transfers_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midusmmer Night's Dream royal icing transfers handpainted" width="400" /></a></div>
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Several heads were painted and attached to the stage side pieces, whilst I chose the smallest most delicate fairy for Titania. I barely painted her as I felt she might end up a little clumsy. Her wings I flipped over when they were dry, and used the smooth base as the upper side, and I added just a few sprays of dots above her head to imply some form of headress, seeing as she's meant to be a Queen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC_MjcpbPGyqJAFo7-4oJUPuuDUAjEamV5365Jmb3EN_FAvfNRJnWK6-EzzpVU0cieNnu_hFKe1QFnj5z_cjSIn5Ev5StnCKHXOSOZmXDKtQOtg6FhuQbIttOs3VRYg2R8mQYP9-G/s1600/18_Fairy_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglC_MjcpbPGyqJAFo7-4oJUPuuDUAjEamV5365Jmb3EN_FAvfNRJnWK6-EzzpVU0cieNnu_hFKe1QFnj5z_cjSIn5Ev5StnCKHXOSOZmXDKtQOtg6FhuQbIttOs3VRYg2R8mQYP9-G/s1600/18_Fairy_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midsummer Night's Dream royal icing fairy spy" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLDjUOB_G55SdFfQrMXEpFH8ujPUTP1kNBv52qAXVZmB6sALre-svUa3itjggIHL0f2XWjafFwyDcoM9qrqhZngXzWFIOa4ZvNBc_FynhbURQPxHMs8nxABVWEA7A7RS_xVFB7lVV/s1600/17_Fairies_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLDjUOB_G55SdFfQrMXEpFH8ujPUTP1kNBv52qAXVZmB6sALre-svUa3itjggIHL0f2XWjafFwyDcoM9qrqhZngXzWFIOa4ZvNBc_FynhbURQPxHMs8nxABVWEA7A7RS_xVFB7lVV/s1600/17_Fairies_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies2.jpg" title="Midsummer Night's Dream royal icing fairy spies" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4RX-Tfc4j-SBJNFDCrj0aYTkyiZwOIIo3_e_EOlSregwVwga1DPcfG-QGUWOxGjYg0emgyQi3Jb2dyMXuVFTzEkcZmCD2m3Lf52ogU-j3O3RWGfgjTQOdtO6fjPfYnokWGC6-jqo/s1600/16_Titania_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4RX-Tfc4j-SBJNFDCrj0aYTkyiZwOIIo3_e_EOlSregwVwga1DPcfG-QGUWOxGjYg0emgyQi3Jb2dyMXuVFTzEkcZmCD2m3Lf52ogU-j3O3RWGfgjTQOdtO6fjPfYnokWGC6-jqo/s400/16_Titania_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Titania Midsummer Night's Dream royal icing fairy" width="400" /></a></div>
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I coated all the base and side pieces in stiff white icing with an offset palette knife - this was trickier than it sounds, due to all the fiddly shapes, and getting the icing to be rough in just the right places and directions. This is sprinkled strategically with white and gold tiny sugar pearls. I scraped a hole for the moon, which I then filled with flood icing. The side pieces had further wriggly piping on top, to suggest branches, roots and leaves in the Rackham fashion, and the whole was painted with washes of green and blue, with some dark bronze lustre to highlight some branches.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W7tXoW6kSSlQwtpzZKPCo4OKtNdfL0X7hmMDbBHawOJSiXiZyFqhauEem2MEuhWh332N4PaBMzigRImQpTDm-X-zna5P3865FKEnKErOPb1I4BlzHX4b77H8MG9lw9c2E8rWakgH/s1600/8_Side_Piece_Painting_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W7tXoW6kSSlQwtpzZKPCo4OKtNdfL0X7hmMDbBHawOJSiXiZyFqhauEem2MEuhWh332N4PaBMzigRImQpTDm-X-zna5P3865FKEnKErOPb1I4BlzHX4b77H8MG9lw9c2E8rWakgH/s1600/8_Side_Piece_Painting_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midsummer Night's Dream Gingerbread Stage Set side piece" width="400" /></a></div>
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Construction occurred just as I predicted, with a fair amount of fiddling and adjustment. I experimented with different heights and arrangements (in the process breaking a mushroom, Titania's neck, and an entire side piece snapped in two. Still, with clean breaks, you can hide most damage!). I had quite a few little ladybirds, and mushrooms left over. I ate those.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVYSSCv9TTYmfEk0U1uxIMRbOuyiaos-TxZEDwirbL7y7q-jtl6SSSOei091vZrqePhLU8DB7ng75YwwyTv7uAdXuPKEtso943NL5mC43UCw_TgLFzIM-_wZIVgLUQYIEwddAhWF8/s1600/13_Attaching_Side_Pieces_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVYSSCv9TTYmfEk0U1uxIMRbOuyiaos-TxZEDwirbL7y7q-jtl6SSSOei091vZrqePhLU8DB7ng75YwwyTv7uAdXuPKEtso943NL5mC43UCw_TgLFzIM-_wZIVgLUQYIEwddAhWF8/s400/13_Attaching_Side_Pieces_Photography_Honeycat_Cookies.jpg" title="Midsummer Night's Dream Gingerbread Stage Set" width="400" /></a></div>
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So here's the film, vastly speeded up and edited, as altogether it was nearly an hour of film (and I didn't film the entire project. I do want to film handpainting of some of these naturalistic royal icing elements, so I've got some on the go at the moment - don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel so you don't miss anything!)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pH1kLAJ8yYQ" width="560"></iframe>
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To take the final photographs, I wound copper wire with tiny embedded LEDs in and around the sides; another painstaking and delicate operation for fear of pulling the heads off fairies. The whole thing was tucked into black velvet so the lights glowed prettily.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-91447891733259648792015-08-24T08:42:00.000-07:002016-02-19T14:47:47.861-08:00Lacecap Hydrangea Cookies, Disgraceful Piping and a Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFTv2cw2dIT2md4DrRpcTxTLiiXeXFTcRhccsIVmsk9wDzHWpIfYqqnnplnz9WRjochUGnQKdRvmP4QftM4Gpv_Y_jp-GTH2X4L7QL9doQ2l9zenSwqmJEnOuZlbMxW4qxTbzq3Yx/s1600/DSC_1411rawpic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFTv2cw2dIT2md4DrRpcTxTLiiXeXFTcRhccsIVmsk9wDzHWpIfYqqnnplnz9WRjochUGnQKdRvmP4QftM4Gpv_Y_jp-GTH2X4L7QL9doQ2l9zenSwqmJEnOuZlbMxW4qxTbzq3Yx/s1600/DSC_1411rawpic2.jpg" title="Lacecap Hydrangea Cookies and Leaf Cookies" width="610" /></a></div>
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There are many beautiful hydrangea cookies and cupcakes around, but I haven't seen any lacecap versions. I particularly like this kind of hydrangea with its tight little buds in the centre, varying from green to blue (or pink, depending on whether you live in Cornwall or Birmingham. I live in Birmingham. My hydrangeas are mostly pink. I like blue hydrangeas. So I made these cookies blue. It makes me feel like I'm back in Cornwall again).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeTOLo_ChMlJLv3y0WhlCwQKE1cqj7Tsa6Ot9tGqeH-vozbxQO312xYdmLIZqp8ho2FFV1Clk8RdaIAooqW5upNoTStpKgflVQq7SYH0zVq5ZQeQM304INJrV2F1M6cjugu9yfI9z/s1600/P1110117rawpicrawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimeTOLo_ChMlJLv3y0WhlCwQKE1cqj7Tsa6Ot9tGqeH-vozbxQO312xYdmLIZqp8ho2FFV1Clk8RdaIAooqW5upNoTStpKgflVQq7SYH0zVq5ZQeQM304INJrV2F1M6cjugu9yfI9z/s1600/P1110117rawpicrawpic.jpg" title="Pink Lacecap Hydrangea (in Birmingham)" width="610" /></a></div>
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(See? Pink!)<br />
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I frankencookied the basic shape as Glorious Treats did in <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2013/05/hydrangea-cookies.html" target="_blank">this great tutorial</a> and I was considering using brush embroidery in the same way, as the effect of the colour over the background is beautiful, but I wanted to have a go at piping actual petals.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9RgMzkCA_hohTNs0x_Zkk2TyCSu_irCoh6Z5tQXWzf1UoYDPDyAi3gF6H5MwhDmQIzEwimSbFEpo4ivD5xtCKwe94NPC0ur9EnslvKUkmm047LK-VZviKNCOCg6xy3BKJi8ft0G8/s1600/DSC_1406pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9RgMzkCA_hohTNs0x_Zkk2TyCSu_irCoh6Z5tQXWzf1UoYDPDyAi3gF6H5MwhDmQIzEwimSbFEpo4ivD5xtCKwe94NPC0ur9EnslvKUkmm047LK-VZviKNCOCg6xy3BKJi8ft0G8/s1600/DSC_1406pic.jpg" title="Lacecap Hydrangea Frankencookie Technique" width="610" /></a></div>
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I've never actually done this before, apart from one practice at RI roses being taught by the very talented, very patient Karen of <a href="http://sucrecoeur.co.uk/about-2/" target="_blank">Sucre Coeur</a>. But I was slightly hungover at the time after a weekend of cookie debauchery and I'm ashamed to say I never practiced again. And of course you can tell. Just look at the way I pipe in the video - it's a disgrace, and that's after the worst bits have been edited out! <br />
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But I think this particular cookie is very forgiving. The overall effect works, even if individual petals are curling up in embarrassment. So here it is, in all its flawed glory:<br />
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<b>You will need:</b><br />
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Hydrangea cookies<br />
Green flood royal icing<br />
Purple and blue lustre dusts (I used Rainbow Dust Starlight Purple Planet and Pearl Pacific Blue)<br />
Large and small, dry, food-use only brushes<br />
Stiff pale blue royal icing with petal tip (eg Wilton 104)<br />
Small white sugar pearls<br />
Dark blue and light green thick flood royal icing<br />
Pink lustre dust (I used Sugarflair Shimmer Pink)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd0Rk0hAxZ40rcpQ64hTHNCX_IC8GWFi_YFL_ZoDXpqAqxVLYr7fJPKMyeyVAqRESW0g8dab6chl1LPGH7_jbjexQLOvmACi58pGB4ELL4wmSfDOwuEMf3y37FTkfdNKoJaVnlLWK/s1600/DSC_1414picpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfd0Rk0hAxZ40rcpQ64hTHNCX_IC8GWFi_YFL_ZoDXpqAqxVLYr7fJPKMyeyVAqRESW0g8dab6chl1LPGH7_jbjexQLOvmACi58pGB4ELL4wmSfDOwuEMf3y37FTkfdNKoJaVnlLWK/s1600/DSC_1414picpic.jpg" title="Lacecap Hydrangea Cookie" width="610" /></a></div>
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1. Flood the flower area in the darker green flood and allow to dry really thoroughly overnight (otherwise the lustre dust will stick and smear).<br />
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2. Using the purple and blue lustre dusts, dust the outer area of the green icing in patches.<br />
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3. Pipe blue four-petalled flowers around the outer edge, popping a sugar pearl into the centre of each one.<br />
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4. Pipe dark blue dots in groups of different sizes in the open centre and between the flowers, with a few smaller ones around the outer edge. Add a few green dots here and there.<br />
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5. Flood the leaves with green, and immediately pipe fine light green veins (I used a PME tip 1.5 for the veins).<br />
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6. Once the blue petals have dried thoroughly, with a smaller brush, dust the outer edges pink, and the centres purple.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GLy7H8QBknY" width="560"></iframe>
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I made this set as an engagement gift, and added a few simple leaves, popping them in a window 'tart' box, wrapped some green garden twine around a few times, and added a tag which was the perfect excuse to use my new Honeycat Cookies stamp. Fairly simple to make, fairly forgiving of poor piping skills, these make a lovely gift. Now I'm thinking I'd like to try some pink ones, after all... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVSCFQUyFKpcMnujma93FvXiqMwpb09iKcOlm-let2TZ4_c3kti-Xro0fztTyQeZogFYzuiX8yLPyfvBVEpNEJwVM_Xjqj8K-cZX0a6HdyPwkBmmV_MsFS-2Ev-0I4EuhTzMhS5_R/s1600/DSC_1423rawpic493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="493" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVSCFQUyFKpcMnujma93FvXiqMwpb09iKcOlm-let2TZ4_c3kti-Xro0fztTyQeZogFYzuiX8yLPyfvBVEpNEJwVM_Xjqj8K-cZX0a6HdyPwkBmmV_MsFS-2Ev-0I4EuhTzMhS5_R/s1600/DSC_1423rawpic493.jpg" title="Lacecap Hydrangea Cookies in Gift Box" width="610" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-83912034466508119652015-07-28T14:19:00.006-07:002016-02-19T14:51:26.934-08:00Dark Chocolate Cookie Shards Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1vvSeQoC8eQM18EmagrZX49PBiqm2HGSkqxmMBseAd5lr5-sLSlMTmVQaM9g1NVbeTh9p-GhCU_6vkri1FHUTppdvRPQEMiB39GI04uzZD4lfPpJWOYrpo0PWAVg1qXA_WdYAmCa/s1600/DSC_1341rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1vvSeQoC8eQM18EmagrZX49PBiqm2HGSkqxmMBseAd5lr5-sLSlMTmVQaM9g1NVbeTh9p-GhCU_6vkri1FHUTppdvRPQEMiB39GI04uzZD4lfPpJWOYrpo0PWAVg1qXA_WdYAmCa/s1600/DSC_1341rawpic.jpg" title="Dark Chocolate Cookie Shards" width="610" /></a></div>
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I love this Venetian mask. I've had it for about fifteen years, with never an occasion to wear it. I need someone to arrange a masqued ball for me. Then I would stick this on my head and bring along these dark, decadent chocolate cookie shards as a gift for the host. Maybe I should just arrange one for myself. Or perhaps it would be simpler just to make the cookies, wear the mask and eat them. No need for guests or anything fussy like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8c9_7CQPFD8bzes8daCeb2U8lSUJZ7LW1WzIDi-LBXHcCAiZ4mO51sffnMldIfvrDaYcthoXbh8t56UAiIKWw1CztPwBKwn7kSggDmsBn-SujiOBcwPQ7ebrY28ad1kh07_X-Jr8/s1600/DSC_1386raw3pic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8c9_7CQPFD8bzes8daCeb2U8lSUJZ7LW1WzIDi-LBXHcCAiZ4mO51sffnMldIfvrDaYcthoXbh8t56UAiIKWw1CztPwBKwn7kSggDmsBn-SujiOBcwPQ7ebrY28ad1kh07_X-Jr8/s1600/DSC_1386raw3pic.jpg" title="Venetian mask" width="610" /></a><br />
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I'm not overly keen on very sweet cookies, especially with the intense sugariness of the icing, so my intention was to create something rich and dark, but that would still be tasty for children and adults alike. To that end I enlisted my eight year old daughter and her little friend as chief taste testers, and somehow my husband enrolled himself on the programme. Frankly I was lucky to get these photographs taken whilst there were still some left.<br />
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These cookies are very simple to make, decorate, and eat. You can fantasize about putting delicate pieces out with coffee at your masqued ball, but really what people will want is large pieces and lots of them. I think that's the perfect definition of a successful <i>amuse-bouche</i>: something your guests really want more of but are too embarrassed to ask, so you get to keep most of it for yourself after they've all gone home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6B8-02skrOos32tf7PiW9H2tRVfJ-X25EVRAy1TyH2lC7h5vjBKg9IHOSwL7BYvSXYsDSdWI48aPIfyJXqTjB4Gbgjx6Cqi2XBH3F1andw4RMnwIo00zZt93QXUHzl67ktTPfZmq/s1600/DSC_1324pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6B8-02skrOos32tf7PiW9H2tRVfJ-X25EVRAy1TyH2lC7h5vjBKg9IHOSwL7BYvSXYsDSdWI48aPIfyJXqTjB4Gbgjx6Cqi2XBH3F1andw4RMnwIo00zZt93QXUHzl67ktTPfZmq/s1600/DSC_1324pic.jpg" title="Dark Chocolate Cookie Shards" width="610" /></a></div>
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This recipe starts with my basic shortbread style <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=50627467756394674#editor/target=post;postID=7597415359678209764;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=4;src=postname" target="_blank">vanilla cookie</a>, but omitting the vanilla, and replacing some of the cornflour with cocoa. You might want to omit the salt according to taste, but personally I think it's essential to add the richness these cookies need. The recipe assumes the cookies will be coated with royal icing to balance out the flavour. I also add a little salt to the water I make my royal icing with, to give it a richer taste (about 1 teaspoon per 100ml water).</div>
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<b>Ingredients</b>:<br />
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NB I always weigh out in grams, but I've converted the quantities as best I can to ounces and cups for flexibility.<br />
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<i>For the cookie</i>s:<br />
250g butter, softened (9oz, or 1 cup, or 2 1/4 sticks)<br />
170g powdered or icing sugar (6oz or 1 1/3 cups)<br />
1 egg, lightly beaten<br />
385g plain or all purpose flour (13 5/8oz or 3 cups)<br />
60g cocoa powder (2oz or 1/2 cup)<br />
40g cornflour (1 2/5 oz or 1/3 cup)<br />
2 teaspoons salt<br />
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<i>For the decoration</i>:<br />
Stiff black royal icing<br />
Offset spatula<br />
Gold edible paint<br />
Broad food-use only paintbrush<br />
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Sift and mix the flour, cocoa, cornflour and salt and set aside. Gently mix the butter and sugar until thoroughly incorporated but do not cream (to reduce spreading of the cookies whilst baking). Add the egg and a spoon of the dry ingredients. Once the egg is mixed in, set the mixer on low, and add the remains of the dry ingredients a spoon at a time until the dough pulls together. Split the dough into two pieces, form rough discs, and wrap in cling film. Chill the dough in the fridge for half an hour (I don't like rolling out really cold, stiff dough, it's too much work), then roll out between parchment or in large food-safe bags to a thickness of around 4mm. Seal the bags (or thoroughly wrap in cling film) and place overnight in the freezer.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 155c fan (310F or Gas mark 3). Unwrap one sheet of the frozen dough, and allow to soften at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Using a sharp knife (I use a scalpel) cut all the frilly broken edges off and <strike>eat </strike>set aside for re-rolling. You can use a ruler if you want to keep the edges perfectly straight. Pay no attention to making the edges neat and tidy. Cut random 'shards' from the rest of the dough, some large, some small. If your shards are very varied in size, seperate smaller and larger sizes onto seperate trays.<br />
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Bake for about 8 minutes, remove from the oven and smooth down the surfaces of the cookies with a fondant smoother, tin lid or other flat surface, being careful not to burn yourself! Pop the cookies back in the oven for a further 10 to 15 minutes, depending on size.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2vnIQ-KqTPcpYXjG0s6x1P0H2h099CJifnc20wV2w5vq9EYnLmkBA0B07uyX7_53FMiikUUe8ogmodGTBPkqY52n5xFMYbc2caUzK3VumUjV00S6-xBnK4WN2RF4Q0xoJIsFTo8Z/s1600/DSC_1358pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-2vnIQ-KqTPcpYXjG0s6x1P0H2h099CJifnc20wV2w5vq9EYnLmkBA0B07uyX7_53FMiikUUe8ogmodGTBPkqY52n5xFMYbc2caUzK3VumUjV00S6-xBnK4WN2RF4Q0xoJIsFTo8Z/s640/DSC_1358pic.jpg" title="Dark Chocolate Cookie Shards" width="480" /></a></div>
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Mix up your black royal icing - you can use a chocolate based recipe if you like, such as <a href="http://www.lilaloa.com/2013/07/back-to-school-cookies.html" target="_blank">this one from Lilaloa</a>, if you want to avoid using too much black colouring. I've found Americolor to be great for creating deep colour whilst still drying hard, but some people find it has an artificial taste. Sugarflair black doesn't seem to have an aftertaste, but I find a really deep black icing won't dry truly hard with Sugarflair, though that's not necessarily a problem with this sort of cookie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfChj0gLhzbipgmc828c6VLE6K2yM0yb4drBvh7SA9zHrtjce6wqc2HU3Qsr9d1vx7_PkUejrztGfHPzNObnLDUC10SlKKbmEj1CKynOIeNpr1kxqZD_blXxmJNK7UJLONnOw1sTN/s1600/DSC_1316rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfChj0gLhzbipgmc828c6VLE6K2yM0yb4drBvh7SA9zHrtjce6wqc2HU3Qsr9d1vx7_PkUejrztGfHPzNObnLDUC10SlKKbmEj1CKynOIeNpr1kxqZD_blXxmJNK7UJLONnOw1sTN/s400/DSC_1316rawpic.jpg" title="Black Royal Icing on Dark Chocolate Cookie Shards" width="480" /></a></div>
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Spread the icing on each cookie shard with the spatula, taking care not to get icing over the edges. Allow to dry thoroughly, overnight. Paint splashes of edible gold on each cookie. Don't be too neat. I used Rainbow Dust Edible Metallic Paint in Light Gold as I love the way it dries with a non-smudge shiny surface, but you could mix up some gold lustre dust with vodka or alcohol-based essence and use that. <br />
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Finally arrange an exclusive dinner for a few special guests, with or without masks, and serve small shards of these cookies with espresso at the end of the meal. Once your guests have left, get your pyjamas on and scoff all the large pieces you kept back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pfGgONHB3Jn5IXaMOqXMolHbVWCbnjUIDJXz1W480eZgUUS9jSveR7JOZIvebcbwz6uX5t1nmxPQnIowNFQrQluoAWdD1HnYA7VO2FIHq0uXYWFBC8TyGML32C-u5ctGJ4UvKETi/s1600/DSC_1352rawpic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4pfGgONHB3Jn5IXaMOqXMolHbVWCbnjUIDJXz1W480eZgUUS9jSveR7JOZIvebcbwz6uX5t1nmxPQnIowNFQrQluoAWdD1HnYA7VO2FIHq0uXYWFBC8TyGML32C-u5ctGJ4UvKETi/s1600/DSC_1352rawpic.jpg" title="Dark Chocolate Cookie Shards" width="610" /></a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-9995185294604671662015-07-07T12:36:00.000-07:002016-02-19T14:57:25.133-08:00Cookiesaw! A Cookie Garden Jigsaw Puzzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0oZsy3_79Hnyj8Jb7li9JFGHdQYKMZdx-ShdZOsc88U31G7XLOWJ_2Yyeh561FsboXGtpge5CluW3LGw43X-znF1JT8r5lb3oIwIKN8Y4EWIMH_Utvt54MzWbIvDQRknH4nSnI4G/s1600/DSC_0957raw+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle" border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0oZsy3_79Hnyj8Jb7li9JFGHdQYKMZdx-ShdZOsc88U31G7XLOWJ_2Yyeh561FsboXGtpge5CluW3LGw43X-znF1JT8r5lb3oIwIKN8Y4EWIMH_Utvt54MzWbIvDQRknH4nSnI4G/s1600/DSC_0957raw+copy.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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I wish to introduce a new word to the cookie lexicon: 'cookiesaw'. It's definitely a thing: a cookie array that fits together like a jigsaw, or even using cutters shaped like traditional jigsaw pieces. If I use the word often enough, I shall force it into the cookie consciousness. I have already been hashtagging it all over Instagram like someone who really ought to be a little more embarrassed by the way she behaves in public.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoQG6KrEQiL-6U663BBxLQ3mvSp638HPnvLEF6hOOI9ZnmStlryrJGU178ka-5aru0QdpzIdbpBY8k-CDeWR9E0wSvztHLPOKXKhstw6Drfg0-ESa0C6kL0U0QjFAs7qGx-g4SuIl/s1600/DSC_0970raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoQG6KrEQiL-6U663BBxLQ3mvSp638HPnvLEF6hOOI9ZnmStlryrJGU178ka-5aru0QdpzIdbpBY8k-CDeWR9E0wSvztHLPOKXKhstw6Drfg0-ESa0C6kL0U0QjFAs7qGx-g4SuIl/s1600/DSC_0970raw.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I was really excited about this project from the moment I was asked to do it. A cookie set for a jigsaw and gardening enthusiast, to take the place of a cake at his birthday party. All the design elements were requested: greenhouse, favourite plants and ducks, gardening tools, I just had to figure out how to put it all together.<br />
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As usual, when something like this comes my way, I do most of my planning as I'm falling asleep, until by the time I have to start making it, I really only do a few small sketches. In fact for this project I scribbled two thumbnails. This sort of design kind of forms itself as I'm piping to be honest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIEABNXeB8MtCayIFHvIFSAFT5J4sq3ii3nf-d4Ul8-JOveJ0-hmH2jWPQwJvt2ACmSjrx359WibsKVUjx10hf46kMB69fIxfDN3p9LEKRqz2Zv-8mmYyD1EjG5sNeynD9zirlbPV/s1600/DSC_0965rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle Butterfly Rose" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIEABNXeB8MtCayIFHvIFSAFT5J4sq3ii3nf-d4Ul8-JOveJ0-hmH2jWPQwJvt2ACmSjrx359WibsKVUjx10hf46kMB69fIxfDN3p9LEKRqz2Zv-8mmYyD1EjG5sNeynD9zirlbPV/s1600/DSC_0965rawpic.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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One other aspect kept me occupied as much as the design though, and that was how to create a jigsaw with enough intricacy, where the pieces fit together tightly. My cookie recipe is a light, crisp shortbread style biscuit (recipe <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/sugar-cookie-recipe.html" target="_blank">here</a> and cookie baking tips <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/how-to-create-perfect-sugar-cookie.html" target="_blank">here</a>) but does spread just a little. Not enough to worry about usually but when the shapes need to fit tightly it can be a problem. With this dinosaur cookiesaw I used my microplane, but its flat surface meant I had to keep the curves fairly shallow. So after a little googling I came up with a six inch, coarse 'bastard cut' file much like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Forney-70331-Round-Bastard-8-Inch/dp/B003X4Y5QA/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435936803&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=coarse+round+bastard+cut+file+6in" target="_blank">this </a>one, though searching on ebay will throw up much cheaper options.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc9GjhWir-zOTt0Yryk-8Y9SVMCXibwMwrJmPtE040gUyroE_3dIERv6t1mtrbWnFFij32UMNhgJj2X8XA0Xw08mOtgGk6K08d6AFLl8EalTtaaP50-AksS9kt-eXINp15dRWw73o/s1600/DSC_0180+%25282%2529adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dinosaur Skeleton Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle" border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwc9GjhWir-zOTt0Yryk-8Y9SVMCXibwMwrJmPtE040gUyroE_3dIERv6t1mtrbWnFFij32UMNhgJj2X8XA0Xw08mOtgGk6K08d6AFLl8EalTtaaP50-AksS9kt-eXINp15dRWw73o/s1600/DSC_0180+%25282%2529adjusted.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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It's a small, round, coarse file presumably intended for metal or woodwork. It was cheap and very rough, and perfect. (I did of course give it a long soapy soak, a thorough scrub, and dried off in a hot oven to ensure it was safe for food use first!). In fact it worked even better than I hoped. I simply used it to 'carve' the curves here and there, constantly adjusting and testing until all the pieces fit as tightly as I could make it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOabWxDWaW5ATLCWrTJWeMTjSNhVDldDsDg0HTNX50Ip1m_RFRObxSfRCZmbzTmFye0NgJo-85DIW5tpo7wbR8q1WYW7fYmVHpUpmxnz15eZ5sqAzPJxMF-BOvoi5i0QMFaFaiOgS0/s1600/DSC_0950pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle" border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOabWxDWaW5ATLCWrTJWeMTjSNhVDldDsDg0HTNX50Ip1m_RFRObxSfRCZmbzTmFye0NgJo-85DIW5tpo7wbR8q1WYW7fYmVHpUpmxnz15eZ5sqAzPJxMF-BOvoi5i0QMFaFaiOgS0/s1600/DSC_0950pic.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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A plain base of white flood, carefully piped right to the edges of the cookies, and I was ready to go.<br />
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I didn't take a photograph of the painted base layer unfortunately, but I came to do it just as Sugar Pearls Bakes and Cakes published her final Cookie Connection <a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/get-inspired-with-sugar-pearls-daisy-canvas-cookie" target="_blank">tutorial</a>, and it was the techniques in her tutorial I used to create the background colour, including the small drops of vodka, which is really effective! I simply used a large brush and moved from light blue down to dark green, dabbing and mottling, and adding further layers where necessary.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0mDb3tElTEA2SdodsHqF_PKxPyflUsT5hXkDwaqi0BSMftIBeOFFeGIzJSeMRlB77DQJSiU8L_5FyLfJbCfcjixFvyg4HkC5pRobPFVisJdTmQHh7EImZkvgQapk3za9kd-Vq-ji/s1600/DSC_0953PIC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle Unpainted" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0mDb3tElTEA2SdodsHqF_PKxPyflUsT5hXkDwaqi0BSMftIBeOFFeGIzJSeMRlB77DQJSiU8L_5FyLfJbCfcjixFvyg4HkC5pRobPFVisJdTmQHh7EImZkvgQapk3za9kd-Vq-ji/s1600/DSC_0953PIC.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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I only had to mix two colours of icing - light green and orange! The behind the scenes moments when I'm most proud of my planning skills usually involve keeping mixing to an absolute minimum. I reckoned I could get all the greens I wanted with that one base plus handpainting on top, and the whole variety of tomato colour starting with the orange icing.<br />
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I used a pico projector to pipe the greenhouse shape, but everything else was done by eye. I had a collection of photographs of the specified plants and ducks to refer to, and an idea for where I wanted the actual flowers, trusting that the foliage could be piped around to draw the whole design together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiOgo3THLpfSoEa74dM95x5Ut4rAubv1T4BW9LMsI3LAgZ7gTnumYnxkz55EPY9mF5zxXV8dSqcr4H48byBNRCUY8sNdSWPiikUJkiuD24uPaUegQbZHc5MkMWt-VtNhhHBI_z2KO/s1600/DSC_0956rawpicmb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle Handpainted" border="0" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiiOgo3THLpfSoEa74dM95x5Ut4rAubv1T4BW9LMsI3LAgZ7gTnumYnxkz55EPY9mF5zxXV8dSqcr4H48byBNRCUY8sNdSWPiikUJkiuD24uPaUegQbZHc5MkMWt-VtNhhHBI_z2KO/s1600/DSC_0956rawpicmb.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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When it came to painting, again I referred to the photographs of flowers, but I tried to ensure that each colour would complement the ones on either side. So obviously starting with red and orange tomatoes, I followed with yellow irises, then peachy-pink roses, deep rose pink camellias with violet aquilegias sprouting through them. The magnolias I kept pale against the sky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ojq_5DyKw7qLwLpBLcojwcN4-jRpcrPPiue36rGZJBP9K0NjL4P_Li216hwVvkSfOgIHxD7P0qkuFgahc-dJwwE2NupmFiwCAdZFjbNvCYC5gcKZQuvBPQF1yXIg3VuNJMTPyq1T/s1600/DSC_0973rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle Iris" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Ojq_5DyKw7qLwLpBLcojwcN4-jRpcrPPiue36rGZJBP9K0NjL4P_Li216hwVvkSfOgIHxD7P0qkuFgahc-dJwwE2NupmFiwCAdZFjbNvCYC5gcKZQuvBPQF1yXIg3VuNJMTPyq1T/s400/DSC_0973rawpic.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used the same painting technique as in my Robin cookie video: starting with basic blocks of pale colour, blending and adding darker, finer elements on top. I finished with a few garden tools here and there, subtle, blending into the background.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbptjc_T4znbGzaWHHspDzeRW2QQ5fuvEZyL3ujB01uOx2HAntBsxI5JAWFUu8cDlcFQmAbJzMHgAH8NUzX80xrbGHAEx2urkl9KZMULMexQ-jTuqG-j1fi6y9yaT-NenWZPs6myLO/s1600/DSC_0968rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle Bee on Iris" border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbptjc_T4znbGzaWHHspDzeRW2QQ5fuvEZyL3ujB01uOx2HAntBsxI5JAWFUu8cDlcFQmAbJzMHgAH8NUzX80xrbGHAEx2urkl9KZMULMexQ-jTuqG-j1fi6y9yaT-NenWZPs6myLO/s400/DSC_0968rawpic.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then came the best bit - I had made royal icing transfers of bees, ladybirds and butterflies which I attached with enough RI 'glue' to give a little 'lift' so these elements were slightly raised. I usually ship my cookies so have to avoid doing this, so it was lovely to be able to add a third dimension to this set. A simple border of gold rectangular cookies, with one or two stray insects finished off the project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7ztnGwAq_V-wqRzSmbsJcwWPJidm7dRFgT7xRNYqGVtlNVxCzavYJVaNC2CEwivSNlm_ajVPlFQWN_XshyphenhyphenPGE62i4x7fkWITnChscHHM03XyF4bW_8BzLz2HBxYNIOs7p1xkoiy5/s1600/DSC_0960rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Garden Cookiesaw Cookie Jigsaw Puzzle" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7ztnGwAq_V-wqRzSmbsJcwWPJidm7dRFgT7xRNYqGVtlNVxCzavYJVaNC2CEwivSNlm_ajVPlFQWN_XshyphenhyphenPGE62i4x7fkWITnChscHHM03XyF4bW_8BzLz2HBxYNIOs7p1xkoiy5/s1600/DSC_0960rawpic.jpg" title="" width="610" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-30546626546972560442015-06-26T06:39:00.000-07:002016-07-29T10:55:28.950-07:00How to Create the Perfect Sugar Cookie Canvas for Decorating<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlGvzaqQKgG1P5MZxQUizX6BMB6sd0qZndMGI6mg2GxZGs9vlBAoHzu1DlHiNLLBflW0v5F9axh8LlILHbAxaOXXKgte4w-1104ZP04IdAm0silHHtaa7ZFOtVv_nGPCmgYOnKhEK/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlGvzaqQKgG1P5MZxQUizX6BMB6sd0qZndMGI6mg2GxZGs9vlBAoHzu1DlHiNLLBflW0v5F9axh8LlILHbAxaOXXKgte4w-1104ZP04IdAm0silHHtaa7ZFOtVv_nGPCmgYOnKhEK/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies4.jpg" /></a><br />
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In my last post I finally published my basic vanilla <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/sugar-cookie-recipe.html">sugar cookie recipe</a>. It isn't the perfect no-spread recipe, because I like the texture and the flavour, and don't wish to compromise the balance I've achieved. Instead, there are other tricks I use to create cookies with smooth tops and perfect edges.<br />
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The main problem that spoils a cookie is spreading but I've also experienced bubbles, bumpy surfaces and oddly, bowing of large, or narrow cookies after they've thoroughly cooled so that they no longer lay perfectly flat.<br />
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[Update 28th July 1016: A helpful commenter (I'm sorry I can't now remember who or where, but if it's you, please let me know so I can credit you!) has pointed out that this is due to the gluten protein contracting. These protein strands are formed from working dough during mixing or rolling.]<br />
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I've spent many hours studying the science of the sugar cookie, and am now pouring out all my accumulated knowledge in the hope that it can help others who have ever stood over a baking sheet and wept...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYbf467zqlV73UL6xzj4_Yt9UwoLpjCikIA9i0RaP8pA66yF0-Rt2uUXtm78o_B6-nlWrdKK4MXk2GXe9JcCBr-QT4ozZ1XcNOmOtPjJ6jCHaKEbhGaCzvWuKFzJUIvHpGVZ5LP4r/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies1.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigYbf467zqlV73UL6xzj4_Yt9UwoLpjCikIA9i0RaP8pA66yF0-Rt2uUXtm78o_B6-nlWrdKK4MXk2GXe9JcCBr-QT4ozZ1XcNOmOtPjJ6jCHaKEbhGaCzvWuKFzJUIvHpGVZ5LP4r/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies1.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/sugar-cookie-recipe.html">Honeycat Cookies' Sugar Cookie Recipe</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2014/06/royal-icing.html">Honeycat Cookies' Notes on royal icing </a></div>
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For all my collected knowledge on How to Prevent Your Cookies From Spreading, read on...<br />
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Keep raising agents eg. baking powder to a minimum. I don't use any in my recipe. <br />
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<li>Avoid fats with a high quantity of water. Most UK supermarket butter has around 82%, which is what I use - if I can't get it in the supermarket, then it's not going in my recipe! But if you use a butter with a higher water content and lower fat, then it may cause more spreading.</li>
<li>Similarly, avoid flavourings that are moisture based. If I want vanilla, I use seeds, or ground pods, not essence. If I want lemon, I use lots of finely grated zest, rather than juice or essence. Many fruits can now be bought in freeze dried form, and though I've never tried them as they're very expensive, you can find almost any flavour you can dream of in powder form online.</li>
<li>You can try using fats with a higher melting point, such as shortening, so the cookies behave better in the oven, but I've never tried this. The payoff is reduction in buttery flavour and I don't want that! I might try it for some complicated 3D cookie construction, but not for cookies that are going to be eaten and need to be tasty.</li>
<li>Use larger grained, whiter sugars. Sugar attracts moisture, which causes spread, the more so if it's very fine. Brown sugars, whilst having richer, more complex flavours, naturally have even more moisture in them than white. Having said that, my recipe uses powdered sugar (icing sugar), for two reasons: I like the finer velvety texture of the resulting cookies, and the powdered sugar seems to taste sweeter, perhaps because of the greater surface area available to the taste buds? In any case, a straight switch to powdered sugar resulted in much sweeter cookies, so I was able to reduce the overall sugar quantity quite drastically.</li>
<li>Mix your dough gently. Creaming butter and sugar - particularly if you have a granulated form of sugar - whips in tiny air bubbles. This is what makes it start to look pale, puff up and be light in texture. It's also perfect to fill with steam and make cookies expand. It makes for delicious light crisp cookies - which can spread like billy-o! Just mix gently until the sugar and butter are thoroughly incorporated but not whipped up.</li>
<li>Use a baking surface that's not too slippery! Use parchment or silicon mats, but not a buttered non-stick surface. Put simply, the cookies will spread because there's nothing holding them back! I notice a clear difference between my newer silicon sheets, and the older ones, that have become waxy and smooth with use.</li>
<li>Freeze your cookies before baking. Maybe ten minutes or so in the freezer, at least til they're firm and cold. The quicker the fat gets to melt, the easier it is for the cookie to spread but if the cookies are very cold, then the edges get to bake and set in position more quickly before the inside gets a chance to flow!</li>
<li>Keep re-rolling to a minimum. Cookies from re-rolled dough can be tougher, and larger cookies can 'bow' or bend slightly as they cool due to contraction of the gluten. I use only first-rolled dough for large cookies, and the re-rolled sheets (made from leftover scraps) I use for smaller cookies, or test cookies that aren't for customers. </li>
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Having said all that, the recipe I have settled on due to its lovely fine texture has a tendency to spread just a little. For most shapes this isn't a problem. Even geometric plaques turn out quite nicely. It's noticeable really when I want cookies that fit together perfectly (such as in a cookie jigsaw), or perfect squares or rectangles. In addition, during cooking I still get lots of little bubbles forming on the surface.<br />
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So for a perfect surface, I always take out my tray of cookies after about 8 minutes at 155c (fan oven), when the shine of the dough has gone, but they haven't started properly baking. I quickly smooth them over with a fondant smoother, which usually works beautifully. Just occasionally I smooth again after they've finished baking, during the minute or two before they're too set to smooth further.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YC9X-eTwVBzoMszIKrkvI8mWYwqjbqU66q9d79f0W8Q0ZuKHu5ARKRMX8kvKUgN-_yKjNYtQJMydOuJbogTSzZFlgJPlXjCNjFjuT11fCpm9S4kTOC7qIwq4zM5qF49l8hGeSeOS/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies2.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_YC9X-eTwVBzoMszIKrkvI8mWYwqjbqU66q9d79f0W8Q0ZuKHu5ARKRMX8kvKUgN-_yKjNYtQJMydOuJbogTSzZFlgJPlXjCNjFjuT11fCpm9S4kTOC7qIwq4zM5qF49l8hGeSeOS/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies2.jpg" /></a><br />
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For straight edges, I wait until the cookies are fully cool and microplane them. My microplane has a wide very flat surface and I use this as a guide to straightness. The resulting cookie dust can be used to make cookie moss, as per by Mike of Semi Sweet's <a href="http://www.semisweetdesigns.com/2014/04/18/create-realistic-moss-cookies/">tutorial</a>, or to make <a href="http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2014/10/make-homemade-cookie-butter-with-any-cookie.html">cookie butter</a> - I've never tried this but it looks pretty amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Cg15vopAlz4_7iMwl6yNDD7WwYPlW23oIgvAsIC76z2jVGi4J4zdgr0z3wuIIJwrIQLiwcVDNqXWNoiOsJWRWwaK7IbtZFYd_KQYVmi8PJSmCSt169EUrBcnbimvk2jQJKKFply/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies3.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Cg15vopAlz4_7iMwl6yNDD7WwYPlW23oIgvAsIC76z2jVGi4J4zdgr0z3wuIIJwrIQLiwcVDNqXWNoiOsJWRWwaK7IbtZFYd_KQYVmi8PJSmCSt169EUrBcnbimvk2jQJKKFply/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies3.jpg" /></a><br />
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Sometimes I've found that long, or very large cookies can bow up slightly as they cool. You can see this on the picture below. This is a little worrying when I want to ship the cookies as they're less able than normal to take any pressure without cracking. I've found that placing another baking sheet directly on top when they're out of the oven, allowing them to fully cool before removing it, can help this problem. If they've already cooled like this, they will soften again with a few minutes in the oven, then the second sheet can be put on top.<br />
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Updated 28th July 2016: this problem is geatly reduced by not working the dough too much, particularly not baking long or large cookies from re-rolled dough, as it is due to the contraction of gluten proteins which are formed during these processes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL8iMWXDtFIP4EQv-lu8IzCXaszcoc6NEqCJJ_LtUaBhzQ-gleawzrHTgC6DN0yobmtExi7FaYn1HbgpdTZwhiiGe0ZDvXyovfCMfUUIiEr6jTRTOgDBtom95UMqq6MOmlM4oE4O3/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies5.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivL8iMWXDtFIP4EQv-lu8IzCXaszcoc6NEqCJJ_LtUaBhzQ-gleawzrHTgC6DN0yobmtExi7FaYn1HbgpdTZwhiiGe0ZDvXyovfCMfUUIiEr6jTRTOgDBtom95UMqq6MOmlM4oE4O3/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookies5.jpg" /></a><br />
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And finally, if I'm going to be particularly pedantic about the cookie shape, I have a six inch coarse round <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Round-File-Coarse-6-Long-ENGINEERS-FILE-/330528500580?hash=item4cf508ab64:m:mIyXNawdOZ1LLfUY02we0uw%EF%BB%BF">metalworking file</a> (obviously kept for food-use only!) which I used to get this particular set of cookies to fit tightly. You can see how both my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/07/cookiesaw-cookie-garden-jigsaw-puzzle.html">Summer Garden Cookiesaw</a> and <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/10/an-autumn-cookiesaw.html">Scottish Autumn Cookiesaw</a> progressed using these methods (the latter has a<a href="https://youtu.be/KpboQrcAd4Q"> timelapse video</a> I'm particularly fond of).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVk07YpPX2HP1bF3tLrHMxFtMx9_2C0hh5X7pZ88JH1QTmQj67Iof9uXZGM7bG-P0FnPX2TNB3sKJ4E7dLQond6LWmzL4NnJgx6eop8fEv7fLOtESwRFLeHW4VaU885B-83FOT01V/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookie.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVk07YpPX2HP1bF3tLrHMxFtMx9_2C0hh5X7pZ88JH1QTmQj67Iof9uXZGM7bG-P0FnPX2TNB3sKJ4E7dLQond6LWmzL4NnJgx6eop8fEv7fLOtESwRFLeHW4VaU885B-83FOT01V/s1600/Baking-perfect-sugar-cookie.jpg" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-75974153596782097642015-06-23T15:10:00.001-07:002016-12-11T09:59:27.697-08:00Sugar Cookie Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ42vrBHqtivY08Z-huzNcM4qkr1i6umRHKPHiA2seA03CtW9VRCiMNpc3EXEC_OYGvfZYK1GUHlfkKo0TcoJHfWHi2rKpmKHgcvijNFM0SHt7PQXi1YRIunlkDbH0YMoIJwIoO9MB/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Still life of vanilla pods and egg yolks in a bowl, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ42vrBHqtivY08Z-huzNcM4qkr1i6umRHKPHiA2seA03CtW9VRCiMNpc3EXEC_OYGvfZYK1GUHlfkKo0TcoJHfWHi2rKpmKHgcvijNFM0SHt7PQXi1YRIunlkDbH0YMoIJwIoO9MB/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe2.jpg" title="Egg yolks and vanilla pods" /></a></div>
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Well it's about time I shared my recipe with everyone! I've not intentionally been keeping it a secret, I've just been lazy, mainly. Every time I needed to make dough I've been in a rush with no time to photograph what I'm up to, and whenever I've had the time to take photos, I've got a freezer full of slabs of dough already!</div>
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For my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/07/dark-chocolate-cookie-shards-recipe.html" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate recipe</a> click here</div>
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and for my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2016/12/spicy-sugar-cookie-recipe-and.html" target="_blank">Christmas Spice recipe</a>, click here!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqCWlhPWtOQH3v07SH13DaDqeHCE8EjfEs6AagrfhMPYhPyWqM909U8xUT9dkmtVGm2q3Pk3rwuFLj8haezLiJymGPziHXzgXY_zEOls88pRzE-u3-LevlXWSdywbZE22aP2tpF37/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of powdered icing sugar and butter before mixing, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUqCWlhPWtOQH3v07SH13DaDqeHCE8EjfEs6AagrfhMPYhPyWqM909U8xUT9dkmtVGm2q3Pk3rwuFLj8haezLiJymGPziHXzgXY_zEOls88pRzE-u3-LevlXWSdywbZE22aP2tpF37/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe3.jpg" title="Butter and sugar in mixing bowl" /></a></div>
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For the longest time, I used the Peggy Porschen sugar cookie recipe from her book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pretty-Party-Cakes-Stylish-Occasions/dp/1844003078/ref=pd_sim_b_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0BXGPAZZTM9QTVXJC5V3" target="_blank">Pretty Party Cakes</a> </i>so it wasn't mine to share. That recipe works just fine (at the time of writing, you can see it in the 'browse' section on the Amazon listing). It has a lovely buttery flavour, is very simple and barely spreads at all. However I found it a little dense - it really suits a more crunchy bake or it just seems underdone, and I wanted something still crunchy but more delicate. I also wanted to reduce the intense sweet effect of eating the cookie with royal icing on top.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI-KMFZxwG33nCvO0RQjOQEozQoV1SYoDffjnFZWoqxR2lWCAinlOzhFCS_K-vYCbdZgsFR8hG0niig0AfOO_mAPNPxPmUP_z4jDLyGUdN8kwvxW71IiFkb1GIdeHgneQNXOQyOYR/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Close up of sugar cookie dough on K beater after mixing, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI-KMFZxwG33nCvO0RQjOQEozQoV1SYoDffjnFZWoqxR2lWCAinlOzhFCS_K-vYCbdZgsFR8hG0niig0AfOO_mAPNPxPmUP_z4jDLyGUdN8kwvxW71IiFkb1GIdeHgneQNXOQyOYR/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe4.jpg" title="Sugar cookie dough" /></a></div>
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So I fiddled around and came up with a cookie which is a little shortbread-like, but with egg for strength. It's crunchy but due to the cornflour and powdered sugar has a finer softer texture, and is less sweet to counteract the icing. It isn't the perfect 'no spread' recipe, though it holds shapes very well and can achieve a perfectly smooth surface, and I think it achieves a nice balance between flavour, texture and spreading. (Don't forget to check out my post with tips and tricks to bake <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/how-to-create-perfect-sugar-cookie.html" target="_blank">perfectly shaped cookies for decorating</a> and all my<a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2014/06/royal-icing.html" target="_blank"> information on royal icing</a>)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMlIIAn7_b3DW0DkARPmjWXCcec19MOA4_5mvlt3_YBPVLyuRBOFovwHwJrG7mFCrTh5bxHlaAFNlE5OY2RuEk7Gw7gWd0H5Pu3NbOovRMxUYr10oq4eFofO4ZGiU6uF5NoK_Jjqr/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Freshly made batch of sugar cookie dough by Honeycat Cookies." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMlIIAn7_b3DW0DkARPmjWXCcec19MOA4_5mvlt3_YBPVLyuRBOFovwHwJrG7mFCrTh5bxHlaAFNlE5OY2RuEk7Gw7gWd0H5Pu3NbOovRMxUYr10oq4eFofO4ZGiU6uF5NoK_Jjqr/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe5.jpg" title="Ball of Honeycat Cookies' sugar cookie dough!" /></a></div>
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(I measure in metric weights apart from the teaspoons of flavouring, but have attempted to convert to the nearest imperial and US cup equivalents, though I'm not sure how well that's turned out. If possible, stick to the metric measurements!).<br />
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Well without further ado, here it is:<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
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Butter, room temperature 250g (9 oz or 1 cup or 2 1/4 sticks)<br />
Icing sugar (AKA powdered sugar) 170g (6 oz or 1 1/3 cups)<br />
One medium egg<br />
Plain flour (all purpose flour) 385g (13 5/8 oz or 3 cups)<br />
Cornflour (cornstarch) 100g (3 5/8 oz or 7/10 cup)<br />
Vanilla powder 3/4 tsp (or seeds from two pods)<br />
Salt 3/4 to 1 tsp<br />
Large grip-seal airtight food bags (10" x 14") or parchment paper sheets<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAiaboexqyNA9k4fwMGObQP8Bto4XRyMOk_rRb52CMtWDnZuzdjoZrUrBJL-wUu03NwNyXCyRafReVQnbfGJzUk1w-FpcAZM4MAUMJVQE9o5kBFeFE_ayXcwPdDdNZORGiMPKDV91/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Broken egg shells in sunlight, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSAiaboexqyNA9k4fwMGObQP8Bto4XRyMOk_rRb52CMtWDnZuzdjoZrUrBJL-wUu03NwNyXCyRafReVQnbfGJzUk1w-FpcAZM4MAUMJVQE9o5kBFeFE_ayXcwPdDdNZORGiMPKDV91/s400/Sugar-cookie-recipe1.jpg" title="Egg shells" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>Sift the flours, salt and vanilla powder together and set aside.</li>
<li>Mix the butter and sugar until thoroughly incorporated, but do not 'cream'. You do not want to whip excess air into the dough. </li>
<li>Lightly beat the egg then add to the butter and sugar mixture, with one tablespoon of the flour mix and mix until thoroughly incorporated.</li>
<li>Add half the flours and set the mixer on low, adding the second half as soon as the first has just mixed in. Once the dough has formed, stop mixing - overmixing can cause the cookies to become tought and flakey.</li>
<li>Cut the dough in half and form two rough discs. Place these in the food bags (or wrapped in clingfilm) in the fridge for half to one hour. </li>
<li>Either roll the discs out to the desired thickness inside the food bags (I use 1/4 inch thick cookie slats), or between sheets of parchment. This way avoids using extra flour on the dough. Place the slabs of dough in the fridge or freezer overnight (I always use my dough from frozen). If you've used parchment sheets, make sure to wrap the whole lot in cling film to stop the dough drying out.</li>
<li>Preheat oven to 155c fan. </li>
<li>Cut cookies out from the frozen slabs of dough using sharp metal cutters. If you have weaker plastic cutters, wait ten minutes for the dough to warm a little. If you're using 3D printed cutters wait for the dough to become soft first. Place the cut shapes on baking trays with at least an inch between each one. Try to keep roughly the same sized cookies on the same trays and arrange them so that any 'appendages' are pointing inwards, away from the sides, to reduce burning. If the dough is not longer stiff and cold by the time the tray is ready, place in the freezer for at least ten minutes. </li>
<li>Bake the tray of cold/frozen cookies for between 15 and 20 minutes until their edges turn lightly golden. Extra large cookies can be cooked for longer at a lower temperature eg 120c, to ensure the centres are baked without the edges burning.</li>
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And now you need to read all my accumulated knowledge, tips and tricks to reduce spread and <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/06/how-to-create-perfect-sugar-cookie.html" target="_blank">make perfectly shaped cookies</a> (and don't forget to subscribe, and never miss another post!)<br />
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[Updated 26/07/2016 ]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7KaXez-B5IIw-FlvJQ_wG8Eug65mExy0Pe6z6r8jVzuJv1qatUzd1aIU3Sn9rQTFbGAs5Zph9bB36WfbjLkrgXfKomXmeUDfT19C4osI5uZr4JRR4YhEkPzicKaF58pKNDU2CzUC/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Utensils waiting to be cleaned, photo by Honeycat Cookies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS7KaXez-B5IIw-FlvJQ_wG8Eug65mExy0Pe6z6r8jVzuJv1qatUzd1aIU3Sn9rQTFbGAs5Zph9bB36WfbjLkrgXfKomXmeUDfT19C4osI5uZr4JRR4YhEkPzicKaF58pKNDU2CzUC/s1600/Sugar-cookie-recipe6.jpg" title="Post dough-making mess!" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-12632527368868024882015-05-16T05:35:00.001-07:002016-02-19T15:04:19.850-08:00Fossil Ammonite Cookie Pavement, a new video, and friendly craters!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhXIADcaiwIZTnxVeUq5ndZ4x06odJfVH3oZNmsr4GemUybJxo9q1GpZtQJHrv-EcL5jA_4eupOX4Zq3e6M2vOwxIiKjRqBKTyFnmVKyQJXQwm8xu2ZV6POJ6stvtFNHdYygDHzaw/s1600/DSC_0706raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhXIADcaiwIZTnxVeUq5ndZ4x06odJfVH3oZNmsr4GemUybJxo9q1GpZtQJHrv-EcL5jA_4eupOX4Zq3e6M2vOwxIiKjRqBKTyFnmVKyQJXQwm8xu2ZV6POJ6stvtFNHdYygDHzaw/s640/DSC_0706raw.jpg" title="Fossil Ammonite Shell Cookie Pavement" width="610" /></a></div>
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Finally I have had an order for ammonites! I've wanted to do something like this for ages. But I need someone else to tell me to do it otherwise I'm too lazy and the ideas stay in my head. The client wanted cookies based on a fossil ammonite 'pavement', rather like <a href="http://www.dorsets.co.uk/photos/ammonite-pavement-lyme-regis-7.htm" target="_blank">this </a>one in Lyme Regis. When you need a cookie pavement, what better than the trusty hexagon cutter? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-nJdG_VygNFi-XmY3wjlDelgzc2EfXvoNQazmFP3I5wON2UkPe41YIt64eCH5tpIpIRu4eIXF54AUJSjaeuoyuAANhCy982skgjyEcv72OOTrihsGGqNdU0FM4Hs7BDb0ihZoN5J/s1600/DSC_0688rawpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp-nJdG_VygNFi-XmY3wjlDelgzc2EfXvoNQazmFP3I5wON2UkPe41YIt64eCH5tpIpIRu4eIXF54AUJSjaeuoyuAANhCy982skgjyEcv72OOTrihsGGqNdU0FM4Hs7BDb0ihZoN5J/s640/DSC_0688rawpic.jpg" title="Fossil Ammonite Shell Cookie Pavement" width="610" /></a></div>
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I discovered something making these cookies...craters are not my enemy! At least not on this style of design. You can see it clearly in the video (below), most of the chambers of the ammonite have cratered, but the resulting texture is perfect for the fossilised effect. I had a suspicion it might happen, and wasn't too fussed about taking steps to prevent it, as I wondered what it would look like. In fact, I had considered deliberately inflicting cracks on the semi-dry surface, but there was no need. Anyway, have a look at the video and see what you think!<br />
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I find small areas crater less on the bare biscuit surface (presumably because it's moister than the dry icing of a flooded base and slower to wick water away from the small area on top. In this case though, the dry outlines and the very small areas just weren't going to be a crater free combination whatever I did. If it really mattered, I'd probably have tried the pattern a different way. Maybe flooding the ammonite shape and piping the chambers on top of the wet flood in stiff royal icing in an 'embossing' effect as I did here in my debut <a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/what-s-new-honeycat-coffee-and-cookies" target="_blank">'What's New, Honeycat?'</a> post. Or just filling in the chambers while the outlines were still wet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ6VWVMOPCTmtH41xsjkbocLr2QwbXlBeomK4JDLcvt_fukBBDYfLI6lcLeh6sMVZgFWNXFDk4duvjU5MGAZbKjflaYfdqRZvd6GnsWMOHPVcoNnSv4b1apRYR50vbsxVR9s5TpuL/s1600/DSC_0698rawpic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ6VWVMOPCTmtH41xsjkbocLr2QwbXlBeomK4JDLcvt_fukBBDYfLI6lcLeh6sMVZgFWNXFDk4duvjU5MGAZbKjflaYfdqRZvd6GnsWMOHPVcoNnSv4b1apRYR50vbsxVR9s5TpuL/s400/DSC_0698rawpic.jpg" title="Fossil Ammonite Shell Cookie Pavement" width="610" /></a><br />
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You'll notice at the beginning of the video too that I am using a projected image of an ammonite to trace around the spiral - I did try freehanding it at first, I didn't want to show anyone the result... I've finally switched from using the <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2013/05/camera-lucida.html" target="_blank">Camera Lucida ipad app</a>, as great as it is for the price, to a Pico Projector. My eyes are getting old and grizzled, and I was finding it harder to see both the ipad screen (close up) and the cookie (far away). I just couldn't decide whether to keep my glasses on or off. I still use the app to manipulate the image as needed, but the projector is such a tiny little thing, and so incredibly useful it was really worth the investment. You can see the whole set up and how it works <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKtq7YVZpGQ" target="_blank">here </a>on Anita's great video.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwDeJ212nobpvUtBv_q2QyE_FUYSzlhDfhllbo_1GM_KWAdqkx3314YP9oW5rPzLarcsanetoHL8Q_LYgv5GRoD1Ymr6qXjGNJTjKPWhTXmwyC9gfMpi8vrHWddziC-HVAokifoqM/s1600/DSC_0701rawpic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwDeJ212nobpvUtBv_q2QyE_FUYSzlhDfhllbo_1GM_KWAdqkx3314YP9oW5rPzLarcsanetoHL8Q_LYgv5GRoD1Ymr6qXjGNJTjKPWhTXmwyC9gfMpi8vrHWddziC-HVAokifoqM/s640/DSC_0701rawpic.jpg" title="Fossil Ammonite Shell and Leaf Cookies" width="610" /></a><br />
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Whilst most cookies in this set were decorated as seen in the video, there were a few I did differently. After piping the main outlines and allowing to dry, I simply painted over the top with liquid royal icing, embedding a few sugar pearls here and there, smoothing the tops off with my finger, and allowing to dry, before finally painting with food colouring and lustre dust.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhXIADcaiwIZTnxVeUq5ndZ4x06odJfVH3oZNmsr4GemUybJxo9q1GpZtQJHrv-EcL5jA_4eupOX4Zq3e6M2vOwxIiKjRqBKTyFnmVKyQJXQwm8xu2ZV6POJ6stvtFNHdYygDHzaw/s1600/DSC_0706raw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF9HlRD-0GL2BEFIF0TUGKZi8LDZmzuZUDp3DRtAjzx8KmOO6FjZY_KNtHd9xvligSdgtjPio0n8RXCuXJLD5U1sDW5STWsHWt9zMAfh6UeYM_S25Ujv9an50gBHKO4OdGFVjXWnP/s1600/DSC_0693rawpic.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIF9HlRD-0GL2BEFIF0TUGKZi8LDZmzuZUDp3DRtAjzx8KmOO6FjZY_KNtHd9xvligSdgtjPio0n8RXCuXJLD5U1sDW5STWsHWt9zMAfh6UeYM_S25Ujv9an50gBHKO4OdGFVjXWnP/s640/DSC_0693rawpic.jpg" title="Fossil Ammonite Shell Cookie Pavement" width="610" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-29435788062964240342015-04-26T14:07:00.000-07:002016-02-19T15:09:25.738-08:00Travel Cookie Set: Vintage Map Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvMzweb53EdhGaNxesRMUdcb4Cm-BHaUd7S31_NZM28DEtSa017olyh7vLiKNes_AY8sBJek2XVufAcTyn1eje-N1eFckBxxAEPgMxtpt2fm-TGm6UWhwTuBIkrpVVKGjK3VvrlKM/s1600/DSC_0573pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdvMzweb53EdhGaNxesRMUdcb4Cm-BHaUd7S31_NZM28DEtSa017olyh7vLiKNes_AY8sBJek2XVufAcTyn1eje-N1eFckBxxAEPgMxtpt2fm-TGm6UWhwTuBIkrpVVKGjK3VvrlKM/s1600/DSC_0573pic.jpg" title="Vintage Map of New Zealand Cookie" width="610" /></a></div>
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In my <a href="http://www.honeycatcookies.co.uk/2015/04/travel-cookie-set-luggage-label-tutorial.html" target="_blank">last post</a> I described how to make embossed leather effect cookie luggage labels for this set celebrating the Golden Wedding of a couple who love to travel. Here I'm going to show you how I made these vintage maps. Fully edible, but if you take too large a bite, you might just get lost...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK-WRjkMiSDgnvc4xNR6B6CNeK6OADEIwzsnlsTxQUKCCuw_cdHo1wvVwWQChcnOAIeV2w1D_CINnyWqdu3VLNxggS1eGixr1t5a0izgs2em-XIEOPXPEOQmxuQAHk5sSWg_Oqa3V/s1600/DSC_0563pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeK-WRjkMiSDgnvc4xNR6B6CNeK6OADEIwzsnlsTxQUKCCuw_cdHo1wvVwWQChcnOAIeV2w1D_CINnyWqdu3VLNxggS1eGixr1t5a0izgs2em-XIEOPXPEOQmxuQAHk5sSWg_Oqa3V/s1600/DSC_0563pic.jpg" title="Vintage Map, Hibiscus, Golden Wedding Cookie Set" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>You will need:</b><br />
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Plaque shaped cookies flooded in pale ivory and thoroughly dried<br />
Pale ivory piping consitency royal icing <br />
Fine edible marker <br />
Image of an island map (I recreated New Zealand, and the Hawaiian Islands)<br />
Small offset spatula or similar tool<br />
Fine and extra fine food use only paintbrushes <br />
Gel or paste food colourings in blue, brown, yellow<br />
Piping bag and PME tip 1.5 or equivalent<br />
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1. Using the transfer method of your choice, trace the outline of the islands on your cookie. I used to use the Camera Lucida Ipad app, but have recently invested in a Pico projector which is wonder to behold. You can see it in action in Anita's video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKtq7YVZpGQ" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboWx5X1XoENUP2ciAVmL5YfJnuFhzfjsCFDAKdeYvI6ath6Rv3HNJszkDVd2aU1uGgpB3cw4muwivnPdhMl_JO3E-iGDhcEfvOw_Zu_eBGTC6BZZbQ1wFNjKOhv6OvnagKGnAC0FM/s1600/Map1n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgboWx5X1XoENUP2ciAVmL5YfJnuFhzfjsCFDAKdeYvI6ath6Rv3HNJszkDVd2aU1uGgpB3cw4muwivnPdhMl_JO3E-iGDhcEfvOw_Zu_eBGTC6BZZbQ1wFNjKOhv6OvnagKGnAC0FM/s1600/Map1n.jpg" title="Vintage Map of New Zealand Cookie Tutorial Pic 1" width="266" /></a></div>
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2. With the offset spatula and a tiny bit of stiff pale royal icing, dab around the interior of the islands. Using a verticle movement and lots of pats, rather than spreading, creates a more mountainous terrain. Disclaimer: my mountains may not be topographically accurate. (When New Zealand is barely a centimetre wide, what do you expect?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGUonPS_Hhmz4ZKhZsBuWtoQkswGy9wqVMbBJuUSU1NmsMGztOWd4BPKFV2Gq0GYbr9VBkySNGbT_FGjUMQ62xdiHQ8N93PTJNvPaJCawns5M32oMFHv-euZaN_vuolEplnq_7gwv/s1600/Map2n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGUonPS_Hhmz4ZKhZsBuWtoQkswGy9wqVMbBJuUSU1NmsMGztOWd4BPKFV2Gq0GYbr9VBkySNGbT_FGjUMQ62xdiHQ8N93PTJNvPaJCawns5M32oMFHv-euZaN_vuolEplnq_7gwv/s1600/Map2n.jpg" title="Vintage Map of New Zealand Cookie Tutorial Pic 2" width="271" /></a></div>
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3. Mix up a little greenish blue paint with your food colours and a little water. Paint around the outline of the island in tiny dashes, keeping it darker towards the coastline, and fading out to sea.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb2ykrc1pZlorq7fDUac8rIp_6qN6fQlbiZHBEs5DftjCN4KiOcfDFxO_iZksJ73yuFCtaYORrr1dE0h95nBXoOuRkZLwlSzroDOD3I49fiQQtlMrM7btEvcKRCBCHgwgtyYz13Qh/s1600/Map3n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb2ykrc1pZlorq7fDUac8rIp_6qN6fQlbiZHBEs5DftjCN4KiOcfDFxO_iZksJ73yuFCtaYORrr1dE0h95nBXoOuRkZLwlSzroDOD3I49fiQQtlMrM7btEvcKRCBCHgwgtyYz13Qh/s1600/Map3n.jpg" title="Vintage Map of New Zealand Cookie Tutorial Pic 3" width="271" /></a></div>
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4. Using a little very pale brown colour and a larger brush, daub the paint unevenly around the edges of the cookie, blotting with a clean finger or piece of kitchen roll if necessary. Fade the effect in towards the islands. Taking a fine brush and some stronger brown colour, paint the craggy lines of tears and crumples at intervals around the edges of the cookie<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx0EebdU46_cxIOuauUwXWNd3EHsIx2Y04WG3lzy1-pSwuECm_F21scnK228siG8kyJukYoYGmFNgNZocK9xNA5gb637ShTxSdlTDwFjoH1WJGJGgzaAreDhdAlSuKnPzpJfQU3CA/s1600/Map4n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx0EebdU46_cxIOuauUwXWNd3EHsIx2Y04WG3lzy1-pSwuECm_F21scnK228siG8kyJukYoYGmFNgNZocK9xNA5gb637ShTxSdlTDwFjoH1WJGJGgzaAreDhdAlSuKnPzpJfQU3CA/s1600/Map4n.jpg" title="Vintage Map of New Zealand Cookie Tutorial Pic 4" width="267" /></a></div>
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5. Using mossy green (mix blue, yellow and a little brown), and brown paints, add colour to the islands themselves, fading to pale brown in the interior. For the mountains of South Island, I left a few of the peaks unpainted to give the impression of snow, though it's not very clear, they really are very tiny mountains. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsgyG2Va6rQiK8tJAukt6EIfSPH8m7qRHXaSrr2bRMwqvaFuvauw3Sxxbgp-a1q50xSCIv4Gm3B7ApOGWd109ncP4J2lbGFt9sCVz6qB5W_RT4-V7KFizbzE-7B5fDyYq6O-_v0h5/s1600/Map5n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsgyG2Va6rQiK8tJAukt6EIfSPH8m7qRHXaSrr2bRMwqvaFuvauw3Sxxbgp-a1q50xSCIv4Gm3B7ApOGWd109ncP4J2lbGFt9sCVz6qB5W_RT4-V7KFizbzE-7B5fDyYq6O-_v0h5/s1600/Map5n.jpg" title="Vintage Map of New Zealand Cookie Tutorial Pic 5" width="270" /></a></div>
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I also added little extra details like labels, trees, sea creatures: I added steam rising off the Rotorua area, and on the Hawaiian Islands I added palm trees, then I sort of got carried away and painted an entire whale...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXj2dKitC0tgEVANqgfpbiVuKvG7qkSRRsLt-Vtcjo2xtbUf-KO4yBf9_mUASgvKRpXkmV4thDVQ3wXl9CvkwVccRxD1ELbGMWfD9I8WfYEK7JBLCsm22ABmzAN4i4M2mhPJC-KkR/s1600/DSC_0576raw1pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXj2dKitC0tgEVANqgfpbiVuKvG7qkSRRsLt-Vtcjo2xtbUf-KO4yBf9_mUASgvKRpXkmV4thDVQ3wXl9CvkwVccRxD1ELbGMWfD9I8WfYEK7JBLCsm22ABmzAN4i4M2mhPJC-KkR/s1600/DSC_0576raw1pic1.jpg" title="Vintage Map of Hawaiian Islands Cookie" width="610" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-34092558892029444452015-04-24T08:01:00.000-07:002016-02-20T08:43:55.424-08:00Travel Cookie Set: Luggage Label tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjuIaQaV9xNxtjFlk9AGqARUSxIh0qJuP0h-_FsyDVgQw9BS-q5ll9lo5xTfHh1w_6IHhjIjqc3gPXSMCm9k4I-pgtoDIaywze2LWiV7jDagN81-wNmMY_plV09rxCIFHDvvGs4Mg/s1600/DSC_0589adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjuIaQaV9xNxtjFlk9AGqARUSxIh0qJuP0h-_FsyDVgQw9BS-q5ll9lo5xTfHh1w_6IHhjIjqc3gPXSMCm9k4I-pgtoDIaywze2LWiV7jDagN81-wNmMY_plV09rxCIFHDvvGs4Mg/s1600/DSC_0589adjusted.jpg" title="Vintage Map, Gold Embossed Leather Luggage Labels, Hibiscus, Golden Wedding Cookie Set" width="610" /></a></div>
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You wait ages for a tutorial and then two arrive at once!</div>
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In this post I shall be showing you how I made these 'embossed leather' luggage labels and in the next, the vintage maps with three dimensional topography. </div>
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The brief for this set was to combine the elements of a Pacific island cruise, vintage map hobby and 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration. I threw in a few hibiscus flowers and, of course, plenty of gold lustre. But I wanted to create a contrast with the aged leather luggage labels making use of these great 'leather' tutorials by <a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/dear-yankee-girl-show-us-your-leather" target="_blank">Yankee Girl Yummies</a> and <a href="http://www.lilaloa.com/2013/08/how-to-make-cookies-look-like-leather.html" target="_blank">LilaLoa</a>.<br />
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<b>You will need:</b></div>
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Label shaped cookies with hole </div>
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Brown royal icing in piping and flood consistencies</div>
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Piping bags with PME tips 1.5 and 2 or equivalent</div>
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Dark brown and black gel or paste food colouring and dusts</div>
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Water</div>
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Both fat and fine food use only paintbrushes </div>
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Gold lustre edible paint, or lustre dust with a little essence to dilute</div>
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String (edible or not, your choice!)</div>
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<i>A note on the cookies</i>: I don't have a cutter for these, I simply cut out rectangles with a scalpel and ruler, chopped off two corners, and poked a hole using a large bore tip, or a straw. </div>
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1. In order to create a twist on the leather idea, I decided to see if I could 'emboss' the lettering into the surface. I considered using the royal icing embossing effect I created for my first 'What's New, Honeycat?' tutorial, <a href="http://cookieconnection.juliausher.com/blog/what-s-new-honeycat-coffee-and-cookies" target="_blank"><i>Coffee and Cookies</i></a>, for Cookie Connection, but that technique needs a bit of speed before the flood layer crusts over and I wasn't sure I could get the lettering to be neat enough. So I chose to pipe the letters first and flood around them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0-BA5eQB4j0E7MyStFsHL4flB0HTg-4eWOGVHJ8vI-a-RoD7KgiUlPurfNbLVxD5dYD8FcgBLreOmsx2suzr0z07jylsNTD0wTspOAhlWbxP35pX0WicgDq-1v2MssJhlo_Skk5U/s1600/Label1n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0-BA5eQB4j0E7MyStFsHL4flB0HTg-4eWOGVHJ8vI-a-RoD7KgiUlPurfNbLVxD5dYD8FcgBLreOmsx2suzr0z07jylsNTD0wTspOAhlWbxP35pX0WicgDq-1v2MssJhlo_Skk5U/s1600/Label1n.jpg" title="Leather luggage Label Cookie" width="265" /></a></div>
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2. Once the lettering had thoroughly dried, I piped brown flood around the rest of the cookie (piping a small ring around the hole first to act as a dam). It was a little tricky piping around the letters. I used a PME tip 2, and a scribe tool to ensure all the crevices and corners were filled. I let this dry overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSeED_PfIvRhObRfnERj8fnvENuDiiTgbZR96RJGk5vAm7n6ISWLiqBnXG3iUDhV58nxG8fvDYcJMRhJBQJzW4beRQU3Y0LyFBLvTWJmk8YJ8ugbE9mwVUwBOR8dm9I3_XNsZjzhD/s1600/Label2n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzSeED_PfIvRhObRfnERj8fnvENuDiiTgbZR96RJGk5vAm7n6ISWLiqBnXG3iUDhV58nxG8fvDYcJMRhJBQJzW4beRQU3Y0LyFBLvTWJmk8YJ8ugbE9mwVUwBOR8dm9I3_XNsZjzhD/s1600/Label2n.jpg" title="Leather luggage Label Cookie" width="265" /></a></div>
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3. To get the general leather effect, I used a mixture of the methods mentioned above by Yankee Girl Yummies and LilaLoa, painting and dusting in blotches, using fat soft brushes and mixtures of browns and black. When it came to the letters though, I used a paintbrush and darker paint around each section of each letter, to create more depth. I wanted these letters to look like they'd really been stamped into the leather.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpB0quFBZ-wfw9yoWtFoFRpVQlG-ssEvguMzMj9Pk6Caag3QDgouVC2cCddEzfUJebNJQXX183LGMSKhNWVnWqXFd2MmKK3FbkhQQ69FGEsrVs-MyepGHiMw2FEDKhd0Zm9FfGqNx/s1600/label3n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpB0quFBZ-wfw9yoWtFoFRpVQlG-ssEvguMzMj9Pk6Caag3QDgouVC2cCddEzfUJebNJQXX183LGMSKhNWVnWqXFd2MmKK3FbkhQQ69FGEsrVs-MyepGHiMw2FEDKhd0Zm9FfGqNx/s1600/label3n.jpg" title="Leather luggage Label Cookie" width="265" /></a></div>
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4. Once the paint was dry (really just a matter of a few minutes in the deyhdrator) I used edible metallic paint in gold to highlight the lettering. Gold lustre dust mixed with a little essence would have worked fine here too, but I'm finding the ready made paint by Rainbow Dust (similar or the same as what's in their Click and Twist pens) to be really bright, as well as drying without leaving a dusty surface, even if you paint it on quite thickly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_LZnvKCENa6_7WnPuIjxqCL7vPA1feVP0icjnW4SCfCwZtVJdw9oHR5m0ENRaFX2dKUBurEWcQYGfewD_rsUo5aCMiAVRIUQBBiObD4axehxtb_OQ9e_HRQhd0F3OOf5bakCCGZw/s1600/Label4n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_LZnvKCENa6_7WnPuIjxqCL7vPA1feVP0icjnW4SCfCwZtVJdw9oHR5m0ENRaFX2dKUBurEWcQYGfewD_rsUo5aCMiAVRIUQBBiObD4axehxtb_OQ9e_HRQhd0F3OOf5bakCCGZw/s1600/Label4n.jpg" title="Leather luggage Label Cookie" width="265" /></a></div>
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The metallic paint dries quickly too, so all that remains is to pop a piece of string in the tops and tie them to your luggage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz75dJjh-0shBs09TQYovfoYa0oQw7_D1J6FERIhS4puLoN-5PxRnjB_wwpaNH8336uHif0Mppua3n81DKtkdJ2UDlqwTR7fcH00jMOWDD2H065jP9i72VgKCeTH8kTD-C7HZ43f7A/s1600/Labelscomplete.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz75dJjh-0shBs09TQYovfoYa0oQw7_D1J6FERIhS4puLoN-5PxRnjB_wwpaNH8336uHif0Mppua3n81DKtkdJ2UDlqwTR7fcH00jMOWDD2H065jP9i72VgKCeTH8kTD-C7HZ43f7A/s1600/Labelscomplete.jpg" title="Gold Embossed Leather luggage Label Cookies" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now your luggage is sorted, you'll need to make sure you've got your maps ready. Remember to subscribe so you don't miss the next installment!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B9EEJeZzwmsp-NYokvtldF67P-6fZH0Z_aIY9_LLCFt0FTWeSvnSPT7Uuh-hCJCkU3HtvcqJKhgUaexdFRZg-Ou2kKgv7X9wDhxMdp7zNIhxXBGuFWOCTkxaowhgR2zErIw-4aA0/s1600/Raw1pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="465" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B9EEJeZzwmsp-NYokvtldF67P-6fZH0Z_aIY9_LLCFt0FTWeSvnSPT7Uuh-hCJCkU3HtvcqJKhgUaexdFRZg-Ou2kKgv7X9wDhxMdp7zNIhxXBGuFWOCTkxaowhgR2zErIw-4aA0/s1600/Raw1pic1.jpg" title="Vintage Map, Gold Embossed Leather Luggage Labels, Hibiscus, Golden Wedding Cookie Set" width="610" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03316951020885741725noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50627467756394674.post-55549570846807670932015-02-28T09:40:00.000-08:002016-02-20T08:48:23.646-08:00Easy Verdigris Effect on Seaside Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-WsS7VQX-lNboq33KdnRZ3tAXYMCIPwXL-GtI4WEboaP9fNVYE0IoW-AxZe0BwW08w1fNA2MOiJsIZN8MTQ0aNUGiy-cEz32J0030acudUGLNnQb-vtgGm4eASmv3YIEzdV9ZHr8/s1600/DSC_0270adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-WsS7VQX-lNboq33KdnRZ3tAXYMCIPwXL-GtI4WEboaP9fNVYE0IoW-AxZe0BwW08w1fNA2MOiJsIZN8MTQ0aNUGiy-cEz32J0030acudUGLNnQb-vtgGm4eASmv3YIEzdV9ZHr8/s1600/DSC_0270adjusted.jpg" title="Seaside, sealife, jellyfish, fish, seahorse, starfish, seastar cookie set" width="610" /></a></div>
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First things first...you might have noticed that my blogspot address has now converted to Honeycatcookies.co.uk. Everything else should stay the same, and you should still be able to find me even if you use the old address. Sadly any comments made through Google+ until now will have disappeared, though I saved all the wonderful comments full of brilliant cookie ideas on my giveaway post!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW3M6gl-xuT_vjAfV7snUnuyqCCcfKdA0VphtmmNT7FF9-sDNhOcSzNr65YfxhyGREqZ3ldRKqOP3Gqi3Md3UnvPjySGbXZR-AaUo_EgU23iqaT9xNB33zd1g5owvVPdK2EsdeUoT/s1600/circle.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW3M6gl-xuT_vjAfV7snUnuyqCCcfKdA0VphtmmNT7FF9-sDNhOcSzNr65YfxhyGREqZ3ldRKqOP3Gqi3Md3UnvPjySGbXZR-AaUo_EgU23iqaT9xNB33zd1g5owvVPdK2EsdeUoT/s1600/circle.png" title="Seaside, sealife, jellyfish, starfish, seahorse, seastar, edible sand cookie set" width="600" /></a></div>
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So onto these cookies! It's been so drab and cold here, without even the pleasure of snow or proper frost. Boring, wet, annoying, GREY weather. So when I was asked to make this set of seaside cookies, my head became filled with sunbleached images of sand, driftwood, rockpools, sand, sealife, sand, those faded, flaky layers of paint and rusty metal on abandoned boats and sand. I wanted to create something with all these textures and colours and lighten up my life just a little!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l_Ft3Hhx2gWXoVGBISr24JdG_KRdQ_Gi2tKoweC1hbUpbzV8w_LHyiejfCXDwn6TRBfE2oIhVK5kylND1Ra7VR6Y92X8-W4DUgMtk71vdmb8D1XSJWMMG4Idja9ievjQ-XSutziF/s1600/DSC_0313adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7l_Ft3Hhx2gWXoVGBISr24JdG_KRdQ_Gi2tKoweC1hbUpbzV8w_LHyiejfCXDwn6TRBfE2oIhVK5kylND1Ra7VR6Y92X8-W4DUgMtk71vdmb8D1XSJWMMG4Idja9ievjQ-XSutziF/s1600/DSC_0313adjusted.jpg" title="Seaside, sealife, fish, seashell, shell verdigris effect cookie set" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I read LilaLoa's tutorial on <a href="http://www.lilaloa.com/2015/02/antique-metal-cookies.html" target="_blank">Antique Metal Cookies</a> which turned my thoughts to creating that flaky, verdigris paint effect that I'd been mulling on, using a similar technique, but in all those wonderful seaside colours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLKHlnYtaa82GIW8bkJh_HHxEU_D9VJDn1gWnAHzzL-xmgyY5ShRQRubgGNqDhtgRaDwBkNPFaR5z3rnc7A86oSDpcVGZTdsfv3S7nLdAe-21RDxCF1y8_03TmLTu9f4D7tkM5tzU/s1600/DSC_0232adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLKHlnYtaa82GIW8bkJh_HHxEU_D9VJDn1gWnAHzzL-xmgyY5ShRQRubgGNqDhtgRaDwBkNPFaR5z3rnc7A86oSDpcVGZTdsfv3S7nLdAe-21RDxCF1y8_03TmLTu9f4D7tkM5tzU/s1600/DSC_0232adjusted.jpg" title="Verdigris royal icing cookie effect" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>To recreate this effect you will need:</b><br />
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Thick flood royal icing (around 20 seconds)</div>
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Blue and green food colouring (I used Sugarflair Ice Blue and Party Green)</div>
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Metallic lustre dust in copper or bronze (I used Sugarflair Bronze)</div>
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Your fingers. Yes, this technique involves finger painting! Which means you'll also need...</div>
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A damp cloth, to keep wiping your mucky fingers on.</div>
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1. Start by mixing your RI into a light bluey green colour and flooding the bases of your cookies leaving enough icing for extra to dab on top afterwards. Allow the bases to dry thoroughly for a few hours in a dehydrator or overnight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sOwiKrDhG0cDcDfHj6wssqGJFAXUp6AjAlmLmE4tJK67i5GQxRPb-e0SVgS6dN63hT5H-NNdN8rx8FGAlyQiTXCIX5L8nfeg5_Nnzw1fW58ZzXtFhIi2h88zlqUiw-06KegZCa8Z/s1600/verdigris1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sOwiKrDhG0cDcDfHj6wssqGJFAXUp6AjAlmLmE4tJK67i5GQxRPb-e0SVgS6dN63hT5H-NNdN8rx8FGAlyQiTXCIX5L8nfeg5_Nnzw1fW58ZzXtFhIi2h88zlqUiw-06KegZCa8Z/s1600/verdigris1.jpg" title="Flooded cookie base prior to adding verdigris royal icing effect" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. Tap out a little of the dry lustre dust into a small container or dish. Dab your finger into the dust and dab irregularly in patches on the dry surface of the cookie. Don't rub it around or cover too much of the cookie. It needs to look rough edged and uneven. Blow off any excess.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX1D5o_cHF8fke3raLfAwXmDXfCAfzBI7JJRqqfvbxDK30jyXkselrNliGGdySTP_6668WyNhnx1TRmmDE_lehO8jeSydyY55-t9iv9tCDLM4Ak27qlUW3Vj9TtLN6GxhRjqggvvu/s1600/verdigris2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzX1D5o_cHF8fke3raLfAwXmDXfCAfzBI7JJRqqfvbxDK30jyXkselrNliGGdySTP_6668WyNhnx1TRmmDE_lehO8jeSydyY55-t9iv9tCDLM4Ak27qlUW3Vj9TtLN6GxhRjqggvvu/s1600/verdigris2.jpg" title="Plain flooded base with copper lustre dust dabbed on. Stage two of verdigris effect." width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Now mix up the remaining RI with a little more blue so that now it's a light greeny blue, rather than bluey green. Just go far enough that you can definitely see a difference between the two shades, but keep them close.<br />
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Using your (now clean!) finger, dab just a little RI at a time around the edges of the patches of lustre dust. Some will mix with the dust and change colour. Keep going, but leave some base RI areas and lustre dust areas clear, so that the whole effect is patchy and flaky. (Keep cleaning your finger on the damp cloth or it'll build up and you'll be tempted to lick your finger. This isn't nice, don't do it! You can always get a spoon and eat the leftovers but finish your work first.) After a minute or two, you can dab over older areas to make it look more crusty and flaky.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXHzy_2NE96RZf50yYyAZHeGLKKGumsoRkErze0yUy-OYlfKpGh07PM3LlfpY1w7lTUuvX0VdVgS2N3WITmrd8LHecmc2fbYffTnzsmwfSqLI_7UTrIRljjHw21y_3uSZUhCymkFl/s1600/verdigris3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxXHzy_2NE96RZf50yYyAZHeGLKKGumsoRkErze0yUy-OYlfKpGh07PM3LlfpY1w7lTUuvX0VdVgS2N3WITmrd8LHecmc2fbYffTnzsmwfSqLI_7UTrIRljjHw21y_3uSZUhCymkFl/s1600/verdigris3.jpg" title="Flooded base, lustre dust, dabbed royal icing to create verdigris effect on a cookie" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. You can of course just leave the effect as it is, or you can go further and add layers of detailing on top. Or you can repeat the same process in different colours on ALL THE COOKIES! I used white, pink, and beige icing with gold and pearl lustres and basically had better fun than if I'd been on a beach with a bucket and spade. Who cares if none of the cookies were actually metallic objects? In the Honeycat Ocean seahorses and shells are made of copper so of course they're going to be covered in verdigris.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvFXWFqBX2UTMQPR-aTAG7WJCDxDw7IcmFTMmgRVZxyuWNuhu9F9desnjoGrQX_Oy6LI8CSNwHWjRufcUqNPbjaXaAT5VubgINu6VaW00T_8byxhcxUjujbJ-L4_t0QiRG7Lf0363/s1600/verdigris4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvFXWFqBX2UTMQPR-aTAG7WJCDxDw7IcmFTMmgRVZxyuWNuhu9F9desnjoGrQX_Oy6LI8CSNwHWjRufcUqNPbjaXaAT5VubgINu6VaW00T_8byxhcxUjujbJ-L4_t0QiRG7Lf0363/s1600/verdigris4.jpg" title="Seashell cookie with verdigris effect" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made the sand cookies (you can see them more clearly in the round photograph near the top) by cutting little notches out of small circles, to get a vague kind of sand dollar shape, then flooded with thick beige flood and liberally sprinkling with edible sand. After seeing this mini tutorial by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cookiesbymissysue/photos/pb.153761894834053.-2207520000.1424718226./253645214845720/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Cookies by Missy Sue</a> on natural looking sand, I made my own, using fine and coarse brown and white sugar, a little lustre dust and some cream and multi-coloured tiny sugar pearls.<br />
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Altogether these cookies are going to be crunchy, powdery, velvety, sweet and delicious. And despite appearances, absolutely nothing like when you get sand and bits of crab shell in your sandwich on the beach...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhrayjKzD3CTO2quWE2zjW2t7GoZR93wzqgmX2m6k3MjAjd9oFfIRCyd5_Wmh1-z1BtY0GcmmOHdmtm8g03rEs13Fi3S10i5aOvS7NWju_-x3A6O-kmt_B5tSVLXcoRPqP3mmDP4z/s1600/DSC_0293adjusted2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhrayjKzD3CTO2quWE2zjW2t7GoZR93wzqgmX2m6k3MjAjd9oFfIRCyd5_Wmh1-z1BtY0GcmmOHdmtm8g03rEs13Fi3S10i5aOvS7NWju_-x3A6O-kmt_B5tSVLXcoRPqP3mmDP4z/s1600/DSC_0293adjusted2.jpg" title="Seaside, sealife, jellyfish, starfish, seahorse, seastar, edible sand cookie set" width="610" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4XlPxz8W_TpsophHBtUHecDZPZsgJI6jZHcSkuVoLLMK1AFmgpLk-EV1WXQeC-dlMeUzvfG_PbkjXKnAQ3vgCYtMrnJxwW-naLFdz8KW6YgwukTo1jcSSyyphZIv7tZWkkaLqKPHv/s1600/DSC_0293adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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