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Christmas craft.....

lucypevensie

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I make a different ornament every year. Last year I made ornaments out of old spoons. I bent the spoond handle forward so that it formed a hook. The spoon part was painted glossy white and then I put a snowman face on. The arms were made from wire that I had twisted around a dowel and then pulled of (curly wire). I glued on a felt cut-out hat, felt cut-out mittens on the wire arms, and a plaid scarf.

Tube sock snowman: Buy a cheap package of small boys white tube socks. Turn inside out and fill loosly with rice. Tie off 3 sections with white string, the biggest section at the bottom, smallest at the top. Fold the top of the sock down to form a hat. Glue a pom-pom to the top of the hat. Glue black beads or buttons to make a face and buttons. Tie a strip of torn fabric around the neck for a scarf.

Juice can lid ornaments: Use a metal frozen juice can lid. Punch a Christmasy design in lid with a nail and hammer. Decorate edge of lid with lace, ribbons, and other sewing trims. Punch one hole at the top to attach hanging cord.
 
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OpenBook

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this year we are doing the following

for co workers we are making votive candles
for family members we have made beaded ornaments.
and for friends we have cut out wooden nativity sets, and are going to paint them.

Out of the three ideas I really like the wooden Nativtiy sets.

Also your our youngest daughter we are cross stiching a Nativity set.

Thats a bit of what we are doing.

Book
 
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kingskid

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I am making little computer designed orgami envelopes and placing coffee blend samples inside to attach to my baked cookies and cakes.

The blend is easy. Instant coffee granules blended with sugar, powdered creamer and cocoa in a blender.

You then place samples within baggies and put it within your self designed envelope along with the recipe.

You can put little coffee cups on the envelope and recipe card via computer.

I am also making orgami star ornaments from paper and placing them in home made boxes.
 
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OpenBook

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pixie_dust said:
just a suggestion...u could make some personalized candles...with scents if you want to, too. it's really easy and cheap...and so definitely you!
Hi there

I am already do this because one co worker is alergic (SP) to everthing, so we are just doing colored votives for her. The rest will be sented with Christmas flavors.

I am also decorating the votive holders. I fond water transfer paper that I odered online. you print images on the paper, then spray with a clear coat protector, than dip the paper into water. Then the image slides off and you can stick them onto anything. We are sticking them to the votive holders. But I have also stuck them onto wood, and pillar candles. They work great

Book
 
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pixie_dust

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OpenBook said:
Hi there

I am already do this because one co worker is alergic (SP) to everthing, so we are just doing colored votives for her. The rest will be sented with Christmas flavors.

I am also decorating the votive holders. I fond water transfer paper that I odered online. you print images on the paper, then spray with a clear coat protector, than dip the paper into water. Then the image slides off and you can stick them onto anything. We are sticking them to the votive holders. But I have also stuck them onto wood, and pillar candles. They work great

Book
dude!!! i will still be doing those for this year....my friends love em..especially the ones i molded on an eggshell.:pink:
 
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LaurieK

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Hi! I'm doing a couple of different things for gifts, actually.

For most of our friends, I'm doing a collection of holiday sweets. (Even those who are watching their sweet consumption asked! :yum: ) For my mom and my inlaws, I am making canvas kitchen throw rugs.

My most ambitious gift, however, has to be an Altered Book (AB) that I am doing for my DH's former spouse. I did a scan for ABs in this forum, but didn't find any other posts, so if you aren't sure what they are, I'll happily share the information.

ETA: I was in a "smiley mood...."
 
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LaurieK

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MamaNeenie,

If you're talking to me, I make Buckeyes (Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls); 8-Minute Fudge (Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Butterscotch, White Chocolate); Hershey Kisses and Hugs cookies; and Christmas Mice (made with chocolate and marischino cherries). I also make homemade cocoa mix with both spoon and candy cane stirrers. Which recipe did you want? :D

Most of the recipes (especially the Buckeyes) are kid-friendly, which makes them fun activities for the whole family. I've had kids help me dipping the spoons and candy canes into chocolate and then decorate with jimmies. Of course, more are consumed than if I do it on my own, but that's half the fun.

I then decorate my own paper boxes for the appropriate observation. The templates I use are available at www(dot)ruthannzaroff(dot)com(slash). Then chose mirkwooddesigns and then choose templates.

ETA: Boy, this no URL rule is tough to do. If it doesn't work, email me, and I'll send you my active link. I can't wait until I can post a live link...
 
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Whisperingstarz

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LaurieK said:
Hi! I'm doing a couple of different things for gifts, actually.

For most of our friends, I'm doing a collection of holiday sweets. (Even those who are watching their sweet consumption asked! :yum: ) For my mom and my inlaws, I am making canvas kitchen throw rugs.

My most ambitious gift, however, has to be an Altered Book (AB) that I am doing for my DH's former spouse. I did a scan for ABs in this forum, but didn't find any other posts, so if you aren't sure what they are, I'll happily share the information.

ETA: I was in a "smiley mood...."
Hi,
What's a canvas throw rug, and would love to
find out about AB...

Hugs,
Whisper
 
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LaurieK

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Whisper,
A canvas throw rug is a fun project to do--you can even let kids help out

I start with a piece of pre-washed canvas roughly 1.5-2.0" larger on all sides than what I want the finished size to be. To hem: Turn edge under and secure with liquid nails. For the corners, cut fabric at a 45-degree angle so it will lie flat.

Prime (with Gesso) and base-coat the canvas--both sides--with interior/exterior latex paint. Dry. (You can also buy pre-primed, but it is more $$.)

To lay down the background color: prime a natural sponge first in water, then dip in latex paint and dab on.

To transfer the pattern to the canvas: Mark out the border or area where the pattern will go. Lay a piece of blue transfer paper (available at craft stores in a variety of colors) onto the canvas and cover with pattern. Trace the pattern over the paper. Don't worry about mistakes--they can be painted over.

To make the straight lines for the border, use masking tape. Lay down in desired thickness. Burnish the edges of the tape with scissors or a knife handle to prevent paint from seeping underneath.

Using a foam brush, sponge on the latex paint, layering it until the desired darkness is achieved. Remove the tape while paint is wet.

Cover front with five to six coats of protective, clear-drying polyurethane. Dry between coats. Repeat on back with two to three coats of same.
 
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LaurieK

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Whisper,

Altered books are art ANYONE can do! This liberating art recycles unwanted books as canvases to paint, collage, rubber stamp, glue, tear, etc. You do not need to have any "talents" in art, crafts, etc. One friend of mine termed this class the opportunity to "teach your hands to reveal your heart, while you teach your heart to reveal your art." In other words, ABs are about you the person and the artist.



I know some of my students initially mutter that they have no artistic or craft ability. I tell them three things at the start of class: First, you must accept that you can do it. We all have creativity inside of us. I, like the teacher in Harry Chapin's "Flowers are Red" believe that art "should be fun." And this is fun. I promise. Second, be prepared to explore your talents and imagination. You know what you like, now transform that into art which you can call your own. Third, free yourself from self limitation. Set yourself free, let your art go!


I select a book not only for what it says, but how it feels and looks. The feel of an old hardcover book with a textured and richly colored cover with a loose binding is extremely sensual. I love the way the corners show wear, presenting layers of the cover for you to leer at.

I prefer to work with hardcover books with a relaxed binding that allows the book to open fully. Consider selecting a book based on a specific theme that you would like to work with. For example, if you want to create a book about nature - look for a gardening book. Or a book of poetry when the theme is love.


From there, the process is up to you. I generally start with the cover--either painting or papering it, and then begin on the interior pages.

 
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Whisperingstarz

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LaurieK said:
Whisper,

I know some of my students initially mutter that they have no artistic or craft ability. I tell them three things at the start of class: First, you must accept that you can do it. We all have creativity inside of us. I, like the teacher in Harry Chapin's "Flowers are Red" believe that art "should be fun." And this is fun. I promise. Second, be prepared to explore your talents and imagination. You know what you like, now transform that into art which you can call your own. Third, free yourself from self limitation. Set yourself free, let your art go!.

A canvas throw rug is a fun project to do--you can even let kids help out

I start with a piece of pre-washed canvas roughly 1.5-2.0" larger on all sides than what I want the finished size to be. To hem: Turn edge under and secure with liquid nails. For the corners, cut fabric at a 45-degree angle so it will lie flat.
Ahhhhh thanks.. But I don't have any natural creativity.. I need to follow.. I can follow instructions and things turn out great.. To make up something is a disaster. I have great admiration for artists, designers, craftsmen and crafters. LOL I know my limitations, and I work with them.
Also, it's hard for me to do some things since I am bedbound and can't so some of the things I would like. :)

Thanks so much for your wonderful descriptions.. You are a peach.:hug: Got any ideas of things for gifts that I can do from my bed? Any imput would be great....

Whisper
 
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LaurieK

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Whisper,
It depends on what type of gifts you are making.


For a holiday craft festival, I'm making up a bunch of pieces from the MirkWood Design page (www[dot]ruthannzaroff[dot]com[slash]. Then chose mirkwooddesigns and then choose templates): the wine glass lampshades; the cards, envelopes, and card holders; the ATC envelope (great for gift cards!); and the money holders.

All are things you can do in bed. I have done ABs in bed, as well as composition books.

You can also do beaded ornaments (sort the beads into a muffin tin--they're easier to handle in bed that way).

Feel free to email me directly at my AOL account: ElfKunkel.

BB,
Laurie
 
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