Etsy Monday + Giveaway: SweetAmbs

by Lisa on August 25th, 2009

You want to know what happened when I first found SweetAmbs on Etsy? I gasped. Literally. Never, ever, in my whole life, have I seen cookies more beautiful than those made by SweetAmbs owner Amber.

I dare you to try to find me a cookie that’s more beautifully decorated than this one, the Brown and Pink Brush Embroidery Cookie:

That lovely cookie isn’t made in a factory. No machines are involved. Amber decorates these cookies by hand!

Ready for another?

How about these Cookies Inspired by Wedgwood:

When I first saw these lovely mongrammed cookies, all I could think about was having a tea party. Or an engagement party. Or a baby shower. Wouldn’t these be a lovely treat? (Each cookie comes individually sealed, making it the perfect gift!)

Seriously, these cookies look almost too good to eat.

So, let’s look at another, shall we?

Can you even believe these are cookies? I certainly can’t. These are the Spring Basket Cookies.

I don’t recall ever getting so excited about cookies. But how can one not get excited about these pieces of art?

As you’ll see below, Amber is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. All of the cookies are the same flavor – a special sugar cookie of Amber’s that also includes fresh orange zest, vanilla beans, and a hint of cardamom. Yum, yum, yum. Hungry yet?

Amber was great enough to answer a few questions for you wonderful Fantabulously Frugal readers…and she’s even offering a few of her scrumptious cookies as a giveaway! Read on for details…

1. For how long have you been making and decorating cookies?

I’ve been baking and decorating cookies since I was a little girl. I come from an artistic family so cookie decorating is something that allows me to combine my artistic skills with my love of food. Within the past 3 years I began experimenting with designs and colors but it’s only been about 6 months since I started selling my cookies on Etsy.
2. How did you decide on the flavor of the cookies? It seems like such a unique twist on a sugar cookie!

The Orange Vanilla Spice Cookies are made up of all my favorite flavors. I use fresh orange zest, vanilla beans and cardamom, which are reminiscent of my childhood.

3. I see you studied at the Culinary Institute of America! How did you decide to focus on Baking & Pastry?

I chose to enroll in the Baking and Pastry program because it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. I briefly considered going into the Culinary program because I thought I might like to have a catering business but I know I made the right choice.

4. How long does it take you to do the frosting design by hand?

It can take anywhere from 2-6 minutes to decorate one cookie depending on the design. It doesn’t sound like a long time but when you’re putting out a few dozen cookies at once, those minutes really add up!

5. Do you have plans to add new frosting designs to your current line-up?

I always have plans to add new designs! It’s just a matter of getting inspired to create something. I carry around a notebook wherever I go so I can write down ideas. I also take pictures with my cell phone if I see something that I think could be turned into a cookie design.

6. Do you ever work with brides that are looking for unique gifts or favors?

I often get requests for cookie favors from brides. I love doing custom orders for weddings and showers. My customers are always giving me great new ideas for colors and designs that I might not have thought of on my own.

7. Do you plan on adding any other types of baked goods to your shop?

I’m going to stick with cookies for now since I’m more interested in decorating than baking. The cookies allow me to focus on the fun part. And they’re easier to ship than cakes!

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Amber has so generously offered up a set of 6 brush embroidery cookies for one lucky reader of Fantabulously Frugal!

To enter this giveaway, please head on over to SweetAmbs, take a look around, and then come back over here and leave a comment sharing your favorite cookie design. Important: In your comment, please make sure I can contact you, either via email or through your own blog.

Giveaway will stay open until August 31, 2009. A winner will be announced September 1, 2009.