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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!

    

       

        

 I had fun creating two inexpensive and easy puzzle and button pumpkin crafts for children. Adults will like these too. I also put together a quick peach cobbler that’s perfect for this time of year. The recipe is at the end of this post.

Puzzle Pumpkin

Supplies needed:

• Puzzle pieces (If you have a missing piece puzzle, perfect!) I purchased a small puzzle from the Dollar Tree.
• Cardstock and ribbon – I used a file folder for the base and cardstock in place of the ribbon stem.
• Glue
• Craft paint – I chose two different colors which made a pretty pumpkin.
• Sponge brush

Paint the underside of puzzle pieces and dry on wax paper. Then glue and layer pieces to form a pumpkin.

Button Pumpkin

Supplies needed:

• Frame (I purchased mine from the Dollar Tree)
• Cardstock
• Buttons
• Glue
• Paper Cutter

Cut a piece of cardstock or material of choice to fit the frame and design your button pumpkin. Dry completely before framing.

Easy Peach Cobbler

9 x 13 pan – Preheat oven to 350 degrees

• 1 stick butter
• 2 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 and 1/2 cups milk
• 4 cups of sliced peaches – I shake a small amount of cinnamon and sugar over the peaches.

Melt butter in pan.

Stir together dry ingredients. I always add a touch of cinnamon.

Add milk and stir until just mixed.

Pour mixture over butter. Top with peaches and bake 45 minutes +

Enjoy!

I found a super good Granny Cake recipe while trying to organize my recipe box. It’s delicious! I haven’t made it for years and shared it with friends and family. The recipe is at the end of this post. I’ve also included an easy paper clip craft for adults and children.

The paper clips would be great teacher or table favor gifts. They’re fun and easy to do. Everyone needs a paper clip.

Supplies needed:

• Coated or plain large paper clips
• Flower buttons or buttons of choice
• A strong glue like E6000

You can see my Granny Cake card has been well-used. I’ve typed the recipe below. A great potluck, birthday, or picnic cake.

Granny Cake

 9×13 greased pan

 Oven 350 degrees

  Bake 40-45 minutes

• 1 + 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 + 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Whisk sugar, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Stir in eggs and pineapple. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan. Top with brown sugar and pecans. Bake 40-45 minutes. Mine was done between 35 and 40 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick. When it comes out dry, cake is done.

A few minutes before you take the cake out of the oven, boil together 1/2 cup evaporated milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup oleo, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Poke holes in cake and pour sauce over while the cake is hot.

Enjoy!

I found a great pinecone craft on Pinterest and tweaked it to make it easier for children. The pictures on my post were created by me. I’ve also included a delicious Autumn Soup recipe.

I purchased a few bags of pinecones from a craft and hobby store. Most stores offer coupons to cut your cost. If you have a yard full of cones, they need to be washed and baked in the oven to get rid of little critters. Just google directions.

Below are items I used to create these pretty cones. Cones without skewers are easier for children. They can fill a bowl or basket with their creations.

If you plan to use skewers, you’ll need a drill and a 3/16 inch drill bit to create a hole in the bottom of the cone for the skewer. I used a flat-edge screwdriver to whittle mine. Hot glue the flat end of the skewer to the cone.

You can fully dip the pinecones in paint or just tip the edges. Dry on wax paper.

I made this delicious Autumn Soup recipe that a friend posted on Facebook. I filled my Crock-Pot with all the ingredients and cooked on high for an hour and half, then on low for six hours. If you are cooking on low, about 8-9 hours.

Retrieved from:  Food.com

Autumn Soup

• 1 pound pre-cooked ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup chopped fresh carrot
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped potato
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes
• 1/4 cup barley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Kitchen Bouquet
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon sweet basil
• 1 beef bouillon cube

Combine all ingredients in a large kettle. Cook until vegetables are tender.

Slow cooker on low: Eight to nine hours.

Enjoy!