Joinn Us For The Tree Lighting!

Come one, come all.... to the Atwater Village Tree Lighting! Steve will be plugging in the lights and my sister and I...will be Santa's Elves - that is, if we ever finish our costumes! The night will prove to be hometown style fun in the heart of Los Angeles and might feature a surprise guest or two! Bring the kids, bring yourself and bring a little holiday cheer to Atwater, CA!

Dec. 4th, 2008
6:30 pm

Wells Fargo Bank parking lot
3250 Glendale Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90039

The 80-year old California Redwood that graces Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village will again be illuminated for the Holiday Season on December 4th!

A 55-minute program will mark the Holiday Festival complete with the arrival of Santa Claus to mark the lighting of the tree.

Local Glendale Businesses will be open late for your Holiday Shopping enjoyment!

Come celebrate the season in the Vibrant Village of Atwater Village!

sponsored by:
The Atwater Village neighborhood Council is co-representing the event, and Wells Fargo and State Farm Insurance Atwater Village are official sponsors.

Other sponsors include: The Griffin, Black Eyed Peas / Peapod, dtox day spa, Maid in the USA, tylerspencer design studio, 55 Degree Wine, Atwater Grill, Baracoa Cuban Cafe, Best Buy, Bikram Yoga, Bill's Liquor, Black Maria Gallery, Canale, Christ's Church, Crispy Crust Pizza, Future Development, Grain, Heartbeat House, Importante, Jeromy Robert Photography, Kaldi Coffee and Tea, Luis Lopez Automotive, Mila Children's Boutique, Mortarless Building Supply, Movements, Pampered Birds, Pilates Metro, Pot-ted, Violet Willow, Woof Dog Boutique.

for more information, please visit:
www.atwaterchamber.org

Make it: Mini Cocoa Gifts

Cozy Up With Cocoa

Treats your friends and family to a cozy cup of cocoa this holiday season. This easy to make mini gift is perfect for neighbors, co-workers, teachers and fund raisers. They are perfect way to say “Have a Happy Holiday” or give sweet treat. The cocoa bags are simple to make, easy to customize and delicious.

The cocoa can be made in a large batch and scooped into mini zip top bags. Look for mini zip tops bags in the jewelry section of any craft store or at a cake decorating shop.

The baggies of cocoa can be packaged in many different ways. I like to transfer an image or logo onto muslin parts baggies (look for them online) and fill them with the cocoa. You could also stuff the baggies into mini Chinese take out boxes (available at craft and paper stores), clear plastic clam shell ornaments or holiday themed coffee mugs.

If you want to package the cocoa “quick and easy” style, just add a paper tag and bow or simply wrap a piece of holiday cello or tissue paper around the baggie and tie with a decorative bow and gift tag.

You friends will thank you as they cozy up, with their cup of cocoa.

Supplies and Ingredients:

Large tub or bowl
1 lb. cocoa (4 c.)
2 lbs. granulated sugar (4 c.)
6 lbs. dry milk (15 c.)
1 tsp. salt
small plastic zip-top bag
muslin parts bags
iron-on transfer paper
inkjet printer
iron
small printed cocoa instructions note

Steps:

1. Sift cocoa, if necessary. Mix with sugar, dry milk and salt.

2. Transfer one coffee scoop (2 tablespoons) of the mixture into a small plastic bag and seal with a tie.

3. Design and print an image to transfer to a computer and inkjet printer. Reverse any text, if necessary, as indicated on the transfer paper instructions. Trim the edges of the transfer, if needed. Following transfer paper instructions, iron the design on the front of the parts bag.

4. Fill the parts bag with the bag of cocoa and attach an instructions tag. The tag should read: Add the cocoa mixture (in this bag) to one cup of hot water, stir and enjoy. Tie the strings into a bow.

5. This makes approximately 20 cups of cocoa mix. The mix could also be funneled into mason jars and given as larger gifts. To decorate add a tag and tie a scoop around the neck of the jar with a bow.

Make it: Snowflake and Yarn Wreath

Snowflake and Yarn Wreath

Decorate your front door with this crafty yarn and snowflake wreath. This is a great project for using up scraps of yarn. the snowflakes are glittered with ultra fine glitter and sealed with mod podge glitter for a mess free sparkle.

Mod Podge Glitter
Mod Podge Matte

21 Wood snowflakes

Ultra fine glitter - 4 shades of blue and green

Foam paintbrush

Wax paper

File folder

Wire wreath base

5-10 different yarns (blues and greens)

Scissors

8 Yards tulle trim

Hot glue

Mini ornaments

1. Using a foam paintbrush, liberally coat the wood snowflakes with matte Mod Podge. Working over a file folder, sprinkle the snowflakes with glitter, tap off excess glitter and set aside on wax paper to dry. Use the file folder to pour the glitter back into the storage jar. Repeat for maximum coverage.

2. Coat the items with glitter Mod Podge to seal the glitter. This prevents glitter from shedding.

3. Working in 6 feet increments, gather the yarn strands together. Tie the ends to the wire wreath and begin wrapping around the wreath. When you reach the end, tie off the ends. Repeat until the entire wreath is wrapped with yarn.

4. Use 3 strands of yarn to tie the snowflakes to the wreath.

5. Working on the backside of the wreath, hot glue the tulle trim around the wreath in a gathered fashion. On the front of the wreath add mini ball ornaments.

Stocking Stuffer: Felted Critters

Colorful balls and clumps of rolled wool roving are the perfect ingredient for creating playful little monsters. Great stocking stuffer or mini gift!

Materials:

felting wool roving in different colors
hot water
dish soap (hypoallergenic is preferred)
2 large glass bowls
large needle or safety pin
embroidery floss
Buttons for eyes or base

Steps:

1. Fill a bowl with 6 c. hot water and one Tbsp. dish soap.

2. Working over a towel, form a wad of wool into a ball twice the size the finished ball will be.

3. Dip the wad into the hot soapy water, squeeze out some of the excess water and begin rolling the ball in your hands. Don’t use too much pressure at this point; keep rolling for approximately 4-5 minutes, dipping back into the soapy water if the ball cools or dries out.

You can also roll the ball on a towel with the palm of your hand. If the ball becomes too wet and/or soapy, roll it on a towel to remove excess moisture. If the ball needs to be smaller, apply more pressure to lock the fibers closer together.

4. When the ball is the desired size, rinse it in the bowl of water, squeezing out the soap. Continue felting until there are enough balls to create your critter.

5. To create a teddy bear style critter: Poke a toothpick or sharp needle through each ball before they harden in the spots where you will join the balls to form a bear. Allow balls to dry overnight (a cookie cooling rack works well for drying). Using embroidery floss sew the balls together to form the bear and add eyes and a mouth.

6. To create a monster style critter: form the roving into a blob. Allow the blob to dry overnight. Glue a button to the bottom to form a base. Sew facial features with embroidery floss and buttons.

Shake it: Berry Infused Vodka

It is time to start infusing berries for holiday martinis!

Have you ever wanted to try infusing your own liquor; but you were afraid you might mess it up and spend too much money on an experiment? Well fear not. We have been infusing for years with great success. You will only need a few household items, a base liquor and your infusing ingredients.

Fruits/flavors for Infusing:
cantaloupe, peach, strawberry, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry, pineapple, mango, vanilla bean, lemon, lime or grapefruit, fresh ginger, lemon-grass, herbs, lavender, nuts, garlic, chili peppers or coffee.

Tips:
Don't use canned fruits.
Don't crush the fruits - this can cloud the vodka.
Use other bases: gins, bourbons and rums.

Thanksgiving Leftovers!

Are you wondering what delicious recipes you can make with all your Thanksgiving leftovers? Well, wonder no more... check out the my recipes & quotes in AM New York.

Giving leftovers a makeover

By Lucy Cohen Blatter

Don’t let the party end tomorrow night. Chances are your fridge will be stocked with food, and your home filled with friends and family all weekend. So why not give your Thanksgiving meal a second chance to shine?

Cathie Filian, co-host of DIY Network’s “Creative Juice,” suggests turkey potpie as a good option. “Pre-made pie crusts are on super sale this time of year. Just mix the turkey with a can of mushroom soup and veggies and you’re done. You can also make the pies in small ramekins, use cookie cutters to cut shapes out of leftover crusts and use the shapes to decorate the tops of the pies.”

Keep in mind that for leftover turkey to be safe, it must be stored properly. “Be sure to carve the whole thing and let it cool before you put it away; you don’t want to put it in the refrigerator when it’s warm,” Filian says. She also suggests storing it with little oxygen. “You don’t need to go as extreme as vacuum-packing; if you’re using Ziploc, double bag it.”

Filian is such a fan of leftovers that she has them on the brain when she’s cooking for the main event. “If I know there’s a family favorite, I’ll double it to make sure there are plenty of leftovers.”

One of Filian’s go-to family recipes is cranberry salsa. “Thanksgiving weekend is all about football, so I like to have avocado dip and salsa. I buy salsa from the supermarket’s refrigerator section, drain it and stir in about a quarter of a cup of fresh cranberry sauce, adding more to taste. It’s great because it’s sweet and hot.”

RECIPES:

Turkey Pot Pie

Ingredients:
1 pound turkey, cut into small cubes
4-5 slices of butter
1 large onion
8 ounces sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, corn and carrots (thawed)
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon water
2 purchased pie crusts (rolled)

Steps:
Over medium heat in a large skillet, brown the turkey pieces in butter. Once brown remove the turkey from the pan and add thinly sliced onion, cook for 2 minutes, add the mushrooms and cook until tender.

Remove the onions and mushrooms from the pan and set aside. Add the wine to the pan; stir to loosen the any pieces. Add the mushroom soup, Bring to a boil. Stir in the peas, corn carrots, onion mushroom and turkey. Remove from heat.

Preheat oven to 425°. Place one crust into a 9” pie, fill with soup mixture. In a small bowl, blend the water and egg with a fork. Brush the edge of the pie crust with the egg and water, place the second piecrust onto top. Use a fork to seal the edges together. Brush the edges with the egg and water.

Bake 30 minutes

Courtesy of Cathie Filian

Leftover Stuffing Casserole

Ingredients:
2 cups of turkey, cut into small cubes
1 1/2 cup leftover stuffing
1 1/4 cups organic chicken stock/broth
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup cold water
1 package frozen broccoli, cooked & drained
1/4 cup sour cream
Cheddar cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place the stuffing evenly across the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Next add a layer of turkey.

Heat the chicken stock to boiling. In a small bowl blend the flour and cold water. Add to the boiling stock. Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly until thickened. Add the broccoli and sour cream, stir to blend.

Pour stock mixture over the turkey and stuffing. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from oven and top with cheese, bake for 5-10 minutes more or until the cheese is melted.

Courtesy of Cathie Filian

Kids Thanksgiving Day Craft & Link O Rama

Kids Craft: Stuffed Plushie Turkeys

You must check out the cutest stuffed turkeys my sister made with her students today. They are so adorable and made with inexpensive stretchy gloves ($1.40 for 4 @ Target). They are the perfect "turkey"craft and kids can make them on Thanksgiving day.

Materials:
1 stretch glove
Felt squares
Stuffing material (pillow, tissues, etc.)
Glue (hot w/parents help or tacky)
Scissors
Cardboard
Blank or used CD
Buttons/etc. for eyes

Steps:

Form a base: Trace around a CD and cut a circle from cardboard and a circle from felt. Glue the felt circle to the cardboard.

Stuff the glove. Cut from felt: feathers, wattles or eyes. Glue the felt cutouts and/or buttons to the thumb piece of the glove.

Add a bead of glue around the opening of the glove and glue to the center of the base.

Check out some of my crafty friends!

Swelldesigner a.k.a. Alexa Westerfield
Alexa shows you how to make a blingtastic earring and ring set on the cheap!

Layers Upon Layers
Cyndi has a whole new set of mixed media artists for you to have lunch with this week!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
So much to be thankful for over at Craftside like a "cutting edge" die cut design, a One-Piece Wearable done recycle style, fun Felt Club 2008 photos, and a "Blue Christmas" decoration project.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
No, not a turkey sweater! A turkey made out of a sweater!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen shares an EZ Christmas Ornament idea. If your looking for a quick gift for a teacher, secret santa or an ornament exchange this is a perfect idea. Aileen has even put together a kit if you don't have the supplies you need.

About Family Crafts
Does your family have any unique and creative Thanksgiving traditions? Please share your stories with us and read others'...

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy shares her thoughts on the Sundance jewelry catalog, and oh, how cool it would be to sell to them.

The Impatient Crafter�
Join Margot for the first in her new series of Crafty Quickies how to video shorts. One simple technique demonstrated in under 2 minutes and geared to the time and technically challenged.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Stitch some Thanksgiving characters with these free patterns. No, Connie's not talking about your weird Uncle Ed. We're talking First Thanksgiving here.

bake it: Sweet & Spicy Salsa made with leftover Cranberries

Sweet & Spicy Salsa made with leftover Cranberries

Ingredients:
Cooked cranberries (sugar & water method)
1 package of salsa
chips

Steps:
Drain the excess juices from the salsa, blend the cranberries into the salsa one scoop at a time until you are satisfied with the sweet to hot ratio.

Serve with corn chips, guacamole or sliced cold cuts, crackers and goat cheese.

For more info on how to prepare cranberries, visit this post.

Thanksgiving Blog Recap

Thanksgiving Blog Recap

I hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving. I'll be cooking up a storm with a house full of family and friends, and using my new (and first ever) dishwasher to clean up the whole mess! Below I have complied a list of my Thanksgiving blogs and some tips and tricks for a smooth Thanksgiving. Enjoy!

Click here to view all the blogs at once.

Reciepes:
Thyme & Cheese Appetizer
Roasted Veggies
Maple Sweet Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce & Leftover Ideas
Oven Bag Roasted Turkey

Cocktails:
Pumpkin Pietini

Table Setting:
Centerpiece Ideas & Copper Painted Table Runner

Fall Leaf Place Cards:
Simple Place Setting Etiquette

Thanksgiving Crafts & Activities:
Copper Mesh Tea Lights
Clove & Orange Candle holders
Delightful Doggy Bags
Things to do with family on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks

list it: A week before make a check list of what you will be serving. Then create a shopping list of all your needs. Shop in advance.

no mess: I love to use cooking bags for cooking the turkey, they are a “no brainer” way to cook a moist turkey and the clean up is a snap.

Too many cooks in the kitchen: The meal is ready and you need space to dish it out! Keep guests occupied out of the kitchen, make some funny trivia cards or have a camera on hand and designate a guest to take a fe pre-dinner pictures.

tight spaces: Carve the turkey in the kitchen and platter the meat with an additional side dish like stuffing.

small dishes: I like to use individual ramekins for making mini sweet potato casseroles (one for each guest). I make them the day before and just re-heat on Thanksgiving day. The ramekins can be placed right on to a guest’s plate and you won’t need any additional serving dishes on the table or space on a buffet table.

enlist help: Ask friends or family to bring extra side dishes.
no buffet no problem: You can create a buffet out of almost any piece of furniture. Just drape the furniture with festive fabric of a tablecloth and use protective trivets – and you got yourself a buffet.

cook early: Make as many dishes ahead of time as possible – like cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole rolls, salad & pies.

oven safe: Try to use serving dishes that are oven safe. You can prepare meals in advance and reheat in the serving dish.

pies: If you are not going to bake pies… just pick a few up at your local bakery. Just remember – you might need to pre order.

no table?: Don’t worry if you don’t have a traditional dining table, A low coffee table can be doctored up with a few floor cushions and a table runner. You can pick up folding tables and chairs at any discount store. If you don’t want to buy - most cities have rental shops that will rent additional chairs for $3-$5 each.

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas

Steve and I, recently did a series of interviews featuring "dollar and time" saving ideas for the holidays for Real Simple magazine and Real Simple online. I blogged one of the finished pieces here. Since $$$ seems to be a hot topic...I though I would share list of our ideas.

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas: WRAPPING SUPPLIES

Gift Tags: Recycled last years holiday cards into gift tags by using a decorative punch or cutting a traditional tag shape.

Glittered Pinecones: Add a touch of nature to a package by tying on small pinecones and twigs. We like to add a little pop with Mod Podge and brown glitter to the tips of pinecones.

A Leg Up on Wrapping: Create a denim wine bag with the leg of an old jean. Just cut the leg to the appropriate height for your bottle. Sew or staple across the bottom. Use a ribbon to tie the bag closed.

Tins: Use Mod Podge to decoupage out-of-season (or style) tins and boxes into modern gift boxes by attaching decorative paper to the outside.

Gift Bags: Create simple gift bags with a punch of color with plain paper “lunch” bags. Cut a scalloped edge across the top of a plain paper bag, punch holes across the top and thread closed with a pretty ribbon, tie the ends into a bow.

Photocopied Paper: For small gift-wrap jobs you can make your own color copied paper collages. For extra savings use color paper on a black and white printer.

Kids Art: Decorate large rolls of butcher paper with kid’s holiday drawings. Let the kids know whom the package is for and have them draw something special for them. I bet this paper doesn’t get torn and tossed.

Yarn Tied: Pass on ribbon and say yes to yarn. Look for big bold yarns to tie up your packages. Way cheaper than ribbon!

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas: ORNAMENTS

Dollar Store Decor: Dollar store ornaments can become very stylish with a spray of high gloss paint. We like to use 3 different colors of spray paint on different sized and shaped ornaments. Krylon has tons of bold new colors available, everything from candy colors to natural colors. (Both color pallets blend well with traditional silver and gold)

Papered: Origami paper ornaments and garland can be made for pennies. For “book lovers” you could use pages from old books (just make sure they are not valuable). For a “kids” tree you could use the funny pages to make a humorous statement.

Darn Yarn: Pompoms are easily made with just a few winds of yarn. Use sparkly metallic yarns in taupe, gold, white and silver to create a homespun elegant look. Add Yarn bows to inexpensive clear ornament balls to counter balance the pompoms.

Rocker At Heart: Glue broken bits of CD’s to silver Styrofoam balls and add a ribbon hanger to create a disco ball ornament. Adorn a small tree with disco balls and guitar picks.

Scents of Cinnamon: Tie bundles of cinnamon sticks and small twigs together with ribbon and hang from a tree.

Baked Dough Saves Dough: Kids love playing with dough and creating homemade ornaments with salt dough (made for a few dollars at home) is a fun way for families to get creative together.

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas: HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Branches & Birds: Use metallic spray paint to spruce up large and small broken tree branches, place in a glass vase and hot glue white birds to the branches.

Papered Garland: Working with old holiday cards or scrapbooking paper, punch decorative shapes with oversized punches (or trace around a glass and use scissors), attach the tops to a long piece of ribbon using hot glue. Add stickers to spell out holiday words like, Noel, Joy and Merry Christmas.

Can You Picture: Remove the glass and backing from oversized frames, paint with high gloss spray paint in rich plum and silver colors, dangle ornaments and family photos from the center with pretty ribbon. Perch the frames on a mantle or hang on the wall.

Pomanders: Create a centerpiece with stacks of oranges, grapefruits and lemons. Add cloves and lemon leaves for color and scent.

Candle Glow: Add drama to plain candles by inserting decorative brads into the sides. You can get rhinestone, snowflake even pearl brads.

Wrapped Wreath: Create a fabric wreath by cutting strips of 4 or 5 different fabrics into 1” wide pieces. (We like to use a monochromatic color pallet and different textures of fabrics – like, wools, cottons, corduroy, etc.) Wrap the strips around a wire wreath form until the wreath is covered. Add a few old ornaments to the center and you are ready to hang.

Tree Trimming Garland: If you are decorating a fresh tree, collect the trimmings and wire them together to create a mantel or door garland.

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas: HOLIDAY CARDS

Shop Sales at the End Of The Season: We always purchase cards on clearance for 75 – 90% off the retail price at the end of the season.

Make Your Own: Begin with blank cards and add simple scrapbooking embellishments, photos, even a kids hand print.

Vintage Flair: Make black and white copies of a favorite family photo, use colored photo makers to add highlights to the picture.

Go High Tech: Send your cards using an online greeting card program or create your own jpegs greeting and email to friends and family.

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas: HOSTESS PARTY GIFTS

Mini Makeover: Rewrap inexpensive soaps or votive candles with pretty papers, create a designer look by adding fun bows and embellishments.

Recipe Swap: Do you have a friend that always loves your cooking or baking? Make him or her a set of recipe cards.

How Does your Garden Grow?: Do you have a great indoor herb garden? Create an herb gift of either fresh cut herbs or home dried herbs. Your friends will beg for more!

Mini Breads: Bake a large batch on mini breads to have on hand during the season (they freeze well) wrap with butcher paper, add a yarn or ribbon tie and give as needed.

Party Pics: present your hostess with a small empty photo album and let her know that you have brought along your camera to be the official photographer as a gift to her. Make sure you have the pictures printed within one week of the party.

Dollar Saving Holiday Ideas: HOLIDAY SHIPPING

Ship Early & Light: Don’t get caught with last minute (high dollar) shipping prices.

Junk Mail Revamped: Use shredded junk mail instead of store bought peanuts.

Popped Up Packing: Old fashioned popped popcorn can be used as packing peanuts – just don’t add salt or butter. Forget trimming the tree with popcorn – time is money – trust me I tried it before.

Don’t Toss The Boxes: Recycle boxes from retail stores for shipping boxes. Just make sure they are thick enough cardboard.

Simple Place Setting

Over the past few weeks, I've had several folks email me about proper table setting and what to do about holiday entertaining, if you don't have a full set of china. Over the next few days, I'll post the "ins and outs" of table setting etiquette, tips & tricks, and ideas for those who are just starting out and only have the basic pieces.

Here is a simple place setting using just a plate, flatware and 1 wine glass.

Flatware: Forks are placed on the left hand side of the plate, while knives and spoons are on the right. The cutlery to be used first is placed on the far left and right (salad fork or small spoon. The blade of the knife should always place towards the plate.

Napkin: The napkin should be placed on the left of the plate, under the forks or in the center of the plate.

Glass: The wine glass should be placed on the right side, just above the plate.

make it: Captured Holiday Fairies

Capture the spirit of the holidays by creating a captured fairy vignette in a recycled jar. We designed this project for Plaid.

Materials:

2159 - FolkArt ® Gems™ - Ruby, 2 oz.
4455 - FolkArt ® Fabric™ Paint - Dimensional - Glitter Night Star
493 - FolkArt ® Metallics - Bright Red, 2 oz.
654 - FolkArt ® Metallics - Amethyst, 2 oz.
661 - FolkArt ® Metallics - Sequin Black, 2 oz.
CS11275 - Mod Podge ® Glitter - Hologram Gold, 8 oz.
3 Recycled glass jars
Spray metal primer
Paintbrush
Scrapbook paper
3 holiday clip art images (Santa; children; angels)
Scrap cardboard
Glue stick
Scissors
Wings (feathers; silk butterflies; tulle; scrapbooking embellishment)
Hot Glue
Additional embellishments (pipe cleaners; printed words; stickers)
Flat nosed Pliers
Fluff for the bottom of the jar (pillow stuffing; boa scrap; faux moss)
Scrap ribbons or trim

Steps:

1. Wash and dry the jars. Spray the lids with metal spray primer and allow to dry. Coat each lid with a different color of FolkArt Metallic paint (black, red, amethyst). Apply additional coats of paint until you are happy with the coverage.

2. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper to fit inside the back of the jar. Place the paper in the jar.

3. Mount your images to a scrap of cardboard using a glue stick for stability. Once dry, cut around the images, leaving a 1/2 tab at the bottom for folding and gluing.

4. Glitter the image, coat the image with a thin layer of Mod Podge Hologram Gold Glitter or FolkArt Gems and allow to dry. For dimensional highlights, add FolkArt dimensional paint in glitter colors to highlight areas of interest. For these designs, we used Mod Podge over the yellow fairy, FolkArt gems over the Santa Claus and FolkArt dimensional paint on the New Years Eve fairy.

5. Add wings by hot gluing feathers, wings, butterflies, cut paper or tulle to the back of the cardboard cutouts.

6. Add additional embellishments like: pipe cleaners, stickers, printed words, rhinestones, etc.

7. Fold the tab on the bottom of the cutout. Add hot glue to the bottom of the tab, carefully place the cutout in the jar and glue to the center bottom of the jar. Use needle nosed plies to help hold the cutout into position.

8. Add the fluff around the bottom of the jar. (the fluff will hide any glue marks)

9. Hot glue a decorative ribbon around the top if the jar.

Handmade Soaps Are Perfect Little Gifts

Handmade soaps are the perfect little holiday gift. They are so simple to make, and with the countless combinations of scents, colors and additives that give handmade glycerin soaps a unique personal style, you will be hooked on this easy craft.

This time of year, we like to add a drop of peppermint oil to soaps for a holiday scent. Lavender and bergamot, lemon verbena and tangerine are also favorite scents. To create an exfoliating soap, add a little oatmeal to the melted soap.

Soap molds are available in many different shapes and sizes. Traditional bar molds are perfect for creating large bars of soap. Smaller guest-size molds are available in many shapes: hearts, shells, stars, holiday trees and small rounds.

Local craft and fabric stores will generally stock the items needed to get started. Thesage.com is an online supplier that carries many different scents and additives as well as products for making lip balms and body creams.

Once your soaps are made, you can package them for gift giving in a variety of ways. Tissue paper makes a quick and easy wrap, cello bags with a little fiber shred are perfect for bundling a few smaller bars together and personalized labels can be made with rubber stamps or printed directly from your computer.

We guarantee that once you try this fun and simple craft, you will be creating soaps for yourself and to give as gifts. We would also bet that your friends will be thankful for the personalized and thoughtful gift.

Materials:

1 pound melt-and-pour glycerin soap base

Essential oil

Bar mold

Spray bottle with rubbing alcohol

Plastic cling wrap

Microwave

Medium glass bowl

Additives such as lavender, peppermint oils and glycerin soap colorant (optional)

Packaging: tissue paper, cello bags, ribbons, labels

Cut a 1-pound brick of glycerin soap base into 2-inch cubes. Place cubes in a glass bowl and cover with plastic cling wrap to keep excess moisture from evaporating. Melt on high for one minute and stir until melted.

If desired, add a few drops of colorant and/or additives to the soap and blend thoroughly. Add several drops of essential oil to the mixture and blend.

Pour the soap into molds. Spray the soap surface with rubbing alcohol to remove excess bubbles. Allow the soap to harden/set for several hours before popping it out of the molds.

Package the soap in a paper sleeve trimmed with decorative scissors, place it in a cellophane bag or wrap it in tissue paper. Embellish paper labels with ribbons, stickers and rubber stamps and attach to the packaging.

Thanksgiving Day Activities & Ideas

The meal is devoured, the dishes are stacked mile high and you have a house filled with family - what to do? Here are a few fun ideas and activities that everyone can do together.

On Thanksgiving Day
Take a family walk.
Have a family photo swap.
Compete in a scavenger hunt.
Watch football.
Play games - Apples to Apples is really fun!
Have a family dance off.
Have the kids make a youtube video of your family.
Have a familiy Wii or Guitar Hero competition.
Play flag football.

The Day After Thanksgiving
Tour an art or history museum.
Go on a fall leaf hunt.
Go to the movies.
Ice skate.
Have a family bowling game.
Make mini scrapbooks.
Make salt dough ornaments with the kids.
Have a wrapping paper swap or craft session.
Have a family member who knits give lessons.
And, of course....SHOP!

Salt Dough Ornaments
1 cup of fine salt
1 cup of flour (add a tiny more for softer dough)
/2 cup of water (may add more)
FolkArt acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Paper clips
Clear varnish

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the salt and the flour. Make a well in the salt/flour mixture and add the water. Knead until smooth and shape into a ball. When not in use, wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container.

Ornaments: Form the dough into holiday shapes. (cookies cutters are great tools for this craft) Press a paper clip into the back of the ornament to create a hanger. bake at 150-200 until firm (around 2 hours) Cool. Paint with FolkArt paints and seal with a clear varnish.

Link O Rama!

The Impatient Crafter™
There's a free holiday themed project every week until Christmas at The Impatient Crafter™! This week it's a jaunty snowman ornapendant that both you and your tree can wear.

The Crochet Dude
See how Drew spends his day in the studio with this short video!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Check out the Creature Comforts charity sewing event I went to at the Santa Monica Museum of Art.

Layers Upon Layers
Come meet Ellwood T Risk, contemporary collage artist with a political slant.

Cross Stitch at About.com
Use a child's drawing for a pattern or give them some graph paper and have them design their own!

Crafty Princess Diaries
Pull yourself off the PC once in a while (after you read this post), and grab some craft time for yourself.

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside brings you a beaded and sequined Christmas tree ornament, a rockin' sweepstakes where you can enter to win a signed Fender Squire Stratocaster, a book mark gift card and a peek into a Creative Entrepreneur workshop and a way-cool design that was contributed by Carol Parks.

Cathie Filian
Thanksgiving is just around the corner…swing by Cathie’s blog for recipes, crafts and entertaining tips – plus, a recipe for a pumpkin pietini.

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner
Easily create elegant pumpkin jewel décor projects using leftovers from your bead stash!

Aileen's Musings
Let the voting begin! Aileen invites you to come vote for your favorite Art Muse doll and help choose the winning dolls!

About Family Crafts
It is easy to plan ahead and get a jump on making that perfect holiday gift for everyone you know! This collection of books contains something for everyone.

bake it: Cranberry Sauce and Leftover Ideas

bake it: Cranberry Sauce and Leftover Ideas

One of my favorite holiday dishes is homemade cranberries. They are really so simple to make, I am not sure why anyone would buy them in the can. I make mine very simple, with just the addition of a little orange zest. You can adapt this recipe by adding nuts, chopped fruit or a little ginger.

Cranberry Sauce

Shopping List:
1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 orange

Rinse: Clean cranberries with cool water, discard stems.

Boil: Heat water and sugar to boiling in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.

Add: Stir in cranberries. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Continue boiling about 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat.

Zest: Add the zest of an orange to the berries and blend well.

Chill: Pour sauce into bowl or container. Refrigerate about 3 hours or until chilled. Can be made the night before.

Here are a few ideas for leftover Cranberry Sauce....

Ice Cream: Warm on the stovetop and spoon over ice cream.

Muffins: Add a scoop to homemade muffins.

Salsa: Add to hot salsa! so yummy.

Cheese and crackers: Add a dollop to goat or cream cheese.

Oatmeal: Add some nuts and cranberry sauce to oatmeal.

Cranberry Bars: Make like lemon bars - just substitute the cranberries for lemon.

Add your ideas in the comments!

bake it: Maple Sweet Potatoes

Maple Sweet Potatoes - You will want to make double!

shopping list:
3 1/2 Pounds Sweet Potatoes
Salt and Pepper
1/3 Cup Maple Syrup
4 Tablespoons Butter, Soft
Chopped Pecans
Electric Mixer

peel: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices.

boil: Place the potatoes in a stock pot, cover with cold water, add 1 tsp of salt, cover and
bring to a boil.

uncover: Once the water is boiling, remove cover, boil until the potatoes are very soft. -
about 10 min.

drain: Drain the potatoes in a colander.

combine: Add the syrup, butter, and salt and pepper to taste to the pan. Add the drained
potatoes.

whip: Use an electric hand mixer to whip the potatoes. Begin on low and increase as needed.

top: Transfer to a table ready bowl and top with a few chopped pecans.

make ahead: This can be prepared earlier in th day and reheated just prior to meal time.

serves: 8 prep: 20 min cook: 1 hr

bake it: Thanksgiving Roasted Veggies

One of my favorite side dishes to make for Thanksgiving is roasted veggies. This dish is so simple to make and it can be prepared in advance.

shopping list:
1 small butternut squash, cubed
2 red bell peppers, seeded and diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed
3 Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
1 red onion, quartered
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper
Roasting pan

preheat: 475 degrees

combine: In a large bowl, combine the veggies

combine: In a small bowl, stir together thyme, rosemary, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
toss: Toss the oil mixture with veggies. Spread evenly on a large roasting pan.

roast: Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, or until vegetables are cooked through.

make ahead: This can be prepared earlier in the day and reheated just prior to meal time.

serves: 8 prep: 20 min cook: 40 min

make it: Copper Mesh Tea Lights

Copper Mesh Votive Holders

This mini craft can be whipped in just a few minutes. They look beautiful placed around a Thanksgiving table or across a mantel. The copper wire mesh is available at most craft stores and comes in a roll.

Materials:
copper wire mesh
work gloves
tin snips
24-gauge wire
wire cutters
round nose pliers
glass beads
small glass votive holder

Steps:
1. Cut a square of copper mesh about 6 inches on each side.

2. Center the votive holder on the wire mesh and fold the mesh up around the votive holder as desired. Press the mesh to crease it and hold the shape. Remove the votive holder.

3. Cut a long piece of wire and make a loop in one end. Thread one or two glass beds onto the wire and wrap the wire around the mesh several times, adding beads as desired. At the end of the wire, thread on one or two beads. Either tuck the excess wire into the mesh or make a loop to hold the beads and twist the two beaded ends together. Insert a tea light.

make it: Delightful Doggie Bags

Fall Leaf Doggie Bags

We always make extra food so our Thanksgiving guests can take a little home to enjoy. Tin foil and take away containers are perfect for sealing leftovers, but a little boring to look at. We like to decorate kraft paper gift bags for each guest to take home their goodies in.

Fall Leaf Bags:
Use leaf shaped rubber stamps and metallic inks to decorate kraft paper gift bags. To add texture to your stamping, emboss with sanded embossing powder. For extra pop, tie silk flowers and paper clay leaves to the handles. Make guest place cards or thank you notes by stamping onto folded blank note cards.

bake it: Thanksgiving Thyme & Cheese Appetizer

Thanksgiving Thyme & Cheese Appetizer

Shopping List:
4 ounces cream cheese
small package of goat cheese
10 ounces grated Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vodka - optional
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
salt to taste wax paper

Combine: In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, pepper, salt, vodka and half of the thyme bland until smooth and creamy.

Mix: Add the swiss cheese and continue to mix. Place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

Spread: Combine in a bowl the chives, remaining thyme and the walnuts. Place a piece of wax paper on your work surface and evenly spread the mixture onto the wax paper.

Roll & Chill: Roll the cheese mixture into 3 in balls (you should get about 3 balls) Roll each ball in thyme, walnut and chive mixture until the ball is top coated. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until you are ready to serve.

make it: Orange & Clove Candle Holders

Orange & Clove Candle Holders

Supplies:

thick-skinned oranges or grapefruits
cloves
paring knife
mellon baller
metal tea light

1. Cut a hole in the fruit that's slightly larger than the diameter of the tea light. Use a knife to gently trace and carve out the area where the tea light will sit.

2. Use the melon baller to remove bits of fruit and create a well for the candle to sit.

3. Place a tea light in the well and press cloves into the skin to release the aromatic oils of the fruit and spice. If the fruit is thick-skinned, use a toothpick or a bamboo skewer to make the initial opening before inserting cloves.

bake it: Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

shopping list:
12 to 24 pound turkey, thawed

1 Reynolds Oven Bag, Turkey Size

1 tablespoon flour

2 stalks celery, sliced

1 medium onion, sliced

2 lemons, cut in half

Sprigs of each fresh basil, parsley, thyme, marjoram

6 large cloves garlic, split

Vegetable oil

preheat: oven to 350F.

shake: Dust/shake flour in Reynolds Oven Bag;
place in roasting pan at least 2 inches deep.

stuff: Remove neck and giblets from turkey. Rinse turkey; pat dry.
Lightly stuff the turkey with herbs,lemon, celery, onion and garlic.
Brush turkey with oil. Place turkey in bag.

close: Seal the oven bag with nylon tie; cut six 1/2–inch slits in top.
Insert meat thermometer through bag into thickest part of inner thigh,
not touching bone. Tuck ends of bag in pan.

bake: until meat thermometer reads 180F
2 to 2 1/2 hours for a 12 to 16 lb. turkey
2 1/2 to 3 hours for a 16 to 20 lb. turkey
3 to 3 1/2 hours for a 20 to 24 lb. turkey

slice: For easy slicing, let stand in oven bag 15 minutes. If turkey sticks to bag, gently loosen bag from turkey before opening oven bag.

tips & tricks: Estimate 1 lb per person for generous servings with leftovers.

shake it: pumpkin pietini

pumpkin pietini

shopping list:

2 parts Absolut Vanilla vodka

1 part pumpkin schnapps

cream

nutmeg

cinnamon stick

shake: 2 parts vodka, 1 part schnapps, splash of cream in a shaker with ice.
strain: martini glass.
Garnish: Sprinkle of nutmeg on the rim & cinnamon stick.

Quick Centerpiece Ideas for a Beautiful Thanksgiving Table

Making your own Thanksgiving centerpiece is not as hard as one might think. Here are a few simple ideas that can be made with everything from dried beans to texture paint. For more Thanksgiving tips and tricks visit my Thanksgiving page at www.cathieandsteve.com.

Painted Pumpkin Centerpiece & Table Runner

(this project was designed specifically for Plaid)

Paint 3 papier-mâché pumpkins with orange Folkart texture paint. (The pumpkins and paint can be purchased at any craft store) Add depth to the pumpkin by painting the creases with dark brown paint. For extra bling, coat the pumpkins with a layer of gold glitter Mod Podge.

On the table runner the simple and modern shapes were created with low tack painter’s tape and FolkArt fabric paint. By combining the metallic bronze and chocolate brown this project is perfect for fall holidays.

Table Runner Materials
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4429 Metallic Solid Bronze
Store bought cotton or linen table runner
Scotch painter’s tape corners – 2 rolls
Ruler
Foam paintbrush
Wax paper
Iron and board

Steps:
1. Iron the table runner to remove any wrinkles. Choose a work surface where the runner can sit for the duration of the project. Place the runner with a sheet of wax paper under it on the work surface.


2. Adhere the corner tape pieces to the runner in your desired position. (We made this design in blocks of 4 corners.) Press down on each piece of tape to ensure the edges are firmly against the fabric. If needed, use a ruler to help you center the pieces.


3. Pour a small amount of paint onto a plastic plate or palette, dab the brush into the paint and tap off the excess. You will want a semi-dry brush for this project. For best results, paint in an “up and down” fashion rather then side to side. Paint the entire runner.

4. All the paint to dry and allow to air dry for 24 hours. Heat set with a dry iron and a pressing cloth. Handwash only after 72 hours.

Organic Ball Centerpiece

Use hot glue to attach dried beans to the sides of Styrofoam balls. For candleholders, slice off a section of the ball to form a base and carve a well for the candle to sit. Cluster the balls and candles together in the center of the table.

Adorned Candle Sticks & Velvet leaf Runner

Create a runner by cutting a strip of brown felt slightly longer than the length of your table and 15” wide. Hot glue velvet leaves allover the runner in a random pattern. Jazz up candleholders by tying bundles of faux pumpkins and flowers around the center of the candleholder. Look for velvet leavers and mini pumpkins at your local craft store.

make it: Thanksgiving Place Card Holders

Thanksgiving Place Card Holders

This thanksgiving craft can be whipped up in no time and will look so pretty on your table this holiday. We designed this idea specifically for Plaid!

Materials:

Stiffy by Plaid
Scraps of fall colored printed fabric
Large old bowl
6 clip hangers or clothesline
Leaf template large
Leaf template - small
Scissors
Eyelet & Setter
Printed-paper nametag
Thin ribbon

Steps:
1. Pour the stiffy into a large old bowl and dip the pieces of fabric into the stiffy until they are saturated. Remove the excess stiffy by pressing you�re your fingers. Don�t wring the pieces! Hang on clip hangers or a clothesline, smooth out the pieces and dry for about 1 hour.

2. Trace around the leaf templates with a pencil onto the dry pieces and cutout.

3. Layer 2 leaves on top of each other and attach with a decorative eyelet.

4. Create a printed-paper nametag by either printing one from a computer or making one with stickers. Attach an eyelet to the top of the tag.

5. Thread the tag and leaves onto a ribbon and tie with a decorative bow.

6. Place one at each place setting.

Optional: Leaf ornaments! Skip the nametags and just add a piece of looped ribbon for a hanger.

Download the picture for the templates

Link-o-Rama

About Family Crafts Take a few minutes to browse through some photos of home-made Thanksgiving cards. You can also submit your own home-made card designs.

Aileen's Musings Aileen's been busy finishing up some incomplete art pieces using her new favorite art supply, Shiva Oil Paintstiks. Come take a peek and see why Aileen loves them so much!

Alexa Westerfield a.k.a. Swelldesigner What are you thankful for this season? Express and share those blessings in this simple pumpkin painting project!

Cathie Filian Making your own Thanksgiving centerpiece is not as hard as one might think. Cathie Filian has a few simple ideas that can be made with everything from dried beans to texture paint.

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world Craftside brings you a cornucopia of craftiness this week with free patterns for Sweater Surgery Ornaments, the author schedule for Felt Club, a bunch of pretty designs from 1000 Jewelry Inspirations, a tutorial on how to unspin and incorporate scrap yarn to knit up a wild scarf, a call to share your opinions for a new book and a pumpkin cheesecake recipe.

Crafty Princess Diaries What does The Matrix have to do with crafting? Listen to Morpheus and he will tell you.

Cross Stitch at About.com Add some flair to your Thanksgiving decor with these free Cross Stitch Patterns.

Layers Upon Layers Cyndi has declared that November is "Take a (New) Artist to Lunch Month"! Come and meet extraordinary artists that you probably haven't run into before throughout this whole month!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery Why shouldn't your napkins be cozy? Check out a super easy recycled sweater napkin ring project and listen to a cool tune while making them.

The Crochet Dude Drew's new book of crochet patterns called "Designs for Guys" launched on Sunday! Click the link to see photos of the fun in Houston!

The Impatient Crafter� Madge visits Terri O Radio for a wickedly fun two part interview on inspiration and carving out time for creativity!

love

Today is our 9 year anniversary of our first date!

Make it: Ticket Bowl

Ticket Bowl from the Where Women Create Feature

Materials:
roll of "fair/carnival" tickets
Mod Podge - gloss or matte
foam paintbrushes
rubber bands
small piece of felt
Fabri-Tac glue

1. Unroll the top five layers of tickets. Apply Mod Podge to the backs of these tickets and reroll back together. Keep the roll tight; these tickets will form the brim of the bowl. Use rubber bands to secure, if needed, while the glue dries.

2. Use your fingers to press the roll into a bowl form, pushing in the center and gently pulling on the sides to form a bowl shape.

3. Apply Mod Podge to the outside and inside of the ticket bowl.

4. Let dry; repeat with two more coats of Mod Podge.

5. Cut a piece of cardstock the size of the bottom of the bowl. Glue to the bowl bottom with découpage medium. Cut a piece of felt the same size and attach with Fabri-Tac glue.

Where Women Create

The premiere issue of Where Women Create is on the news stands now! The magazine is loaded with creative spaces, organizing ideas and inspiring pictures. I was thrilled to be in the first issue along with Karey Bresenhan, Mary Jane Butters, Jenny Doh, Shelli Gardner and Jen O'Connor. Here is a peek into my space.....

Felt Club! be there be square...

FELT CLUB: HOLIDAY 2008
Sunday, NOVEMBER 16, 11am-7pm
@ Shrine Auditorium Expo Center
700 W. 32nd St., LA CA 90007

http://www.feltclub.com

Felt Club is...A CRAFT FAIR

Felt Club is an annual indie craft fair featuring the best and brightest of today's creative scene. Our carefully juried shows highlight a wide variety of handmade goods, including handbags and jewelry, baby gifts and paper products, clothing and housewares, one-of-a-kind plushies and original artwork. In between shows, we host a variety of craft-related events around the city, including how-to workshops, craft supply swaps, and more.

Felt Club features a varied crew of rotating artists, crafters, designers and indie businesses, including My Paper Crane, Tanya Aguiniga, Cathy of California, boygirlparty, Nervous System, and many others. Our events feature amazing shopping, tasty food, crafty workshops, great music and more. You can check out photos from past events in their Flickr pool.

Link O Rama!

About Family Crafts
Sherri offers several ideas for creatively displaying your child's artwork.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen has an autumn themed digital piece she's created along with a link to freebie images for you to create your own work of art. Enjoy!

The Impatient Crafter™
Join Madge for part two of her gothically delicious free Halloween project. The Invitation.

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
See how I cut out a cool part of a pattern from The Crochet Dude's hot new book to crochet a two colored headband.

Layers Upon Layers
Artist Kerry Wilkinson plays with resin in a big way!

Cathie Filian
Win a copy of Bow WOW WOW! and a $100 worth of craft supplies from Plaid - 1 grand prize and 24 other prizes!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
Craftside has goulish wet felted eyeballs, a crocheted spider web sweater project, crafting with the Chrome Cowgirl, and announcing Quarry Publishing is sponsoring this year's Holiday Felt Club in Los Angeles with special appearances, signings and make & takes with authors, Angela Cartwright, The Crafty Chica, Lisa Sonora Beam and Stefanie Girard.

Crafty Princess Diaries
You can make any of these super quick jewelry projects just in time for Halloween, seriously, this Halloween! Otherwise, hit the bargain bins at your craft store for the after Halloween sales so you are prepared for next year!

Cross Stitch at About.com
Check out the latest additions to the Stitcher's Photo Album - We've reached a milestone. The first page is now devoted to submitted photos of the free patterns from About.com Cross Stitch.