Good Things by David

Here is an index of all the sets of cookie cutters that were made and sold exclusively through the Martha by Mail catalog.  Many of you veteran and budding collectors have been asking for this for quite some time, because of the lack of information out there regarding all of the sets of copper cutters.  A lot of time and research went into compiling this list in its entirety, and as such, there are a handful of unknown cutters/product in the SKU number roster.  I had help from several collectors, friends, a lawyer, and even an appraiser (more on that to come).  Thank you! A Selection of The Oversized Martha by Mail Cookie Cutters I have divided the sets into two lists, each organized by product number.  The product number indicates the order in which each cutter was offered/released for sale through Martha by Mail.  One list consists of the large, closed-back cookie cutters that were sold in sets of two, with the exception of the Nordstrom Tedd...

This is the time of year that many of us begin baking and decorating cookies by the dozen for the fall season.  My friend Anthony Picozzi recently created a set of fall cookies in the shapes of leaves, deer, squirrels, acorns and bats, which I had to share here so that you could get inspired.  What I love about this set of cookies by Anthony is that he keeps the designs simple, yet he perfectly captures the all-too-familiar tones that evoke the season's splendor. With a few easy to find cookie cutters, as well as a few collectible Martha by Mail copper cookie cutters, Anthony cut out and baked dozens of sugar cookies, and then began to decorate in earnest.  Using a good royal icing base, he then set about tinting batches of it in brown, taupe, burnt orange, dandelion yellow, black, burgundy and white.  A few sprinkles of sanding sugar here and there on some of the cookies helped give texture, as well as shimmer. Take a look at some cookies baked and iced by...

A superb addition to anyone’s existing collection of cookie cutters, the Nordstrom Bear made for Martha by Mail is worth taking a closer look.  This particular cutter has always baffled me because of the lack of information in the collector's market.   I don’t recall it ever being sold through Martha by Mail, and yet, the decorating card clearly says it is from the catalog.   After contacting the original manufacturer of this adorable teddy bear, we now have the answers to your questions about the limited-edition single cutter. I’ve always loved this copper cookie cutter because of its versatility and its charming silhouette.  It can be used for so many special occasions such as baby showers, a child’s birthday, the winter holidays and even for weddings (think of dapper teddy bears in tuxedos and lady bears in wedding dresses!).   This is what the coppersmith had to say about his creation from 1998. "Nordstrom teddy bears were desig...

Adorable dog cookie cutters in five charming shapes were available from Martha by Mail many years ago.  Any dog lover, baker & collector will adore having these cutters in their possession, because they make deliciously whimsical cookies any time of year.  Pretty enough to make it to the Westminster Dog Show and win Best in Breed, these iced cookies will surely please the most discriminating dog owner. Set I had a spotted Dalmatian with a pointed tail ready to lead, a fluffy Poodle with prominent pom poms, a furry Collie with such a gorgeous coat, an adorable Dachshund with tiny legs and an elongated body, and of course, the lovable and cobby Bulldog with it's tiny tail.  I've seen these make charming favors for birthday parties and as cake decorations, but they can be used for just about any type of celebration if put on platters or packaged up in clever boxes or cellophane bags.  Why not surprise the staff at the veterinary's office the next time you tak...