In a large bowl, cream together the shortening and white sugar. beat in the eggs one at a time then stir in the vanilla.
Combine the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; stir into the sugar mixture to form a dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out to 1/4 inch in thickness.
Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters.
Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto cookie sheets.
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
