Perfect Sugar Cookie Decorations and THE Best Sugar Cookie Recipe!

I recently got the chance to check out some free Craftsy Classes at select Denver Jo-Ann Fabrics and Craft stores , and am loving trying out all the awesome new techniques I have learned. If you read my Simple Bow Cake post a few weeks ago, you'll know just how much I absolutely love he newly remodeled Craftsy Classroom spaces at select Jo-Ann stores- they are cute, vibrant, and so fun! And they add some fun touches to Jo-Ann's already amazing class lineup.

I picked the Designer Cookies with Autumn Carpenter class. Autumn made the absolute cutest cookies, and gives SO much information. I feel like my quick project was just scratching the surface- this was one of the most useful classes I have ever come across. Her tips and tricks are really applicable to all sorts of cookie decorating styles, and really adaptable to any kind of cookie. I am so glad I took this class in the Jo-Ann store- because it's one I bought for use over and over again. It is awesome!
 

I was really excited when I found out that select Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores in the Denver area are now allowing you to access free Craftsy classes in the newly renovated Craftsy Classrooms!

Autumn's cookie recipe is hands down the BEST sugar cookie recipe I have ever used in my life. It is nice and soft, tastes great, and DOES NOT SPREAD. Not one tiny bit. It is utterly delicious, and makes perfectly shaped cookies, every time! This class is worth checking out for the recipe alone! And when you take the class in select Jo-Ann Stores in Denver, you can get a copy of the recipe as well as the ingredients for some of the other techniques Autumn uses- like flood and fill icing, fondant for ribbons, and modeling chocolate!

If you've been to Jo-Ann stores in the past, you know that they have always had really fun classes. They are kicking it up a notch with the Craftsy classes though- not only have certain classrooms had a fun new makeover that is bright and fun, but you can now access a ton of great, interesting classes- from cake decorating, to serging, knitting, sewing and cookie crafts- for FREE in store!

All you have to do is sign up on the classroom ipad- providing your email address- and then sit down and watch the class. You're provided with class notes so you can go home and put your new skills to use- the notes include things like recipes, a list of supplies you need, and extra info on the skills you learned.

I'm going to use the techniques Autumn showed to make all sorts of cookies and expand my cookie cutter collection- I like to hoarde cookie cutters, but I never get around to using them. Never again! I have so many ideas using her simple flood and fill royal icing techniques- I really wanted to make so many things, I kind of ended up just making these simple heart cookies because I couldn't focus on all my new ideas!

I want to make a cookie flower bouquet like Autumn's, complete with "dirt" modeling chocolate, sometime this summer. It would be so cute for a tea party! Or some fun dolphin and crab shaped cookies when we head to the beach in a few weeks. I might also try to make some of my kids favorite characters, now that I have a sugar cookie recipe I can use with simple stencils I can make from printed pictures!

The class overall was pretty long- but I am **so** glad it was. There is seriously so much information I feel like I need more time to go through it all. If there is one class you're wanting to try out before buying, check this class out! It is awesome.

As for my simple cookies, I used heart shaped cookie cutters to make some simple heart themed cookies that looked like some I made (not nearly as cute) for a friend who got married five years ago. I put simple hearts, made a marbled effect with some, dragged some dots to make a swirly heart design, and adorned some cookies with their initials. It was really quick and easy- now I need to go start on some of my new ideas!

 The Craftsy classes at Jo-Ann Stores in select Denver shops have so many fun ideas- I am going to try out a few more. What would you want to try out? I'm thinking knitting- but I am glad I can watch the videos before buying a class on it, because I do not know if it is something I can do!