Relatively new to cookie decorating - thrown into it when my husband accepted an "order" for me to make cookies for a work associate's son's house warming.  They knew I baked cakes but did not decorate cookies, and of course they turned out pretty primitive.  I gave them to them for free and thanked them for the challenge.  They were thrilled with my ugly cookies and challenged me again later to make some for a fund raiser they were having for a disabled child.  I donated cookies again.  They again were very happy.  I have watched cookie decorating videos off and on for a few years.  Now, I intend to pay my dues, bake and decorate small batches several times a week, experimenting with recipes and techniques.  Julia Usher is my ultimate hero among so many exquisitely talented cookiers that I look up to.