Happy Fourth of July

Amazing!!! 💙❤️

Beautiful!❤

Thanks, @MANUELA CANTÙ and @Evelindecora. So easy with my stencil sets!

Happy 4th!

Glorious. 

fabulous cookie Julia. 

Such absolutely great and very festive 4th july set!!!! @Julia M. Usher

Great design (as always). Happy 4th of July!

Thanks, everyone. Just a carryover from my May stencil release, but more timely now.

I love that so much!!!!   Do you have a tutorial on how to do this stencil on a cookie?

@Rachel Boothe posted:

I love that so much!!!!   Do you have a tutorial on how to do this stencil on a cookie?

Thanks, Rachel. I don't have an in-depth tutorial per se, but I do describe in some detail how it is made at the end of my monthly stencil release blog post, here: https://cookieconnection.julia...se-god-bless-america.

I hope this helps a bit!

@Julia M. Usher posted:

Thanks, Rachel. I don't have an in-depth tutorial per se, but I do describe in some detail how it is made at the end of my monthly stencil release blog post, here: https://cookieconnection.julia...se-god-bless-america.

I hope this helps a bit!

Thank you so much!

@Julia M. Usher posted:

Thanks, Rachel. I don't have an in-depth tutorial per se, but I do describe in some detail how it is made at the end of my monthly stencil release blog post, here: https://cookieconnection.julia...se-god-bless-america.

I hope this helps a bit!

I tried going to that link but it gives me an error.  I am not sure why.

@Rachel Boothe posted:

I tried going to that link but it gives me an error.  I am not sure why.

I miscopied the link in my haste to answer - that's all. It's corrected in the above comment now, but here it is as well: https://cookieconnection.julia...se-god-bless-america. You can also find it by going to the blog on this site, and scrolling down the page 'til you see my May release. 

@Julia M. Usher posted:

I miscopied the link in my haste to answer - that's all. It's corrected in the above comment now, but here it is as well: https://cookieconnection.julia...se-god-bless-america. You can also find it by going to the blog on this site, and scrolling down the page 'til you see my May release. 

Thank you so much!

@Julia M. Usher posted:

I miscopied the link in my haste to answer - that's all. It's corrected in the above comment now, but here it is as well: https://cookieconnection.julia...se-god-bless-america. You can also find it by going to the blog on this site, and scrolling down the page 'til you see my May release. 

May I ask you one more question?  I saw that you recommend alcohol based airbrush colors on the description of these stencils.  Do they have a smoother spray?  I have one of the popular cookie airbrush systems and have used the airbrush colors sold by the same website.  I run it on the highest speed and I have tried adjusting the amount I pull back on the trigger and the results are still spotty spray.  I have done everything that has been suggested to fix the problem and I still have the spotty spray.  I have not taken the gun apart yet and soaked it yet because it was recommended to me by the maker of the airbrush to avoid that if at all possible because there was a part that is easy to break.  I am just wondering if it is the water based airbrush colors I am using? I am so frustrated.

@Rachel Boothe posted:

May I ask you one more question?  I saw that you recommend alcohol based airbrush colors on the description of these stencils.  Do they have a smoother spray?  I have one of the popular cookie airbrush systems and have used the airbrush colors sold by the same website.  I run it on the highest speed and I have tried adjusting the amount I pull back on the trigger and the results are still spotty spray.  I have done everything that has been suggested to fix the problem and I still have the spotty spray.  I have not taken the gun apart yet and soaked it yet because it was recommended to me by the maker of the airbrush to avoid that if at all possible because there was a part that is easy to break.  I am just wondering if it is the water based airbrush colors I am using? I am so frustrated.

Alcohol-based colorings are DEFINITELY NOT required for use of these stencils; I just preferred them in this application because I used VERY saturated colors. Alcohol-based colorings dry much faster than water-based, so it's easier to apply layers more quickly without pooling of the coloring and seepage under the stencil. I have an entire video (my most recent) that talks about the pros and cons of each type of coloring, so I recommend checking that out for much more information. I use different types for different effects/in different applications.

Regarding your airbrush, if you believe it is truly clean, then spotty airflow can be a result of many things: (1) coloring that's too thick and partially clogs the gun (but that's not likely the case with water-based coloring); (2) a damaged needle (feel the tip; if it is smooth and straight, then that's not the issue); or (3) a compressor with output pressure that is too low to evenly disperse the coloring. The pressure needs to be high enough to finely atomize the coloring. My guess is your trouble is related to the compressor (IF your gun isn't dirty). Many of those small compressors don't deliver enough output pressure to ensure the smoothest of sprays. (They may be rated to 24-30 psi, but, in actuality, they deliver less.) I know this, because I've used them all, and, if I move them to my higher output compressor, they all perform a lot better. But, I'd try removing the needle and cleaning it first - I wouldn't soak the entire gun though (I never do, and there's really no need if you clean properly and regularly). Again, I have an entire video on cleaning airbrushes, so it might be good to also check it out.

@Julia M. Usher posted:

Alcohol-based colorings are DEFINITELY NOT required for use of these stencils; I just preferred them in this application because I used VERY saturated colors. Alcohol-based colorings dry much faster than water-based, so it's easier to apply layers more quickly without pooling of the coloring and seepage under the stencil. I have an entire video (my most recent) that talks about the pros and cons of each type of coloring, so I recommend checking that out for much more information. I use different types for different effects/in different applications.

Regarding your airbrush, if you believe it is truly clean, then spotty airflow can be a result of many things: (1) coloring that's too thick and partially clogs the gun (but that's not likely the case with water-based coloring); (2) a damaged needle (feel the tip; if it is smooth and straight, then that's not the issue); or (3) a compressor with output pressure that is too low to evenly disperse the coloring. The pressure needs to be high enough to finely atomize the coloring. My guess is your trouble is related to the compressor (IF your gun isn't dirty). Many of those small compressors don't deliver enough output pressure to ensure the smoothest of sprays. (They may be rated to 24-30 psi, but, in actuality, they deliver less.) I know this, because I've used them all, and, if I move them to my higher output compressor, they all perform a lot better. But, I'd try removing the needle and cleaning it first - I wouldn't soak the entire gun though (I never do, and there's really no need if you clean properly and regularly). Again, I have an entire video on cleaning airbrushes, so it might be good to also check it out.

Thank you so very much.  I will watch those videos.

The perfect cookie this year Julia @Julia M. Usher! I love what you said...about unity, peace and healing! Oh how we need all three today. Your cookie, of course, is beautiful. I absolutely love the sentiment "One nation Under God!!" How true is that?! Thank you for this beautiful reminder of what celebrating the 4th means in the U.S. ❤️

@Julia M. Usher posted:

Alcohol-based colorings are DEFINITELY NOT required for use of these stencils; I just preferred them in this application because I used VERY saturated colors. Alcohol-based colorings dry much faster than water-based, so it's easier to apply layers more quickly without pooling of the coloring and seepage under the stencil. I have an entire video (my most recent) that talks about the pros and cons of each type of coloring, so I recommend checking that out for much more information. I use different types for different effects/in different applications.

Regarding your airbrush, if you believe it is truly clean, then spotty airflow can be a result of many things: (1) coloring that's too thick and partially clogs the gun (but that's not likely the case with water-based coloring); (2) a damaged needle (feel the tip; if it is smooth and straight, then that's not the issue); or (3) a compressor with output pressure that is too low to evenly disperse the coloring. The pressure needs to be high enough to finely atomize the coloring. My guess is your trouble is related to the compressor (IF your gun isn't dirty). Many of those small compressors don't deliver enough output pressure to ensure the smoothest of sprays. (They may be rated to 24-30 psi, but, in actuality, they deliver less.) I know this, because I've used them all, and, if I move them to my higher output compressor, they all perform a lot better. But, I'd try removing the needle and cleaning it first - I wouldn't soak the entire gun though (I never do, and there's really no need if you clean properly and regularly). Again, I have an entire vide

o on cleaning airbrushes, so it might be good to also check it out.

I have been doing some research based on the advice you game me above. I listened to your youtube video on your Julia Airbrush system, which is sadly no longer available.  In the video you mentioned that its maximum psi was 40 - 50 psi.  I have been looking at the Master Airbrush system here:    https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...DOZFIJNPFB&psc=1

The Master Airbrush compressor's maximum psi is 57 (where it shuts off) and it automatically comes on at 40 psi.   It has some optional needles that can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...DOZFIJNPFB&psc=1

It sounds similar to the one that came with the Julia Airbrush System.  What do you think about it?  Do you mind sharing which airbrush system you use?

@Rachel Boothe posted:

I have been doing some research based on the advice you game me above. I listened to your youtube video on your Julia Airbrush system, which is sadly no longer available.  In the video you mentioned that its maximum psi was 40 - 50 psi.  I have been looking at the Master Airbrush system here:    https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...DOZFIJNPFB&psc=1

The Master Airbrush compressor's maximum psi is 57 (where it shuts off) and it automatically comes on at 40 psi.   It has some optional needles that can be purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...DOZFIJNPFB&psc=1

It sounds similar to the one that came with the Julia Airbrush System.  What do you think about it?  Do you mind sharing which airbrush system you use?

I use my JULIA airbrush system; I believe it's the best out there, though no longer for sale. The Master is a good system. To note, if the compressor is said to be rated to a maximum psi, chances are good it runs at a lot less. The small compressors on most cookie airbrush systems are rated to 25 -30 psi max, and often deliver less as indicated by a speckled spray pattern that disappears when the same airbrush is connected to a larger, higher output compressor. You need a good 20 psi (actually delivered, not stated) to ensure the smoothest of sprays. That's why I use a 1/4 hp compressor.

@Julia M. Usher posted:

I use my JULIA airbrush system; I believe it's the best out there, though no longer for sale. The Master is a good system. To note, if the compressor is said to be rated to a maximum psi, chances are good it runs at a lot less. The small compressors on most cookie airbrush systems are rated to 25 -30 psi max, and often deliver less as indicated by a speckled spray pattern that disappears when the same airbrush is connected to a larger, higher output compressor. You need a good 20 psi (actually delivered, not stated) to ensure the smoothest of sprays. That's why I use a 1/4 hp compressor.

Thank you so much.  I looked on eBay and etsy to see if I could find yours, but no such luck. 😞. I am very tempted by the Master, but  I am going to keep looking around at compressors. My husband suggested that I hook my airbrush up to his compressor and see what happens, so I am going to test it out.  He says his compressor is super loud and I probably won't like that, but at least I can see how it works for me.  Are you planning in the future to sell yours again?

@Rachel Boothe posted:

Thank you so much.  I looked on eBay and etsy to see if I could find yours, but no such luck. 😞. I am very tempted by the Master, but  I am going to keep looking around at compressors. My husband suggested that I hook my airbrush up to his compressor and see what happens, so I am going to test it out.  He says his compressor is super loud and I probably won't like that, but at least I can see how it works for me.  Are you planning in the future to sell yours again?

Sounds like a useful test. No, I am not planning to sell that system again. I had a falling out with the manufacturer, and severed ties with him for personal reasons. No fault of the airbrush; I just couldn't in good conscience continue to work with someone who did not share my values. I am working on another product line right now, and won't have time to develop another airbrush system with anyone else this year.

@Julia M. Usher posted:

Sounds like a useful test. No, I am not planning to sell that system again. I had a falling out with the manufacturer, and severed ties with him for personal reasons. No fault of the airbrush; I just couldn't in good conscience continue to work with someone who did not share my values. I am working on another product line right now, and won't have time to develop another airbrush system with anyone else this year.

Thank you so much for all your help.  I will report back when I finally make a decision.

@Rachel Boothe posted:

Thank you so much for all your help.  I will report back when I finally make a decision.

Great, I'll be interested to hear where you land.