Origami Cross – Easter Cross Craft

Easter Cross Craft

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Origami Cross  #cross #Easter #origami www.grandparentsplus.com

Origami Cross
#Easter #cross #origami
www.grandparentsplus.com

While this is classified as an “Easter art project”, this Origami Cross Craft has real meaning. Easter is not about the bunnies, chickens, eggs, and candy. All those things are fun, but Easter is really about Jesus paying our debt on the cross.

Doing this craft will give you lots of time to talk about the real meaning of Easter with your child. 

Now, on to the tutorial…..

If your child can fold paper, they can do this project. If they have difficulty folding the paper, an adult can pre-fold the paper for them and they can assemble the pieces from that point.  Start with either 3 inch square post-it notes or cut paper into 3 inch squares.  Actually, post-it notes work great and save you the work of cutting , but they are more expensive. Use neon copy paper or post-it notes for a punch of color.  Construction paper is too thick for folding so use it only for the background.

Step 1

Fold the paper in half.

Step 1  Triangle Fold #sticky note #post-it note #origami art     www.grandparentsplus.com

Triangle fold with 3 inch paper square or post-it notes. #origami #cross #Easter www.grandparentsplus.com

Step 2

Fold the paper to form a V  by folding one corner of the folded top to the half way point and the same with the other corner. See picture….

Easter Cross - Step 2  #origami #Easter #kid art     www.grandparentsplus.com

Origami Fold
Step 2
#origami #Easter #post-it note www.grandparentsplus.com

Step 3

Fold background paper both horizontally into 1/3rd  and vertically in half. This gives you a lightly creased line to follow and place the folded pieces.

Orgami Cross #Easter #origami #Art   www.grandparentsplus.com

 

Easter Cross #Easter #Cross #Origami  www.grandparentsplus.com

Step 4

In the center, place 4 of the origami folded papers with the points touching to form a square.

Origami Cross #Easter #cross #origami     www.grandparetntsplus.com

Starting point …. 4 pieces with triangle points touching on the creased intersection point.

 

Step 5

Place other folded papers slightly inside the previous one working out in each direction to form a cross.

Origami Cross #cross #easter #origami    www.grandparentsplus.com

Place 4 triangle folds in the middle with the tip of the triangles in line with the lightly creased lines. #Easter #cross #origami www.grandparentsplus.com

Easy, isn’t it?  Any size square of paper works, but you need  a consistent size for this cross. Smaller squares make a lovely 3-D Easter card. The small squares are harder to fold, however.

 

Display your Easter Cross Craft to remind you what Easter is really about!

Jesus, God’s Son, came to pay for our sins on the cross. He conquered death and rose again. We have the choice to accept Jesus as our Savior, and receive the gift of salvation, choosing to live for Him each day. What a precious gift – the promise of eternal life with Him!

Celebrate the gift of salvation this Easter!

He is Risen!

Phyllis

 

I invite you to subscribe to future posts!

Follow on Bloglovin and Pinterest, too!

 

 

 

Post linked to the following parties…..

 

Posted in Art Project, Crafts, Easter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Spring Wall Hanging

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Colorful Spring Wall Hanging #DIY Spring # Craft # Spring

Welcome Spring with a colorful wall hanging! #Craft #Spring #Wall Hanging

After a long winter, it is time to think Spring!

It won’t be long before the northern USA will

 see the bare ground. (at least I hope!)

Time for a little Spring DIY craft idea to help

shorten the look of winter that is left and give a glimpse of what is to come!

Make this decorative DIY Spring wall hanging as big or small as you like.

Simply find an appropriate sized curvy branch and hang your creative

Spring-time items at varying lengths.

 

Items Needed:

Branch – leave natural color or spray paint

Scrapbooking paper or other patterned and colored paper

Cut-outs (foam or paper) or various Dollar Store items

Glue

Scissors

Yarn or Ribbon

Colorful Muffin Liners

Variety of stickers or embellishments (optional)

 

This mobile was made by my friend, Vicki, who has allowed me to feature it. She included various sizes of pinwheels, kites, paper flowers, butterflies and birds.

Use handmade items or use several Spring things found at the Dollar Tree,too! They have eggs, foam flowers, birds, butterflies, etc. that work well for this project. Not everything needs to be handmade.

 

spring mobile 2

Colorful Spring items hand from colorful ribbon or yarn.  # mobile #DIY Spring decor # Spring

Add pinwheels, butterflies, flowers, kites, etc. and hang from ribbon or yarn in varying lengths.

 

Colorful folded paper flowers were made from a tutorial found at Origami Instructions.I like that you are able to do this without a special machine. Paper flowers made from cupcake liners are explained at intimateweddings.

A simple tutorial for the pinwheels is found at WendyShat. Pinwheels are easy for elementary kids to make so get your kids or grandkids involved.

Cupcake liner flower! #cupcake liner flower #crafts #Spring

Flower made from cupcake liners.

 

Butterflies that kids make from coffee filters work, too!

Putting all these ideas together makes for an interesting look!

This project is easy to do and easy on the budget!

It is nice that many of the materials needed are quite inexpensive and probably kept on hand for many crafts. 

Take off on this idea and design a meaningful Easter wall hanging with a cross, dove, empty tomb, Easter lily, lamb, butterflies, and foam Easter eggs. This idea is great for church groups. 

Another idea is making one with Easter eggs, chicks, bunnies, flowers, and lambs – perhaps a fun project for Girl Scouts!

The possibilities are endless.

Have fun and Happy Spring!

Many thanks to Vicki for letting me share her creation!

Vicki has started a non-profit organization for helping families whose babies die before, during or shortly after birth. Check it out on www.evansembrace.org

Thanks,

Phyllis 

Subscribe to future posts on the sidebar.

Follow on Pinterest, Facebook and Bloglovin!

 

Linked to the following linky parties….

 

Posted in Crafts, Easter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Almond Rusks (Biscotti)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Almond Rusks go with coffee or tea! A great morning or afternoon treat! grandparentsplus.com #rusks # almond #recipe #snacks #biscotti

Almond Rusks have a nutty almond flavoring that is great with a cup of coffee! Enjoy!

 A delightful nutty almond flavor makes these rusks or biscotti a wonderful combination with a cup of tea or coffee!

This recipe has been a family favorite for 3 generations. My mom used to make this and keep on hand for someone stopping by. (People don’t seem to do that anymore, do they?) Well, you don’t need to have company to enjoy these almond rusks or biscotti! I love it in the morning with flavored cream cheese or butter, but if you’re a coffee “dunker”, you’ll enjoy this just plain! This recipe is so easy to put together and it makes a lot!

I’ve seen these called “Swedish” Almond Rusks. The Swedes may try to claim them, but everyone loves these biscotti-like rusks.

Almond Rusks

1 cup butter

1  3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

2  1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 cup sour cream

1 tsp. baking soda

5 cups flour

1  1/2 cups sliced almonds

 

Directions

Mix sugar and butter together and add eggs, sour cream, almond extract, flour and baking soda.

Mix well.

Add almonds and mix by hand.

Make 3 long rolls (approx 3 inches wide) and place on two un-greased cookie sheets.

Almond Rusks  grandparentsplus.com #recipe #rusks #almond #biscotti

Make long rolls.

Bake approx. 45 minutes at 300 degree oven. When light brown, remove and cut into angled 3/4 inch slices. Place slices on their sides on same cookie sheets.

Almond Rusks  grandparentsplus.com #almond #rusks  #recipe  #biscotti

Slice and bake at 300 degrees (turning over once) until lightly brown and crisp.

Put back into 300 degree oven until very light brown on bottom. Turn over and lightly brown the other side.  (approx 30 minutes total). Remove rusks from oven when they feel crisp.

Now, just invite someone over for coffee to enjoy them with you!

These freeze well so you can keep them on hand.

The trouble is that they need no defrosting before you can enjoy them so you can often steal just one!

Nutella goes well with them, too, if you’re craving a little chocolate!

Anyone made these before? Is your recipe a little different?

Enjoy!

                                                                 Phyllis

 

This post is linked to the following parties…..

 

Posted in Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Link Parties

Here are the sites where I link my posts…..Text links follow the buttons.

Monday:

Monday Funday Creating Really Awesome Free Things

Made by you Monday Craft-O-Maniac Monday Link Up i should be mopping the floor Boogieboard Cottage Sumo's Sweet Stuff     Pin It Monday Hop          Sweet Sharing Monday Link Party        newmarvelousmondays button
       Pin It
   Recipes and Ramblins with the Tumbleweed Contessa     apinchofjoy.com

 

    

MakingMondayLinkPartyButton

big inspiration monday
      
motivation-monday-icon   

    Inspire Me Tuesday

 

 

 

Tuesday:

Tip Junkie Link Up Coastal Charm      Hope Studios     My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia SpringFlingButton                   My Button!                       Our DelightfulHome          The Recipe Critic    Project Inspired Party Button October 2013

Awesome Things Tuesday

       

Wednesday:

Ginger Snap Crafts Handy Man Crafty Woman My Girlish Whims The Life of Jennifer Dawn   Whatcha Work-up Wednesday #17    Wordless Wednesday   Your Creative Timeout Linky Party Button     Ivy and Elephants   Fluster Buster   

     Whip It Up Wednesday Handmade Linky Party

www.savvysouthernstyle.net       

thewildernesswife.com  

Centerpiece Wednesdays Button

   

     The Well Crafted Home       Wednesdays @ 7pm CST:

   Whimsy Wednesday

    inspiration-exchange-image-11

Thursday:

A Glimpse Inside

Beyond the Picket Fence From My Front Porch To Yours   A Fun Thursday Pinterest Power linky Party with recipes and crafts Consider Me Inspired livelaughlinky 250x250     Domesblissity

  The Weekly Creative

   

http://www.littlehouseoffour.blogspot.com

http://www.craftystaci.com

http://www.classicalhomemaking.com

http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/

http://uncommonsliceofsuburbia.com

http://mamaldiane.com/

http://mommasangelbaby.com/

http://www.astrollthrulife.net/

http://www.kathewithane.com/

http://www.nap-timecreations.com/

http://www.therecipecritic.com

http://ladybug-blessings.com/

http://simplydreamandcreate/

http://mariaelenasdecor.blogspot.com/

http://www.thecraftyblogstalker.com/

http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/

http://cupcakesandcrinoline.com/

http://www.notjustahousewife.net/

http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/

http://www.memoriesbythemile.com

http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/

http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/

http://www.thenewmrsadventures.blogspot.com/

http://abowlfulloflemons.blogspot.com/

http://www.houseontheway.com

http://www.stonecottageadventures.com

http://funkypolkadotgiraffe.blogspot.com

http://www.town-n-countryliving.com

http://vintagezest.com

http://www.twolittlecavaliers.com

http://www.cravingsomecreativity.com

http://www.thenewmrsadventures.blogspot.com

http://www.lorisculinarycreations.com/

http://www.parentingandhomeschoolinginfaith.com

http://www.mylifeoftravelsandadventure.com

http://www.posedperfection/com

 

Wednesday

http://www.grandmaideas.com

http://www.ducksnarow.com/

http://www.flusterbuster.com/

http://www.hopeineveryseason.com/

http://www.werefarfromnormal.com

http://thenymelrosefamily.com/

http://www.madetobeamomma.com/

http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/

http://www.adornedfromabove.com/

http://gingersnapcrafts.blogspot.com/

http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/

http://www.craftyallieblog.com

http://www.mygirlishwhims.blogspot.com/

http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/

http://somedaycrafts.blogspot.com/

http://www.thethriftyhome.com/

http://www.cozycountryliving.com/

http://theblissfulbee.com/

http://www.adelightsomelife.com

http://www.uncookiecutter.com

 

Thursday

http://www.grammietime2.blogspot.com

http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com

http://www.ithappensinablink.com

http://www.thefabjourney.com

http://www.beyondthepicketfence.blogspot.com

http://domesblissity. blogspot.com/

http://igottacreate.blogspot.com/

http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/

http://www.mizhelenscountycottage.com

http://www.allthingswithpurpose.com/

http://www.katherinescorner.com/

http://www.jugglingactmama.com/

http://www.chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com

http://www.graceandgoodeats.com

http://www.craftberrybush.com

http://www.commonground-do.com

http://www.too-much-time.com

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/

http://www.gingerlymade.com/

http://www.livelaughrowe.com

http://www.lambertslately.com/

http://www.seven-alive.com/

http://www.alifeinbalance.net

http://organized31.com/

http://www.aglimpseinsideblog.com/

http://bloomdesignsonline.com/

http://www.modvintagelife

http://www.lifewithlorelai.com

http://www.marigoldsloft.com

http://www.allfortheboys.com

 

http://www.thefamilyfunspot.com/

http://www.vintagefarmhouse.com

http://www.wondermomwannabe.com/

http://www.artsyfartsymama.com/

http://www.milaslittlethings.com

http://www.littleredbrickhouse.com/

http://www.designertrappped.com/

http://www.oakhillhomestead.com/

http://www.rufflesandrainboots.com

http://www.shabbyartboutique.com

http://www.tornadoughalli.com

 

Friday

http://www.myflagstaffhome.com

http://www.nancherrow.com/

http://answerischocolate.blogspot.com/

http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/

http://www.contentemeant.blogspot.com/

http://happyandblessedhome.com/

http://adashofsanity.com

http://redoux.blogspot.com/

http://www.365ishpins.com/

http://www.craftdictator.com/

http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com

http://www.iheartnaptime.net/

http://tatertotsandjello.com/

http://todayscreativeblog.net/

http://allourdays.com/

http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/

http://shabbynest.blogspot.com/

http://thejennyevolution.com/  

http://www.rchreviews.blogspot.com

http://www.craftsalamode.com/

http://www.365ishpinterest.com/

http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/

http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/

http://www.shakentogetherlife.com/

http://thebestblogrecipes.com/

http://stayingclosetohome.com

http://www.gingerlymade.com

http://lizmarieblog.com/

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://www.serenitynowblog.com/

http://www.dearcreatives.com/

http://www.dianarambles.com/

http://www.justusfourblog.com/

http://www.myturnforus.com

http://www.rufflesandrainboots.com/

http://www.mypersonalaccent.com/

http://diy-vintage-chic.blogspot.com/

http://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/

http://livinthemomlife.com/

http://lizmarieblog.com

http://www.rhcreviews.blogspot.com

http://cityofcreativedreams.blogspot.com

http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com

http://www.howsweetthesound.typepad.com

http://www.theevolutionofmom.com

http://www.olives-n-okra.com

http://www.shabbyartboutique.com

http://www.simplysweethome.com

http://www.atrayofbliss.blogspot.com

 

Saturday

http://www.mysnippetsofinspiration.com

http://redcrowgreencrow.wordpress.com/

http://www.raisingmemories.com/

http://angelshomestead.blogspot.com/

http://www.funkyjunkinteriors.net/

http://www.sewliciousdecor.com

http://www.beautythroughimperfection.com/

http://www.thefreshmancook.com

http://www.reasontoskipthehousework.com

http://www.thesitsgirls.com

http://www.funmoneymom.com

http://www.madefrompinterest.net/

http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/

http://www.piecedpastimes.blogspot.com

http://bowdabrablog.com

http://scrapality.com/

 

Sunday

http://creativejewishmom.com/

http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/

http://www.flamingotoes.com/

http://lambaround.blogspot.com/

http://www.pinkwhen.com/

http://whoneedsacape.com/

http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/

http://www.funmoneymom.com/

http://www.onemoretimeevents.com/

http://www.lifeonlakeshoredrive.com

http://www.twiggstudios.com

http://thevelvetmoonbaker.blogspot.ie/

http://www.titicrafty.com/

http://2crochethooks.com/

http://www.findingsilverpennies.com

Posted in Link Parties | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Quick “Triple” Red Velvet Valentine Cake

Triple Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Great Valentine’s Recipe!

Looking for an easy, quick, wonderful

dessert? This

recipe is perfect! It is moist, keeps well,

and if you have

anything left, it freezes well!

This recipe is a take-off of my standby

cake called

“Triple Chocolate Cake”.

The original recipe goes like this….

1 package of Devil’s Food Cake

1 (4 serv.) package of instant chocolate pudding

12 oz. package chocolate chips

1  and 3/4 cup of milk

2 eggs

For the Red Velvet Valentine Cake, I used……

Triple Red Velvet Bundt Cake

Moist, delicious Triple Red Velvet Bundt Cake for Valentines!

1 package of Red Velvet Cake Mix

1 (4 servings) package of instant choc. pudding

8 – 12 oz. of Cherry Chips (I use less of the Cherry Chips as they seem sweeter or use a mix of cherry & chocolate)

1 and 3/4 cup of milk ( I mixed in some cherry juice with the milk)

2 eggs

Throw all ingredients together and mix for 2 minutes

Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan.

Bake 350 degrees 50-55 minutes.

Do not overbake

Remove from oven and cool 15 minutes in bundt pan ( When it says 15 minutes, that’s the magic time! I set the timer.)

Put plate on top of bundt pan and invert. Cake should come out cleanly.

No frosting needed; just a dusting of powdered sugar.

This cake keeps and freezes very well!

Serve with ice cream!

Triple Red Velvet Bundt Cake for Valentines

Quick, easy, rich, delicious with ice cream!

 

I keep these ingredients on hand and ready to make

when needed! Try the Triple Chocolate one, too!

Love you hear your comments!

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://wp.me/p2kxxE-xj

It's a Hodgepodge Friday~#49 Blissful and Domestic

Too Much Time On My HandsPhotobucket I Heart Nap Timesunday_button_feat mop it up mondays

sumo's Sweet Stuff

Monday Funday Creating Really Awesome Free Things Skip To My Lou

 

 

Posted in Recipes, Valentines | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

About Us

My blog is from my experience as an elementary teacher, children’s pastor, mother of 3 , and grandmother (Oma) of 7! The ideas that I share have three requirements: inexpensive, fun to do and look good! All parents, grandparents. teachers or anyone that works with kids certainly needs lots of ideas for crafts, games, and kid-friendly recipes. I hope the ideas I post are helpful and fun!

Along with having great times with grandkids, I like to decorate, cook and entertain. You will see posts that are along this line as well. Sorry, I just can’t stick to one subject. When I find something interesting, I enjoy sharing it. I like variety, don’t you?

How I got started doing this blog:

Each summer, my husband and I have held an” Oma and Opa” Camp for the grandchildren (age 4 and up). The purpose is to have a special time with them where we just have lots of fun activities, laughs and enjoy being together. It is also an opportunity to bond and form friendships with their cousins. We find that having them with just ourselves is quite different from when their parents are around. It is fun to see them become independent, responsible and helpful with what they have learned from home. At the beginning of the 4 day camp, we talk about expectations ( the teacher in me) and what they will be doing. They are so excited and look forward to coming each year. Last year, Kyle, age 4, told his mom that he had waited for Oma and Opa Camp all year!

I  build around a theme and plan activities, crafts, food, games, and Bible stories that relate to it in some way. During camp, I take lots of pictures and after camp is over, I create a photo memory book of all the memories from Oma and Opa Camp. They love these books and look at them over and over.

Many people encouraged me to share these ideas online and so I started to do just that.

I hope you’ll find some interesting things to cook, plan, create or just have a little fun with your family!

Phyllis (Oma)

(By the way, “Oma and Opa” is Dutch for Grandma and Grandpa)

Posted in About Us | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Eggs Ortega – Breakfast Casserole!

I love this easy “no-bread” breakfast casserole!!

I have a refrigerator that does not have a lot of space! UGH! When entertaining, (especially holidays) I often don’t have room to have overnight egg bakes taking up room in the frig  (especially if I need two breakfast casseroles). Well, this is a quick breakfast casserole easily put together in the morning! Also, it doesn’t have all that bread! When you put it together, you wonder how it possibly can turn out! Not only is it so-o-o good, but it is lower on carbs and calories than most breakfast casseroles. If you happen to have leftovers, it freezes well, too! Just pop a piece in the microwave for a quick breakfast. 

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

 

Eggs Ortega

Ingredients

8 oz. evaporated milk  (I’ve used skim evap. milk,too)

12 eggs beaten with 1/2 tsp. salt

2 small 4 oz. cans chopped green chiles (mild or hot – your preference)

1 lb. shredded Jack Cheese ( I’ve used low-fat Jack Cheese, too)

1/4 cup flour

Directions:

In separate bowl, beat evaporated milk with 12 eggs and salt

In greased 9 x 13 pan, Alternate and layer 1/2 of  flour (1/8 cup), cheese, chiles

and repeat with second layer just the same.


Pour on egg mixture

Now bake at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes or until set.

Let sit for 5 -10 minutes (It will deflate a little)

Cut into squares and serve with salsa.

Every time I have served this recipe, my guests have always asked for the recipe!

You can make this as spicy as you like by using the “hot” green chiles along with “hot” salsa.

Remember to freeze the left-overs, if there are any!

Enjoy!

Be sure to subscribe to grandparentsplus!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Main Dishes, Recipes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

24 Christmas Table Settings

This is a little deviation from my normal posts, but I wanted to share the beautiful and creative place settings that were at our women’s event at church! Each woman decorated and set a table with a theme of their choosing. The whole room was  a Christmas wonderland! Hope these pictures might give you some ideas. I couldn’t cut out some of the room background. Hope you understand!


Red & White Table Theme

 

In between the red balls is cellophane lit with submersible LED lights.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I included the sled used on my coffee table! Last year this was my centerpiece with red dishes and red sleds as napkin rings.

All the decorations become unimportant in light of the real reason for Christmas. I’ve included a cute version of I Corinthians 13.


1ST CORINTHIANS 13

CHRISTMAS STYLE
 

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, 
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, 
but do not show love to my family, 
I’m just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, 
baking dozens of Christmas cookies, 
preparing gourmet meals 
and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, 
but do not show love to my family,
I’m just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, 
carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, 
but do not show love to my family, 
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, 
attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata 
but do not focus on Christ, 
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn’t envy another’s home 
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn’t yell at the kids to get out of the way.

Love doesn’t give only to those 
who are able to give in return 
but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.

Love bears all things, 
believes all things, 
hopes all things,
endures all things.

Love never fails. 
Video games will break, 
pearl necklaces will be lost, 
golf clubs will rust. 
But giving the gift of love will endure.

Which one was your favorite?

I didn’t have just one favorite as I loved them all!

Merry Christmas!

 

Posted in Christmas, Holidays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Making Snow!

Attention mothers of kids in diapers! You have immediate access to all the materials needed for making snow! 

However, if you’re my age, you need to buy a couple of diapers from someone with a young child. I am writing this as I listen to the weather man and hear him predict snow for tomorrow. That kind of snow looks pretty outside, but this snow looks great inside and stays for a long time! It is less messy and looks very real.

Directions

Simply take a diaper and remove the outside covering.

Put the inside white material into a plastic bag. Just add water ( it can take quite a bit of water)  Kneed it so the water goes throughout the white material and let it absorb. It doesn’t take long.


. Place “snow” on wreaths, bows, or arrange around a candle. Be careful  and don’t place it directly on wood as it contains moisture! After it has dried out, simply put back into a plastic bag, add water,  and it will be like new again.

When the snow dries out, it still looks fine so I leave it. When the decorations come down, I pick off the dried snow, put in a plastic bag, add water and place it in the freezer for next year. Otherwise, discard the used material and simply start over next year! Simple, isn’t it?

One precaution:

Do not place “snow” on wood. The water in the material will leave a water mark on certain surfaces.

Here’s hoping you have a “white” Christmas!

Be sure to follow me on Pinterest and sign up for notifications on new posts.

 

Posted in Christmas, Holidays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

DIY Napkin Rings

DIY Napkin Rings

Easy and inexpensive to make! #napkin rings #napkin #holiday

One of my favorite things at holiday time 

 is setting a beautiful table.  I have a love of dishes (inherited from my mom) and have several sets.  It is fun to use them and coordinate the table setting with the occasion. With each table-setting, I like to use napkin rings. They can get expensive when you multiply times eight-twelve settings.

The following ideas give you a great look for your table, are inexpensive and take very little time to do! I’ll share just a few …..

Supplies Needed:

Cardboard Tubes

Tacky Glue

Wire-edged ribbon

Scissors

Bows, trims, or other decorations to use on your napkin ring

Paper Clips

  Supplies

Directions:

Choose a wire-edged patterned or plain ribbon. The wire-edges give a nice finished look and curves around the cardboard tube easily. I purchased my ribbon at Dollar Store. There are so many ribbons to choose from that will give a great look.

Just be sure it is the width that you prefer.

1. Cut the cardboard a tiny(and I mean tiny) bit shorter than the width of the ribbon.

2. Cut a length of ribbon about  1/4″ longer than needed to go around.

3. Put glue on both of the outside edges of cardboard tube.

4. Wrap the ribbon around the tube. Overlap the ends of the ribbon and glue in place. To hold it until dry, use paper clips.

5. When dry, add the details or leave it plain.

Here are some examples:

This one needed nothing extra because of the design on the ribbon! This ribbon was $1.00 for the entire roll at the Dollar Tree! For a $1.00, I made all the napkin rings needed!

Pretty easy, right?

Same with this one!

It looks nice with my Lenox china!

.

The next one needed something extra.  I tried three different variations.  I felt it needed a band across it, so I glued a band of felt as I didn’t have a plain ribbon. Then I put the little gingerbread man cut-out on top of it. This will be cute with a gingerbread table theme.


 Another variation…. a snowflake!

And another….  holly!

The original leaves were too large for this napkin ring.

I  cut down the silk leaves in size and glued a small bit of berries on top.

Sometimes I like to use an ornament as a napkin ring.

I found these ornaments on sale at 90% off last January for $.20 each! Such a deal!

I will use them with a gold, green and red table!

Along with ornaments, I also look for floral picks that I can twist and use as a napkin ring.

The Dollar Store is a good place for inexpensive ones.

You see, the possibilities are endless! All of these ideas are so easy and quick to do!

Just save those paper towel and toilet paper rolls and you’ll have lots of napkin rings! Look for items at the after Christmas sales, too, for next year!

What unique creations will you make?

I’d love to see them!

Have fun setting a beautiful table!

P.S. This is not just for Christmas. This idea is useable all year-long for any occasion….birthdays, weddings, Valentine’s, Easter and so on…..

I appreciate your time and comments!

Phyllis (Oma)

This post is linked to the following parties…….

thrifty101

 

Posted in Christmas, Crafts, Holidays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments