Mass Production with Layered Cookie Stencils

Once I began using lots of colors with my new Prettier Plaques cookie stencil sets, I also started to get lots of questions about how to apply multiple colors with maximum speed and efficiency. After all, time is money, and even a few minutes saved per cookie can amount to a substantial increase in profits over time (that is, if you’re selling your cookies)!
Of course, adding colors will slow down any stenciling process, but there are definitely ways to speed up the process without minimizing the quantity of colors in your cookie designs. In this video, I explore three such ways (which I call: (1) minimal tools, (2) multiple stencils, and (3) multiple stencils and airbrushes), each involving a different level of equipment investment. My hope is that, after seeing the results of these three timed tests, you’ll have all the info you need to decide which option best suits your budget and production needs!
RELATED VIDEOS:
My Stencil Line Playlist (with how-to videos using stencils from my line): tiny.cc/juliastencils
RELATED TOOLS:
My “Hello Summer" (aka “Summer Picnic”) Stencil Set: tinyurl.com/ydb8wf3t
My Entire Stencil Line (which is continually expanding): www.stencilease.com/juliausher...
More Cookie Stencils on the Stencil Ease Site: www.stencilease.com/confection...
Stencil Genie (aka stencil frame): tinyurl.com/zs9mw68
Airbrush Colorings: tinyurl.com/zs9mw68
Hexagon and Other Cookie Cutters: tinyurl.com/zsd2c7v
RELATED RECIPES:
Gingerbread Cookie Recipe: tinyurl.com/z4d82rb
Royal Icing Recipe: tinyurl.com/zx7a9jk
TO PURCHASE MY 4-HOUR VIDEO COOKIE DECORATING COURSE, MY BOOKS, OR APP:
www.juliausher.com/store
TO JOIN COOKIE CONNECTION, MY ONLINE COOKIE DECORATING COMMUNITY:
cookieconnection.juliausher.co...
TO HANG OUT WITH ME ON THE WEB:
My site/blog: www.juliausher.com
Facebook: tinyurl.com/j6nm6te
Twitter: / juliamusher
Pinterest: / juliamusher
Google+: tinyurl.com/ha4huw9
CREDITS:
Music by: Kevin MacLeod, www.incompetech.com
Videography/Editing by: Joe Baran, Workingman's Film, www.workingmansfilm.com

[@adriennegonzales2636]

Yes! This is exactly what I love. where the craft meets the math. this is exactly what fires me up about business. Finding the balance of quality and speed, matching it to time and translating it to dollars... Bravo on this video!

[@kimlang2299]

Thank you Julie for this detailed video. I have never used an airbrush because it is very intimidating to me. But, I have seen so many of your exquisite cookies and projects that you and your students have produced and I am eager to try.

[@kellyjohnson8538]

A great video and thank you for all the time and energy spent in the video. I am new to airbrushing and only have one gun. I am decorating strictly for fun. If and when I ever want to invest in more guns, I surely see the value. Thank you so much!

[@rebeccasewing]

Thank you, Julia. I'm sure this will be a great benefit to those interested in mass production.

[@heatherberkeley6870]

I really appreciate this demonstration as well a how you worked out the math on value of investment. Thank you!

[@amandakelly7273]

Lovely, relaxing video Julia :) have a nice weekend x

[@forageforage3520]

Extremely well done and great information on how to justify costs.

[@clarabellen]

Fantastic and so thorough! Beautiful work as always :o) Love your videos Julia, thank you for the time and effort you put into them!!

[@makola1970]

Thank you for this. I love watching your videos although I don't make these types of cookies or even intend to. Just find them so interesting 🙂

[@hamidehorra4849]

That makes so much sense. Thank you so much.....love your videos.

[@ericaalvarez8814]

Your amazing! Thank you so much. I have learned so much from you❤️

[@barbflorin2545]

Really interesting and practical, Julia. Your new airbrush looks very sharp & easy to use. I look forward to seeing more. Thanks!

[@judichristopher4604]

Do you know which Airbrush Mach she uses?

[@gabrielncali8999]

Great video! This just came up In my recommended! Love the breakdown of time! Thank you!!!

[@JuliaMUsher]

Great - glad it was helpful! My investment in many airbrushes has paid back many times over!

[@Tru13589]

Excellent! Very well done! So helpful, useful & practical. Thank you so much!

[@JuliaMUsher]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annav.3120]

Grata por tantos ensinamentos.Maravilhoso trabalho!

[@silviacocca7318]

Very artistic and talented job! Organize and detailed explanations. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.

[@JuliaMUsher]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! :)

[@annav.3120]

Seu trabalho é sensacional!

[@melaniehokanson4048]

Thank you for this video Julia! You have saved me tons of time just by showing how you clean your airbrush with vodka. I see you have it in a squeeze bottle and you pour it in the cup of the airbrush. Then do you just pour it back out? I didn't see in the sped up video if you are actually spraying it out. Thank you.

[@LaurenKatherineHawes]

You're the best! And so funny!

[@marlenewolfaardt5607]

Thank you another great video, but think I will just try mastering the first one, :-) before buying anymore air brushes

[@ahnagirl04]

You remind me so much of Helen Hunt! Loving your videos:)

[@deborahbowdidge7303]

tysm,i still have a lot to learn but im beginning to see results thanks to you xxx

[@deborahbowdidge7303]

love from london x

[@deborahbowdidge7303]

xxx

[@jenniferwinston7842]

Great video! Thanks. This makes perfect sense! I love the size of these cookies. How far ahead can I make these cookies? These are perfect for get-togethers...

[@oskihaddad6406]

Thank u for the effort and calculation u made it easy very much appreciated thank u again

[@oskihaddad6406]

Julia M Usher it's a pleasure

[@oateca8520]

I am such a data girl.... (Education is my full-time job.) LOVE THIS!!! All decisions in life should be reflective of data!! :) THANKS for this video!!

[@JuliaMUsher]

So true! I love data too!

[@KW-fv3lv]

You’re my hero.

[@kawiscov]

You're the best!! Thank you!!!

[@JuliaMUsher]

Aww, thanks so much! :)

[@mariaelizabete81]

Trabalho maravilhoso! Obrigada por compartilhar seu conhecimento conosco. BEIJOS!

[@JuliaMUsher]

Thank you!

[@kbmshop6141]

What type of air brush machine do you use?

[@deborahgriffin8270]

Amazing video and the cost comparison is a very useful tool. The picture is so cute. Just curious, I would prefer white clouds and a blue sky, do you have stencils to do that?

[@lindahoyt2623]

Hello, May I ask what brand of compressor and airbrush gun you recommend? Thank you

[@sheilafoster3946]

I'm learning new things thank you

[@JuliaMUsher]

Glad to hear it! Thanks so much for watching and lending support!

[@rosangelasantiago2158]

Eu adoraria ter um desse! ❤

[@JuliaMUsher]

:)

[@mafeboteroc]

Hello Julia!! I love your videos. Where can I get the airbrush? I live in Miami

[@jackieosullivan8461]

The stencils are gorgeous. But, would it cost alot to ship them to Ireland?

[@judyhannon6144]

Loved it! It came just in time, as I have a 200 cookie order with three part stencil coming up. My question, probably stupid, but what were you using to clean the gun?

[@fatihaidrissi2743]

artistic work

[@delnaskh3992]

انت مبدعة دائماً

[@nitu1010]

Hi Julia, my question is related to your previous videos. When you work with edible sprays or luster dust paint, does it smudge after few hours of letting it dry? I noticed your hands are really clean when you handled or touched the sprayed pieces. I made chocolate pedestal and the paint was smudging even after hours. Humidity is not playing the part since I live in fairly dry weather.

[@joycecarter6487]

Thank you. Where can I buy your airbrush

[@leslieinadress]

What type of cookie is that dark one?

[@marthasilva123]

Hi Julia when the your airbrush are going to be available?

[@silviaavalos7913]

Este trabajo es un "ARTE" Felicidades.....tienen traducción al español? Soy de Perú donde adquiero las plantillas? Gracias.

[@deverett6569]

What about testing with one stencil and multiple airbrushes? Would like to know that scenario, too.

[@sharekindandadrenaline1920]

General question: On average, how long does it take you to decorate a cookie? And how much do you charge for a cookie?

[@bolisdalva6263]

cuantos instrumentos para hacer una galleta

[@monicaortega1501]

Hello Julia, I am looking to purchase an airbrush kit. What do you recommend? Appreciate your advise.

[@Flameouslife]

Oh boy. Here I go again binge watching.. o.o

[@cuisinefatima6635]

Hello Miss Julia,i’m a new subscriber from Morocco,thank you for all the videos you’re sharing with us , i have a question please,how can I get this collection in Morocco?is there any possibility to send itto me once i pay?

[@terrihendee5718]

Hi Julia, I am wondering what speed or flow your airbrush is on so you are able to get so close to each part of the stencil without having to mask off the other parts. Thank you

[@tracywade9419]

@@JuliaMUsher AMAZING!!

[@wibekah]

Hello Julia, I love these sorts of videos. As I was watching, it occurred to me that you didn't test one stencil with multiple airbrushes. In that scenario, you could line up ten + cookies if your space allowed. Do you have an idea as to how that would compare? It also occurred to me that another benefit of multiple airbrushes, regardless of the number of stencils, is the savings in cleaning solution and airbrush color, since you wouldn't have to clean as much and you wouldn't have to discard colors between changes.

[@wibekah]

Thanks for the reply. I meant to ask earlier, If you are were making, say, enough cookies that it took you a couple of hours, would you clean your airbrushes periodically, or wait until you were finished? What is the longest you would go before cleaning?

[@rebeccasewing]

Excellent video, Julia. Don't you wish you could move that fast in real time? hahaha

[@cutflower36]

Hi, thanks for the all your information. I'm very excited about learning these techniques. What kind of airbrush do u recommend?

[@cutflower36]

@@JuliaMUsher thanks so much

[@kitateaches5477]

I don’t see a reply. What did she say?

[@cutflower36]

@@kitateaches5477 she didn't reply, I bought me one one amazon, basically any of the airguns will do. As long as they have the nozzle on end that you can adjust the flow.

[@sweetk2456]

Hello Julia! Loved the video, te ideas and techniques, as usual :) I have a question/request. I'll be attending your workshop here in Buenos Aires and was wondering if you will bring any of your stencils/tools to sell here. I would love to buy some of your things and as you probably know, it is not possible to do it on line due to an impossible customs process. TIA

[@sweetk2456]

Perfect! So I could place an order on the web page and you will bring the times with you? I was thinking on the Summer and the Bon Voyage stencils plus the Stencil genie.

[@sweetk2456]

I just sent an email TIA

[@sharonstreater7458]

Hi Julia I absolutely love your cookie work I live in Australia and am not able to buy your products is there a different way to purchase

[@JuliaMUsher]

Thanks. My stencil partner (Confection Couture Stencils) does ship my stencils to Australia, so please contact them for shipping info ([e-mail]). Some of them are also sold through Miss Biscuit in Australia.

[@oranlemarindoran1872]

i like

[@lisafoss3542]

Thank you so much Julia. This was so practical and informative. You keep teasing about your airbrush - when can we expect it? I have an airbrush that I don't really care for - I got it at an extreme discount. I'm waiting for yours before I make a decision about how much I want to pursue airbrushing and buy more stencils.

[@elizabethcoward1968]

Thanks

[@JuliaMUsher]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@luisac9669]

Sei bravissima

[@JuliaMUsher]

Thank you!!

[@gaylewooden4095]

What size cookie cutters can your stencils be used with?

[@JuliaMUsher]

Any size, really, as you don't need to capture the entire background pattern on the cookie, and I often don't. However, if you want to include a lot of the background pattern and a message on the cookie, then cookies in the 3 1/2 to 4-inch-plus range are best.

[@Malissa7]

How much do you sell each cookie for? This information is for business purposes.. Or so you sell by: half dozen or dozen...(price please) Thank you...

[@rosangelasantiago2158]

Muito lindo❤

[@JuliaMUsher]

Thank you so much!

[@judimetaj1691]

❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethbennet4791]

if you were going to sell them, how much would they be? what is the total time spent on each one? what is the income per hour on average?

[@elizabethbennet4791]

thanks so much!!!

[@alimoh4223]

انا احبك كثيرا واستمتع عندما اشاهد فديوهاتك ولقد بدات اطبق بعضا منه ولكن اتمني ان اعرف كيف لي ان احصل علي الاستانسل انا من السعوديه واتمني لك حياتا سعيدا كما تسعدينا باعمالك الاكثر من رائعه

[@rymoshail9217]

Ali Moh تستطيع الحصول على اشكال مختلفة من الاستانسل في مكتبة جرير ..قسم الرسم والاشغال الفنية ..ويتوفر في كثير من المكتبات في السعودية

[@ruthswanger7620]

How do you make royal icing edible?

[@JuliaMUsher]

Sorry, I don't understand the question. Royal icing is inherently edible as it is just powdered sugar and egg whites.

[@judichristopher4604]

EXCELLENT VIDEO... as Always. I am very New to this Sugar Cookie Business... What is the Name of your Air Brush Mach. ??? This video is FANTASTIC.. Excellent example of how hard it is to do many many Cookies I agree with you... You are only as good as your TOOLs... Thank YOU so much for sharing this great video....

[@JuliaMUsher]

Thanks so much - the system I use is my own JULIA system that I designed with Badger Airbrush Company a few years ago, but it is no longer available for sale due to some issues with that partner. It's still my preferred system, however, because I purposely designed it with all of the features I wanted that were missing in other systems. It's a dual-action gun with a 1/5 hp compressor in case you're hoping for something similar.

[@judichristopher4604]

@@JuliaMUsher YES... Badger is used by my brother's doing airbrushing... I am so SAD that I can't buy your Airbrush Machine now... Because I KNOW... YOU KNOW what you're doing... Can you suggest another brand similar? I agree with you... that if someone is going to SERIOUSLY doing Cookies as a Business... "TIME is MONEY" and buying a Great Airbrushing Mach and the EXTRA airbrushes is Worth every penny. Question: What brand of Food Gel Coloring do You prefer? Thank you so much for all your help.

[@JuliaMUsher]

@@judichristopher4604 I can't recommend a similar brand because no brand incorporates all of my favorite features into one system. I spent a lot of time designing my system to meet all of my needs and I have not found another one that does. The airbrush gun that obviously comes closest is the Badger Patriot 105, which was the basis for mine (with some modifications). But my hesitation in recommending this airbrush is the reason I stopped selling it - I cannot guarantee that you will be pleased with Badger's service. As for my favorite gel coloring, I use both AmeriColor and Chefmaster colorings, depending on the hue. But I do not use gel colorings in the airbrush; I use colorings specially formulated for airbrushing, which are a lot thinner (same brands plus alcohol-based Spectrum Flow).

[@judichristopher4604]

@@JuliaMUsher Julia... this is so very kind of you to take the time to explain all of this... I am still saddened that I can't buy YOUR Airbrush Mach. because I KNOW it would be the very BEST... YOU have been doing this for such a long time, and I know that you know what to do, especially for a Professional Business> Thank you for ALL the Videos you have done over the years... You are truly a Professional and such a good person to share you Gifts to us. God Bless YOU. Thank YOU so much for all you do.

[@JuliaMUsher]

@@judichristopher4604 Aww, thanks so much for the kind words! What a nice way to start the weekend.

[@msdramaqueen143]

What airbrush are you using ?

[@msdramaqueen143]

Julia M Usher thank you sorry . I think i asked in 2 videos !!! Love your Work so much !!!! Can’t wait to master cookie decorating ❤️❤️❤️

[@msdramaqueen143]

Julia M Usher yes it did thank you !!!

[@annelieetsebeth1830]

Wouldn't it be amazing if we could connect more than one gun to the airbrush machine at the same time? It would definitely make life a little easier ;)

[@T_Nice]

That is definitely an awesome idea and definitely would make the fastest process even faster!

[@elizabethbennet4791]

No, in the third test, you *more than* doubled your speed from the first one.

[@elizabethbennet4791]

true, i was just pointing out how well you did in the third test!!!

[@mecheleclasson]

Thats not quite accurate because you took time to wash out your airgun in the first and second examples and your would now need to wash out 6 airguns of which the time was not included in your calculation.

[@JuliaMUsher]

I didn't wash out the airbrushes between colors when using multiple guns . . . that's one of the major points of this example. With preloaded guns, one for each color, I don't need to wash them out and that saves a lot of time. My guns have quick-connect adaptors on them that allow me to disconnect one gun and reconnect the next one to the same compressor line.

[@mecheleclasson]

@@JuliaMUsher that's my point. I understand the point you are trying to make but in reality, if you were making the four cookies you would make them faster but clean up afterwards with all your " faster methods" would take up more of your time when it came to cleaning. This is still your "earning money" time. And note cookies in example 2 will mean stopping to clean 4 stencils ect.. So you examples are not taking the whole pictire into about but I understand what you are trying to imply

[@JuliaMUsher]

@@mecheleclasson But that cleanup time at the end is a very small fraction of the time it takes to do a lot of cookies. I can clean up 6 airbrushes in a few minutes, not much longer than it takes to clean 1 airbrush. So my point holds very true - you will save a TON of time in large cookie runs if you invest in more than one tool and eliminate many, many cleanings between colors and cookies. If you doubt me, you should try it! :)

[@mecheleclasson]

@@JuliaMUsher Your videos are amazing.. Thank you for all you do for the cookie community

[@JuliaMUsher]

@@mecheleclasson But that end cleanup time is a miniscule fraction of the overall time to make lots of cookies (and it gets more and more miniscule with the more cookies you make), so it hardly makes sense to include it in this analysis (it would have an immaterial impact and not change the conclusion). I can clean six airbrushes in a few minutes, not much longer than it takes to clean one if I just do the cleaning once at the end of a long run. So my point here holds VERY true - you will save a TON of time with large cookie runs if you invest in more than one tool. I know, because I've lived through the difference of having too few tools and having enough. :)

[@presentedeacucar203]

Nada é pior do que esses anúncios horrorosos como bruno gimenezez que queremos pular e não podemos mais!!!!! Caia na real KZbin

[@JuliaMUsher]

I'm sorry about the ads, but I have to run them. These videos cost me a lot to make, and the ad revenue is the only way I can continue to afford to make them.

[@presentedeacucar203]

@@JuliaMUsher entendo completamente sua posição. Minha crítica é ao próprio KZbin. Eles mudaram as regras. Não podemos mais "pular" o anúncio. Temos que assistir até o final e, pior, depois não conseguimos fazer o vídeo que queremos correr. Precisamos sair do KZbin e depois voltar. Um transtorno por parte do KZbin que não está conseguindo motivar as pessoas a assistirem os anúncios até o final. Nada contra você. Pelo contrário. Compreendo perfeitamente que precise fazer uso dos anúncios e ADORO seus vídeos que estão norteando minha nova vida em confeitaria. O que houve foi uma "quebra de regras" por parte do próprio KZbin. Desculpe se não me fiz entender.

[@JuliaMUsher]

@@presentedeacucar203 Thanks for the clarification. Though it's not entirely KZbin's fault; content creators can select the type of ads they run on their own channels, but KZbin and KZbin experts advise we select non-skippable ones as they generate more revenue for the content provider. So, as much as they may be a hassle for viewers, they are essential to keeping many of us running and otherwise providing our videos to viewers for free.

[@presentedeacucar203]

@@JuliaMUsher agora entendo. Mas mesmo assim estranho que antes podíamos pular os anúncios e o vídeos que queríamos ver entravam em seguida. Agora não entram em seguida. Temos que ter mesmo muita vontade de ver o vídeo e buscar na luta para que ele volte a aparecer. Mas entendi tudo que você me esclareceu. De qualquer forma "seus videos" não abandono de jeito algum. Vice é especial em todos os sentidos. Inclusive por toda a paciência em me explicar o que acontece.

[@JuliaMUsher]

@@presentedeacucar203 :)