What did you get for Christmas?

Abby came home for a short visit right before Christmas.  She brought with a skirt that she had hand-sewn at her apartment.  I was amazed that she was able to do so much without a machine, made me wonder what she could do with one???  Therefore, a sewing machine was the perfect present. In just a day she completed her first dress.  I do believe she has found her gift!

The Many Looks of Christmas

Here is a sampling of what Christmas looks like in two different New Prague homes:



  

And what is Christmas without a pink tree!

Thanks to Ann for sharing the Joys of the Season in her home and the Loose home!     

Favorite Holiday Book

Do you love all things about Christmas?  Or do you know someone who does, if so I highly recommend
The Christmas Almanac published by Welcome Books.  The book is filled with history, songs, crafts, recipes, trivia and more.  One of my favorite "recipes" from the book is the Reindeer Mix:

1 Cup Granola

2/3 Cup Glitter

1 Cup Sugar Cubes 

1 Cup Dried Cranberries

Combine ingredients in a sealed plastic bag and shake!

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift Box

Need  a hostess gift for Thanksgiving?  I was inspired by a little pinecone and natural colors to create this box with sweet treats inside.

The Box:

 To make the box, start with 2 sheets of 8.5x11 natural cardstock.  Cut down each sheet to a 7x7 square. 

For the base of the box score in 1.5" on all 4 sides.   (If you do a lot of paper crafting I highly recommend Martha Stewart's Scoring Board)  Cut slits on all 4 sides as shown below, fold up and use adhesive to form box.

If you want to make the base stronger, cut another piece of card stock to 4x4 and adhere to the inside bottom.  The lid can be made the same as the base or for a better fit, score at 1 3/8" all around. 
(This box will be 1.5 " deep, adjust the size of paper and where you score to create different size boxes.)

The treats: 

Make or buy your favorite treats to fill the box.  I made Cookies'n'Cream Truffles( recipe from Cooking with Paula Dean Nov/Dec 2011) and placed them in mini unbleached baking cups. 

The Glitter and Finishing Touches:

Spray the acorn with adhesive and sprinkle glitter.  Cover the box with your lid and use twine or rafia to   make the bow.  Glue the acorn on top and you have an inexpensive but heartfelt homemade gift!

 





It Is Almost That Time Of The Year

Just a few handcrafted items that will be available this weekend at Mustard Moon.  Be sure to head to Carver, the shops will be open 11/17-11/19.



Halloween Sculpture.......

This old cement green urn has earned it's keep at our house.  We have two and they are the starting point for our seasonal decor for fall, winter, spring and summer.  This year I tried something new (inspired by an old magazine pic.).  It just takes a little drilling and floral pins to hold it together.  It lit the way for all 9 of the adorable trick-or-treaters who visited our old famhouse.

A Beautiful Wedding

On Saturday, 10/29 Ann Gengel and I had the pleasure of helping out at the wedding of Tracy Maas and Jason Wetzel.  The event was held at the Mayowood Stone Barn in Rochester.  Karen (mother of the bride) and Tracy planned every detail and decoration.  Their creativity and hard work made for an amazing day and evening for all of the guests.  

The S'more Bar where guests could pick up the "fixings" to make their

 own treat at the bonfire. 

     One of the dinner tables decked out in the orange & brown color theme.

Fall Baking

Farmhouse Apple Bread is so good and simple to make.

Recipe:
3 eggs, beaten
2 c. sugar
1 c. oil
1 T. vanilla extract
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
3 to 4 apples, cored, peeled and chopped
1 c. chopped pecans (I used walnuts)

Combine eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla until well mixed, set aside.  Combine flour, baking soda and cinnamon in a separate bowl; stir into egg mixture.  Fold in apples and nuts.  Divide equally between 2 greased and floured 9"x5" loaf pans.  Bake at 325 degrees for one hour and ten minutes.
(From: "coming home with Gooseberry Patch")