Wow! This third challenge in Julia’s new Watch-Learn-Create Challenge series is a real gem! Hosted by Manu Pezzopane on Julia’s community-based site Cookie Connection, this challenge kicks off like every other with a free instructional video by a noted cookie artist that’s designed to inspire you to create a skill-stretching project of your own. In this case, the featured guest is 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’s no better instructor to guide this challenge about watercolor florals on fondant! In her two-hour video (yes, two free hours!), Laura paints a gorgeous pansy, guiding you every step of the way through her layered “veiling” technique so that you too can achieve similar results.

The challenge opened on January 27, 2023, but doesn’t close until April 8, giving you plenty of time to create! For all of the challenge details, including a description of the amazing prize that will be drawn when the challenge closes, click on the “LEARN MORE” button. 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.