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If you want an easy Christmas craft to do with children, this doily tree is perfect for little hands. We recently made trees with our Sunday school class. The children came up with their own sparkly designs. Below are samples of trees, the supplies needed, and a yummy Grandma’s Molasses Cookie recipe from my neighbor, Dianne. They’ll be gone before you know it.

         

Supplies

If you plan to make the tree ornaments, you will need popsicle sticks. The doilies we used were six inches in size. You’ll need colored cardstock, gems, confetti, glue, and markers. Have fun!

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

   My neighbor, Dianne, graciously shared her grandmother’s recipe.

Grandma’s Molasses Cookies

3/4 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon each:  cloves, ginger, cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 egg

4 tablespoons molasses

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons soda

Cream shortening, sugar, eggs and molasses. Mix and add remaining ingredients. Shape into balls, and roll in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees approximately 10 minutes.

Dianne’s note:  I always double this recipe. You can roll the dough into a log, wrap in wax paper and freeze for later use. You may want to sprinkle with sugar once you have cut and placed on cookie sheet.

Enjoy!

Many thanks, Dianne, for this delicious recipe.

Merry Christmas!

While the children are off for Thanksgiving break, upcycled coffee and Coffee mate containers make a great Christmas craft. And they’re easy to do. You can fill them with candy, snacks, popcorn, or any idea you come up with. Filled with cookies, they would make a wonderful gift for a shut-in or nursing home resident.

 

Supplies needed:

• containers
• cards
• cardstock
• glue
• paper cutter (optional)
• bows or any other additions you want to include.

Cut cardstock to fit around the container. Place your card in the front. You will need to tweak the size for each container.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Leaf candle jars are a beautiful addition to any fall decor. Children will love making these, but little hands need a bit of help. I’ve also added a mini white pumpkin with tea candle.

At the end of my post, you will find my frosted oatmeal raisin cookie recipe. Be alert. They’ll be gone before you know it.

Leaf candle jars

Leaf candle jar supplies:

• Mason jar – The ones I used are from the Dollar Tree.
• Thin faux leaves
• Mod Podge
• Accents
• Raffia or rope
• LED tealight candles
• Sponge brush

Spread Mod Podge on the outside of the jar. Add leaves and brush with Mod Podge. You will want to repeat this after the first coat is dry. Add a LED tealight and enjoy.

White Mini Pumpkin

Spoon out a hole big enough to fit a tea candle. It’s a lovely addition to any table decoration. By the way, someone left several white mini pumpkins on my front porch. So, if you’re reading this, thank you!

Frosted Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Yes! I use the recipe from the Quaker Oats container. My trick is in the frosting.

Frosting:

• 1 box 16 oz. confectioners sugar
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Half and Half – That’s the trick!

Cream together, adding enough Half and Half for spreading consistency.

These cookies will disappear quickly.

Happy Autumn!

 

This amazing Christmas wreath, made from a repurposed aluminum fruit and veggie tray, is absolutely unique and gorgeous.

All the items to create the wreath came from the Dollar Tree. You’ll want to purchase your supplies early.

After a Labor Day picnic with family and friends, my niece asked if anyone would like the empty tray. Her mother-in-law, Ruth, said she could use it to make a wreath. She creates lovely things. And she sure did!

Supplies needed:

• Tray (can also be found at the Dollar Tree)
• Battery operated lights on a ribbon (Ruth weaved them through the big bow)
• Assortment of floral picks
• Ribbon
• Netting
• Pipe Cleaner (to use as a hanger on the back)
• Glue gun

Ruth, thank you for this great idea. You’re one of the most inventive people I know.

Some hot chocolate and Christmas music will make your creating time even more memorable.

Happy Crafting!