Christmas Gifts

Well it's been a super busy week... finishing up gifts, wrapping, cooking, cleaning(not) and hanging with the babies. Silly me, i made some really cute ornaments and clutches...and was soo anxious to wrap them, that i forgot to take pictures...FAIL! I will get some next week and post them. Anyways, here are a set of ornaments that i did remember to snap a few pics of and a last minute(hours)owl blanket made for one of my favorite toddlers! ASLO: coming soon: Heirloom quilts! Happy Holidays Every One!

Excuses to Drink Wine

Like drinking WINE? Know someone who likes drinking CORKED beverages? Well, don't be wasteful... here are a few ways to craft with empty bottles and corks. This morning I tried a cork stamp, which only requires 1 cork... but if you feel like drinking a few more bottles, then why not try a wreath! http://www.handmadeology.com/the-many-uses-for-recycled-cork-how-to-make-a-cork-wreath/ And don't get caught with out a light... These crafters are brilliant! http://ecossentials.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/make-a-new-lamp-out-of-anything/ NOTE: PLEASE DON'T CHOP YOUR FINGERS OFF TRYING TO CARVE CORK STAMPS WITH A KITCHEN KNIFE. I totally used house hold utensils, but i can assure you... Santa will not leave you a new set of fingers in your stocking(that would be a little creepy!)

Fun w/ Food!

Maybe this doesn't count as a craft... but it's kinda crafty: Next time you make your kids favorite sandwich(or not soo favorite)... use a cookie cutter to make a fun shape! I'm trying to get as much use as possible outta these bad boys, before the season's over! And for those of you that know my issues with red... I'm working on it :)

Cookie Time

I recently made sugar cookies for my 1st time. Don't ask how I got to age 22 and never made a sugar cookie, but it's true! My mom must have appreciated her time(and bought already made cookies)....AnYwAys---> For round two of cookie bake-a-thon, I tweaked the recipe a bit and I'd like to share it with you!

Sugar Cookies:

1 1/2 cups of sugar

1 cup of BUTTER

1 egg

3/4 cup of brown sugar

3 tsp of vanilla

3'ish cups of flour (add it in a little at a time... your flour will vary, depending on how much you change the rest of the recipe... i always use a ton of vanilla and sugar!)

1 1/2 tsp of baking powder

1/2 tsp of baking soda

1/2 tsp of salt

-preheat oven to 350

-mix melted butter, vanilla and sugar together for 2 minutes

-add in all other ingredients, EXCEPT FLOUR

-slowly add in flour

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I find it easiest to then roll your dough out on wax paper, cover it and put it in the fridge for a few hours. It makes it easier to use your cut outs and transfer shapes to greased pan. I tried to rush it the first time, and every other cut out was ripping or getting stuck to the counter. So put it in the fridge for a few hours, please save your self the headache! After your cut outs are put on a greased pan... toss them in the oven for 6 to 12 minutes... if you use small cookie cutters, your cook time will be closer to 6 minutes... But check on them! This recipe makes a slightly CRUNCHY cookie... but when you use the cookie icing, it softens them right up!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cookie Icing:

1 cup of confectioners sugar

2 tsp of milk

2 tsp of light corn syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

mix these together... add a little more milk if you don't get a smooth texture the first time.

Brush on(i use a spoon or butter knive) cookie and let them dry for an hour'ish.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope this recipe takes care of all your sugary cravings this holiday season!