{But you already knew that.}
A while back, I wrote a post about making templates for cookie shapes when you don't have a cutter. I was making them with clean cardstock or cutting up a new manila file folder.
Well, I got a sweet email from a reader who suggested I use plastic made for quilting templates.
Ding! Ding! Ding!
A. Using this method, the templates are reusable and WASHABLE!
B. My mom, who was a quilter, would have just loved this!
It's how I make all of my templates now. All you do is...
go to the fabric store and buy the template plastic,
place the image to be traced underneath the plastic,
trace (I like a Sharpie),
cut out (I used my "good" scissors just for you guys).
Voila! A cookie template you can use over and over again. Works for me!
**Dear sweet reader who sent in the tip, please let me know who you are in the comments, so I can give you proper credit.**
Welcome to Bake at 350! I'm Bridget and I like all things sweet...especially cookie decorating. I hope you'll find some inspiration here. So, grab a chair (and a cookie) and let's get baking! [
What a great idea! I wish I could think of clever things like that!
ReplyDeleteNeat! I use recycled plastic lids for just such that purpose, too. I laughed when I saw the lightbulb drawing, thinking we were going to see *lightbulb moment* cookies! ;-)
ReplyDeleteWell isn't that clever ~ just when you thought you knew it all :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Double duty! After you cut your cookies, wipe it clean and cut your fabric for applique! Yes...I am a quilter...you and PW are the only non-quilty blogs on my reader! ;-)
ReplyDeletewow, what a great tip!
ReplyDeleteBridget I am wondering if you know of a good marshmallow fondant recipe?
Yes! Great idea. I wonder if you could use the old scrapbooking plastic templates that were so big in the late 90s? I think Michael's still carries them. I'll try them out. Thanks as always!
ReplyDeleteI have taken the VERY thick template material and cut a long 3/4" strip and formed it AROUND the outside of the image and then stapled the ends together and made my own cookie cutter. :)
ReplyDeleteSusie
Awesome idea! So clever...hence the lightbulb I suppose :P
ReplyDeletei agree ... what an awesome idea. one i think i will put into my must try list. so cool!! (:
ReplyDeleteThis is a GREAT tip!
ReplyDeleteI've been using the lids from
Cool Whip bowls, but you
can't see thru them to trace!
Thanks!
Seriously???!!! You are the smartest girl! I have know that for a while!!
ReplyDeleteNettie
Such a simple, but brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I'm always looking for ways to make my own shapes. Now I just have to find quilting plastic in Trinidad :(
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing but I use the little cutting mats. They're sold in packs with different colors for the different types of food. A little thicker than plastic lids so they hold up better and they are easy to wash!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I'll have to check Jo-Ann's and see if the quilting mats are cheaper.
<3 Sam
I recently read somewhere that you can cut a strip of metal from a soda can, bend it into the shape you need and either tape or glue the ends together to make your own cookie cutter. I'm thinking of trying it, but am wondering about how to make the side you push down on not so sharp. Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteHow about heavy tape - maybe duct tape. cut narrow strip & wrap around edge you'll push down on. Add a second layer if needed.
DeleteBrilliant! I love this idea
ReplyDeleteThat is a fabulous idea....I aways used those flimsy little plastic cutting boards...but sometime they are super difficult to find...I know I can get this at any local craft store!! THANKS for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteawesome cookie tip!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea!!!! I love the idea of being able to make permanent custom cookie shapes. I'm filing this one away. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBRILLIANT!! I am making sugar cookies this weekend and this is going to be helpful. My mom is a quilter too :)
ReplyDeletesomethingbroughtyouhere.blogspot.com
i use the same!!! easy and fast!
ReplyDeleteWhen I used to make my hand cut cookies, I would draw the design on a manilla file folder (1 thickness) and then laminate and cut. Same principal I think. Gave the template stability and washability too. I have folders and folders of them. I can't seem to make myself throw them away :)
ReplyDeleteI use the plasic cutting boards. they work great and the are "food grade". I can get them for only 3.99. I love that I can use them over and over!
ReplyDeleteThe Dollar Store here in Canada sells the plastic cutting boards for a dollar. I use them for template and stencils. Perfect and cheap
Deleteo wow that is a gr8 idea!! thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeletehttp://infinitelifefitness.com
http://mscomposure.blogspot.com
What a great tip, Bridget! I never have thought to try making permanent templates... But, now I am going to give it a shot!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant idea! Thanks :)
ReplyDeletethanks for another great idea. i love this works for me.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea. I have made my own templates before, but this makes it even easier. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the fantabulous idea! It definitely beats using file folders:)
ReplyDeleteI print them on the computer to which ever size I need, cut them out and laminate with a machine. They are sturdy, washable and has the design already printed on them.
ReplyDeleteI've been doing this for years. I like to use my stencil cutter, they are especially good for small detail cuts. Use this method for masks and stencils for air brushing on cake, cookies, etc. Thanks for sharing an old favorite tip.
ReplyDelete