A couple of months ago, we got a whole bunch of new stencils in our shop. I got to work right away playing around with them (it’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it!) Over the next few weeks, I’ll show you what I learned.
I probably shouldn’t start with my favorite– I should probably save it till last– but I can’t help it. I love these. They are done with the Mini Spring Garden stencils. Which really aren’t all that “mini”, by the way. They are made by a company who is used to doing large cake stencils, so they call most of the cookie stencils “mini”. They are a great cookie size.
There are a few ways to use stencils. One is the traditional way that they were probably made for. You can see Mike show you how to do that here. (It was his video debut. I think he should do the rest from now on… :D)
Another way to use stencils is to use them as a template. I really like using them this way because it’s easier to get lots of colors on there. Sometimes it’s pretty tricky to get multiple colors using the traditional stencil method.
I made the four rectangle cookies without taking any step-by-step pictures, because I’m forgetful like that. So I had to go back and do the tutorial on an egg cookie that I had sitting around. But you’ll get the idea.
First you’ll need to bake and glaze (or outline and fill in) your cookies. I used the largest rectangle from the rectangle cutter set. Let them dry completely.
You’ll need some edible markers. I like the Americolor Gourmet Writer 10-color set. Choose marker colors that match the color of frosting you’re going to use. For this one, I was making red tulips with green leaves, so I used the red and green markers.
Use the template to outline each section.
Finish all of your outlining during this step. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until the first part dries before you can replace the stencil to outline the next section. I know that’s just common sense, but I think it bears mentioning since I may or may not have forgotten to do that on one of these cookies.
So here’s what your outlined design will look like:
You’ll probably notice that there are some little blotchy spots. Sometimes that happens. Not all the time, but sometimes. Why? I don’t know. But don’t worry about it if it happens to you. You’ll be piping over it anyway.
Next, you’ll want to have some runny-consistency frosting. Meringue Powder Buttercream is what I used here (watered down a little bit so that it is pretty soft), but you could also use Royal Icing or Corn Syrup Glaze. Just use what you’re comfortable with.
Outline each little section with your frosting using a small tip. I used a #1 here.
You’ll want to stay just barely inside your marker guidelines, because when you fill in there will be a tiny bit of spreading.
While outlines are still wet, go back and fill in using the same frosting and tip. After I fill in, I use a boo-boo stick to even out the frosting and to pull out sharper corners and tips.
Continue on with all colors.
Try to get your frosting colors the same consistency. My green was a little bit thicker than my red, which is why the tulips look more smooth than the leaves. But hey, it adds texture. Yeah. That’s it.
Then you can add a cute border to the cookie.
They actually make pretty cute Easter eggs.
Here they are on the original rectangles that I did:
These were really fast and easy, and I loved how they turned out. It makes me think of spring… which is still pretty elusive here in Idaho.
So today I’m giving away a set of the Mini Spring Garden Stencils
and the 10-color pack of Americolor Gourmet Writers
To THREE winners. I’m tired of only having one winner. So just comment on this post by midnight on Wednesday, April 20th, and I’ll choose three winners using random.org. Good luck!
Oh, Karen….I no sooner take care of one “want” list and then you help me start another one! I like the idea of using stencils as templates more than the stencils…..now, what I’ve been passing up is becoming a “gotta-have”!!!!! If I don’t win :o(…..I’ll be placing my order! :o)
Blessings, Donna B.
These look great and sooo easy. You don’t have to be an artist to make cookies that look so pretty. Thanks for the great idea!
I love those stencils.. Would love to win those and try them out. Super cute and could be used for birthdays, mother’s day, Easter etc.
So many possibilities.. I hope I win…krislauriecolucci@yahoo.com
Those are very cute!
hello, I love the idea,I used to do ceramics and used stencils so I´ll try on the cookies,I live in mallorca island in spain so I don´t know if i can participate ,I would love to be one the lucky winner.happy easter
What a cute idea! I love the idea of outlining them with the writers. Makes me long for spring–even though it is supposed to snow again!
I don’t know if I’d be able to get them as clean as you, but I’d love to try!
I have been wanting to try out the Americolor Writers. I’ve tried other brands that don’t seem to work as well as advertised but have read so many great things about the Americolor Writers – plus I love their gel paste colors. The stencils make it easy for someone like me who is not so creative and artistic to make beautiful cookies.
Those are really pretty. What a great idea. Think Spring!
Those are too cute! You do a great job on your cookies. Can’t wait to try these stencils.
Cute cookies. I would like to add some “spring” to my life by winning these stencils. Thank you for a chance to win the stencils and markers.
very beautiful!!!!!
Those are soooo cute, Karen! Always fun to see what you are up to!
I’ve been seeing people using these lately… I really need to get some!
You are always so helpful! Thanks for making even the beginner feel like we can do it!!
These are awesome! I might actually be able to make decently decorated cookies with them too- freehanding anything is not my forte.
I’m so glad you showed the alternative way to use the stencil with the markers! I hadn’t thought of that. I’m going to give that method a try! And those are beautiful stencils!!!!
I love those cookies. I’m not much for stencilling, but I do like this idea. Thanks for the chance to win…if not I’ll be ordering tips and those too.
Love this technique!!!! Beautiful cookies 🙂
Really elegant looking cookies! Fun for spring or Easter. Keeping my fingers crossed!
I just LOVE this ideas. And those daffodils are one of my favorites. You don’t see them too often in stencils or in crafts! Thanks for sharing.
I never would have thought to use the stencils this way. What a great idea! I can’t wait to try it!
Oh my! I love this idea. And I just stared using the AmeriColor food pens. I only have 2 black ones and they are great. Way better than the Wilton ones I have. Would love to have all the colors. Awesome cookies Karen!!
What a great idea!! I love it!
I have wanted to try a stencil!
Oh my this is perfect for spring…
I used the sports stencils for my daughter’s soccer team this weekend and they were a huge hit. I used the disco dust instead of colored frosting (because I didn’t have time to wait for the frosting to dry). They came out so cute! I would love to add some pretty stencils to my supplies – just in time for Mother’s Day.
I’ve seen these stencils on the website but quickly and foolishly overlooked them but that won’t happen again. Thanks for tutorial. Love the look!
What a cool tool. I love it!
These cookies are so pretty; perfect for Easter! Using stencils looks like a great alternative to the kopy kake. Thank you for the wonderful idea! ♥
Such beautiful cookies! I’d love to be able to make them if I won the stencils and markers. Keep up the wonderful blogs. I love learning from you!
Beautiful cookies! Can’t wait to try them!
I have never thought to do that with stencils, great idea!! I can’t wait to try it out. Thanks!!!
These cookies look fabulous.
What a great post!!!!! I would love to win so that I could give that idea a try!!!! Love your blog always:) Melissa
I am so excited! I love the look, and can’t wait to try them!
Those cookies look AMAZING!!!! You are one talented lady! Love this idea!!
I would have never thought of this! Love how *perfect* the tulip turned out – it’s so pretty! 🙂
Karen,
I would love to be one of the three winners… stencils sound great. I could use all the help I can get.
That’s great! I would have spent hours trying to get the icing colours not to mix in the stencil. Thanks!
They look fabulous I would like to win them thanks
Ok…LOVING this idea…I have several stencils, and have FAILED each and every time I have used them, now this idea….I can do this.! Thanks for the wonderful tips and the chance to win!
Very pretty! Hope to win the markers.
Thanks for the tutorial..I would love to win these stencils and food decorating pins…Loved the cookies…
Wow, what a great way to use the stencils. I’ll have to try it out.
Thanks for showing how to use the stencils. I would love to try them.
I lvoe the gourmet writers! And I have been wanting to try stencils for a while. So many cute ideas to try them with!
Thanks for another great giveaway!
You make it look so easy! I cant wait to try this!
Those look awesome! I would love to give them a try. You are so talented.
These are very beautiful. They make we want to go out and plant all my baskets and flower beds. Of Course I have to make cookies first. These would make wonderful may Flowers to give away.
Karen,
What a cheerful spring cookies! You are brilliant! I would love to try those stencils.
That is such a great idea! I don’t think I would have ever figured that out on my own. So cool!
These cookies are just beautiful! This is a great idea for those of use who are less talented at free hand drawing. I can’t wait to try this out. Thanks for the chance to win!
Oooh! These would be great for Mother’s Day cookies! Thank you for the giveaway! I love your tutorials and projects!
Wow, these are amazing!!! Great work, Karen. I won’t have the heart to eat them, I want to frame them instead.
Love this!! Looks so much easier than I thought…
Karen, These are very beautiful. I was just thinking that this would be a great way for me to give out my May flowers. Each year on May Day (May 1st)I take flowers to neighbors and friends where I worked. I also make sure my Grandchldren get May flowers. What a wonderful may not anly to give flowers but to also to give some cookies. I would like very much to be one of the 3 winners, but I need to get my order in so I will have them before May 1st. Thanks for this great idea. Rose Lee
I love your beautiful cookies. May be mine will look like yours one day 😉
Think spring, love this idea!
Those are just too cute! I recently placed my first order (& like a half hour ago, my second, I’m developing a problem) w/ you guys, and loved the personal touch that was in the box. Keep up the good work.
What a unique & fabulous idea!
Your cookies look great! I would never have thought to use a stencil on top of a cookie. I like the idea of outlining before piping. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for the chance to win.
That is so pretty – and such patience!
Absolutely beautiful! I can’t wait to try stencils!
Cute! I love the idea of starting with markers instead of trying to make icing cooperate for a stencil.
I earned a living for many years as an artist and used stencils extensively on my wood pieces. I am now learning how to transfer my ideas to cookies and this would be a wonderful help. Thanks for the wonderful instructions.
Thanks for the tutorial on a great way to use stencils. I will definitely try this technique.
WEDNESDAY IS MY BIRTHDAY,SO IT COULD BE A NICE PRESENT…………
THANKS AGAIN,FOR SHARING WITH US ALL THESE LOVELY IDEAS.
I would love to win a set of these–I LOVE the results!
Love learning new techniques! Thanks, can’t wait to try it.
Hi,What a great idea…I will have to try that with some Halloween stencils I have. Thanks for sharing!
These cookies look amazing! Oh, how I would love to win!!!!!!
Love learning new techniques! Thanks, can’t wait to try it. I have been wondering since I saw those in your store the best way to do multiple colors with the same stencil. You cookies are always so amazing.
Wow Karen, those are beautiful. With the templates I can look artistic even though I am a “stick person artist”. Thanks!
Whoa, I’m not sure if my hand will be steady enough to use those beautiful stencils, but I’d be willing to try them out! 🙂
Although I use the food writers on occassion I have never attempted templates. They would be great to use for spring!!
Spring, stencils, flowers – I love the look.
Love these cookies – such a cute collection! The zig-zag border totally makes it!!
These are great! I haven’t tried stencils yet…winning these might get me in gear! 😉
You know what? I’m really glad to see that you are human, Karen. Thanks for sharing a photo of the cookie with the two textures of icing. It was hard trying to live up to “perfection” before. c@
I love the look the stencils give the cookies and I would LOVE to win them!
Such pretty Spring cookies! Love them!
I’ve never thought of using a stencil that way! It’s brilliant! Thanks for the suggestion. And I LOVE the lacy edge on those rectangle cookies!!!
Karen, you make everything look easier than pie! I like your thinking – you need to have more winners. Yay, now I have a sort of better chance at winning something! And these would be a great thing to try out.
Karen, que preciosidad, me vendrian estupendamente para preparar galletas para el día de la madre.
Un beso
Karen! I’d love to give these stencils a whirl! I never even thought you could use them as a stencil! I mega failed when trying to use the stencils “normally” – the way Mike did in your video – and they turned out horribly! I guess I’m the exception that everybody can do it! 🙂 But I’m definitely going to try to use them as a stencil instead! HOW FUN! 🙂
I LOVE THESE! I am helping the youth groups at church make cookies for all the ladies for Mothers’ Day! What a wonderful idea!
Oooh! These would be great for my birthday. I LOVE THESE!
Beautiful and what a great idea!
Now Pick me so I can practice :))
Karen, again you show us great examples of pretty cookies! Would love to try out the stencils for Spring!
I would love to win these!
Question though, is this only for American followers?
Hi Karen!
I always wondered how they stenciled in more than one color and now I know! I just love this flower set and I have only used the larger Wilton markers to do coloring with younger children. So this finer point marker set has caught my eye. Thanks for all your great tutorials and loved seeing Mike in his video!
Karen,
What a fantastic idea using the stencils as templates! I never thought I’d be able to use stencils since I use corn syrup glaze icing, but you’ve shown me I can. Thank you! I’d love to win, but I’ll be placing an order soon if I don’t. 😉
Love these stenciled designs, Karen. You are so smart. 🙂
Thanks for the chance to win.
thanks for the new tutorial. I’ve been wanting to try these stencils, now more so.
A great idea with a great tutorial. Thks Karen!
I would love to try stenciling. You make it look so easy! If only it was…;)
I just love your blog.
Those are VERY cute, and just in time for Easter! Thanks for sharing Karen. Your Talent always amazes and inspires me! 🙂
Thanks for the GREAT tips/tricks…this is something I think I could do that is not a $$$$$$ as a kopykake but gives good desgins.
Beautiful cookies!
I would love to try the edible painters, marker looking things. Spring is here in Illinois, Tornados and all!
I love this technique! The cookies look so intricate – definitely crowd pleasers!
LOVE THEM THEY LOOK SO FUN TO DO AND VERY PRETTY AS USUAL! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND POST COMING… I LOVE YOUR IDEAS AND SO VERY THANKFUL YOU SHARE THEM AND SHOW US STEP BY STEP!
THANK YOU,
GINA
These are so lovely! Thank you for the chance to win!
I love how you used the stencils Karen! It looks easy, but I know it must not be so… I’m not very good with stencils, must practice 😉
What an AWESOME giveaway, thanks for being so generous!!
I love all your fabulous tips!
Czimrn@aol.com
Wow these cookies turned out really cute, love the eggs
regards Uschi
Oh!! I could not say which is my favorite. All are very cute!!
Love,
Lola
Oooh these are great! I’d love to win some!
Fabulosos consejos, Karen!!! gracias!
What a fantastic idea!! Thank you for sharing!
Those are so cute! Looking forward to trying this out soon! Love the tutorials! You make everything look so easy.
Never thought to do that – would love to give it a whirl!
I love this idea! The cookies turned out great, I want to try this for sure. Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂
Karen, these cookies are beautiful. I would love to have a chance to win, so that I could try to make them myself! You are very talented. Bluesandcats@yahoo.com
Karen, ¡eres una artista! Son unas galletas preciosas. Yo todavía no me he atrevido con la decoración de galletas, pero disfruto viendo vuestras creaciones.
Besos desde España.
Seriously beautiful cookies! I was shopping at your website and I was searching for a coupon code (not so successful yet) and I found your blog…so glad I did!
Love it! I have not tried using stencils on cookies, but it makes so much sense.
Thank you so much for sharing your talents!!! Cannot wait to try this stenciling tech on some Mothers Day cookies!
Thanks for the handy tips! Love all your great ideas!
Oh Karen, you make everything look so easy! I love the Spring flowers – Tulips are my favorite flower. I need to try the Americolor markers since I have two other brands I’m not happy with. I’m thinking it might be user error 🙂 Thank you for all your tips and giveaways – You Rock!!!
You and Mike make it look so easy. I’ve tried stencils unsuccessfully, but your idea of using food color markers to trace is such a great idea. Now I’m re-energized to try them again! Thanks for offering this give away and sharing your expertise with us! cristinsohm@aol.com
Oh…good luck to me!!!
What beauiful cookies……I’m sure the stencil would allow someone less artistic like me to be more successful!
WOW! This looks FAB.U.LOUS!
What a great idear Im always struggling to think of ways to decorate Easter egg cookies
Meravellous!!!
Besets
Thank you for showing us how to do the stencils. I am a beginner and need all the help I can get 🙂
This looks so easy – even I could do it!!
I would really love to win this….well anything related to cookie decorating really 😉
Pretty cookies Karen..as usual!
Son realmente preciosas y con esta técnica son fáciles de hacer y el resultado parece muy elaborado.
Congratulations for your cookies!
So cute! A new and great idea to decorate. Thanks again…
These are adorable! And they look fairly simple to use for quick cookies 🙂
This really makes me excited for Easter, can’t wait to hunt for eggs, play with the grandkids. And how fun would it be to decorate some cute cookies.
I feel lucky! I just love the idea of using stencils to help me with my cookie decorating…it looks easy, but I am sure that looks are deceiving. Thanks for sharing all your new products!
dkelmore1@gmail.com
If the Americolor pens are as different to the ones here as the gels are to our colours, then I *really* want to try them. Plus I have stencils that I’ve never used in this way (I’ve rarely used them at all!). I even have an American address to use, just in case I win them! (wishful thinking I know!)
What a wonderful idea! Thanks Karen!
Thanks for the info–I’ve been thinking about trying stencils. You make them look easy!
Love these stencils! Thanks for the how-to! I can’t wait to try.
Those cookies look gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your ideas!
Never tried them. Love your work! Congrats!
Great post Karen!
Ooh! What a fun giveaway! I’ve never used Gourmet Writers before and would love to try these. 🙂
Beautiful job!!! I have some stencils; now I’m inspired to get to work. thanks!
Thanks for offering another giveaway! My fingers are crossed!!
Loving the stencil cookies. So cute for Easter.
I never thought to try stencils. They are awesome!! Hope I get picked!
Interesting idea … guess I’ll be forced to try it out!
I am loving stencils lately! I would love to win these. 🙂
Very pretty! Would love to have a set!
Beautiful cookies! Would love to try the stencils. Great give-aways, Karen!! Thank you!!
Looks like TONS of fun! I have a bunch of stencils laying around from other projects, I’m gonna go scrub them up while I wait to see who the lucky winners are!
I can’t wait to try this!! You make it look so easy. Thanks for all the tips on your site!!
I need need need some of these…
Words can’t express how very desperately I want to win this! Random.org has never been my friend, but today’s my day.
You’re so generous–3 winners! I would love the gourmet writers! Their tips look so much finer than the Wilton markers and they offer so many more color options–they’ve been on my “to order” list for a while now, but I never seem to remember them 🙂
Maybe I’m not too late!! I would absolute luv, luv, luv to try the stencils and the markers!!
Those cookies are way too cute. I can’t believe those cookie writers work so well!
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Those are absolutely adorable. Just in case I don’t win can where can we get those cutie pie stencils and writers.
Thank you so much for sharing these tips. Your cookies are beautiful, can’t wait to try out this technique. I’m a beginner at cookie decorating, so I can use all the help I can get!
Foarte frumoase modelele su culirile sunt minunate. Felicitari!
Love this idea, I make gf cookies for family weddings and holidays. Your stencils would make the job
(that I love ) faster and oh so pretty.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Genise