Chat with Arty McGoo aka Elizabeth Adams

March 29, 20144:00 PM5:01 PM CDT

Chat with Arty McGoo aka Elizabeth Adams

Julia M. UsherModerator4:00 PM

Hi, Liz! So great to have you here today, especially as I know you're probably still unwinding from CookieCon.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:00 PM

So great to chat! I can NEVER get enough cookie talk

Julia M. UsherModerator4:00 PM

Tee hee! Me too!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:01 PM

Before we get started, just a few housekeeping notes for newbies to our chats: questions are answered in the order received, but they will not post to the public/viewable area of the chat until Liz reads and answers them. We'll work through questions that were logged in advance first; then start working on questions asked live during the chat. That said, please be patient and do not re-post the same question. It may take some time to answer your question, depending on where it sits in the queue. But I will personally make sure every question gets answered before we're through!

Ready??

Julia M. UsherModerator4:01 PM

Also, please ask just one question at a time. It's easier/quicker for the guest to answer that way, and easier for those reading the transcript later to follow the flow. THANKS!

Kristien V.4:01 PM

Hello! It's such an honor to get to post a question for you. I am so amazed by your painting ability and the cookies that you create. I'm traveling, so I can't participate in the live chat. Thank you in advance for answering my questions. Do you use vodka, extract or water to thin your colors? Can you taste the vodka or extract once it dries?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:01 PM

Kvue: Thank you so much! I always use water to paint with. While I will use fresh color when needed, I prefer to let my food coloring dry on the palette. Then, using a wet paintbrush, I take color onto my brush as needed just like painting with watercolors. I don't really dilute the whole well of color.

SusieQ4:02 PM

As always I like to know your thought process in your design work: How do you decide on colors, theme, direction? What do you that is special to make your designs unique? Thanks for the opportunity to ask these questions and for your answers.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:02 PM

SusieQ: I wish I was more of a planner! My process... I like to let ideas marinate. The event usually dictates the theme and then I focus on what emotions I want to evoke. Sometimes I will collect a couple of pictures or quotes that fit the theme to guide me. My whole process revolves around a feeling. Bright and cheery? Sweet and melancholy? I base all my design decisions {colors, textures, images, etc} based on communicating a feeling. To make designs unique: I am not scared to try new things. Every set is an experiment and I have fun with it, and I think it shows.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:03 PM

It does show!

Chrisy4:03 PM

Hi Julia, and Arty/Elizabeth

Julia M. UsherModerator4:03 PM

Hi, Christy! Welcome!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:03 PM

Hi Chrisy!

Margolynn4:03 PM

What was the newest and more innovative decorating idea you learned at CookieCon?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:03 PM

Margolynn: After Myriam's class I am so inspired to use more royal icing transfers in my designs. I ALWAYS have leftover icing, and transfers are such a great way to add dimension and interest. It takes a little planning ahead, but will save time while decorating. I like that. I'm also super excited about the Notta Cookie! It is a cookie shape made out of plastic to practice on. I think it will be great for classes!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:04 PM

BTW - I JUST got my shipment of Notta Cookies from Karen and Mike. I ordered about a dozen for my next class. Yay!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:04 PM

Great idea. I've heard they are super stain resistant too. very cool

Chrisy4:05 PM

I am having a hard time getting my royal icing the right consistency. Do you have any helpful hints, other than practice? I mix my icing and think I have it at the right consistency, put it in my bag or bottle and come to find out, it is too thick. I have watched so many tutorials, my head spins. There is the 5 second, the 10 second, and the 20 second. I absolutely love decorating cookies! I wish all of you would tuck me under your wings and teach me everything there is to know about cookie decorating! Thank you for your time. Thank you both for all of the information you share with us! Chrisy

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:05 PM

Hi Chrisy! Consistency is the most important thing and really makes the difference between a frustrating decorating session and a fabulous one. I have the opposite problem and tend to over-thin, so I will switch on my ceiling fan to even things out. I would say be very consistent with your ingredients. I like to weigh mine so I never ask myself "Did I put in too much powdered sugar?" And really count out that frosting. I like mine between 10 - 12 seconds, but get to know what you like and how it feels and looks so you can reproduce it every time.

Sweet Southern Cookie-Loretta Ray4:06 PM

Do you ever plan on writing a book?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:06 PM

Loretta my sweet southerner

I don't plan anything. I am the worst at thinking ahead! But I can't deny imagining a lovely coffee table book loaded with pictures. That would be so rewarding!

TriciaZ@Tricia's Cookie Cottage4:06 PM

Can I be in your family? Liz, you are such a dynamic personality in the Cookie World. In everyday life are you the same or on the quiet/shy side?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:06 PM

Tricia, the adoption papers have already been signed and your bedroom is all set up! ha ha! You are so sweet. In my house, I am ridiculous and get up to all sorts of shenanigans with my kids and Mr. John. In everyday life around "normal" people, I do tend to be quieter. I used to be painfully shy, and that side can come out with strangers. Coming from a family of 8, I think I am more comfortable being among a herd of relatives. I must see the cookie community as family, because I am not shy or nervous around cookiers.

Gabi Tagliabue4:07 PM

Hello Julia and Elizabeth, Can you give us more information about notta cookies?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:07 PM

While Liz is typing (we are now onto the LIVE QUESTIONS, BTW), I can find the link that I just posted to Notta Cookie on Cookie Connection.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:08 PM

It looks like a cookie in it's coloring and thickness. It's a circle and you can airbrush it, you can flood it. I actually saw royal icing transfers taken off of it and they can be used on a real cookie. It was fabulous!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:08 PM

Yeah, it's basically a reusable plastic cookie, link to more explanation and to purchase here: https://www.karenscookies.net/...e-Cookie_p_2009.html

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:08 PM

Mr. John said you're taking your classes on the road. When will you be posting your schedule?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:09 PM

Mary Mary quite contrary... I am finalizing my new website and it will have a calendar on it with upcoming classes.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:09 PM

While she's typing, we're now open for live questions! Keep 'em coming. It's a rare moment to have Liz captive for an hour.

DianeS4:09 PM

Do you cut out your cookies individually to the idea you are working on or do you start with the shape f the cookie cuter and think of what else you can do with it?

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:10 PM

I AM contrary! :-) Woooo Whoooo!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:11 PM

Good question Diane. I am bad with cutter vision, so I will typically pick some non-specific shapes {plaque, circle, etc} and maybe one specific one that I KNOW what I will do with it. The rest I like to leave open for inspiration.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:11 PM

You ARE Mary! ... She calls me names

Michelle west Sion4:11 PM

Recently moved. Having the hardest time drying icing. Had a fan on them. (No ceiling fan thou). Have the dehumidifier on. I'm thinking I should get a heater fan???? Help

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:12 PM

Ugh Michelle! That is frustrating! Those things are all great. I've only decorated in humidity once and I hated being so patient

I would try a heater fan and/or dehydrator?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:12 PM

Sabrina etrea - I just received an incomplete question from you. Can you please re-enter it? Thanks!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:13 PM

Okay, while she's re-entering and others are gathering the nerve to pepper you with questions . . .

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:13 PM

Don't be scared

Julia M. UsherModerator4:13 PM

I am going to ask a couple related to CookieCon, especially for the benefit of those not there.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:14 PM

I don't bite... hard

Julia M. UsherModerator4:14 PM

What was your favorite part of the CookieCon experience?

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:14 PM

Say meeting me!!!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:14 PM

Mary . . .

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:14 PM

Sorry. (Mary hangs head)

Julia M. UsherModerator4:15 PM

Teasing, I hope you realize!

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:15 PM

Of course!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:15 PM

So many things! but the best is meeting so many people who share this passion. The energy and positive vibes were circulating that place like crazy. You can't help but fall in love with everyone and be excited. Including meeting Mary

Julia M. UsherModerator4:16 PM

On a more serious note . . .

Michelle west Sion4:16 PM

Thank you miss mcgoo. Does the dehydrator dry out the cookie?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:16 PM

I have never used a dehydrator, but many have great results with it.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:16 PM

Can I interject?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:17 PM

Yes, please

Julia M. UsherModerator4:17 PM

I think it's great for setting top-coats to prevent cratering and a subtle sheen . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator4:17 PM

But . . . I do think cookies can be left in there too long.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:17 PM

I've had icing completely sheet off cookies when over-dried.

Cookie Barn4:17 PM

With the success of Cookie Con, do you think there will be plans in the future to expand it? For example to other locations.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:19 PM

I think she's typing . . .

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:19 PM

I think it would be great to have it other locations, but I'm not sure. Mike and Karen load so many things to the venue, and their distance to SLC is doable for them. I'm not sure if flying all their supplies in is very practical at this point. How about a COOKIE CRUISE!?

Michelle west Sion4:19 PM

Thank you both. Important !!!!! Any rumblings of next years cookie con?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:20 PM

I know Mike and Karen are already brainstorming on how to make it even better. Hard to imagine!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:20 PM

Similar question - but I'll add that Mike and Karen have both said slightly different things about the timing. Karen said next year, and Mike was a little more vague.

Gabi Tagliabue4:20 PM

Talking of cratering, what do you do to avoid them?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:20 PM

We'll let them recover

Julia M. UsherModerator4:21 PM

Right - good idea!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:22 PM

so many variable Gabi! I think cream of tartar in my royal recipe helps. Not making your icing too thin, the humidity... I think the best way to avoid craters is to REALLY get to know your frosting and what effects it.

Sabrina etrea4:22 PM

Oops sorry, it's difficult for me write fast ...in english

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:22 PM

Hi darling Sabrina! <3

Julia M. UsherModerator4:22 PM

No apologies, Sabrina. You do not have to type fast. Take your time.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:23 PM

Your question will only post once you've hit "POST".

SusieQ4:23 PM

Do you have a special back ground that helps you in your design process? Thanks

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:24 PM

I haven't taken any art or design classes Susie, but I've always NEEDED to draw and create. I think drawing an doodling helps foster the design process.

Cookie Barn4:24 PM

Sometimes I get what looks like oil stains in my dark flood colors. Everyone seems to have a different idea as to why. What do you ladies to to prevent this from happening?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:25 PM

You go first, Liz. Then I'll add if I have anything different to say.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:25 PM

That sounds like butter bleed Cookie Barn. Have you played with your recipe? Some people wait after baking to decorate to prevent it, but I think it's more about the recipe than anything. Julia?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:26 PM

I start decorating about 10 minutes after the cookies come out of the oven?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:26 PM

I don't get these so-called "grease" spots, but perhaps that's because I substitute some shortening for the butter in my recipe.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:26 PM

I also do this because shortening has a higher melting point than butter, so my cookies spread less.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:27 PM

That's said, the guys at TruColor don't think the spots are from butter bleed at all . . .

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:27 PM

I've made several cookie recipes and never had butter bleed. I think the royal recipe has a lot to do with that too.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:27 PM

they think they come from the cookie acting as a sponge and drawing water out of the coloring at different rates. But that's a story for another day.

Hiromi4:27 PM

Hello Julia and Elizabeth! I've seen you posted the photos of the cookie cutters your father made. They look very sturdy and nice. What does your father use to attach the ends of the metal strip? I use the double sided tape when I make my own cutters but they tend to come off easily.

Cookie Barn4:27 PM

Thank you

Julia M. UsherModerator4:28 PM

Agree with your last point, Liz. The faster that icing dries, the less likely anything is to leach into it, if that's what's happening.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:29 PM

Hi Hiromi, my dad makes those cutters out of tin cans so they are already attached into a continuous circle. He then shapes it from the top of the can, so it also has a nice turned edge for your hand. He's kind of a genius!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:29 PM

I'll say. I'll have to go take a look at those.

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:29 PM

I missed Mr. John's break out class on copyright/design issues. What did I miss? How do you feel about others emulating your designs?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:29 PM

Ahh, good question.

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:30 PM

What's the etiquette?

Hiromi4:30 PM

Wow, I've never thought about that. Thank you Elizabeth!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:31 PM

You missed a great discussion Mary. He talked about what you are risking when you make cookies of copyrighted material. He also went into how we need to treat each other in our cookie community. If you are using someone else's designs: ask... give credit. It doesn't take anything away from us to say "thanks!"

Julia M. UsherModerator4:31 PM

Can you summarize the risks he mentioned related to using copyrighted material?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:32 PM

I am honored when I inspire someone!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:32 PM

He started his breakout saying he will save you thousands and thousands of dollars

Some companies have lawyers looking for infringement. They are serious and they will fine you.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:33 PM

Some will warn and others will send you a bill.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:33 PM

I've known several Etsy shops closed because of unauthorized selling of character cookies. Be warned, everyone!

Rita4:34 PM

But would they if you don't charge for cookies ?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:34 PM

Related question from Mary. I'll post it now.

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:34 PM

To make this clear....I can make cookies for friends and family at no charge, but when I charge I may get a bill. Is that right?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:35 PM

If you post it on your business page, it is implied and if you post it on a blog where you earn money... it gets very grey and I know several people who posted cookies they did not make money on, get a cease and desist letter and/or a fine.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:35 PM

In my opinion, and it's just mine, I think it's a lot more fun to come up with something that's an expression of me . . .

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:36 PM

If it is a character or copyrighted image, keep it on your personal page... this is a note to self as well. I need to sift through my page!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:36 PM

. . . as opposed to a replica of something else. You know?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:36 PM

Completely Julia!

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:36 PM

Good to know! Thank you.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:36 PM

Though, I know the demand is there for character cookies, so . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator4:37 PM

. . . people want to produce them naturally.

SusieQ4:37 PM

Is it helpful to watermark what you post if it is original to you?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:37 PM

It's a hard decision and everyone needs to weigh it out for themselves.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:37 PM

You don't watermark, do you, Liz?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:38 PM

Susie, I think it's a great idea to watermark. If it goes viral sometimes there is no way to find the originator. I watermark when I remember... which is never

Rita4:38 PM

I'm just starting to paint on cookies instead of coloring with food pens. Any helpful advice on this?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:39 PM

Get a good detail brush. Frayed brushes are so frustrating and make a world of difference Rita.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:39 PM

Oh, re: your "It's a hard decision comment": I thought it was in reference to watermarking. Looks like it was in reference to copying licensed characters.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:40 PM

My stance on the latter is to avoid it.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:40 PM

It's all about getting comfortable with that paintbrush in your hand. A paintbrush will give you the finest lines ever that not even the finest markers can achieve.

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:40 PM

Do either of you have personal assistants or kitchen fairies that help you produce?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:41 PM

My kitchen fairy's name is Mr. John.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:41 PM

Short answer: no.

Debbi Hook4:41 PM

Hi and sorry for joining late - I've scanned the chat so hope I don't duplicate. I just listened to the Music to Cookie By CD yesterday. You guys are so clever. LOVE IT. The question, which follows this topic I'm reading re copyright follows ... if your music is used, say in the background of a youtube video (with your permission of course) would the youtube music ears grab the background music as copyrighted and silence the video? I love it and find myself humming along. Sorry if this is a convoluted question.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:41 PM

He always offers to help me flood, but... we've learned the hard way that cookies aren't his thing.

Rita4:42 PM

I'm learning that. If I can master it, I'll never go back to pens

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:42 PM

hahaha

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:43 PM

I think YouTube does find copyrighted music and I'm not sure about silencing the track Debbie.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:43 PM

My husband stays as far away from my cookies as possible. I think he's had it with my obsession!

Gabi Tagliabue4:43 PM

Which brushes do you recommend?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:43 PM

Gabi, I get my brushes from the artist section of Michael

Rita4:44 PM

Any specific brand that you'd suggest?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:44 PM

Michael's. They are sold individually and I get a variety of what is on sale. They run about $2.00 - $4.00 each and last a long time if you treat them right.

Sabrina etrea4:45 PM

Ciao carissima Liz , hai un metodo per creare effetto lucido? Hello dear Liz, you have a method to create shiny effect?

Julia M. UsherModerator4:45 PM

Hi, Sabrina!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:46 PM

Ciao Sabrina! I have used a couple of methods. I have melted isomalt, I have melted sugar, I have brushed on equal parts corn syrup and alcohol and that is my favorite. It dries hard and stays shiny.

Michelle west Sion4:46 PM

Back to painting . . . My fave is What a Wonderful World. I could watch that over and over. And I have.

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:47 PM

I think you have something similar in Italy Sabrina to corn syrup? I forget what it is called.

Julia M. UsherModerator4:47 PM

Glucose?

Debbi Hook4:47 PM

Have you tried any of the TruColor paints for painting? I bought some of the awesomely brilliant colors for airbrush use and wondered if you could paint with that lovely color. If you haven't, can you think of any pros and cons?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:47 PM

Awww, thank you so much Michelle! I had so much fun making that. I did it really fast and realized after, I didn't need to because I sped it up. So silly!

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:49 PM

Debbi, I bought some TruColor as well and I can't wait to try it out! I couldn't believe the coverage with the airbrush and the concentrated color. I am definitely going to try painting with it. I think the only con would be that it is perishable, but that is also the pro, because it's natural and that is always the best option.

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:49 PM

I'm still very new to all this and feel like I'm always behind with the next holiday. How far in advance do you do your planning?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:50 PM

Me = worst planner ever. I am maybe a week ahead of the next holiday if I'm lucky. Worst person ever!

Julia M. UsherModerator4:50 PM

Unsolicited shout-out to TruColor. Help them reach their next funding goal, so they can give us healthier colors: http://cookieconnection.juliau...kickstarter-campaign

Mary - My Sweet Serendipity4:51 PM

Do you use anything other than water to clean your brushes?

Arty McGooFeatured Guest4:51 PM

Nope. Water does all the work for cleaning brushes.

Sabrina etrea4:52 PM

Si sciroppo di glucosio ma rimane un po' appiccicoso!you Jiulia glucose syrup but remains a bit sticky ... with isomalt is more difficult to define the details

Julia M. UsherModerator4:52 PM