Tatertots and Jello

COLORFUL HAPPY HOME -- Daily DIY, Decor, Craft and Recipe Tutorial

  • My Home
    • 1905 Cottage
    • Daybreak House
  • DIY
    • DIY Projects and Ideas
    • Organizing
    • Tutorials
    • Printables
  • Decor
    • Spring Projects
    • Summer Projects
    • Fall Projects
  • Crafts
    • Kids Crafts
    • Painting Projects
    • Paper Projects
    • Sewing
    • Wreaths
  • Holidays
    • Valentines Day
    • Easter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • HAPPY Holidays Series!
  • Recipes

Explore

  • my home
  • diy
  • decor
  • crafts
  • holiday
  • printables
  • recipes

Connect

Home » crafts » Guest Project — Make Your Own DIY Cookie Cutters!!

crafts, diy, recipes · March 10, 2011

Guest Project — Make Your Own DIY Cookie Cutters!!

Tatertots & Jello is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
 
 Hi – I’m Callye of Sweet Adventures of SugarBelle.
I’m an artist who expresses myself through cookies. Martha Stewart is my hero…(don’t knock her, I LOVE her!) When I was in High School, I’d cut school just to stay home and watch her on TV. I love to learn, when I get into something, I go at it full steam! I am pretty much obsessed with decorating cookies. I do it almost every day, and still my mind is OVERFLOWING with things I want to create!
 
Over the last two years I have really become obsessed with decorated cookies.  I make them every chance I get, and I am constantly coming up with new designs.  Although I’d love to have a custom cutter for EVERY shape I make, it’s not really economical or practical to do this for every design I come up with. There are cookie cutter crafting kits available to purchase, but to be honest, I have a really hard time using them without the help of my husband and his tools, and to make matters worse, he doesn’t always get the design how it was in my head {I HOPE he’s not reading this} or do it on my schedule. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Nine times out of ten , if I need an odd cookie shape, I make a plastic template. I actually have a {Plastic Cookie Template Tutorial} on my blog.
However, there are some times that I really need a cutter and since I’m not one to wait around for the husband, I went on a quest to find a way to make them without  any assistance.
I searched up and down the Internet, and eventually I ran across a tutorial to make cookie cutters from easily available household items. Unfortunately, I was never able to find it again, but using the basics I learned from that tutorial, I began making my own custom cookie cutters. This project requires the supplies above.  They include:
  • aluminum oven liners
  • scissors
  • gloves {very important}
  • permanent marker
  • pencil
  • Exacto knife
  • 4 inch template made from foam board {buy thepre- measured type and cut along the lines}
  • yardstick
  • clothespins
  • super glue
  • printer paper

First, trim all of the edges from the aluminum liner.  
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE wear gloves!
The raw edges of aluminum are as sharp as razors and can REALLY hurt you.
  For the record, I got the COOLEST pair of gloves from Woman’s Work, and I love them so much that they inspired the whole color palette I used for the cookies.  I love the fact that they are made for smaller hands and I can work in them comfortably.  Plus, like I said, they are CUTE!  Just because a girl does tough work, doesn’t mean she can’t do it pretty =)
After the edges are removed, use the foam board template to mark off a four inch section on the aluminum.
Use the yardsitck to find the mid point of the section, and draw another line down the center. {There will be two 2 inch sections}
After you have marked it, cut along the farthest line, indicated by the arrow. The middle line is there to serve as a reference point when you begin forming your metal strip.
After you cut, fold the strip in half along the 2 inch line. I always do it along a straight edge such as a table to keep the folds sharp and precise.
Once you have done this, unfold the strip, and fold the left side in to meet the center line.
Do the same to the right side. Carefully fold it to touch the center 2 inch mark.
Then, fold this in half again, making sure the sharp outside edges are folded to the inside where they cannot harm you. Just in case it was hard to understand by the photos, I also included a diagram of the folding steps.
When you reach step three, fold it in half once more.
All this folding will leave you with a strong but flexible aluminum strip.
When this is done, I always take my scissors and run them back down the strip to really straighten and flatten the edge, which will eventually be the cutting edge of the the cutter.
Now you are ready to make a cookie cutter.
A while back, I saw an adorable set of lower case serif font alphabet cutters that I really wanted. I was really bummed that they weren’t available to purchase, so I decided to make my own. Before I began, I sat down and sketched out the way I imagined my letter cookies to look. You can also print an image from your computer, but since I already had a pretty solid idea, I sketched mine.
The sketch doesn’t have to be perfect, it’s only a guide.  If you look at mine you’ll see I did alright on the “j” but the “t” got a little bit scratchy.
When I finished I used a permanent marker to outline the drawing, taking care to avoid a lot of the more intricate little curves and corners.
It’s a common misconception that an EXACT cutter is needed to make cookies in a certain shape.
Personally, I am not really concerned with exacts.  I take a basic cookie shape and use my icing to tweak the design.  It’s a lot less stressful this way, and also leaves room for a little creative flair.
Now for the fun part! The next step takes a little practice and patience. Using your sketch, start shaping the aluminum around the design.
Just a little tip, when you are forming curves, find something round to bend the metal around.  I used an old rolling pin here, but you could use dowel rods, PVC pipe, or anything else around the house.
It’s also helpful to keep a pair of needle nose pliers handy, just in case.  Most of the time, I don’t use them but you never know when you might need them. When you get the shape just right, tighten everything up and measure where you should cut off the overlap.
I’d give it about an inch or so, then snip off any excess.
Use super glue to attach the ends and clothes pins to secure them until dry.
I’ll admit, it’s not the prettiest cutter ever, but it will make beautiful cookies.  I have several of these that have lasted a very long time.  Every once in a while, one will come un-glued, but I just re-glue it, and it’s as good as new.  In a pinch, I’ve even used hot glue and and staples to close the cutters.
I use this method most often to make cutters for” fad” designs.  It’s great in situations where I am making too many cookies to hand cut, but I won’t use it often enough to justify investing in a custom cutter.  I also live in a rural area so I don’t have access to specialty supplies and have to mail order almost everything.  This allows me to make my own cutters with things I can pick up locally and without waiting on shipping. Is anyone surprised at the end result? It always amazes me that such simple everyday things can be used to make such pretty cookies. I made these sparkly “j’s” in honor of my hostess today.  Thank you for having me, Jen!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! For more fun tips and cookie adventures, come visit my blog, The Sweet Adventures of SugarBelle , I’d love to see you there!
Thanks Callye! Those sparkly J’s are adorable!!!
I love this idea – the possibilities are endless!! 
You will find so many great ideas on Callye’s blog, like:
 
{Turn left-over Royal Icing into Decorative Cookie Embellishments}
{Make Pot o’ Gold Cookies}
{How about Lego Man Cookies?}
 {Turn Different Shaped Cookie Cutters into a Leprechauns}
And so much more!!


You will love all of the Cooking Tips and Inspiration at Sugar Belle!
xoxo
PS — Jill at Envirocraftiness is spotlighting her favorite blogs and today she is spotlight TT&J. I feel so honored!! Thanks Jill!!!


This post sponsored by

Posted By: Jen · In: crafts, diy, recipes

Guest Project — Dragon Tails {sewing tutorial}
Great Ideas — Favorites and a winner!!

You’ll Also Love

Good Witch Tea Party Ideas{Good} Witch Tea Party!! [and free Halloween Printables]
Favorite S'More ideas and Lighting!Favorite Things of the Week: Light Fixtures & S’mores Parties!
tatertots and jello favorite things of the week - projects, craft tools and people I love to followFavorite Things of the Week: My Favorite Craft Tools & More!

Comments

  1. Charla says

    June 12, 2013 at 9:16 AM

    The photos aren’t showing up for the make your own cookie cutter tutorial!!

  2. Charla says

    June 12, 2013 at 9:15 AM

    The photos aren’t showing up!!!

  3. Carrie says

    January 16, 2012 at 10:49 PM

    I think I just fell in love with this site! I have been looking all over town for a sheep cookie cutter and could not find one. I then decided to look online to order one but I won’t get it in time so next step was to make my own. Most sites I’ve seen say to get aluminum sheeting, I never thought of using an aluminum sheet like that! I love that idea! Dollar store here I come! I think I’m going to find myself making alot of cookie cutter shapes thanks to this site! I have to ask, how did you make the sparkle frosting? I absolutely LOVE that!! And the flower cookies with the yellow centers, gorgeous! How did you get the icing so glossy and perfect?

  4. ELIZABETE says

    March 13, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    SEMPRE PASSO AQUI,ACHO TUDO MUITO PROVEITOSO NO BLOG! COSTARIA DE CONVIDAR PRA SER MADRINHA DO BLOG APRESSADOS, FICARIA MUITO FELIZ! LINDO DOMINGO PRA VOCE!

  5. Becky says

    March 13, 2011 at 3:41 AM

    Amazing!!!! I love it!

  6. Emily {WhipperBerry} says

    March 11, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    Isn't she amazing?! We LOVE Callye! What a great tutorial.

  7. Kelli @ RTSM says

    March 11, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Your cookies are amazing! I love the idea of making your own cutters too. I needed a cupcake shaped one a few years ago and my hubby ended up taking another cutter and bending it into the shape I wanted. I love the idea of using inexpensive oven liners though!

  8. jennykate77 says

    March 11, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    LOVE this idea! I've been needing a chore chart…I think this is just what I've been looking for, but I didn't even know it! 🙂

    I used to do something similar w/ clothespins with my kiddos in my classroom. It worked really well.

    Hope you're having a great day, Jen!! ♥

  9. Yael says

    March 11, 2011 at 1:59 PM

    Great tutorial! I have to give that a try.

  10. christinaville says

    March 11, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    These cookies look divine! Great post – thank you for sharing!!!
    ~Christina

    http://christinaville.wordpress.com/

  11. Diane {Created by Diane} says

    March 11, 2011 at 12:42 AM

    I just LOVE all of Callye's creativeness! She is so sweet and wonderful, great detail in all her work. Wonderful post!

  12. christy says

    March 10, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    lego.cookies! Oh how I love this! Wish I saw this last year when I threw a Star Wars lego party. 🙂

  13. Teresa says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    OMG……I mean l like really really OMG!!!
    Those "J" cookies…are the cutest EVER!
    How COOL is that to make a cookie cutter!
    Uh~MAZ~innnnnng!
    Love it!
    And those GLOVES….OMG!!!!
    I wanna know where she got those adorable gloves!
    xo

  14. Cristin (Pinkie) says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Callye is always so resourceful! Thanks for sharing!

  15. Sierra says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Oh my goodness what a sweet idea!! I just love the custom cookie cutter idea! Brilliant!! 🙂 Plus, the sparkles on those cookies make them pop! Love!!

  16. Jenny says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:14 PM

    Great tutorial. These are such cute cookies.

  17. Krissy says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    I love Martha too haha! Those cookies are ridiculously beautiful!!!

  18. Jami says

    March 10, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    Great tutorial! What a creative gal!

  19. Amanda @ Serenity Now says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:10 PM

    How brilliant is this tutorial?! What a talented, talented girl!! 🙂

  20. Knitrageous says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Great tutorial! I'm so glad you tried a 'j' especially since those are my cookies! 🙂 Really, every time you do something I'm just amazed at your talent!

  21. Natalie says

    March 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    I can totally empathize! We have NO specialty stores around here (we have a Walmart. The only real store in the entire valley!), and the nearest big city is 3 hours away. We live in a TINY farming town, so I have to order everything online, too. Super stinks. I'll have to try this for sure! Thanks for sharing!

  22. Tanya says

    March 10, 2011 at 6:30 PM

    Wow! Those cookies look awesome! What a cool way to make cookie cutters. Great post:)

  23. April says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    Those cookies cutters are so clever…and her yummy creations are to die for!

  24. marissa says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:40 PM

    what a great idea, I definitely have to try this

  25. MiMi says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Those are AMAZING! The cookies look good too! 🙂
    LOVE the lego ones. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have to try that for the boys.

  26. Take it Personally by Christine says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    Gorgeous Cookies!

  27. Glory says

    March 10, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Such a great post!! Callye is so talented (and super sweet too!!). It's so fun to see all of her creative ideas!

Hi! I'm Jen Hadfield. I'm a mom of 5 restoring an 1891 home in the heart of Salt Lake City. I love being creative and sharing simple ideas to make your life easier and more beautiful!

Receive the Latest Crafts, DIY, Recipes and More in your INBOX!

Follow us on Pinterest! It's awesome!

Top Posts & Pages

Copycat Panera Spinach and Artichoke Egg Soufflés - SO good!
Spruce up Your Outdoor Space with a DIY Recirculating Fountain! (tutorial)
How to Make a Simple Garden Planter Box
Spring Home Decor Ideas
DIY Black Painted Window Frames
Spring Mushroom and Moss Wreath

 

Popular Posts

  • Copycat Panera Spinach and Artichoke Egg Soufflés - SO good!
    Copycat Panera Spinach and Artichoke Egg Soufflés - SO good!
  • Spruce up Your Outdoor Space with a DIY Recirculating Fountain! (tutorial)
    Spruce up Your Outdoor Space with a DIY Recirculating Fountain! (tutorial)
  • How to Make a Simple Garden Planter Box
    How to Make a Simple Garden Planter Box
  • Spring Home Decor Ideas
    Spring Home Decor Ideas
  • DIY Black Painted Window Frames
    DIY Black Painted Window Frames
  • Spring Mushroom and Moss Wreath
    Spring Mushroom and Moss Wreath
  • Kids Outdoor Easter Scavenger Hunt - with printable clues!
    Kids Outdoor Easter Scavenger Hunt - with printable clues!

As seen in





Amazon Affiliate

Tatertots & Jello is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
  • About Me
  • Advertising
  • Get Featured

Copyright © 2023 Tatertots and Jello · Privacy
This site is a place for positive discussion and ideas. Negative talk, comments that disparage others, and similar are not welcome and may be removed.