Beautiful Christmas Gift Cards

I love the designs by Graphic 45, and would love to share this video link with you. I think you'll agree, it's a gorgeous design! Wouldn't it be fun to tuck a gift card for that "hard to buy person" on your list into a card like this? They could save the card to use as a Christmas decoration each year. Check out the video to make it at:  Graphic 45 card

I believe this line is called "Nutcracker Sweet."

You could tuck a photo of the grandkids with Santa in the pocket--behind that little decorated Christmas tree--and grandma and grandpa wouldn't need or want anything else!

Graphic 45 makes the project coordinate so beautifully.

The designs above and below are by a designer named Gloria. You can see  Gloria's beautiful designs here.

The box above is an 8 x 8 inch box she is going to use to present some homemade cookies or fudge to a friend. Notice the "foody" words on the red paper. Again, this is another gift that would go on living at my house. It would make a fun holder for a small scrapbook album of the kids Christmas' over the years.

Gloria even made a card just for the Rudolph lovers!

I think I'm headed off to my craft room to see what I can put together.

Till next time, Christmas blessings to you and yours,

Mary

Rudy Day Fun

Happy November Rudolph day, friends!

My friend Sandra and I decided to have a little crafty fun and make some Christmas cards. We're not sure if we're going to keep them for our own decorations or mail them out!

We made 2 identical cards, one to keep for ourself and one to share. This was a kit I bought from QVC...it's by Anna Griffin, who can do no wrong.

The designs included plain cards and envelopes, background papers, the designs such as Stocking, santa, snowman, etc, stickers and some of the ribbons. I had a few ribbons of my own to include, such as the red/green plaid. Also included are the verses written on inserts for the inside of the card.

They're very easy and fun to do. All you need to add is the tape runner.

There's our boy, Rudy! Smack in the middle of all the fun. It was a fun activity to share with my friend Sandra (on the right, in the black/ivory/gold sweater). That's me on the left in the red sweater, in my craft room.

We had a chicken salad lunch and spent the day together. Next time let's put on the Christmas music, ok Sandra?!

Please also read my previous post for a give away.

'Till next time, may all your days be merry and bright!

Mary

Give-Away

I cleaned out the drawer where I keep my Christmas books and magazines, and I discovered a few duplicates which I would like to give away.

The first give-away consists of 2 magazines: the November-December 2010 issue of Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade (I miss that magazine, do you?). It has about 60 recipes, from cocktails, appetizers, mains, sides, and of course, sweets. And of course, it has the gorgeous photos and time-saving tips Sandra is known for. The second magazine is the November-December 2009 issue of Southern Lady magazine. It only has about 18 recipes, but I think you'll agree the beautiful ads in the magazine are even fun. There are several tablescapes featured, including a darling one set for the children.

The second give-away is the book "The Farm Chicks Christmas." If you love vintage 1950's, you'll really enjoy this book. Serena Thompson--perhaps you remember her from Country Living magazine--takes you to her home decorated for Christmas and the homes of 3 of her friends. While she does include some recipes, this is not a cookbook. I guess they call it a "lifestyle" book. It has vintage decorating and craft ideas. I've included a few photos below to show you some interior pages.

If you would like to be included in the drawing for these 2 give-aways, you need to do 2 things: leave me a comment and tell me about one of your favorite Christmas blogs or websites (mine and yours excluded!) and leave me your email address.

I'll leave the give-away open for comments until December 1, so spread the word.

I'll have another post for November "Rudy Day" Saturday or Sunday. Thanks for stopping by, and may you and yours be blessed this Christmas season.

Till next time!
Mary

Christmas Baking

I'm thinking ahead to one of my favorite Christmas activities---

baking cookies. I'd like to try a few different things this year:

Cookies:

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

Something chocolatey

Cranberry White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Spritz Cookies (with red or green sprinkles)

Candies:

Creamy Mocha Fudge and

Peppermint Bark

Homemade Peppermint Bark
Ingredients/Tools:

• 6 ounces of semi sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 6 ounces of white chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
• 9" baking sheet
• aluminum foil

Directions:

1. Line the bottom and sides of your baking sheet with foil; smooth out any wrinkles
2. Melt the semi sweet chocolate and 1 teaspoon of the oil in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.
3. Immediately pour the melted chocolate into the prepared pan; spread the chocolate out with a spatula (or tilt the pan) to even it out after pouring it onto the pan.
4. Place the pan into the fridge for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has set.
5. Next, melt the white chocolate and remaining 1 teaspoon of oil, as you did with the semi sweet chocolate.
6. Immediately pour the white chocolate over the set, semi sweet chocolate, and spread it out evenly.
7. Sprinkle the crushed candy cane evenly over top of the white chocolate. 
8. Place the pan back into the fridge for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
9. Once set, you can remove the bark from the pan by lifting the foil.
10. Break the bark into small, irregular pieces.  The bark can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge up to 2 weeks; makes 25 pieces.

Till next time, Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Mary