{How To} Cookie Swap

Let’s face it, the holidays are hectic! We all want to make each year special. Bake the prettiest cookies, wrap that perfect gift, send out those cards (for me that means “0n time”) and decorate the house to the nines!

Well, this year I thought I would try something different. You know, focus on the little things.  Normally for the next two weeks, I am stressing over who is coming to the “cookie swap” and what cookie are they bringing. (duplicates are a no, no!)  Yes, for the last 10 plus years I have hosted a massive cookie swap.  They have been a wonderful way to see everyone before the holidays and walk away with an amazing assortment of cookies but let’s face it- they are stressful.

To simplify this year, a neighbor invited us over to a cookie baking event for the kids. It was perfect! The kids actually made all the cookies. Really, no kidding. The ladies were all in the background with watchful eyes and armed with oven mitts but for the most part we were just on the clean up crew! The kids, all different ages did all of the mixing, scooping and decorating.

Now, to be fair the recipes were kid selected and mother approved.

Here was the line up-

• Green Eggs and Ham
• Reindeer Eyes
• Classic Sugar (courtesy of the refrigeration section at your local grocery store)
• Mint Chocolate Chip

Each child brought their own ingredients and basic instructions to share with the group. It was super fun to watch the older ones instruct.

The cookie or treat that made me smile was the Green Eggs & Ham. So, I thought I would share.

Ingredients:

• pretzel sticks
• white chocolate
• green M &M’s

Basic Instructions:

1. Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Place 2 pretzel sticks together about 2″ apart.
3. Melt white chocolate in microwave. (be sure it is in a microwave safe bowl and you stir every few seconds. Do not let it burn!)
4. Pour a spoonful of chocolate over the sticks and insert egg (I mean green M & M) in the center. Let cool.  It’s just that easy!

Not sure what the kids enjoyed more- making them, eating the other M &M’s or licking their fingers.

Now how cute are these wrapped up in a simple clear cello bag folded over and a fun gift tag? These are perfect for parties, school treats, stocking fillers and really so much more.

Passion-for Parties is offering a Cookie Swap Recipe Card and Sweet Treat tags.  For the free download, click here.

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

A special Thank You to my new neighbors who shared their special recipes and holiday traditions! It was a great night!

**Do you have a favorite holiday recipe or tradition? If so, I would love to hear about it. Please share on my facebook page!

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{How To} Reclaimed Gift Wrapping

Last week I shared my new advent calendar “how to” and at the bottom I included a few photos of my wrapped gifts.

(If you missed the “how to” click here.)

Well, I have received a few emails asking for more info on “how to” create the look.  So, that is today’s feature.

This is so super easy that I even feel funny about rating it but to be fair, I will.

This project is for all levels.

Skill Level- 1  Button

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{How To} Quick Gift Idea

Big OOPPS on my part! I so hit the wrong button somewhere along the way and the post released before I changed the title… Silly me! Oh well, TGIF!!

Today, Melissa from Studio MCA Designs shares a holiday gift idea. I love this and think I might need to use it for my hostess gifts this year!

“Here is a simple and inexpensive gift idea.  I love to give personalized floursack dishtowels

( http://studiomcadesigns.bigcartel.com/category/kitchen-goods-and-blanks ), along with some homemade baked goods, to the special friends and teachers in our lives.  The following tutorial shows you how to dress up a dishtowel with a fabric ruffle or jumbo ric rac.  I also think that The Sewing Loft’s DIY appliques would be perfect for these.”

This project is for sewers of all levels.

Skill Level- 1  Button

Thank you for the inspiration Melissa! I foresee an afternoon of tea towel stitching in my future! These are perfect to have on hand. And I love the idea of adding a homemade treat! Wrap it up together with some bakers string and you have the perfect gift!!

Special THANKS to Studio MCA Designs for sharing this quick project today. For more fun ideas from Melissa visit her blog or stop by to say hello on Facebook.

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

**Remember, I love to see your creations.  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

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{How To} Hanging the Holiday Advent Calendar

New House- New Traditions! Advent Calendar Snap Shot

As promised – here are a few snap shots of the finished advent calendar project.

(Click here if you missed the advent calendar “how to”)

To make things fun, I ran to the local Dollar store and picked up small “usable” items for my girls. Like hair ponies, chap stick, combs, brushes, socks…. you get the picture. No junk!

I wrapped each one separately in just plain old news paper. For a splash of color & spot of whimsy, I hot glued some fabric scraps and made a few paper flowers. Super simple, easy to make and cost – ZIP!!

To be fair, the real reason I wrapped everything in news paper is to avoid any overlap of wrapping paper with Santa. Yes, my older daughter still believes and I would like to keep that going as long as possible.

For the reminder of the year, I will be posting short, quick tips and tricks to help keep your holidays stress free. From easy gift ideas to packaging tips, I should have you covered.

So, tune in tomorrow for a simple gift idea from Melissa at Studio MCA Designs.

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

**Remember, I would love to see your advent calendar.  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

Featured on :

Today’s Creative Blog

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{How To} Holiday Advent Calendar

New House- New Traditions!

1st on the list is an advent calendar. My girls always love counting down with those window cards and I thought this could be fun.  But I did not want to go standard fare if you know what I mean.  Wall hangings are just not my style. So, I looked around on Pinterest and found so many incredible photos for inspiration.

Since this project is going to take some time to put together and I started it late on Sunday, this is going to be a 2 “parter”! Plus, December 1st is only a few days away and I could use the time to figure out just how I am going to hang this.

This project is for sewers of all levels.

Skill Level- 1  Button

Materials:

• fabric for pockets
• contrast fabric ( a few different prints would be fun)
• craft paint

* For this project it is best to use woven material.  To be fair, to help speed the process along, all of my edges are ripped and frayed. You can certainly clean finish them if you like but personally, I like the handmade feel of a frayed edge.

Basic Instructions:

1. I ripped long strips of fabric about 1 1/2″ wide and hand painted the numbers 1 through 25 with craft paint. Set aside and let dry.
2. To create pockets, I ripped fabric selvage to selvage, merrowed each edge, turned under and straight stitched a hem. That’s right, straight across the entire piece. This is going to be easy peasie!!
3. My pockets finished are 7″ tall x 5 1/2″ wide- yours might be different but this is a guide. To make life easy, I cut each hemmed piece of fabric to the width of my quilting ruler; 6 1/2″. This gave me seam allowance.  After you cut all 24 pockets, you are ready for the fun stuff!
4. I folded each of my pieces in half to give me an idea of what the finished size would be, then I played around with my fabric bits until I was happy with the outlook.
5. To stitch them down, I used straight stitches and zig zag but honestly, have fun here- Use those decorative stitches.
6. To make the loops, I ripped a piece of contrast fabric to about 1″ wide; pressed in half and sandwiched it in the left side of pocket. Once sandwiched, with right sides together, stitch sides of pocket closed, trim and turn right side out.
7. What did I tell ya- SUPER easy. It just takes some time to get all 24 finished.

Now, go make yours, come back on Thursday and I will show you how I hung them up. Maybe I will even have a few tips on what to put in them!

ps- this project was made from the fabric pile and did not cost a penny! I mean, zip, zilch, goose egg!! Instead, I just used what I had on hand and made it work.  Think Tim Gunn and “make it work!”

**Remember, I would love to see your advent calendar.  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

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{How To} Holiday Ornaments- 3D Shapes

Guest Post #4

 No Ugly Ornaments Challenge

This is my last posting for the No Ugly Ornaments Challenge and I just wanted to say a big Thank You to Erin from My Very Educated Mother for asking me to join in the fun! I have had a blast creating fun pretties for the tree this month!

This project is for sewers of all levels.

Skill Level- 1  Button

Materials:

• felt
• 20″ ribbon

Basic Instructions:

1. Draw a fun shape for your ornament. I have chosen trees.  Clearly, I associate trees with Christmas but any shape will work, even a rectangle! Cut shape out of cardstock. (aka- cereal box, greeting card- you know, something reclaimed!)
2. For a 3 sided shape: Trace your shape onto felt and cut out 2.
3. Pin your 2 cut shapes together on one side. Starting from the bottom center, straight stitch along the edge of shape and finish at the top. Clip your threads. *Note: it would be fun to use contrasting thread for stitching. Since you alternate sides when stitching, it is just important to use the same color thread in the bobbin.
4. Now, you need to insert your ribbon.  To prep your ribbon; fold in half, tie knot at the bottom or add a small bead – then knot and then insert into the center of ornament.  Be sure to leave the knot hanging below the bottom of shape.
5. Then pushing the two sides open, place your shape onto another layer of felt.  Pin on each side, straight stitch and cut. 

Looking back I can clearly see that I associate trees with Christmas! Well, at least you have the ideas and can change the shapes up as you wish!

Well, no more Christmas thoughts for me today instead, I am reminded of all the things I am thankful for- Family, Friends & Fans!! Enjoy your family time and some turkey dinner! Crafting can wait until tomorrow.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

~Heather

Click here for more of the No Ugly Ornaments Challenge. A new ornament will be posted every weekday during the month of November.

**Remember, I would love to see your ornaments .  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

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{How To} Easy Holiday Wrapping – Gift Card Holder

It is hard to believe that it is that time of year again. You know what I mean, when we really start to think about our holiday shopping list.  Well, if you are anything like me, you have delusions of grandeur that everything is going to be wrapped just right!

Well this year, I am being more realistic and have started early.  Here is a fun idea I came up with using fabric, fusible, trim and a reclaimed paper shopping bag.

These little candy houses are the perfect packaging for gift cards!

Think about how many gifts you can take off your list in an afternoon.  (teachers; coaches; hostess gifts; really, the list is endless!)

Get instructions and more “how to” photos here at Green Child Magazine.

Love the look but have no time to create? No problem, there are a few ready to ship in the shop.

     

Remember, I would love to see your creations.  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

Also featured on:

Retro Housewife Goes Green

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{How To} Holiday Ornaments- Quilted Trees

Guest Post #3

 No Ugly Ornaments Challenge

Well, the scrap basket is full again and that means it is time to clean house.  So, I thought I would create something for the tree.

For anyone who sews this “quilt as you go” technique will be super simple.  And you will have a bunch made in a jiffy!

This project is for sewers of all levels.

Skill Level- 1  Button

Materials:

• fabric scraps
• felt square
• 10″ ribbon

* For this project it is best to use woven scraps. And if you press them ahead of time, it will make things easier.

Basic Instructions:

1. Your felt square will be your backer. Place your 1st scrap face up. (wrong side down.) Line up your second scrap face down. The two scraps will be right sides together.
2. Straight stitch in place. Turn the 2nd piece over and flat. (I used my fingers for “pressing”. ) Repeat the process until you have a large enough patchwork for your shape. This is now your mini quilt.
3. If you would like to add a decorative stitch to your mini quilt, now is the time.  I added a few for photos.
4. Trace and cut out your shape. (I used pinking sheers.)
5. Fold your ribbon in half and insert at the top edge between the backer and scraps.
6. Straight stitch all around to keep ribbon and fabric in place.

These are really a great way to use up scraps and create something fun for the holidays.

ps- they look really cute on packages.

pps- if you like the idea but don’t have the time, there are a few listed in the shop that are ready to ship.

Click here for more of the No Ugly Ornaments Challenge. A new ornament will be posted every weekday during the month of November.

**Remember, I would love to see your quilted ornaments .  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

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{How To} Holiday Ornaments- Vintage Style

Guest Post #2

 No Ugly Ornaments Challenge

This past weekend my daughter and I went to the Metrolina Expo– which is like a small compressed version of the 127 sale and I LOVED it!! So many good finds to uncover!! (honestly, I could do an entire post on that. We took so many pictures and had a blast!!)

Throughout the sea of vendors I kept finding the old vintage ornaments like these.

This photo collage courtesy of Home Tools.  (amazing right!)

To say, I love this style ornament is an understatement! They remind me of my childhood and the colors remind me of candy!! So, I am using these shapes and colors as my inspiration.

Now, on to the challenge!!

This project is for all ages and is PERFECT for the kiddos!

Skill Level- 1 Button

Materials:

• cardboard (think cereal box)
• paint
• Mod Podge
• ultra fine glitter
• ribbon

Basic Instructions:

1. Draw your shape onto cardboard.  Cut out.
2. Punch a hole in the top center for ribbon to be added later.
3. Paint shape. (*Since the cardboard is reclaimed, I like to paint it in a similar color to the glitter.)
4. Cover one side at a time with Mod Podge and sprinkle glitter.  **Tip: Sprinkle glitter over a paper plate for easy clean up.**
5. Once dry, shake off glitter and repeat on other side.
6. Loop ribbon through hole and tie in knot.

These are super simple I  know. But the ultra fine glitter makes them look wonderful!! They are the perfect project to do with your kids.  Even if they are very young, you can cut out the shapes and let them do the rest!

Click here for more of the No Ugly Ornaments Challenge. A new ornament will be posted every weekday during the month of November.

**Remember, I would love to see your creations.  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

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{How To} Holiday Ornaments- Mini Trees

With Halloween behind us, it is now time to start gearing up for the holidays.

I am so flattered that my friend Erin from My Very Educated Mother has asked me to join in on her No Ugly Ornaments Challenge. Each Week on Thursday, during the month of November, I will share a very simple “how to” for creating a fun holiday ornament.

Here is my 1st one.

This project is for sewers of all levels.

Skill Level- 1 Button

Materials:

• scraps of fabric 4 1/2″ x 4″
• 10″ piece of ribbon
• scrap of felt
• poly fill

Basic Instructions:

1. Draw a long triangle (aka – tree) that fits your scrap of fabric. Cut 2 pieces for each tree.
2. Fold your 10″ piece of ribbon in half and sandwich between the right sides of triangle.
3. Pin in place and straight stitch the long sides of triangle. Leave the bottom open.
4. Stuff with poly fill. Fold ends under to clean finish and insert your folded strip of felt.
5. Straight stitch everything closed.

Click here for more of the No Ugly Ornaments Challenge. A new ornament will be posted every weekday during the month of November.

P.S. For those that do not sew or just don’t have time, these mini trees are in the shop and ready to ship.

**Remember, I would love to see your creations.  Be sure to share photos on my facebook page!

Happy Crafting!

~Heather

**linked to Tutorials & Tips 

Hope Studios

Today’s Creative Blog

The Shady Porch

Christina’s Adventure

Where Women Create

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