I was just wondering how all of you outline cookies. Do you outline them
on a flat surface, turntable, or just while holding them? I try holding the
cookie in my hand, but sometimes it gets awkward (like when I'm piping
around a circle). I'd like to practice getting straighter, smoother lines and hope some of you expert decorators can offer some hints! Thank you.

When I outline, I just put the cookie on a small piece of waxed paper and move it around with my finger as I need to, then when I'm done I just push the whole thing out of my way and do the same to the next one.

I put my cookies on a cookie sheet and outline the cookie on a flat surface turning the cookie as needed.

Thanks for your responses. When I have some extra time, I'm going
to try your different techniques and see which one works best for me. It
takes practice to get good at decorating, but I sure am having fun learning

First, I stack cookbooks or get a box to use as my surface to raise the whole cookie up so I don't tweak my back. (Gee, I sound older than I am!) I then cover over it with foil (to protect the books, etc.) Then, like Kimsmom, I then put each cookie on a small piece of wax paper also and turn as needed. I then place it on the counter to dry and begin on the next one!

TracyLH: I know what you mean about the back! Sometimes decorating requires hours of standing or bending over in a chair, so raising the height to decorate on is a great idea. I really value everyone's tips. Thank you.