Thursday, December 18, 2008

Cinnamon Cookie Christmas Ornaments

This will be the fourth Christmas since I have planned on making cinnamon Christmas ornaments with Bill. I wanted to do it the first Christmas, that way every year we could hang ornaments we made together on our tree. Unfortunately, that year we did not find the time. Nor did we the year after that...or the year after that. Of course, we did not necessarily have Christmas trees those years, either. So here we are 3 years into our marriage, celebrating our fourth Christmas together and we finally did it! And we used the very cookie cutters I bought way back when for this very purpose. So, given enough time, everything will be achieved, I guess.

We made santa clauses, Christmas trees, stars, snowmen, and gingerbread men. They smell fantastic and turned out fine.

We used the following recipe:
1 cup cinnamon
1/4 cup applesauce
1/2 cup glue
Form the dough, roll into a ball and allow to sit for one hour before making into cookies.
Working with a quarter of the dough at a time, roll dough out flat using a rolling pin until the dough is 1/4-inch thick. Then cut using a knife or cookie cutter. Use a straw to make holes for hanging.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Place cookies on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper. Heat for 2 hours, flipping once.
We found that the ornaments started to turn up at the edges, so we placed parchment paper and another cookie sheet on top to help keep them flat. Then once they came out of the oven, we placed some objects on the top cookie sheet to add pressure and make them lie flat. Only one ended up being a little uneven.

We carved our initials and the date into some of the cookies, as well.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

I spent some time playing with the Make-a-Flake website. It's fun practice if you plan to cut your own for Christmas. Mine are not nearly as good as my sister's, but I tried.
Collage created on Picnik.com, Snowflakes made on Make-a-flake website.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Happy Birthday Cole and Lillie!



Cole and Lillie turned one today!
Happy birthday, Cole and Lillie!



The birthday boy and girl at age one.


This is what they got for their birthday.


Cole Bear playing with Lillie's new toy.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

The Valances Are Finished! They Are So Cute!

I spent Thursday through Sunday at my parent's house. The goal: make the valances for the living room. Mom did all the machine sewing. I have to admit I am not a good sewer, don't have that much experience, and am a little scared of the mess I can create with a sewing machine. Besides, working with layers of drapery fabric is not easy! Add to that another layer of piping and you have got one very difficult piece to sew. So, thanks so much Mom for doing the dirty work. I did have a role in the completion of the valances, though. I did the hand stitching of the rod pockets, which made the valances look so much better than the machine would have done (and gave the machine a break). Anyway, Bill and I hung the rods and valances last night and I am so pleased with them.
Here you can see the valances in context with the room and decor.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Meet Lillie!

Tiger Lillie: the independent thinker
Breed: Papillon
Birthdate: 12/11/07
Weight: 8 lbs.
Likes: Balls, biting hair, ice, food, and pigs ears
Dislikes: Snuggling, getting in trouble, baths, and wind
Favorite Trick: Shake (AKA "paw")

Meet Cole!

Cole Bear: the little lover
Breed: Papillon
Birthdate: 12/11/07
Weight: 8 lbs.
Likes: Barking, soft fabric, Nylabones, cats, treats, and cuddling
Dislikes: Baths, yelling, the cold, and being alone
Special Ability: To make anyone love him

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Firewood Carrier

I made a firewood carrier following instructions from marthastewart.com.
It has already become so handy. Instead of making multiple trips to carry several logs and
fatwood from the outside pile to the living room, the carrier makes it possible in one short trip. I made mine from a pretty piece of canvas that matches our living room.

Here's how to make your own:

Materials:

  • 2/3 yards of 45-inches wide canvas (22- X 42-inch)
  • 30-inches rope
  • 4 grommets and eyelets
  • Grommet tool
  • Hammer

Directions:
  • Cut the fabric to 22 by 42 inches.
  • Fold the long sides over 1 inch, and then fold them over again to create a 1-inch double
  • Press, pin, and sew.
  • Fold the short ends over 1.5 inches, and then fold them over again creating a 1.5-inch double hem.
  • Press, pin, and sew.
  • Measure and mark 4.5 inches from the corners on the short ends.
  • Make small holes where you have placed marks.
  • Insert a grommet on one side and align the eyelet on the other side.
  • Using the grommet tool and a hammer, install the grommets/eyelets.
  • Repeat for all 4 grommets.
  • To reinforce the knots in the rope, install washers between the grommet and rope knot.
  • Cut the 30-inch piece of rope in half.
  • Insert rope into each grommet and tie a knot.
  • Repeat for all 4 ends.