My fifth (and final) online cookie art competition has now opened for registration. Yes, you heard me right, this competition will be my last, so I’ve designed it to be bigger and better than ever – my parting gift to the cookie community, if you will. Read on for every fabulous detail
As I noted in my last competition post, the 2026 5th virtual edition will be the competition’s last hurrah. As such, I intend for it to be bigger and better than ever. Moreover, I would be most honored to have you alongside me on this last leg of my cookie journey
It’s competition time again, and my 2026 competition comes with two big changes. One of those changes is very near and dear to my heart, and the other is designed to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever
The wonderful Manu Pezzopane once again hosted this 61st Cookie Connection Challenge (the eleventh in Julia’s new-ish Watch-Learn-Create series). Manu has gained the well-deserved reputation of picking the perfect featured guests and topics, and of asking them the perfect questions
Ever get a feeling of impending doom when confronted with the proposition of making a portrait cookie? Well, you certainly aren’t the only one! The good news is: Cookie Connection’s October 2025 Watch-Learn-Create Challenge #61 guest, Noelle Le-Lê Phan Viên Hy, will put all of your irrational fears to rest
People have been piping basketweave for what seems like eons, and almost every decorator has his/her own take. But few know how to make basketweave look as precise, elegant, and effortless as does Cookie Connection’s July 2025 Watch-Learn-Create Challenge #60 guest, Noriko Forster of Cookie Crumbs by mintlemonade
Organized by host Manu Pezzopane, this 60th Cookie Connection Challenge (the tenth in the new-ish Watch-Learn-Create series) focused on how to pipe picture-perfect basketweave. And its featured guest was none other than the master of finely piped details herself –
I know, I know, you’ve been holding your breath in anticipation of this post for about a month, but now you can finally let it go, as the winner reveal in the 2025 Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™ is here at last
Julia’s 59th Cookie Connection Challenge (the ninth in the new-ish Watch-Learn-Create series) was hosted as always by the lovely Manu Pezzopane and featured Anna Oliinyk of Sunday Cookers for the second time. (In 2023, Anna was the featured guest for
Start clapping, and then keep clapping for a very long time, because this year’s sponsors of Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™ have gone above and beyond with their generosity, setting a new standard in cash prizes
“Texture” and “dimension” are still the biggest buzzwords in cookie decorating these days, and, lucky for us, our featured guest for Cookie Connection‘s Challenge #59 shows us how to create more of both buzzwords with two simple wafer paper techniques
Who’s on deck to judge entries in this year’s competition? As always, my judges demonstrate extraordinary skill in all aspects of decorating as well as lots of expertise in fairly and constructively evaluating cookie art. Click through for the grand reveal, which includes a surprise addition this year
Ready to start crafting your entry for my 2025 cookie art competition?! Great, but before you do, be sure to read all of the rules in the official Competition Overview now on Cookie Connection, the competition’s home base
Are you a patron of the sugar arts who’s invested in helping cookie artists learn and grow? Well, great, because the 2025 Sponsor Offering for my annual cookie art competition allows you to do just that, all while getting your brand in front of a vast global audience
Many of you have been clamoring to know more about the 2025 Julia M. Usher’s Cookie Art Competition™. Well, clamor no more. I’m officially kicking off the 2025 competition season with this post
What cookie or cookie set isn’t made more beautiful by the addition of a bow? And when the bows are as lifelike and dimensional as those made by Cookie Connection’s Watch-Learn-Create Challenge #58 guest, all the better! Find out who she is and how to enter
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.
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