Confirmation Cookies . . .

There is something so sweet about a dove cookie.  Maybe it's the occasions they represent?  I've made them before for a baptism.  A friend's son is getting confirmed this week and these are for his confirmation class.


I really love the way the personalized ones came out. I think everyone likes to see their name on a cookie, don't you?


Wanna make 'em for a special occasion of your own?

Here's what you need:

• royal icing in white, green and yellow (Americolor Bright White, Leaf Green and Egg Yellow)
• tips: #2 and #1
• disposable icing bags
• squeeze bottle
• toothpicks
• oh, and dove cookies! The cutter is from Sur La Table.

 
Using a  #2 tip, outline the cookie in white royal icing. 

Thin the white icing (reserve a bit for later) with water, a little at a time, until it is the consistency of thick syrup.  Cover with a damp dishtowel and let sit several minutes.

Stir gently with a rubber spatula to pop any large air bubbles that have formed. Transfer to a squeeze bottle.

Fill in the outlined cookie with the flood icing.  Use a toothpick to spread into sides and corners.

Let sit 1 hour.

 
With the reserved white icing and #1 tip, add detail on wings, tail and add an eye.   Personalize, if you want.


Using another #2 tip, pipe the branch in leaf green.


With a #1 or 2 tip, pipe yellow flowers on the branches.

Let dry overnight before packaging.

Happy Confirmation, Matthew. :)

Amanda's Irises (and a Quote)

This start-of-the-year post is courtesy of Amanda, who I met at the end of October in the Borders at Columbus Circle.

It was her sleeve of irises that first captured my attention:

These are inspired by the work of Vincent van Gogh, perhaps this one:

The tattoo was done by Dennis Halbritter when he was at Incognito Tattoo in Pasadena, California. He has since moved to High Voltage Tattoo, Kat Von D's shop on L.A. Ink.

Dennis also inked this on Amanda's inner right bicep:

This quote "IO FU QUELLO CHE VOI SIETE E QUEL CH'IO SON VOI SARETE" is taken from an Italian fresco credited to Masaccio. This is the artwork in question:

The Holy Trinity, with the Virgin and Saint John and donors, in Florence

If you look at the bottom of the fresco, right above the skeleton is the phrase Amanda has inscribed on her arm.

The phrase is translated as "I once was what you are and what I am you also will be".
These words remind her of her own mortality.

Thanks to Amanda for sharing these lovely tattoos with us here on Tattoosday!