These rubber-stamped and painted cookies mimic vintage Christmas cards, thanks to some wonderful stamps that Julia found online. To learn more about these quick and easy decorating techniques, as well as many others, take a look at Julia’s book Ultimate
Julia used the same rubber stamp on these cookies that she used elsewhere in this gallery, but notice how she created an entirely new look simply by changing the topcoat (aka flood) color, flocking with snowy nonpareils, and adding an oversized
For this golden anniversary party, Julia chose to make a small wedding cake as the centerpiece at the head table. With a vintage vibe, both party and cake paid tribute to the many memories shared over 50 well-lived years. Read
To tie into the nostalgic styling of this anniversary party, Julia tore fondant into strips, deckled their edges with cocoa powder to “age” them, and applied them to the sides of this centerpiece cake. Added vintage flourishes include antique lace
Torn fondant brushed with cocoa powder gives this cake its antique finish – a look perfectly fitting the vintage affair over which it presides. The flowers, leaves, drapery, and cutwork lace panels are also handmade from fondant. The fancy filigree
Always adaptable, Julia used fresh flowers rather than sugar ones here to create a budget-friendly version of the centerpiece cake at this special anniversary party. The occasional pod and twig add textural interest to the traditional flower assortment.
Crafted by Julia from 1920s-era wedding portraits, these menus set this anniversary party’s nostalgic mood with soft sepia tones, crocheted lace, and antique button embellishments. Check out Julia’s blog for the details of this romantic affair.
Not only are the cookies on this plate completely edible (down to the fondant flowers on top), but so too is the lacy liner on which they sit. Julia piped it by hand with a mixture of white and milk
Monochromatic, muted tones extend to the sweets at this anniversary affair, staying in lockstep with the look of this vintage party design.
Even Julia’s choice of the pear-cardamom cake at this celebration was intentional. The burnished brown of the peeled pears and caramel sauce poured over the cake couldn’t have been more compatible with the golden anniversary theme and muted tones running
Rather than spell out guests’ names on the typical place card set plate-side, Julia enhanced the mood of this nostalgic anniversary party with more subliminal messages. These framed cards, hung from chairbacks with wire and supple cheesecloth ties, were made
Nope – very convincing decoys! These perfume bottle-party favors are cast from granulated sugar, air-dried, and then decorated with fondant filigree. Julia made them for the guests at this one-of-a-kind anniversary celebration.
When guests opened these party favors – cast sugar “perfume bottles” – they found gilded truffles inside! There are always multiple elements of surprise when Julia styles a party, and this over-the-top anniversary was no exception! For a behind-the-scenes look
This little bird says it’s easy to decorate Christmas cookies with a rubber stamp and a smudge or two of food coloring paint! To learn more about these quick and easy decorating techniques, as well as many others, take a
Indeed it does in these cookie needlepoints inspired by an actual needlepoint pattern! To make these festive Christmas holiday designs, Julia first piped a white grid with a relatively thick royal icing; then she filled in the holes with looser
These scenes may look like a real printed woodcuts, but they’re cookies, inspired by a holiday landscape originally designed by Konrad Zuse in the 1940s. Like the Santa faces that Julia showed earlier in this gallery, all that’s needed to
Cut to the chase! Quickly filter Julia’s blog content by selecting the most relevant category.
Never miss one of Julia’s posts! Click here for the computer-readable web feed of Julia’s blog.
Join Julia’s mailing list for event announcements, news, and special offers.
© 2022 Julia M. Usher, LLC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Be the first to hear about my latest events, tutorials, and product announcements by subscribing to my newsletter!
Schedule willing, I release one each month, roughly mid-month. And, guess what else?! Once you subscribe, you’ll receive a special one-time coupon code for 20% off my online tutorials. The code will be delivered in your subscription confirmation email, so keep your eyes peeled (as it cannot be resent). Thanks in advance for subscribing!
Live sweetly, Julia
