About two months ago, I was asked if I wanted to participate in the big silent auction at the school where my mom works.  Knowing how awesome of an opportunity it was to get my name out there, I immediately accepted the offer.  I decided to donate 2 dozen cookies decorated in any way. 

And then I didn't think about it anymore.

Until yesterday.

My husband and I were out running errands and decided to stop by my parent's house.  I have a photo album of all my cookie pictures for people who don't have smart phones or internet access (gasp) and I wanted my mom to take the album to the auction.

Sitting on their dining room table was the invitation to the silent auction...as well as a booklet with all the auction contributors listed.  It was neat to see my name and information and a mini write up about me in print!  As neat as that was though, it was the invitation which caught my eye.  The theme of the evening was 'Room to Flourish' and the background was this amazing navy deep blue with big white pretty, simple flowers on it. 

Immediately I knew I wanted to make cookies to match it.

Luckily, I always make extra cookies in basic shapes to have on hand in these emergency type situations. 

So, I left my parent's house at 3:00 pm.  At home, I already had icing made, I just needed to dye it the navy blue color for the background.  Around 4:00 I started decorating and at 6:00, I was finished.

Now...if you're a cookie decorator you know that's practically no time at all for royal icing to dry.  Luckily, my heat gun came in very handy!  Although, I did have my first heat gun casualty.  I accidentally set it right next to my big icing bottle and melted a hole right in the middle of it!!! 

I was so happy I made the decision to decorate some cookies last minute because they turned out to be some of my favorite.  I absolutely love, love, love the blue background.

It's amazing what 3 simple flood colors can become. 

Although the lines and spacing on this cookie aren't exact, I love the bold statement of the flower.

I also had some clovers that I never got around to decorating for St. Patty's day and I was happy to have an opportunity to use them.

This is a perfect example of why it's important to have extra doo-das on hand.  I grabbed some red roses and stuck them on top of a pot.  Can you tell this is a pot of gold cookie cutter? 

I heard the cookies went for $55 and the woman who won the auction was so excited to have something to actually take home with her. 

Lesson Learned:  Even if you're in a time crunch, make the effort to create some cookies.  You never know when you'll create something beautiful and brighten someone's day. 

So I used Brenda's painting as inspiration for the cookies.

And look super, duper close at the bottom right of the tree on the bedding.  See that tiny blue bird? 

I fell in love with him and knew immediately he had to be put on a cookie.

I have a thing for blue birds and these cookies turned out so perfectly (for me).

I wish I could have put them on little cookie stands around my house for decoration.  They were that pretty.  Everything turned out right.  Icing color, consistency and the fact that I was able to put shiny 'snaps' on them.  And let's be honest....a cookie with something shiny on it is always prettier. 

I also made some simple white, pink and yellow baby bottle

And be sure to head over to Brenda's website to see her beautiful, beautiful artwork.

Thanks for your order Brenda!

I loved these cookies.  The ducks turned out so much better than I had hoped!

And I loved that shade of mint green and a blush pink.

No time = lots of edible marker usage.

Hopefully the customer loves them just the same!

And I'd like to give a big ole' kiss to the person who invented edible markers.  You're a genious!

A sorority sister of mine asked me to make these for her son who's turning 3.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Maddox!!! Enjoy your Go Diego Go Birthday party!!!!

And I hope you love your cookies!