Brush Embroidery - Royal Icing Cookies

Brush embroidery is a technique that can make a powerful impact - and is fairly simple when you understand the process. Here are a few pointers:

1. Use a royal icing consistency that is slightly less than stiff. You want the icing to hold its shape/show the brushstrokes, but not so stiff that it won't move easily.
2. Keep a cup of water and a paper towel close by while you work. You want to use a paintbrush that is barely damp - never wet! If the paintbrush is too wet, the brushstrokes won't show - it will make the icing settle too much. Wet paintbrushes can also affect the layer of royal icing below. Dip the paintbrush in the water, then remove most of the water on the paper towel before using it to move the icing.
3. Clean your paintbrush often. You don't want a buildup of icing on the brush - it will prevent a clean look.
4. Let each layer dry before adding the next one. This is not actually required, but I have found it makes for a cleaner look when the layers cannot dry/settle together.
5. Practice! It gets easier every time you do it!

Music from www.bensound.com