Sugary Creations with Calligraphy

If I don't have an piping bag or an edible food color pen, what can I use instead?

Use the resealable plastic bag from the instructions with a tiny snip in one corner for piping and substitute an edible food color pen by dipping a toothpick or a small food-safe paintbrush into gel food coloring or thinning a bit of icing, and use wax paper or a silicone baking mat in place of parchment.

My calligraphy looks messy or the icing keeps smearing—what should I try?

Follow the step to chill the iced treat in the fridge for about five minutes so the base sets, practice strokes on parchment first, thin or unclog the piping bag if needed, and gently scrape mistakes with a toothpick or spatula before retrying.

How can I change the activity to suit different ages?

Have an adult spread the thin base layer with the spatula or butter knife and let young kids use an edible pen or sprinkles, while older kids can practice complex strokes on parchment, use piping tips in a real piping bag, or write multi-letter messages on several cookies.

What are simple ways to enhance or personalize my decorated cookie or cupcake?

After letting the icing dry for about 15 minutes, add edible glitter or sprinkles, practice tiny leaves or flourishes on parchment to personalize names, and package the finished creation in a clear bag with a ribbon before taking the photo for DIY.org.