I’ll admit it; I’m no artist when it comes to drawing images on cookies.
I’m sure I could learn how to improve my drawing skills, but to be perfectly honest it’s not what I want to spend my time doing.
I love being able to create icing art, and I love being able to create it relatively quickly.
It is for this reason and others that the Kopykake drawing projector has been so invaluable to me – I can easily create sugar art without being able to draw images freehand.
If you are somewhat ‘drawing-challenged’ shall we say, or if you’d like to speed up your cake or cookie decorating process, you’ll probably enjoy the Kopykake projector.
You should know that I’m not sponsored by Kopykake in any way but do have affiliate links to Amazon and Ultimate Baker, although Amazon is sold out of the models I’ll be reviewing. I sincerely enjoy the projector and have had many questions regarding using it so am sharing my experience and answers here.
A big thank you to Rowell Photography for taking the cookie pics with the pink background. I stumbled on their site and got lost in their gorgeous photos. – Erika and Ryan know how to take awesome pics! Check out their site here.
I’ll begin with some questions, move on to a tutorial and finish off with more questions.
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What is a Kopykake projector?
The Kopykake projects an image downwards, sideways etc. so that cakes, cookies or any item can be easily traced onto. It is unique in that the light isn’t underneath the baked goods, but hangs above so as not to melt the icing etc.
Why use a Kopykake projector?
It is an invaluable tool for those who need help with drawing skills, and for those who may be able to draw freehand but would like to do if faster.
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Who would benefit from using a Kopykake projector?
Having the projector won’t improve your piping, but will certainly improve your drawing capabilities. One of my best tips for improving piping would be to let your icing fall onto the cookie. This is demonstrated in the upcoming slide show.
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Is it easy to set up, where do you store it and can it be dismantled?
It’s obvious, the Kopykake is not a pretty tool; in fact, as a ‘cookie’ friend, Catherine once mentioned, it looks like it belongs in a Star Wars movie! It is easy to set up but I wouldn’t recommend dismantling it; too much of a pain and too much wear and tear in my opinion. I store it exactly as is. The Kopykake can be moved around and transported – it is sturdy.
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How do you like the Kopykake with a baseboard instead of the table clamp? Do you feel it restricts you to working next to a wall so that it does not tip over and fall?
Not at all. It is solid and does not tip over. I use the baseboard rather than the table clamp because I like to move the projector around if I need to while I’m decorating. The projector is quite large (38″ high, baseboard is 20″ by 14″ wide/97cm high by 51cm by 36cm wide), so I put it away in another room when it’s not in use.
The table clamp is great if you’d like to project onto a larger surface area than the size of the baseboard, for example onto your desk. Most baked goods aren’t large enough to need a desk surface area though.
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There are more questions to come, but for those unfamiliar with the Kopykake projector, the questions will make more sense after the tutorial.
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This tutorial refers to the Kopykake K1000-G model. I will compare the Kopykake 300XK and the K1000-G at the end of this tutorial. There are some slight differences between the two projectors which I will briefly review, however both projectors operate similarly.
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How to Use a Kopykake Projector
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Instructions on Using the Kopykake Projector
1. Inserting Image
Flip open the top box of the Kopykake projector and attach your image using clear tape. You could also use the rotating clamps provided to hold the image down. I find that the clamps get hot very quickly and can be awkward depending on the size of the image though.
Make sure the image is fastened upside down so that it projects ‘right side up’ and is also placed in the middle of the Kopykake lid.
Example One:
Example Two:
2. Lighting
Close lid and turn on projector (power button on side of projector box). In order to see the image better, it can help to turn the lights off for this model. The K1000 doesn’t require you to turn out lights though as it has 500 watts of illumination.
Kopykake K1000-G turned on in a lit room:
Kopykake K1000-G turned on in a darker room (It would of course help to also have curtains on the window nearby): 😉
Resulting image projected onto surface:
Example One
Example Two
Example One – Resulting image projected onto cookie:
I’m jumping a bit ahead with this picture, but here this finished cookie. (Missing steps coming up).
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3. Royal Icing Base or Not?
Assuming you already have your cookies baked (click here for sugar cookie recipe if you need one), and icing made (click here for royal icing recipe), you’ll need to decide whether or not you’d like a base of icing or if you’d like to pipe right onto your cookie.
For some examples of cookies with an icing base, such as the tea pot above, click on the following:
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For some examples of cookies without a royal icing base, click on the following:
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Avoid piping a very dark base such as black royal icing as it would then be difficult to see the projected lines. It is fine, however, to pipe on a darker base than just white; projecting onto a brown gingerbread cookie, for example, works well.
If you decide you’d like a base of icing, you’ll need to pipe that and let it dry for a minimum of 6-12 hours. The more humidity there is in your environment, the longer you’ll need to let it dry.
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4. Piping the Outline
Trace the outline of the image onto your cookie. My preferred piping tip size (and the one I’m using here), is # 2. If you need to pipe very fine details tip # 1 or even # 00 work well. If you’re using a fine tip like the #00 though, you might want to check out these ‘piping clogging’ hints.
I usually sit somewhat to the left of the cookie as I’m right-handed, which means my piping tip/hand ends up directly in front of the cookie, and I usually pipe beginning on the left side of the image. I’m sure if you’re left-handed you could do the opposite or just find what is comfortable for you.
Here’s a slow-motion slide show for you to see how I outline my cookies:
One of my favorite tips for improving your piping is to let the icing just fall into place by guiding it. About a centimetre (about a quarter inch), after you’ve begun your outline, start lifting the piping bag away from the cookie, so that the icing just falls onto the cookie. Start coming back closer to the cookie when approaching another corner. If the cookie is more intricate, or has more corners, you may not be able to just let the icing fall as there won’t really be room to. Also start to apply less pressure as you approach the corners.
The consistency of the icing is also key for me. I often use the same batch of icing to outline and fill in my cookies. For a detailed explanation of the 10 second rule for icing thickness and more cookie decorating tips please check out Cookie Decorating Tutorial or my Top 10 Tips for a quick overview. (Update: You can find a video on royal icing consistency here).
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5. Flood Cookie
Fill in or flood your cookie once the outline has dried and let that layer dry for a minimum of 6-12 hours.
If you don’t like the look of a distinct outline, you could just pipe/trace the shape and fill in with the same color icing right away. For example, for my yellow duck I could have outlined him in a yellow icing and filled in the outline with yellow right away.
Again, for more decorating tips, please see my Cookie Decorating Tutorial.
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6. Finishing Touches
Add finishing details such as eyes etc. once the flooded base has dried.
That’s pretty much it!
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Below are some more cookie images from this batch as well as answers to your questions on this Kopykake and other Kopykake projectors.
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Answers to Your Questions and More
Choosing Your Image
As long as you can project the image, you can use it in this projector. That means photographs, coloring book images, stickers, printed images of any kind. For this tutorial I photocopied images from the book, Treasure Hunt for Girls by Priddy books.
I like to chose images which already have a dark outline because they’re easier to see and trace onto the cookie, however you could just draw dark lines right on your image if it doesn’t already have a distinct outline.
How transparent the paper your image is on, also affects how well the image projects. For example, if I’m using a sticker which is printed on a thick paper, I may need to either photocopy or print the image onto thinner paper or even a transparency. The transparency isn’t usually necessary, however I do sometimes choose this option.
This Olympic mascot was photocopied onto a transparency and put in the projector for my Olympic Cookies.
Once you’ve got the image (paper, sticker, transparency etc.), it’s as simple as inserting it into the Kopykake and projecting it.
One point to note; you can buy ‘printable’ transparencies – meaning your printer can print right onto them. You don’t need to trace onto them.
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Image Sizing
Adjust the clarity and size of the image by sliding the projection lens up or down and/or turning it. This projector enlarges up to 400% or reduces up to 70%. I still find that there isn’t a lot of give when it comes to adjusting size and sharpness though.
To make sure the image is the size I need it to be, I check to see how large the image will project by putting it into the projector first and adjusting the lens. If the image is still too large or too small I scanthe image into my computer and play around with the dimensions (reduce or enlarge), in Photoshop or even Microsoft Word for lettering. I test by printing a copy and inserting it into the projector until I’m happy with the measurements.
Another option for image size is to reduce or enlarge the image using a photocopier. If you’re not near the Kopykake to test the image size out, photocopy various sizes to ensure one works. In terms of how much to reduce or enlarge, I experiment and try numerous sizes and just see which ones work. It’s difficult to be specific and say, for example, “Reduce by 25%”, because each image will be different.
Another manual way to make your projected image a bit smaller is to bring your cookie closer to the projection lens. Translation; pile a bunch of books on top of the projector stand, lay a piece of parchment paper and your cookie on top. The closer the lens is to the cookie, the smaller the image is. I don’t usually do it this way because I’m used to decorating cookies at table height, not higher up on a pile of books.
Overall, playing with the sizes either with a scanner /computer or a photocopier is a little more effort but it has worked for me in the past. Using the reduction lens might make the process easier (information on reduction lens below), however you may still have to play around with image size manually.
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Reduction Lens
As images on cookies need to be smaller than on cakes, the reduction lens is an accessory which can be slipped onto the existing projector lens as a way to help project smaller images with both the K1000-G and the 300XK model. The lens which comes with the projectors reduces up to 70% and the reduction lens reduces an additional 50%. To buy one, I find the official Kopykake site more expensive than other sites so recommend searching for the lens on ebay or elsewhere.
I don’t use the reduction lens. Again, even for the K1000-G, if I need different image sizes I just play with dimensions either in Photoshop or with a photocopier.
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Extension Tube
An extension tube is essentially a rod which lengthens the height of only the 300XK projector so that your image projects larger. It is not really needed for cookie decorating since those images typically need to be smaller, but it could be useful for larger images on cakes etc. This accessory is not for the K1000-G, as the head of this model can be raised or lowered if you’d like to enlarge images even more, and the lens on this model has more sizing capabilities than the 300XK.
Choosing Cookie Shapes/Sizes
I love geometric, fluted or plain edged cookie cutters; especially circles, squares and ovals. All I do is choose the image size I like and then find a cookie cutter which suits that size. I usually have the luxury of choosing whatever size I like because my cookies are gifts rather than orders, however if you need to make a certain size cookie you just need to play around with the image in photoshop or with a photocopier.
Instead of using geometric cookies cutters you could also just project the image, lay your cold dough (on parchment) underneath the projected design and use a pizza wheel to cut out your customized shape. See these Halloween cookies for customized shape examples.
Another option is to project the image onto white paper, draw the outline you like, cut that shape out, place it onto your dough and use the pizza wheel to cut out the cookie shape.
Do you project one cookie at a time?
Yes, I project on one cookie at a time and pipe one cookie at a time. Since I’m not worrying about freehand drawing, the process goes quickly.
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Do your images get warped from the heat of the projector lamp?
If the images are on paper, no. If I use a sticker, yes, it gets somewhat warm even though the K1000-G has a 40cfm fan. (As does the 300XK). The sticker doesn’t warp enough to ruin it or make it ‘unprojectable’, however you can see some slight bending. If you’re using an actual photo, I would recommend using a copy of the photo in the projector in case of heat damage.
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What kind of light bulb do you buy when one burns out?
The projectors take true color, color corrected 250W bulbs, which you can find in any photography store. I have used a 150W household bulb in a pinch though. It isn’t as bright but still works!
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Do I trace the image from the original onto transparency material and then project the transparency image on to the cookie?
You don’t need to use a transparency if the image you’re using is on thin paper. The Kopykake can then project the image no problem.
If however, your image is on very thick paper, the Kopykake won’t project the image as well. That’s when I scan or photocopy the image onto a transparency paper or regular white paper. I then stick that paper into the projector and it projects the image downwards onto my cookie.
If you don’t have access to a scanner or photocopier, you could trace your image onto the transparency or paper.
Does your hand’s shadow get in the way while you’re piping?
You can’t completely avoid the overlapping of your hand or piping tip and the shadow at some points while you’re tracing the image; there a few seconds where my piping tip’s shadow is right over the line I’m trying to trace. I find that following the flow that my piping/my hand is already going and guiding it towards the part of the image that you can see, helps me bridge that gap. Also try compensating by changing the angle of your hand. There might be a few seconds of ‘blockage’ but it’s doable in terms of judging where to pipe because your hand is already ‘on the way’, if you know what I mean.
Basically, keep your eye on the line you can see and trust your hand to follow the direction it’s already going.
It’s not as complicated as it may sound, but if you’re concerned about shadows, the K1000-G model has a tilting projector head which may help alleviate the shadows getting in the way a bit while you’re piping. I never bother to angle mine as I just do what I’ve explained above.
If you like to see visuals, watching the slideshow of the duck cookie being outlined (above), may help. Here is another link where I’ve included a slide show of piping using the Kopykake projector. (I know, I have to get into video!) 😉
Do you trace the image using an edible ink pen or do you use icing to draw the image outline?
I use icing to trace right onto the cookie, as using a food decorating pen would be an extra step and more time consuming, however it is a great idea if you have difficulty with the shadows. You’d have more time to draw the image right onto the cookie.
Other Options Besides the KopyKake Projector
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Are there any other options to help with drawing besides using the Kopykake projector?
There are a few ideas you could use if you have difficulty free-handing. They are:
a) Royal Icing Transfers:
Involves putting your image under parchment or a transparency paper and tracing/piping right onto the paper. Smearing a tiny bit of shortening onto the parchment or transparency will help the transfer come off with more ease. When the icing dries, carefully peel it off and adhere it to your cookie (with small dabs of royal icing).
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
- Simple to do
Disadvantages:
- Transfers break easily
- Once you’ve got your base coat of icing you can not trace the details of the image. For example, if you were tracing these owl cookies you would not be able to trace the eyes etc. once the brown base coat was done.
b) Pin pricking:
Take the image, lay it on the cookie and, using a pin, poke little dots through the paper into your cookie, to create an outline.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming
- Dots or pin pricks difficult to see
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c) Tracing and Edible Ink Pen:
Page 57 of the book Planet Cake, goes over how to trace letters onto a cake. You could follow the same process for uncomplicated images onto cookies.
Roughly based on ‘Tracing Letters’ in Planet Cake; trace the image with 2B pencil onto parchment paper, turn the parchment over and trace the back of the same image. Place the parchment right side up onto the cookie. Lightly shade the parchment paper with the 2B pencil, so that an impression is left on the cookie.
I would recommend trying this method with an food decorator marker.
Advantages:
- Great for uncomplicated images
- Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming
- May not leave a distinct impression/difficult to see lines
Would you / do you use stencils or does having the Kopykake eliminate the need for them?
Using a stencil does have a different, flatter look. It doesn’t always turn out perfectly because the icing sometimes creeps under the stencil hole and smudges. You would also need a stencil for every shape you’re doing. On the positive side, the stencils can be used over and over, it is quick, fairly easy and when done correctly does look pretty. (Sorry no pics, I rarely use stencils).
Where did you buy your Kopykake projector?
I bought the K1000-G model on Amazon.com, however they’re sold out at the moment. The 300XK model from school was from Ultimate Baker. Shipping was quick and customer service was good. You can also find the Kopykake by searching on ebay or other sites (just search on Google). www.madisonartshop.com seems to be the best price right now, although one thing I noticed is that they did not return any of my phone calls when I tried to contact their customer service. If you have no questions (mine were regarding shipping), it might be the best place to buy one right now. Canadians; I haven’t found it in Canada yet. If you find it please share your info. in the comment section below. 😉
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Which Kopykake projector model should I buy?
There are a two KopyKake projector models suitable for cookie and cake decorating. They are the K1000-G and the 300XK. I have the K1000-G at home but have also used the 300XK model at work. The following overview of both projectors should help you get a better idea of which one meets your needs best.
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Overview of the Kopykake Projectors K1000-G and the 300XK
Kopykake Projector K1000-G
- Has two, 250W bulbs which help project your image brightly so that you don’t need work in a dark room. It was actually designed for commercial use (i.e. In a bakery where turning out the lights wouldn’t be practical).
- You can adjust image size and clarity more than the 300XK with the projector lens. K1000-G enlarges up to 400% or reduces up to 70%. Using a computer program, photocopier or the reduction lens accessory can also be added to further reduce image dimensions.
- The head of the projector can be raised or lowered if you’d like to enlarge images even more.
- The head of the projector can be angled left or right to help reduce shadows while decorating. (Or even to project on the wall for other uses).
- More expensive than the 300XK.
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Kopykake Projector 300XK
- Same mirror and lens as K1000-G, however only has one 250W bulb. Works fine if you can and don’t mind turning off the background lights though. (A dimly lit part of the room works as well).
- Less sizing and clarity options than the K1000-G; 300XK enlarges up to 300% or reduces up to 70%. Sizing images can be done with a computer program, photocopier or by using the reduction lens accessory though.
- Extension tube to extend lenth of projector ‘neck’ can be purchased if you’d like to enlarge images.
- Less expensive than the K1000-G
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Is it worth the cost?
I love using the Kopykake projector as I’m not a skilled artist, so it takes the worry and frustration out of drawing. I definitely wouldn’t have the same cookie results without it! If it’s worth it for you; I really can’t say. It’s a matter of personal opinion. Do you need help in the drawing department? Are you a good artist but would like to speed the process up? If your answer is yes to either of the latter questions you’ll probably like the projector.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed my tutorial. Please feel free to drop me a line or ask a question in the comment section – I love hearing your input!
xo,
Marian
marian says
@ Karenb: Thank you so much for sharing this info.! =)
Melody says
Can you tell me the name of a edible ink printer with a scanner?
Marian (Sweetopia) says
@ Melody: Absolutely, you can find a link to one in the ‘what you’ll need’ list in this post here:
https://sweetopia.net/2011/10/halloween-edible-image-cookies/
John Snediker says
I have said it before, you have the most complete and comprehensive tutorials. Truly. Plus your amazing talent inspires. OK, you got me hooked to cookie decorating! Your cookies are outstanding, and in your tutorial you make it look so easy. When piping bag is in hand you can see that it isn’t so easy, but your instructions can help even the least artistically inclined like me to make some pretty cool cookies! I can’t sing praises of your site enough! I appreciate you taking the times to create these tutorials. I try to visit your sponsors and support your site!
marian says
@ John Snediker: John, you are so wonderful! THANK YOU!
Stephanie says
Sara wrote:
Do you have to work in a darkened room with this projector?
Ana says
Ohh! I just found your site right now through Mayen. I love it! I haven’t tried to do a cookie decorating in my life. Your blog is just amazing. I would like to try making them specially on my son’s first birthday in March. He likes owl. I will definitely try them out. Thank you. You inspired me with this blog. Thanks and God bless you more for not hesitating to share your ideas and knowledge.
Marian (Sweetopia) says
@ Ana: Aw, thank you sooo much for your kind comments!
Alejandra says
Thank you! Excelent post. I enjoy your pics and your explanations. Saludos desde Buenos Aires, Argentina!
Rachel says
Thank you a thousand time for this post. I always wanted to learn about the kopykake projector. I am sure there are no other tutorials on this subject that are as informative as your tutorial. Thanks again for your time..:)
Stephanie Ronen says
Wow this article helped me figure out the confusing world of KopyKake. It was confusing to me to figure out the difference of the two models. I can see how helpful this machine can be. You are an excellent teacher and I LOVE your blog. You are an inspiration. Thank you.
marian says
@ Alejandra, @ Rachel, @ Stephanie Ronen: Many thanks, ladies!
Paige says
What model Koykake projector do you have and where did you purchase same,please?
Yvonne says
marian
thankyou for this tutorial and for creating such a beautiful and inspiring site. I signed up for your news letter last week and i am enjoying experimenting with all the tips that you have been so kind to share with all.
Best wishes from Scotland
marian says
Hello @ Paige: Near the end of the post (I know, it’s long ;-)), under the questions, “Where did you buy your projector” and “Which Kopykake model should I buy?” – you will find your answer.
Many thanks, @ Yvonne!
Liz says
Hi Marian,
From those of us that have recently learned a lot about icing cookies, especially the icing ‘time frames’ needed for success,we salute you. This is a terrific, succinct explanation with tips beyond the use/value of a Kopykake projector.
While I suspect the machine will not be available in Australia, I shall investigate further.
Cheers,
Liz
Marian (Sweetopia) says
Hi @ Liz: Thank you for the lovely compliment! I would love to hear if you find the projector in Australia. It’s not available in Canada yet. I suspect you could rig some sort of projector up if this one isn’t available. All the best!
Julie @White Lights on Wednesday says
Thanks again for telling me about this blog post (from YouTube). I’m linking to it in my upcoming Pterodactyl cookie post. I’ll be putting a projector on my birthday list this year for sure. 🙂
Sima says
I’ve read your overview of the KopyKaKe projectors and still not sure which to buy. Is the K1000 really worth the extra money? is the 300XK good enough?
Suzanne says
Marian,
Great info. In general, what size do you think the size should be for the images you put into the kopykake projector for a regular 3 1/2 inch round cookie? They look small, but I’m wondering what size you normally scale them to before printing.
I may be seeing my kids’ Valentines in a whole new light 😉
Thanks again for all your hard work!
Suzanne
Angela says
This kopykake projector is awsome!!! Do you have any suggestions on how i can make some cinderella cookies for my dauthers 3rd birthday!!! please and Thank you:)
marian says
Hi @ Julie @White Lights on Wednesday: That’s great! Thanks!
Hi @ Sima: I’ve reviewed the best I could in the review – I really can’t say for you personally, as each person is different.
@ Suzanne: Please see my ‘sizing’ info. question in the post.
@ Angela: I do have some princess cookies I made with the projector (they’ll be in the decorated cookie category above).
Vicky says
Hi Marian,
I don’t know whether Canada uses the same power as the US, but Europe doesn’t. I am currently living in the US, but will soon be returning to the UK and was wondering whether you could tell me the input voltage that the projector uses (and whether it includes a range, like some things, especially computers, do). Essentially I want to find out whether the projector would still work if I buy it here and then take it with me when I move.
Thanks.
Marian (Sweetopia) says
Hi @ Vicky: Yes, Canada and the US use the same power, but I’m not sure how the Kopykake would translate to being used in the UK. I’d suggest calling Kopykake.com, letting them know you saw this tutorial (I would appreciate it 😉 and asking your questions there.
cristina says
Muchas grácias desde Barcelona
cristina says
Muchas grácias desde Barcelona,spain
son preciosas thanks.
maritza says
Hi Marian, I just saved enough for my kopykake I got the 300XK. Thanks for the tutorial it really is great. I just have one question maybe you could help me. I was wondering were I can go to find clip art to use with my new kopykake.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Maritza
marian says
Gracias @ cristina!
@ maritza: I use fabric, scrapbook paper, stickers, ads, dolls, google clip art (with whatever you’re searching for). The sky is the limit!
Christine says
Hi Marian,
I am a European cookie baker and am interested in royal icing techniques to expand my offerings. I’ve read all the FAQ’s but was wondering your opinion on rubber stamping a cookie that has a base of royal icing (after it has dried overnight). I’ve heard you can stamp the dried royal icing and from there pipe over the lines. Is this a good option for someone who cannot invest in a Kopykake projector at this time?
Thank you,Christine
marian says
HI @ Christine: Yes, that works! If you’re selling the cookies you may want to look up ‘food grade’ stamps. I believe there’s a whole site dedicated to it. (google will find it i’m sure). All the best!
Christine says
Hi Marian,
Thank you very much for your comment/advice. I will surely look into buying “food grade” stamps. Your website is by far the best out there! No one can truly match your quality in decorating cookies. You are an inspiration to all of us who love what we do! Thanks, again, Marian.
Kind Regards,Christine@ marian:
Jody says
My projector is in customs right now. I am beyond excited to get it. 🙂 I went with Madison Art Shop, and got fast customer service via email.
Jules says
Hi Marian! I just finished decorating cookies for my grandson’s 3rd birthday and they turned out really good considering it was only my third attempt at cookie decorating. Your royal icing tutorials have been instrumental in my cookie development…I look forward to learning more from you. Thank you so much for helping this beginner!
isabel says
muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia, nos ahorra mucho tiempo y sobre todo nos evita sufrir más de lo necesario.
Andrea says
Hi Marian! Currys Art Shop in Canada has a model similar to the Kopykake projector. Here’s the link https://www.currys.com/catalogpc.htm?Category=A022B000701&NBReset=18 . The price is comparable to the Kopykake one, once you figure in the shipping and duty fees that we get stuck with.
Stacey says
Thanks so much for this information. I have been researching this option and couldn’t find anyone with their personal experience. Do you think the baseboard version would fit a 1/2 sheet cake or even a sheet cake horizontally. It looks smaller and wasn’t sure if I should go with the clamp version. I decorate cakes a lot and so I would need to use it for sheet cakes as well. I know it will work for the smaller cakes, but those were the sizes I was worried about and that is what is holding me up on buying one right now. I usually do piping gel transfers and that is very difficult b/c the gel doesn’t alway work and it pulls the icing off the cake at times. This will solve many of my worries. Can’t wait to get it.