Chatsworth Ranch Wreath Decorated Cookie Collection

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A few months back I purchased this gorgeous door wreath from Chatsworth Ranch Company.

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Maytte, the owner of Chatsworth Ranch Company, contacted me about

making cookies for a upcoming company party.

Even though I'd never attempted burlap-looped door wreath cookies,

I jumped at the chance to make some cookies that emulated Maytte's beautiful work.

Maytte asked me to create her four most popular wreath designs.

I also attempted the Chatsworth Ranch Company logo.

Even though I had challenging and doubting moments in the decorating session,

the cookies were wildly praised and received with joy.

This makes a cookie decorator very very happy. :)

Here is a mixture of my photos of the cookies,

as well as Maytte's beautifully staged photos with her fabulous wreaths.

She used these set ups for her company party.

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It was a joy and a privilege to work on such a fun project.
Thanks Maytte!
I loved working with you.....and am so happy for your success. :)

Chatsworth Ranch Company

KopyKake (Pictorial).....and a bit more summer

I've had the pics for this little KopyKake pictorial for a couple of months....but am just now sharing it. Weird how time slips away without you even thinking about it.

I remember when I first heard of a KopyKake. It's basically a glorified "overheard projector" like we had in elementary school MANY years ago. lol) At first, I felt like using it to decorate cookies was kind of like "cheating". You see, I'm all about the decorator being the sole creator....and having to do it from one's own creativity and expertise.....not something doing it for you. I decided back then, that I would probably never get a KopyKake because I just didn't feel right about it. Then one of my good cookie friends' reply to my response was to ask me if using cookie cutters was cheating. Hmmm.....when she put it that way....I had to rethink my opinion.

And then a very kind supporter of my ministry offered to buy me one. Oh my! I was stunned that she offered specifically to buy me the very item I'd belittled in the past. 

I came to the conclusion that the KopyKake is a helper.....a tool.....but it is not actually decorating the cookie.....*I* am. And I could see some very valid uses for it.....in particular for me......writing and special fonts. 

SO......I've had my KopyKake for several months now, and even though I have only used it but 3-4 times, when I've used it, it has been a tremendous help. It helps with better perspective, symmetry, and precision. In some ways, it is more work to use it then not......but in those special cases, it is invaluable!

In May, I was asked to do some cross country symbol cookies for a graduation. So I whipped out my KK....and got to work.

 You put your image up in the projection box and it appears down on the platform where you've placed your cookies. It's a pretty ingenious idea. :))))))

I just used the KK to outline the logo....and then filled it in on my own.

And the final cookie.......

So my thoughts on the KK......it is a very expensive tool that comes in very handy......but it is certainly a luxury for a cookie decorator. I don't think most people really need one. Only those who do lots of volume, lots of logos/characters, or lots of writing on cookies.

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I did some more summer cookies this week.......just tweakin' them. 

May you have a week full of blessings.......

Random Week

This week was refreshingly calm compared to last week. I only had a few orders of cookies to make.....and most were just small groupings of cookies. It was so nice to relax a bit and take my time. I think I've increased my speed after last week's marathon. lol I was able to do most cookies faster this week. I guess I need to have more marathons so I can build up my speed, because most of the time.....I am slow as a turtle when I decorate. My husband says I'd never make a profit if I had a business because I take way too much time to decorate my cookies.

Here's some sample cookies I did for a friend's boss. We're both hoping he'll make a big order for his company to celebrate a great first quarter. :) (I included the actual logo up on top above the four cookies.)


This set will be a bouquet for someone who is retiring. How did I ever live without that oval scalloped cutter? I love how it brings a group of cookies together.


Another small order........ girly butterflies.


And this last one was an experiment. I had this cookie left over.....so I decided to try a lacy plaid quilt-like cookie. I took this pic, and then tried to add stitches with a marker.....but the icing was too wet and I messed it all up. So I cut it into pieces and shared it with the fam. Jill was walking out the door with a smile on her face and a part of a freshly decorated cookie in her hand. :)

I love the lacy look.....but it sure does take lots of time to add all those little details. :o)


Next week I only have one order. Yippee! I'm excited about taking some time to get all my decorating stuff organized. I've bought a bunch of totes and plastic drawers to put all my cutters in (I have so many, they won't fit in the kitchen cabinet anymore! lol)

Have a great weekend everyone.....