Springtime!

 I tend to be one of those people who gets stuck in a rut.

And it happened with my cookie decorating.

There are SO many techniques out there, and I haven't tried so many of them.

Like I said, I get stuck in a rut...and more than anything...

It's a little bit of fear...a little bit of laziness...a little bit not wanting to "rock the boat".

Call it what you will...I decided it was time to GET OUT of the rut and start learning new things and trying out some of these techniques that are new to me.

I've had an airbrush for quite some time, but it has always intimidated me a little to be honest.

Well, I got a whole bunch of new stencils at my cookie gathering in Livonia last week, so I decided I needed to give them a whirl.

I dug out my airbrush and got to work.

Once I started playing, it was actually pretty fun.

Granted, I still need some practice to perfect the skill...but hey...

I DID IT.

Now I'm afraid I'm going to become addicted to stenciling and I'm going to want ALL of the cool designs out there.

There are so many amazing stencils that are sold by some of the cookiers.

This is just a sample of a few I got in my swag bag last week.

Hopefully, I'll stay OUT of this rut and keep learning new things.

Happy Spring!

Tea For Two...And A (LOCAL) Giveaway...

Who's tired of winter, snow, and all things cold and icy?

Me!  Me!  Me!
Well who wants some cookies?

To help us get over those winter blahs...I thought I'd do a little giveaway with some Springtime Teapots!  Unfortunately, this time, I am only going to be able to make it a local "pick-up only" giveaway.  All you need to do is go to my Facebook page, "Like" it, and say "I DO!" and you're entered!  The drawing is TONIGHT!  So if you can pick-up these cookies (at your convenience), and you want them, go enter now!

Hang in there my snowbird friends...Spring will be here before we know it! 


UPDATE...
WINNER: SANDRA G.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Wedding Samples!

These are a few samples of some wedding favors I did for a bride and groom of an upcoming wedding this spring.  I will be posting pictures of the actual favors within the next month, as the packaging will be a little different.  We are going with long, skinny "strip" bags, 6 to a bag, and tying them off with ribbons and a "Thank-You" tag with the bride and groom's names/date.

If you are considering placing a large order with Sweet Ivy (i.e. wedding receptions, large parties, etc.)...we do offer samples/tasting for large orders.

Please let us know if we can ever help you out with your next wedding, shower, party, reunion, or get-together!

Springtime Patchwork Cookies

Ever since I saw the lace cookies that Nadia at "My Little Bakery" does, I have been in awe.

I have tried a lot of different variations and techniques using her tutorials.

This time I had some leftover pastel icings and thought it might be fun to try out some color.

When done in color (instead of white), I think they look more like "patchwork" or "needlepoint" cookies!  A very fun and festive look, none the less!

FINALLY...She discovered the secret...Royal Icing!

Finally...

After discovering many cookie decorating blogs and pages on Facebook...

She discovered the magic of Royal Icing.

She still has not found the "perfect" recipe or consistency.

She still doesn't know what makes some decorators cookies "shine".

She still screams in frustration when high heat and humidity ruin her Royal Icing.

But...

This was her first attempt.

Not bad for a first try.

She continues to practice.

Continues to get frustrated.

And would LOVE continued support and advice!

Yes...YOU!