Thursday October 26 - 6:00-7:30

$60 per person

We’ll be decorating a set of 6 scary-fun Halloween themed cookies - prepare for a “gourd” time with your pumpkin spice and everything nice!

Introduction

Interested in learning more about decorated sugar cookies?! V’s SweetArts is here to help! In my 1.5-hour beginner friendly class, we'll cover the sugar cookie basics, do some piping practice with Royal Icing, talk about how to strategize the best ways to decorate sugar cookies, and cover the general concepts around dough and icing! Everything you'll need is provided at class along with a live in-person instructor (that's me!) – just bring a smile (and maybe an apron).

You'll leave class with a great understanding of the basics of sugar cookies plus a few cool techniques we'll cover in class! All the details and FAQs are below - looking forward to having you with us.

About this Class - This class is for the beginner cookier or for the person who is just curious about what cookie decorating is all about! If you have limited experience with sugar cookies, found yourself frustrated with royal icing, or if you're trying to have fun with family or friends, this is the class for you!

I provide everything you will need from cookies, icing, sprinkles, and a box to take your awesome creations home in - we just need YOU! Each to-be-baker gets 6 cookies, 4 icing colors, and all the tools necessary to knock this cookie class out of the park!  Everything is prepped right before class – so no baking or icing mixing required. Just decorate and I'm happy to answer your questions along the way. You'll have a great time whether you're coming with a friend, family member, or solo!   

This class is good for ages 16 and older, but if you'd like to leave the kiddos at home, purchase an add-on kit (more on that below)! The kits are great for kids at home, plus - after the class I’ll  email you the class PowerPoint so you can teach them yourself!

Your cookier - Who doesn’t love getting out and doing something fun while also eating delicious cookies!? That’s what V’s SweetArts is all about!

A little about me – I’m Vickie.  I’ve been baking sugar cookies since 2019 and I’ve not put down a scribe since (don’t know what a scribe is? I’ll teach you in class!).  What started out as a pandemic hobby became a business in early 2022.  – Hand Painting is my favorite cookie style, but I can do pretty much anything if icing’s involved. I love what I do –who wouldn’t love making cookies?! It’s the sweetest job in the world!

Oh yeah - I plan to have classes throughout the year which highlight different themes and techniques so make sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can get in on the cookie action!

How do I sign up? - At the bottom of this form you can register for this event. It's on the second page. I will then send an invoice for payment. Your spot in the class is not secure until I receive payment. I accept Venmo or zelle. Or if you prefer to pay cash, my home address is listed on the invoice, so we can make arrangements for you to drop off payment before registration closes.

Things to Bring - Wondering what you need to bring to have a successful time decorating? Well – nothing’s required – but here’s the things we recommend if you’d like to elevate your experience!

• Bring an apron and glasses! Things can get messy when you’re workin’ with royal icing – so grab an apron (bonus points if it’s cute – I’ll definitely be asking where you got it).  I do suggest shorter sleeves, so you don’t accidently drag your sleeve through your creations. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way.  
• Bring your phone! I love it when students take pictures throughout class
• Bring a mask if you’d like! These classes follow the state health guidelines, but if you’d like to wear a mask throughout class – please do!
• Bring a good attitude! Cookies are fun, but they can be challenging! A good attitude makes all the difference.
  

How long can a kit last? Depending on how you store your icing, your kits can last for a week or longer. Freezing cookies keeps them fresh for a long time, but I recommend using your kit as soon as possible - ideally in the first week after you've taken it home. Cookies are heat sealed for freshness – but again, use it in under a week to make sure it tastes the best. Also, freeze your icing, it helps with separation. Just take it out about an hour before you want to decorate.

The Fine Print

Allergens: Please consider your allergies before registering. Heads up – these cookies include the following ingredients:

COOKIES: Flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Butter (cream, natural flavor), Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla & Almond flavoring (water, propylene glycol, modified cornstarch, artificial and natural flavors, polysorbate 80, xanthan gum, gum tragacanth), Baking Powder (corn starch, sodium bicarbonate, sodium aluminum sulfate, monocalcium phosphate), Sea Salt (sea salt, yellow prussiate of soda)  ICING: Powdered Sugar (sugar, corn starch), Water, Meringue Powder (corn starch, egg whites, sugar, gum arabic, calcium sulfate, citric acid, artificial flavor, silicon dioxide) Flavoring Emulsion (water, alcohol, artificial & natural flavors, xanthan gum, corn syrup, sugar, molasses), Cream of Tartar, Glycerin

Please note – Cookies are produced in a home kitchen not inspected by a health department that may also process common food allergens. If you have safety concerns, contact your local health department.

Class Cancellation Policy: Classes may be canceled at the discretion of me, the event host. This rarely happens – but in that extremely rare event that it does, you’ll promptly receive a 100% refund

Classes with attendance below 6 will be canceled. Don’t be sad! You can either get a class credit for a future class (along with my apologies), or a full refund! I’ll let you know if your class has low attendance 4 days  before the event is canceled so that you can bring a friend (hint hint) or find other plans for that day.

Weather Policy: Sometimes Jack Frost doesn’t play well with cookie class schedules, and Mother Nature seems to be takin’ notes. In the event of inclement weather, I’ll contact you with options – these may differ depending on the weather event, but rest assured – we’ll figure something out!

Class Masking Policy: Our classes follow the current recommendation by the Kane County government and health organizations.You will not be required to wear a mask throughout the class; however, you can choose to wear a mask if you'd like! I provide hand sanitizer and wipes for attendees. Each station is disinfected along with the venue before and after your event. Our classes follow the current recommendation by the Kane County government and health organizations.

FAQ

Can I sign up as an individual or as a group? - You can sign up either as an individual, with a friend, or with a whole group. Every participant must fill out a registration form. The more the merrier! Class size is limited, so sign up ASAP!

Where is the class located? -  West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden Ave, Downers Grove.  Curious about the parking sitch? Don’t be! Parking is super easy – Lots of space for all.

What will I be doing in the class? - Besides having the most fun ever? We will be going over some cookie facts, decorating techniques and you will be decorating your very own set of cookies that you will take home with you that day.

Can I purchase an additional take-home kit? - Yes! Many participants wish to purchase additional kits to take home and re-do the classes. You can purchase an add-on kit during check-out. Your kit will keep for weeks since there will be a care card in there on how to keep your cookies and icing the freshest! Your kit will be available at the end of your class - so don't forget it!

Do I need to know how to bake? - Nope! No baking history required. We will have the cookies pre-made for you along with the icing already mixed and colored. Have a little decorating experience under your belt… er… apron? Come on too! I can help with questions on icing mixing and dough spread!

What will we learn in class? - You’ll learn what goes into preparing royal icing, the value of different icing consistencies – we’ll touch on tips and tricks to make your cookies look even better than they taste (and they taste good)! You’ll also learn different decorating techniques depending on the class theme such as marbling, outlining, wet-on-wet, brush embroidery, and painting. Or hey – go off script and make your own designs – it’s your class!

What do I need to bring? - Nothing but a smile! Everything will be provided for you including my (rather tasty) sugar cookies. All you need to do is join us and have fun! Messy decorator? You can bring your own apron or just wear easy-to-wash clothing. Oh – and bring your phone – I love photos!

What age is best for cookie classes? - Our classes are for almost any age! From teens to grandparents - come on in and have some cookie fun with us! Our in-person classes are great for any age; however, kiddos under 16 will need a parent taking the class as well. If you think your child may be too young to enjoy the in-person class, purchase an additional take-home kit! You will get the class PowerPoint, and you can teach your kids in the comfort of your own home.

Can just my child take the class? - Parents must also attend the classes with their children under 16. Due to space restrictions, we do not have room for parents to stand by and watch their children in class. So unfortunately, your adorable kiddo cannot take the class alone. A parent must also purchase a ticket and take the class as well - but I promise you this - it's super fun for all involved!

What will I bring home? - By the end of the class, you will have created a set of gorgeous cookies ready to dry for 24 - 48 hours in their own box. After class I'll email you the powerpoint and your class photo. If you want any information from me (ie. cookie/icing recipe, vendor links to the tools we used, etc.) just let me know. And of course, you’ll have new skills, memories, and fun!

I signed up for a class but can't make it? - :( We understand that life happens so that’s why we allow you to cancel up to 7 days before the class for future class credit.  If I can sell your seat though, I’m happy to give you a full refund.  You can always transfer your spot to a friend though (and what a nice friend you are). Need to cancel within the 7 days timeframe? I’m happy to bag up your supplies for you and send the powerpoint along so you can pick up the supplies and take the class at your convenience.