This doesn't help me at all

Instead of using cream of tartar in my royal icing, because of the taste, I have used meringue powder. The taste of the icing is a whole lot better. Approx. 2 full Tb.per 3 egg whites. There is less time of beating, and it holds up easier and longer.

I have also used royal icing to make furniture in my doll house cookie houses, and as covers on the little beds, couches etc. The cakes and pies, eclairs,etc. that adorn my little "bakery" cookie houses are also made out of royal icing, and painted with tiny brushes dipped in food coloring, after they have dried. You can go as far as your imagination can take you. I enjoy my fantasies, baking Xmas visions. Jewelry boxes, drums, houses, large stores with open picture windows, school yards, filled with children, and swings, monkey bars slides etc. I construct my houses and stores so that you can take off the roofs easily, replace them, and eat up the 4 or 5 dozen cookies that they are holding, without destroying the whole thing. It also allows the houses to last longer to view during the holiday season. Trains, cars, etc. all the artifacts were made with cookies, and decorated with royal icing. I have even made movable objects like merry-go-rounds with childrens old music boxes I got from the thrift stores, and wheels from toy cars. It's loads of fun, and stimulates creativity. Good luck, and enjoy yourself.