Getting Crafty

Obviously, you don’t have to ice your sugar cookies but they sure are pretty when you do and if you’re going to make them for gifts then I’d highly recommend you take the time to ice them.

Penny’s Royal Icing

6 Tablespoons water
3 Tablespoons meringue powder (half this in very hot weather)
3.5 Cups powdered sugar, sifted.

• Put water in mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients.
• Put the mixing speed on low. Mix ingredients untill they form a thick frosting. Depending on the freshness of the sugar, you may need to add additional water. The frosting at this point should resembel thick cookie glaze.
• When the icing is smooth, put the mixer on it’s highest setting an process until the icing goes from shiny to dull and will stand in stiff peaks.

Note: After you make the icing, keep it covered with a damp cloth at all times (including when you have tinted it and put it into the pastry bags) or it will crust over. This icing is not a “keeper”. It does not have a long shelf-life so make just as much as you need for the day of decorating.

There are many techniques for icing your cookies. Here are a few common ones:

* Flood filling, where you outline your cookie and then fill in the outlined areas.
* Dipping, where you dip cookies in thinned royal icing
* Painting, where you paint on your royal icing, or paint over dried royal icing.

Whichever method you use just remember to have fun and not put too much pressure on yourself. As I told my niece, no matter how messy your cookies come out they are still cookies and they will get eaten!

Well after my initial excitement over sewing on paper, I went into a full blown frenzy last week, staying up until about 2 in the morning several nights in a row making cards. Despite all this work with paper, I promise you, I am not Kari!

Some of the other cards that I’ve made are:

This is my favourite because it was a true labour of love, getting those little squares to sit still while I stitched them down. I learned a trick or two as I went along (put a bit of glue to make sure they stay in the general area they’re supposed to stay!), and I find that every card I make gets better than the last, even with respect to sewing straight.

Another one that copied that patchwork idea.

I have a fair bit of paper that doesn’t have those “Christmassy” colours (red, green, gold, silver) in them, and I wanted to make a series of Winter wonderland type cards. So far I have only made this one:

(more…)

As promised late last week, I spent some of the weekend making Christmas cards.

I love simple cards but my poor, neglected sewing machine was calling to me this weekend: “Try out my zigzag feature on some of your plainer cards and see if you don’t love using me!” it said. “Even with the zigzag or just a simple straight stitch, your cards will still have that simple feel that you like!” it said, repeatedly, so I gave in. After a quick practice on some scrap paper to make sure I still knew how to use a sewing machine (it had been sitting unused for literally years!), it was show time. First up was this card:

Very simple, all I did was affix a strip of festive paper with two rows of zigzag stitching! Very quick!

One of my pet peeves when using brads, is what to do to cover up the underside of the sheet that you have poked holes into. One suggestion is to never put brads directly on your cardstock, but rather on a sheet of paper that you later attach to the cardstock (thanks, Kari!) but I find that even when I do this, the bump on the other side of the paper makes it hard to glue securely (and flat) to the cardstock. It gets messy and wrinkled and it looks unprofessional. Not sure what I’m talking about? Here’s a picture of that I mean:

Yuck, right? Well, what I discovered is if I put the brads on the sheet of paper then sew it onto the cardstock, it looks much better, and I don’t have to worry about gluing a strip of paper to the inside of the card to hide the back of the brads! You might think I’d care about covering the stitching marks on the other side but for whatever reason, that doesn’t bother me as much….although, if I do decide it bothers me, the stitching is flat so it would be a breeze to cover up!

Want to see more cards? Have a gander:

All the remaining cards used one of two types of cardstock with the same sheet of 12 x 12 printed paper and brads, meaning they all look pretty much the same, but there were some different arrangements (give me some credit, darn it!). I must say it’s been quite addictive using the sewing machine; now I just need to learn how to sew curves: my attempt to sew a heart cut out of patterned paper onto a sheet of cardboard was disastrous:

(It looks much worse in person, like I was going it with my eyes closed or something. how do you get your needle to follow the curve of the “material” (paper in this case)?

I can’t resist the dollar store for crafting aids, but I have been very good: I mentally slapped my hand every time it tried to reach for something that I already have a million of (brads) and I didn’t come home with even one package of brads, even though I went to three dollar stores and Wal*mart last night (do I get a medal?)! I even resisted the Christmas papers because I really want to focus on simple colours and using all those darn brads I stockpiled to make this year’s cards.

What did I come home with? Just this adorable set of letters:

Aren’t they cute?

Although I have a few stamp pads, I’ve never really stamped. Kari over at All Paper Arts stamps all the time on her cards and does such a beautiful job that I really should have tried this sooner! These letters convinced me to give stamping a whirl, and I took one of yesterday’s cards and stamped five letters onto it in green ink:

What do you think?

At this rate of adding one small piece to the card each day, the card will be elaborate thing by the time it’s sent…well it would be if I wasn’t sending it tomorrow!

I didn’t quite stop with the stamps. I saw these cute chipboard albums marked at a dollar each and I had to buy one three.

I was attracted to the deep yet bright purple shade immediately, but I hope to take a trip soon and document it in the brown one, and the orange one would make a great gift for a couple of my longterm friends. I also bought some gel pens in festive colours for all that Christmas card writing. Nothing makes the monotony of address envelopes more fun than using brightly coloured pens.

So, if you’re seeking inspiration for either decor or gifts, stop by your local store and see if there isn’t something that you can bring home and build upon!

Why is December moving so fast? It’s already six days in and those of you who are planning to make gifts need to look at your projects and decide if you’re going to get them done, come hell or high water, or start something a little smaller in scale or just buy your gift this year.

My goal for this year is to make all of my Christmas cards, but I have already sent one store-bought card. I thought I could make a card or two every day until I have enough but I am now realizing that I have to go on a card-making spree and make them all up at once, or over a day or two. The effort of being creative simply does not justify stopping at one card! They don’t even have to be fancy: just home made and something that makes use of all those supplies that I have.

With this card I tackled those terribly prickly five pronged things (brads) that I used when making my brother’s birthday card, using the edge of a pair of scissors to flatten them down and I got my fingers pinched many times over for my troubles. If you recall, the original brads look like this from behind:

Very sharp, let me tell you!

These are very simple cards to make: all you need is festive coloured cardstock and brads. Put the two together however you want and voila: instant cards! If you like to have words on the front of your cards, make use of rub ons, or if your writing is neat and legible, grab a sparkly pen and decorate the front of your card with your wishes.

Come back at the end of the weekend to see what other cards I’ve created—cards must be made this weekend so that I can send them out before Christmas.

My knitting date last week was canceled, and I had been counting on it to get me back into a knitting sort of mood. (If you recall, it took me nearly a year to finish what was a very straightforward black scarf, so inspiration is something I could always use).

Last year I had hoped to be able to knit some gifts for friends and family, but I just couldn’t get into it. This time of year always seems like the perfect time to start knitting, even though I know that my schedule and the way I work does not leave me enough time to attempt (and complete!) any grand projects such as a vest or sweater (especially since I have never knit anything more complicated than a hat!). Instead I will stick to stocking stuffer/small gift ideas to knit up.

First on my list is dishcloths. When I was younger, a neighbour knit a set of them for us and they were great! I knew she had knit them but the way they looked led me to believe that they were a complicated thing to create. How wrong I was! About a year ago, I came across this very simple pattern involving increases and decreases, and starting with only four stitches on the needle. The pattern appealed to me because it is exactly what I see in my head when I think of homemade dishcloths.

I’ve only just started (and I don’t have any completed ones to share) so this is how it looks so far:

This will be the perfect stocking stuffer for friends that recently bought a house (the colour even matches their kitchen!). I’m using yarn that I got at Wal*Mart. It’s 100% cotton, just like the dishcloths you buy in the store.

There is one quick stocking stuffer idea; I’m seeking others! Please leave any ideas for quick things to knit below in the comments. I’ll also have a look around online and provide with a list of quick and fast crafts that you can squeeze in before December 25!

If, like me, you haven’t been to your local Michaels craft store in a while, you may want to get your fanny down there and have a look-see at what is going on.

First up, they have the Great Pumpkin Event. Since this coming weekend is Thanksgiving here in Canada, the event is being held on Saturday October 6. Americans can take part in this event on Sunday and Monday (October 7 and 8 respectively). There is a fee involved ($7 in Canada, $5 in the US-would someone tell them that the Canadian dollar is very close to parity with the American dollar?) but it looks like you’ll be getting your money’s worth. This is a family event so bring the kids (borrow some if need be-their parents will thank you).

I wonder if this is a good time to admit that I don’t get very excited about Halloween. I’m not sure why but the thought of rigging the house out in pumpkins, ghosts and goblins never did get me excited. And costumes? I only put on a costume so that coworkers don’t label me a “loser” or “not a team player”. Nothing thrills me less than having to think up a costume and get all made up, although costumes that require the application of makeup are out automatically. Despite this (see how much of a team player I am?), I encourage you to check out what Michaels has to offer in the way of costume ideas. We all know that making costumes might be more time consuming and expensive than buying them but you cannot beat the quality, fun and personal sense of accomplishment and satisfaction involved in putting together your own costume.

Didn’t I just finish saying that Halloween isn’t my bag? Well after having a gander at what Martha Stewart has in store for the holiday, I might be a bit more open to decorating this year. I really like the spider confetti, decorative tape and 12×12 halloween papers (big surprise that I’m giddy over the paper).

What more is there to say but get thee to a Michaels!

I know, Christmas is not for another few months but it can’t hurt to get a headstart on cardmaking! I whipped up this cute little card in less than five minutes.

Materials
Cardstock
Jewel-like brads
Ruler (optional)
Black pen/marker

Directions
Start with a folded piece of cardstock.

Using a pen or marker, draw (freehand or otherwise) the skeleton of a tree, or any other figure that you can dress up with brads.

Poke holes randomly through your tree (or other figure). Attach brads where the holes are. Add a written message of cheer, or rub one on.

Cut a smaller piece of contrasting paper for the inside (to cover up those unsightly brad remnants!

Voila!

It may seem crazy to be thinking about Christmas in July but as any crafter who makes gifts for holidays knows, the preparation for Christmas is best begun earlier in the year. This way, if you stumble upon a fantastic idea for gifts in November or December, you can start planning for next year (either that or give people more gifts than you originally planned to!).

Here are some ideas of things you make now to prepare for Christmas:

• gift tags
• gift bags
• christmas cards and envelopes
• wrapping paper
• ornaments

If, like me, Christmas makes you think of the less fortunate, why not get out your knitting needles or crochet hook and make some warm clothing for somebody who may be spending Christmas in a shelter? Faster and equally useful gifts include hats, mittens, and gloves.

By the time you get through this list December might be right around the corner!

What do you make ahead of time in preparation for Christmas?

Christmas gifts, handmade gifts, gift tags, gift wrap, Christmas

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Last entry’s talk of unfinished projects made me feel sufficiently guilty enough to share two of my unfinished projects.

My most recent unfinished project dates back to last November or December. I was feeling fairly proficient in my knitting so I decided that I would knit scarves for some people as their Christmas gift. Thank goodness nobody was depending on me to prevent them from catching hypothermia or I’d be in trouble!

The pattern for the 1 x 1 rib scarf came from last year’s special issue of the Martha Stewart magazine, the holiday Handmade Gifts edition. I recommend you get your hands on this magazine if you’re thinking of making your own gifts this coming holiday season. You may want to start now if you tend to procrastinate!

My second unfinished project is a scrapbook.

I started this in the spring of 2006 and I’m still labouring away. My hope is that this scrapbook (my first!) will not see another spring in my hands (it’s a gift).

Your turn: what unfinished projects do you vow to finish?

unfinished projects, knit, scrapbook, scarf, Martha Stewart, knitting, Christmas craft, holiday craft

Filled with favorite photos, this is just the present for a relative or special family friend, particularly one your family sees less often than you’d like. CRAFT MATERIALS:
Assorted photos
Craft knife
4-ply and 2-ply rag board (sold at art supply stores)
26-inch-long piece of ribbon
Colored paper
Glue stick

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
1. Choose seven favorites from a stack of family photos.

2. Use a craft knife to cut two 5- by 6 1/2-inch rectangles from the 4-ply rag board for the book covers. For the inner pages, cut one 5- by 39-inch rectangle from the 2-ply rag board. Lightly mark 6 1/2-inch increments along the long edges of the 2-ply rag board, and accordion-fold the sheet at those marks Use a ruler edge to press the folds into sharp creases.

3. Lay the ribbon on a tabletop and center the folded rag board on top so that the side with three creases is on the left and lines up with the midpoint of the ribbon Apply glue to the top of the folded rag board. Then lay the left side of the ribbon over the glued page and top with one of the book covers, pressing firmly until well stuck. Flip over the book and use the same method to attach the right side of the ribbon and the back cover.

4. Now, cut the colored paper into seven 4- by 5 1/2-inch rectangles. Glue one onto the center of each page and the front cover. Then glue the photos onto the colored paper. Finally, print the year on the front cover.

Tips:
Open the album into a full circle, tie the ribbon binding into a bow and it’s ready to display on an end table or dresser.

www.familyfun.com

Yes the holidays are upon us and it is that time of year again where we get to venture out in the mad world and fight people off the sales racks in hopes to get the one great deal for that special Christmas present. Well I may just have the ultimate solution for your shopping troubles.

Most often we all get caught up in our lives and forget to take time to really enjoy the good things. If you have children then you have all you need to do your shopping for family and friends. Kids love to slow down the pace, and become Picasso. They truly LOVE doing arts and crafts. They love to show their creativity in something homemade from their heart, and they love the sparkle in your eye when you look at that special little gift they made all on their own, just for you.

So why not utilize your little Picasso? Some of the best presents, are ones from the heart, made by the hands of your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, niece or nephew, well you get the picture. The ideas are limitless! With a few things from around the house you can have a homemade picture frame with a picture of the artist inside of it, or you can have a great t-shirt with little handprints on it saying “Best grandma! Hands Down!�? These are treasure your family and friends will keep for a lifetime.

I still find myself looking back on the things I saved that my niece made me when she was little. She is now 23! And the best mothers day gift I have ever received was a homemade flower vase (small water bottle covered with pink tissue paper) filled with homemade flowers (tissue paper for the petals and green pipe cleaner for the stems). It sits on the mantle, been up there for years, and I still look at it every day.

Yes these truly are the best gifts to give for the holidays. These little handmade treasures will be sure to warm the heart and put a smile on someone’s face for years to come.

So check out some of the crafting ideas on these pages to see what you can create for the holidays!

holidays, Christmas present, crafting ideas