WHO STOLE MY COOKIE?

POLYMER CLAY

Cookie stealer, © Shelly Arroyo

Ideas always have to be designed around size and weight, per the purpose of the design. In this case, there is a standard working size and thickness I need to try to accommodate, in order for the piece to hang well on a tree branch. I have designed my pieces over the years with this standard in mind, creating the standard by years of trial-and-error. Anything protruding from the surface of the ornament must not be too heavy to have the piece hang at an angle. Likewise, the entire piece needs to try to be balanced symmetrically for weight. Sometimes, one or both of these measurements affects the placement of the holes for the item to hang, as well.

Every once in a while custom orders present a challenge, but are also very entertaining. In the case of this unique request, Who Stole My Cookie?, I needed to make a little blonde kiddo who was an expert cabinet scaler AND a cookie stealer extraordinaire.

Idea image supplied by customer, © Shelly Arroyo

Sculpting the little boy figure, © Shelly Arroyo

Sculpting the cabinet, © Shelly Arroyo

If you give a kid a cookie…*giggle*

Every piggie needs a curly tail, © Shelly Arroyo

Sculpt, post-bake but before finishes, © Shelly Arroyo

Finished cookie stealer, approx. 3 1/2″ H x 2 1/2″ W, © Shelly Arroyo

MEET THE AUTHOR

All content and artwork © Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea.

Shelly Arroyo, A.k.a. Mama Chickpea!

I have been a graphic designer excelling in desktop publishing programs, dabbling in web design, and making brand content for twenty years. I have owned my own brick-and-mortar studios, and developed my own brands. Designing user-centric UX, beautiful graphics and meeting deadlines are some of my strongest skills…but don’t forget my killer macaroni and cheese!

PLEASE FOLLOW ME as I embark on a quest to enjoy, learn from, and raise my bamBEANos, in the best way this Mama Chickpea can. Art is my “balance” to life and I enjoy all the DIY therapy I can handle! To learn more about Mama Chickpea, click HERE.

XOXO-

black blue and yellow textile

YES, ADD ME TO YOUR EMAILS!

When I’m not learning something new, I love creating anything arts and crafts, watching comedy, and cuddling with my crew — all alongside being immersed in my love of all things design.

Join me! A journey is always better with friends. 🩷

MY MISSION

© Copyright Mama Chickpea 2026.