Live Chat with Marta Torres of The Cookie Lab

December 13, 201410:00 AM11:10 AM CST

Live Chat with Marta Torres of The Cookie Lab

Hi, Marta! It's such a treat to have you here today. Your cookies have always impressed me online, but when I saw them in Italy at Cookie'sCool recently, I was even more impressed! Such details - they are really incredible. I can't wait to learn more about your process today.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:00 AM

But 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 Marta 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!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:00 AM

Please also ask just one question at a time - it's easier for the featured guest to keep track of questions and for others to follow the dialogue this way. Thanks again!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:00 AM

So, while others are warming up . . . I'll kick us off with a question of mine . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator10:00 AM

Ready, Marta?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:02 AM

Marta, are you ready for the first question?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:03 AM

Marta??

Julia M. UsherModerator10:04 AM

Sorry, all. I think we're having some technical difficulties. Please be patient.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:06 AM

Marta, are you there?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:06 AM

Hello Julia

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:06 AM

I´m ready and fist of all would like to thank you for this opportunity as well as for setting up this wonderful Cookie Connection

Julia M. UsherModerator10:07 AM

Sorry, something is not set up properly here. But I can see your comments now. It may just take me a little more time to post than usual. Onto the first question.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:07 AM

I absolutely love your recent Walking in the Snow! cookie (http://cookieconnection.juliau.../walking-in-the-snow) I think it typifies your style - charming, intricately piped vignettes with lots of depth! Can you quickly explain the various steps that went into making this cookie?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:09 AM

This cookie was challenging not just to it´s size 8 cm but also for the volume, textures and techniques involved. The more challenging the more i like it

Julia M. UsherModerator10:10 AM

Yes, I know it was quite small. Can you quickly walk us through the steps you took? Where did you get the drawing? Did you first trace it? etc.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:11 AM

(Phew! I just fixed a setting on the chat so we can know all see Marta's comments at the same time. I apologize for that technical glitch. Things should go more smoothly from here.)

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:12 AM

i imagine the cookie, study which techniques fits better, i design the image and transfer to the cookie and start filling it in order to give volume. the order is the more distance and depth goes first until finish it

Julia M. UsherModerator10:13 AM

And how do you transfer the image? Do you use a Kopykake or some other method?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:14 AM

And all the little fine black lines? Hand-drawn with edible marking pen or painted?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:14 AM

No, i don't have a KK, everything is hand made. I use several ways. Basically edible markers, specially of the cookie has hand painted areas

Julia M. UsherModerator10:15 AM

OK, onto questions from some of the others.

Tina at Sugar Wishes10:15 AM

I have a prior commitment do I am very sorry if I am not here to support a dear cookie friend and to thank you Julia for all you do on CC for us. It is like being part of a family! Another year together and still going strong! So now down to my question. Marta you have a style all your own. Where do you get your inspiration from? Fashion? Art? Books? You have amazed me all year and I always wonder wow how does she think of these designs! <3 Thanks. Tina

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:15 AM

Actually, edible markers are just for drawing, as for decorating I use edible ink, gel or paste to make those fine lines

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:16 AM

Hi, Tina, thanks for you support, it means a lot to me.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:16 AM

Katie asked the same question, so I'll post it now as well.

Katia @ GK Cookies10:16 AM

Hi Marta!!! I adore your art! I would like to ask you which is your source of inspiration? Every cookie you make is a masterpiece...

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:17 AM

Regarding you question Tina, I see cookies everywhere. Fashion, art, music, country side and, believe me my last christmas trees came from some tissue paper I saw and adjusted it into a cookie

Michelle west Sion10:18 AM

I will be meeting Marta next weekend, and I could not be more excited. Marta, whose cookie did you first see that inspired you to think, I could do this?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:21 AM

Hi Julia, have you received my answer to Tina´s question?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:21 AM

Yes, I just posted a question from Michelle directly above. Can you see it?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:21 AM

Here's Michelle's question again: Marta, whose cookie did you first see that inspired you to think, I could do this?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:22 AM

Your comments are now posting directly into the chat as they should have been from the beginning. Just type in your answers and hit "Post" and we'll all see them.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:24 AM

It looks like we lost Marta. I no longer see her online. Let's wait a few minutes and see if her connection comes back. Sorry, gang . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator10:25 AM

If not, I'll try to copy the 8 questions in the chat queue out of the chat and ask her to answer them later. I'll post them here or somewhere else onthe site.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:27 AM

OK, she's back! Yay!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:27 AM

Sorry, there was a problem and didn't realise it.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:28 AM

Marta, here's the latest question from Michelle again . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator10:28 AM

Marta, whose cookie did you first see that inspired you to think, I could do this?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:29 AM

Actually, it was from a male friend when i was living in madrid. It was Christmas time and it was a simple snowman

Royal Icing Diaries10:29 AM

You are truly one of my favorite cookie decorators! Do you have any plans to teach additional classes here in the U.S. in 2015? Please say yes! :-)

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:30 AM

Hello Royal Icing Diaries. Yes, it is my intention to repeat the experience next summer.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:30 AM

What experience are you repeating? Can you clarify?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:30 AM

Sorry Michelle didn't mention you name.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:31 AM

Are you teaching classes in your upcoming trip to the US? If so, where?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:31 AM

Yes, Repeating the Classes in the USA. the class we are going to have on 20th is fully booked and had to say no to some people. sorry

Julia M. UsherModerator10:32 AM

Where is it? You should post the next one on the Cookie Connection calendar!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:32 AM

Yes, Julia, the class will be held at Avondale (never been there) in PA

Julia M. UsherModerator10:32 AM

Great, I hope it goes super well - as I know it will!

donaharrisburg10:32 AM

Are you an artist? Did you take drawing classes?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:33 AM

Posting a few comments from others while Marta answers Dona's question.

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations10:33 AM

Hi ladies! just joining the conversation-mid making treats for party in a couple of hours!! Hi Marta!!!!

Royal Icing Diaries10:33 AM

Oh, that's perfect! I look forward to it!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:34 AM

Hi Dona, thanks for you support. No I´m not an artist, but I do like art, fashion..... never took classes except for one course on line on hand painted cookies.

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:34 AM

Hello Winn@

Julia M. UsherModerator10:34 AM

What course was that? I'm not aware of any except for Arty McGoo's new classes.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:35 AM

Any about handpainting, that is.

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:36 AM

Julia, the MEUG (Mensage en una galleta) was offering some courses being one of hand painted cookies, unfortunately couldn't finish it but receive a good feedback from the teacher saying that I should try painting and this is it.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:36 AM

Ahh, yes! Love her cookies!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:37 AM

You touched briefly on your design process earlier, but here's another question that goes a little deeper . . .

Former Member10:37 AM

You are a truly talented artist. I love your work. How do you turn your inspiration into cookie form? What is the design process?

donaharrisburg10:38 AM

Thanks for your reply Marta! I'm a fan of yours. Be safe in Avondlae/Chester County.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:38 AM

Posting more comments while Marta answers Sugar Pearls question.

donaharrisburg10:38 AM

I wish I had known about that class

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:38 AM

Hello Sugar Pearls, let me say that I do love your work. For my everything can be turn into a cookie. I don't usually spend to much time thinking of it, i grab my cookie and thats it. most of my cookies you see at CC or my page are just my first and only version

Julia M. UsherModerator10:38 AM

Me too! Got to get those classes on our calendar - everyone!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:39 AM

sorry for the spelling mistakes lol!

Julia M. UsherModerator10:39 AM

More about your work process . . .

Royal Icing Diaries10:39 AM

Marta, your work is just amazing. From a somewhat newbie to cookie decorating, can you clarify - you draw out your image and you pipe, in layers, using all white RI? Then you paint everything? I am always intrigued by the dimension and how realistic your cookies are.

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:39 AM

Thank Julia, will post them for sure. Wait for me next summer for more classes.

donaharrisburg10:40 AM

smiling at Julia

Former Member10:40 AM

Thank you for answering my question. I think that is my problem. I think too much lol

Julia M. UsherModerator10:41 AM

Oh, Sugar Pearls, you have no problem! Your cookies are lovely, I think everyone's work process is very different.

Former Member10:41 AM

Thank you, Julia!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:41 AM

Hello Royal Icing, I remember a conversation we had a while ago. After having my design into my cookie, I basically use the RI at the right consistency to pipe the design, I prefer to make it with the coloured RI and then paint just the details

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:42 AM

Sugar Pearls, I admire your work so much, and I think I should think more too

Julia M. UsherModerator10:42 AM

And, Sugar Pearls, yes, your question about painting came through. I post the questions in the order received. Yours is two down the list.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:43 AM

This next question relates to a recent triumph that Marta had . . .

Julia M. UsherModerator10:43 AM

A Portuguese publication/magazine dedicated its entire issue to her cookies! Woo hoo! That must have felt great!

Royal Icing Diaries10:43 AM

Is there any way we will be able to purchase the magazine showcasing your work, here in the United States?

Former Member10:44 AM

I'm humbled, Marta

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:45 AM

Julia, when I was offered to have a Special Edition on my work I was overwhelmed and it was like a dream. It was funny the making, all surrounding by cookies, choosing them and then the step by step process for 3 cookies. Couldn't believe it until I got the magazine.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:46 AM

I just added 15 minutes to the chat to make up for some of our lost time at the beginning and also to make sure we can through the remaining questions. Is that OK with you, Marta?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:46 AM

Royal Icing, unfortunately they don't send to USA just into Europe but let me see if I can help you out

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:46 AM

Yes, Julia

Julia M. UsherModerator10:46 AM

Yes, such a dream come true! Congrats!

Former Member10:46 AM

You teach cookie decorating classes. What inspires you to teach? And what does it take to be good at teaching this edible craft to others?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:48 AM

Sugar pearls, I do like to comunicate, teaching is something I love. I use to teach in a way that seems working, people is happy with what they learn. People say that I probably teach more then anyone else, but its my way.

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations10:49 AM

I am so incredibly in awe of your artistic abilities in edible art form! Each piece I have found to be its own masterpiece! I come from an art background and I have really wanted to start painting more on cookies but I have trouble with it destroying the icing. What do you find works best to keep that base intact?

Royal Icing Diaries10:49 AM

Oh, thank you SO much. I've been trying every which way to figure out how to get a copy. I'm ready to jump on a flight to Portugal! :-)

Former Member10:49 AM

Thank you, Marta!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:50 AM

Cherry Blossom, I would say a good RI base and remember the RI supports water but not too much brush

Julia M. UsherModerator10:50 AM

Sorry, what do you mean by a "good royal icing base"? Can you clarify?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:52 AM

Julia, for me, a good RI base is one like silk, without porous which is a problem sometimes because of the sugar

Julia M. UsherModerator10:52 AM

Also, is there a certain type of coloring you prefer for paint? Do you extend it with water or alcohol? I imagine alcohol would damage the icing less since it evaporates quickly.

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:53 AM

Julia, I use any king of brands and for regular waiting I use water, just for GOLD luster dust I use alcohol

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:53 AM

regular painting sorry

Julia M. UsherModerator10:53 AM

Yes, we saw some of those porous bases during my class in Portugal, didn't we?? I think the drying conditions (too much humidity) also lead to porosity. I say this, because I iced cookies with the same icing and then dried them close to their warm oven and the icing was not porous at all.

Julia M. UsherModerator10:54 AM

Most luster dusts are not water soluble, so that makes sense.

donaharrisburg10:54 AM

Will you do online classes?

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:55 AM

Here the sugar has too much corn starch. Its a problem but I think i already got to the right RI even with this type of sugar and conditions. I have to control the water

Julia M. UsherModerator10:55 AM

Are there any more questions for Marta? We have one more from Dona on the list, but could possibly take one or two more.

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:55 AM

Dona, maybe in the near future. Ive been asked so often

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:56 AM

perfect Julia

donaharrisburg10:56 AM

Do you limit yourself to one or two techniques or do you agree that in order to be successful and to meet the masses that you must master every technique?

Julia M. UsherModerator10:56 AM

Interesting question, Dona. Curious too . . .

donaharrisburg10:57 AM

Smiles again at Julia. I believe one must master all...

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:57 AM

Dona, Ive been using mostly RI for volume and depth but i´ve been introducing some other techniques and products. I´m open to try more and more things as long as I like the result

Julia M. UsherModerator10:58 AM

I'm not sure one must master all . . . I really think you should do what you love and you should like your results. That's more important than pleasing anyone else, in my opinion!

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations10:58 AM

me too...

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:59 AM

But, of course, I do like to master everything I make. It doesn't make sense to me just try it without getting the best of it

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest10:59 AM

But, first of all to please myself

Julia M. UsherModerator11:00 AM

Another question from Winn about painting . . . a follow-up to her earlier question . . .

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations11:00 AM

Thanks Julia, that was along the lines of what i meant...I have tried using extract and water but perhaps my base is too "soft"! Are there brushes that you find that work best with "water" painting?

donaharrisburg11:00 AM

Agree with comments

Former Member11:00 AM

That is very true! You must do what feels right to you

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:00 AM

Cherry, I use regular brushes from art shops

Julia M. UsherModerator11:01 AM

Just a clarification to everyone: I post questions in the order received. I try to post comments AS they are received so they closely follow the comments to which they were in response. If you don't see your question posted immediately, it is because I am working my way through the list to it. Thanks!

donaharrisburg11:01 AM

Yes, the self... I love when I prepare foods and bring that pleased smile on faces...

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:01 AM

Just a tip on brushes. I recently found a wonderful brush very very fine for details at my nail shop. They are non toxic and I bough a couple to try and they are super

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:02 AM

That´s it Dona

Julia M. UsherModerator11:02 AM

Can you find a link for them and send it to me, Marta? I can perhaps post it here later. Thanks!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:02 AM

Julia, will let you know the brand name of course

Julia M. UsherModerator11:03 AM

A couple of additional questions. This is similar to the one about online classes, but maybe different . . .

Royal Icing Diaries11:03 AM

Marta, do you plan to do any You Tube videos in the future to demonstrate some of your techniques?

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations11:03 AM

thank you for answering my questions Marta!

donaharrisburg11:03 AM

nail shop

i'll have to look - very displeased with brushes I have.

donaharrisburg11:04 AM

ok how did I get the smiley ive been trying to do that on this site since forever lhhhahahahaa

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:04 AM

Royal Icing, I think I should have to take me more serious, because you are asking me questions that I never though about because I never though that someone would be interested on my work.

Julia M. UsherModerator11:04 AM

I put it in as a colon and left end parentheses, as it came across in your comment as a "p". But onto cookie questions!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:05 AM

Loved it Dona

Royal Icing Diaries11:05 AM

LOL. Marta, you have no idea how many admirers you have! We love you! :-)

donaharrisburg11:05 AM

Julia and Marta, thanks to both of you. Marta, I don't know if I will, but if I do, may I have your permission to contact you through email?

donaharrisburg11:06 AM

thanks

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:06 AM

OMG! I have to "blame" Julia for it Dona, as I use to say there is a Marta before and after CC,

Julia M. UsherModerator11:07 AM

Not sure what you mean by that exactly, but I'll take it as a compliment.

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:07 AM

Of course Dona, please do it. Will wait for you email

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations11:07 AM

I have to run and finish decorating my cupcakes and get all my kids ready to head out to family xmas event! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us this morning Marta! Thanks again too Julia for all you do!

Winn@ Cherry Blossom Creations11:07 AM

have a wonderful weekend ladies! <3

donaharrisburg11:07 AM

thanks marta

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:07 AM

Believe me Julia, it is a a HUGE one. Thank you so much

Julia M. UsherModerator11:08 AM

Since there are no more questions, I'll think we'll wrap up. Thank you, Marta, for being such a wonderful guest. Stay tuned for her in-depth Cookier Closeup coming in January.

donaharrisburg11:08 AM

tc you too winn

donaharrisburg11:08 AM

smiles at both of you

donaharrisburg11:08 AM

two beautiful ladies

Royal Icing Diaries11:08 AM

Thank you so much Marta, and Julia!

Marta Torres - Royal Icing Cookie ArtFeatured Guest11:08 AM

Thank you Dona, and Winn@ for stoping by. Loved chatting with you

Julia M. UsherModerator11:08 AM

My apologies too for the rocky start. I had set up one part of the chat improperly, so I couldn't see Marta's comments in the very beginning.