Give Thanks

 

The first Thanksgiving was my inspiration for cookies this year.  An internet search provided plenty of design ideas for Pilgrims, but Native American cookies required some creativity on my part.

 Of course, silly turkeys are a big part of our Thanksgiving tradition.

A few simple minis completed the collection.

To Friends and Family near and far, Happy Thanksgiving.

Celebrating Graduation with Friends

A football theme for Jack .  .  .

Traditional diplomas, caps and tassels for Mya .  .  .

A Grenadier and a U of I t-shirt peeking through the green and gold for Andrea .  .  .

References:
Creative use of cutters:  Upside down Snowman for the football player.  Flower for the mini diploma.
Football player tutorial:  http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2014/09/decorated-football-player-cookie/
Mini diploma:  http://www.madriscookiekitchen.com/
Standing Graduate:  http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2013/05/standing-graduate-cookies/
Tassel: http://kimsmom76.blogspot.com/2014/05/graduation-tassel-cookies.html

Shiver Me Timbers! It's Kyle's Graduation

Great-nephew, Kyle, is graduating from 8th grade today.

Since our family is big on tradition, his cookie collection had to include at least one "look out ______ high school" book cookie and a diploma tied with a heat-shaped ribbon.
 

However, for the rest of his collection, I opted to go the less traditional route and used his elementary school mascot as my inspiration for a "pirate theme" to celebrate Kyle's special day.

Treasures await  .  .  .

Kyle has successfully voyaged from his home of "McK" island to the Emmons Elementary "island",  now it is time to venture on to the new "island" of high school.

Love, hugs, cookies,

and 

safe travel,

on your new adventure.

References:
Creative use of cutters:  Sugabelle's School Bus for the Treasure Chest
Edible Images purchased from: SweetNothingsImages
Pirate cookie-https://semisweetdesigns.com/2016/04/21/decorate-pirate-ship-cookie-prelly-cookies-guest-post/
Sailboat cookie-http://www.lilaloa.com/2016/04/how-to-make-decorated-sailboat-cookies.html

The "Glamathlete" Graduates Today

When my Great-niece, Kendall, turned 16, I nicknamed her the "glamathlete" and chose "The Places You'll Go" as the theme for her cookies.  Two years later and she is still on the move.

Today is the day to honor Kendall's commencement with school traditions  .  .  . caps, diplomas, and the Grayslake North Knight.

 

Today is the day to respect Kendall's dedication to the sports that she loves.

Today is the day to congratulate Kendall on her accomplishments.

Today is the day to take pride in this amazing young woman who is on her way to new adventures at the University of Missouri at St. Louis.

 Love, Hugs,

and 

Cookies

for a

very, special girl.

References:

Girl Graduate-http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2013/05/standing-graduate-cookies/

Mini-diploma with bow-http://www.madriscookiekitchen.com/ 

No Buyer's Remorse For This One

Since so many cookie cutters in my collection have NEVER been used,  I always hesitate to buy new ones.  However, I am so happy I didn't pass up this bargain in the sale bin!  A cutter that I thought I might never use, has turned out to be one of my favorites.  With just a few simple cuts of the knife, it can be quite versatile.

I purchased it in 2013 and used it for Mary Grace's ice-cream themed birthday party. . . a vampire just for fun. . . a gal at the spa as part of a retirement collection. . .and now a mermaid.

 This one is definitely a keeper.



References:
Mermaid:   Flour Box Bakery
Vampire:    AliBee's Bake Shop

Let's Make A Splash for Leann's 8th Birthday

Great-niece, Leann, celebrated her eighth birthday with an indoor pool party and requested mermaid cookies for her friends.

Maybe I am sentimental, but I thought it was sweet that I was able to use the same cookie cutter that I used for big sister Mary Grace's eighth birthday party in 2013.

Love, hugs, and cookies 

to

the birthday girl, Leann,

and

her family!

Veterans Day

Cookies for  

Elk Grove High School's 

Second Annual Salute to Veterans.

 Thank you to all who have served.

References:

LilaLoa's Military Jeep Tutorial 

Good-bye Mustangs, Hello Tigers

Congratulations to my great-niece, Megan, who recently graduated from Chicago's Northside Prep High School.

During her 4 years of high school,  Megan embraced all that a large, urban, multicultural, high school had to offer.  Megan worked hard and played hard, earning numerous awards for her efforts.

Megan's love of Latin led to a state championship with her Certamen team, and spring break trips to Italy and Greece.

From the time Megan was a little girl, she has talked about being a veterinarian, so as she leaves a large, Chicago, high school behind, to embrace the learning environment of a small, southern, rural university .  .  . I knew that I had to make her cookies that represent the mascots of the schools.

Good-bye Northside Prep Mustangs, 

Hello Sewanee-University of the South Tigers!

Love, Hugs and Cookies to a very, special girl!

References:

Horse Cookie Tutorial--SweetSugarBelle
Tiger Cookie Tutorial--100 Animals Book by Lisa Snyder, The Bearfoot Baker

Bee . . . Well

Fortunately, after a broken wrist and four months of therapy, I will be able to say good-bye to my therapists today.

This whimsical cookie collection is a gift to show my gratitude for their patience, guidance and support.  In February, I wasn't sure if I would ever be able to write with my left hand again, but an outstanding team of therapists have helped me to return to my normal routine which includes decorating cookies.

I first made these cute little bees for my co-workers when I retired in 2010.  My decorating skills have definitely improved since then!

In an effort to conquer my fear of my airbrush, I am trying to use it for a few cookies here and there.  I thought polka-dots would be a nice addition to this collection.

Flower cookies are always a challenge for me, so I am constantly looking for new design inspiration.  This collection is based on a beautiful design by the amazing Jill FCS.  My petals were a bit wonky, but they made me smile.

Unfortunately, as my therapy comes to an end, a friend is now facing rest and rehab for a broken ankle.  I made some extra cookies and a different bee hive to take to Denise when I visit her this week.   Maybe the cute little bees will make her smile.

As I finished this collection I decided to add a few of the cute little lady bug RI transfers that my "Sugar Sister," Donna, recently made and shared with me.  After all, lady bugs are supposed to bring good luck  .  .  .  Let's hope for an injury free second half of the year.


Special thanks to:

- Aileen Master who graciously gave me permission to use her design when I made them back in 2010.
-Tutorial for the roses can be found on SweetSugarbelle's blog.
-Jill FCS

Celebrating a Silver Anniversary

 

My niece, Kelly, and her husband, Bucket (aka-- Scott), are celebrating their Silver Anniversary.  Since my family is big on "traditions"--Lamb Cakes at Easter, Grab Bags at Christmas, Cheesy Potatoes, Cheesecake. . . I have decided to make the vintage car cookie my "traditional" anniversary cookie.

In addition,  I hand cut Stargazer Lilly cookies, to represent the beautiful floral bouquets that Kelly's Mom made for the wedding party.

When I made the surprise cookie delivery, Kelly told me that the car reminded her of the figurine that she had on top of her cake.  Ooops--I had completely forgotten about it.  Big dresses and Precious Moments, so much a part of that era.

Love, Hugs and Cookies to a very special couple.

References:

Vintage Car Cooke   http://www.lilaloa.com/2013/06/just-married-wedding-cookies.html

Flower Cookies       http://www.sweetsugarbelle.com/2015/05/twenty-decorated-flower-cookie-tutorials/

Lily Cookies           http://www.cloughd9cookies.com/home/cookie-lilies