Wow! This third challenge in Julia’s new Watch-Learn-Create series was a real gem! Hosted by Manu Pezzopane on Julia’s community-based site Cookie Connection, this challenge kicked off like every other with a free instructional video by a noted cookie artist that was designed to inspire you to create a skill-stretching project of your own. In this case, the featured guest was award-winning pastry chef and sugar artist Laura Saporiti of Laura Saporiti Pastry and Cake Art. Laura has received numerous awards for her edible painting on various mediums, so there was no better instructor to guide this challenge about watercolor florals on fondant! In her two-hour video (yes, two free hours!), Laura painted a gorgeous pansy, guiding viewers every step of the way through her layered “veiling” technique to allow them to achieve similar results.

The challenge opened on January 27, 2023, but didn’t close until April 8, giving everyone plenty of time to create! And create they did! To see all of the entries, check out the challenge recap on Cookie Connection. And to view Laura’s video, which will remain on Cookie Connection for posterity even though the challenge is over, click on the “LEARN MORE” button, and you’ll be taken to the Challenge #53 kickoff post on Cookie Connection. While you’re on the site, please peruse the rest of it and consider becoming a member (it’s free!). Just click the “JOIN NOW” button on the Cookie Connection home page and follow the prompts.