Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad

This Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad recipe is from my mom. She made it when entertaining large groups and family Sunday dinners when I was young.  It became a hit with everyone and today, it is still requested.

Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad grandparentsplus.com

It is quick and easy to put together. This recipe uses canned pineapple and mandarin oranges  (grapes, blueberries, too, if desired) so it is less expensive per fruit serving for a large group.

I grew up with my mom making a big Sunday noon dinner each week after church. (Not many do this today.) Everything was in the oven before we left for church. We often had company and Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad was a favorite. There used to be a Jello product called “Orange Tapioca” and I think she got the recipe off the box. I loved it so much back then that now I make it with the regular tapioca pudding, but add fruit juice instead of water to make it taste similar to the original recipe.

 

Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad

Ingredients

  • 1- 3 oz box of "Cook & Serve" vanilla pudding
  • 1-3 oz box of "Cook & Serve" tapioca pudding
  • 3 cups of orange juice (or orange and pineapple or any combination along with at least 1/2 of it orange juice)
  • Large can (15 oz.) of Mandarin Oranges - drained
  • Large can (20 oz.) of Pineapple Chunks (in its own juice) - drained
  • Red Grapes (optional) cut in half

Instructions

  1. In saucepan, combine the dry vanilla pudding and tapioca pudding with 3 cups of orange juice or combination of juices. You may use the pineapple and mandarin orange juices with the orange juice.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
  3. Cool until fruit can be added.
  4. Fold in the fruit and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  5. Serve in a large bowl or individual dishes.
  6. Top with whip cream, if desired.
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This is very important!!! I made the mistake once and it didn’t work!

Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad grandparentsplus.com

While this is called a fruit salad, it makes a delicious dessert, too. Put into individual parfaits or sherbets and top with whipped cream and a cherry. Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad is light and very refreshing. If you choose, other fruit may be added as well.

Orange Tapioca Fruit Salad grandparentsplus.com

Both adults and kids love this recipe!

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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Large Group Games for all Ages

Need some large group games for all ages on any holiday or occasion? Here are some great ones!

Large Group Games for All Ages grandparentsplus.com

BUNCO REVISED

I’ve enjoyed playing Bunco with adult groups, but for families with young children, the rules don’t work. I needed a Large Group Game for All Ages at Christmas time so that everyone (young and old) could take part. I had 40 family members coming ages 2-72, so I adapted the rules a bit and everyone got to participate and have fun!

Supplies:

  • 3 dice for each group
  • Disposable plate with edges (this keeps the dice from rolling all over)
  • Tally Sheet
  • Total Score Sheet
  • Prizes  I gave a “2 dollar bill” to each one of the winning team (get them at your bank) and gave small bags of candy to all the kids participating. It’s your choice for prizes.

Here’s what I did……

I had family groups, but you can divide into groups however you like. In Bunco, you move from group to group and keep an individual score. In Bunco Revised,  I didn’t have people move. They stayed as a family unit. It didn’t matter that some had 3 or some had 6. You just played when it was your turn.

The goal for each round is to roll a given number until the team reaches a score of 21.

Round 1 : Give a signal to start. Each player takes a turn. If they roll a “1”, it scores a point. If they roll three 1’s in one roll, they score 5 points. When no 1’s are rolled, they quickly pass the dice to the next player and they roll until no 1’s are rolled. Speed in rolling the dice is important. When the team reaches 21 points, they yell “BUNCO” and the session is over.

The winning team gets 5 points on their Total Score Sheet and any team with 18 or more scores 3 points. (I scored it this way, so the teams had closer scores and one team didn’t run away with the scoring.) You can score anyway you like.

Session #2 is for 2’s, session 3 is for 3’s, and so on until you have completed 6 sessions. The team with the highest total score wins.

Everyone loved it and had a great time!

Large Group Games for All Ages grandparentsplus.com

 

Large Group Games for All Ages grandparentsplus.com

 

3’s are FREE!

Another game that works is “3’s are FREE!”

This game can be played in family groups or any number of groups you wish.

In this game, each player rolls the three dice. Any “3” that is rolled doesn’t count. Player totals the other dice for the first round score and writes their score on the tally sheet.

Roll 1…..    On this roll, the player would score 7 because the “3’s” are free and don’t count.

Large Group Games for All Ages grandparentsplus.com

Roll #2……  On this roll, the player would score only three! Add this number to the first score.

Large Group Games for All Ages grandparentsplus.com

Play three rounds and total all three scores. The person with the lowest score wins!  Young children will need help totaling their score, but it’s a great addition game, too!

Play several rounds and award  5 points for the winner of each round. Total the awarded points to find the overall winner.

HEADS or TAILS!

This game starts by everyone standing up. (Elderly can play sitting down, too.) Each player chooses what they think a flipped quarter will be “heads or tails”. Their choice is indicated by where they place their hands. Hands placed on top of their head is “heads” and hands placed behind on their “boom-pa” or “rear end” is tails.

Large Group Games for All Ages grandparentsplus.com

Players must stay with their choice. Flip a quarter and call it heads or tails. Those that chose wrong, sit down. Players left standing will play another round. Again, they choose and when the coin is flipped, those who guessed correctly, stay standing and those wrong, sit down. When it is down to two or three players, they can’t all make the same choice. We’ve used this game with 165 players down to only a couple of players. If you have just a few players, you can play this multiple times and give the quarter to the winner or give points. Be sure to have a bunch of quarters on hand or the other option is to tally the points for the overall winner!

Other game options include some published games:

BINGO – an old favorite  Do this with pictures or numbers.

SCATTERGORIES ( play with families so kids can have input or divide into teams and move to different rooms or areas to compile their lists)

PICTIONARY – Young kids can take part in guessing, but sometimes they have a hard time drawing items. Make sure they feel comfortable if they want to try.

Be sure to check out my other posts on Christmas Games, Valentine Games, Thanksgiving Games  Easter and Halloween-Harvest Games.

Have fun!

Phyllis

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Woodsy Elegant Christmas Tree

Usually the words both “woodsy and elegant”  don’t quite fit together. Most people would do one or the other. However, my Christmas tree is best described as both – a Woodsy, Elegant Christmas Tree. Let me show you.

Woodsy Elegant Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

We live in a wooded area so I thought I would use some things, found in my yard, as tree decorations. There are wild turkeys in our area and they sometimes lose a feather or two. I collect them and use them in my tree as well as some branches. Sound funny? Maybe…..  You tell me!

Elegant Woodsy Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

 

 

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The garland is like a bunch of twisted branches accented with bunches of red berries. It has held up for many years and used many ways. It adds a lot of “woodsy feel” to the tree.

Elegant Woodsy Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

For the elegant part, I have 12 gold balls that I hand carried from Germany (to protect from breakage) that add the sparkle and some elegance to the tree

Woodsy Elegant Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

Can you find the feathers and branches? Yes, there are pheasant feathers, too.

Woodsy Elegant Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

A close up with the feathers tucked in here and there.

Woodsy Elegant Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

I think almost anything works as long as it adds color, texture, form and memories! Don’t you?

Find a theme and go for it!

Woody Elegant Christmas Tree grandparentsplus.com

What’s your tree like?  Is it decorated on a theme or memory ornaments? 

Phyllis

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Christmas Idea House 2016 Part-3

 

This third and last tour of the Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 has just as many ideas for decorating and adding special touches for the holiday season as the other posts. Now, if you missed Part 1 and Part 2, be sure to go back and check out the ideas there. In Part 3, I will cover 3 bedrooms, a living room, and small bathroom. I know you’ll enjoy these ideas!

The Christmas Idea House is decorated each year with a team of talented decorators. The tour features creative inspiration for your home as well as featuring new decor and vintage re-purposed items.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

The first bedroom is quite dramatic with walls painted black! Dark walls set off the white birch bedposts. The added Christmas greens and lights make this a dreamy bedroom.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

To carry out the birch theme, birch branches are used as curtain rods. Red plaid placemats hang over the branches for an easy and striking valance.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

A vintage white cabinet, filled with books, pictures, and seasonal decor, adds lots of interest and color to this room. christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

In the hallway between rooms, a sled hangs with cotton batting added for snow.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

Next, the master bedroom is decorated with Native American decor. Wall art, colorful pillows, and natural items carry out this theme.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

The curtains have an added touch of Christmas with greens attached to the natural rope used for tie-backs.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

On the vintage cabinet, re-purposed as a dresser, is a metal sheet pan (the ones used in a commercial kitchen). It is spray painted brown and  filled with faux snow along with decorative ornaments and decor. What a nice way to contain the faux snow as well as re-purposing an ugly metal pan!!

 

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

Wood slices with hooks mounted on a board make an interesting coat or garment rack..

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

Here’s another idea of using a door knob for a unique hook.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

The tree in this bedroom is embellished with a garland of rope lighting, natural-looking ornaments, feathers, and colored balls. Hanging on the wall, dream catchers (made from doilies) add interest.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

Continuing on into the small upstairs vintage bathroom, wood slices along with hanging votive candles become wall art above the sink.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

A birch branch tree becomes a decorative towel holder in the shape of a Christmas Tree!

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

Also, in the bathroom, a toilet paper holder is created from a slice of wood, hook, rope, and a birch branch! How unique!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

In the third bedroom, a wall mirror becomes a beautiful headboard and serves as the focal point in this room.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

 Window treatments are embellished with ornaments and draped with pearl garlands. Lots of gold ornaments and tiny white lights make the Christmas tree in this room sparkle.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

A look under the tree reveals this idea! If you don’t have a tree skirt, make one from decorative tissue paper. Each piece of paper is accordion-pleated and glued or stapled together to form the skirt around the tree. Using a coordinating color, a second and third layer is added on top.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

In the final room, a salvaged metal window is layered with artwork and metal sconces making an interesting statement above the fireplace. The sconces have battery-operated lights placed inside. Inside the fireplace, a galvanized mirror is also lit with battery-operated lights. Birch planters hold white poinsettias.

The same birch planters with poinsettias are repeated by the windows.

christmas-idea-house-part-3 grandparentsplus.com

Another salvaged metal frame creates a backdrop for more artwork over the couch.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Using a vintage office cabinet on top of an industrial cart, creates a moveable coffee table. On the top, it is layered with salvaged wood.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

A salvaged wooden gate gives dimension and height to the metal clock.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

By adding birch poles to a mirrored shadow box, it repeats the theme on the wallpaper.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Additional lit branches gives drama and depth to this Christmas Tree. Warm lights and grey balls, together make a beautiful tree.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

So many ideas for decorating your home are represented here that it’s hard to remember all of them. I’m sure you’ll want to pin them for future inspiration. Remember, many ideas are not just for Christmas, but anytime!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 3 grandparentsplus.com

Did you find some inspiration?

Thanks for stopping by,

Phyllis

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Nutcracker Tablesetting

Many people collect Nutcrackers. They come in all sizes and styles. My sister did a Christmas Nutcracker Tablesetting for her family. I had to share the photos of this cute theme for a Christmas table.

Nutcracker Tablesetting grandparentsplus.com

A red, winding scarf adds color and texture to the table as it flows down the middle. It highlights the nutcrackers, candles, and trees. The varied heights give interest with the tallest in the center of the table.

Nutcracker Tablesetting grandparentsplus.com

When you have an idea for a theme, after Christmas is the time to find the savings. If you’ve hunted before Christmas, remember where they are for the after-Christmas sales. Even the English Crackers at the table carry out the theme.

Nutcracker Tablesetting grandparentsplus.com

It takes just a few Nutcrackers in the middle of the table along with the English Crackers and the ornaments (all purchased at 1/2 price the Christmas before) and you have a beautiful Nutcracker Tablesetting for a Christmas dinner.

What themes have you done for a Christmas table? You might find some inspiration at Christmas Tablescapes Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.  

I really enjoy a beautifully set table, don’t you?

Thanks for stopping by, 

Phyllis

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Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 is the continued tour  through a vintage home filled with ideas for Christmas decorating. A team of decorators create ideas using vintage finds as well as seasonal items found in the marketplace. I always find inspiration for my Christmas and home decorating. I’m sure you will, too.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

As you enter this home, the dining room is what you notice first. They use many different metals in their arrangements and it looks beautiful! So, don’t be afraid to mix them up!

Above a side table, a large industrial metal frame is layered with winter art. A mix of bronze and silver are also used in the display below.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

Here’s a closer look at the arrangement in the bowl. Notice the re-purposed cabinet door under the arrangement.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

On the table, metallic wallpaper lengths are layered with rhinestone edged runners. In the center, gold and gunflint metal candle holders mix together for a lovely table display. Also, notice the birch bark planters filled with white poinsettias.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

Each place-setting includes coordinating plates, napkin rings and a spray of miniature pinecones.The small deer at each place serves as the name-card. (A nice re-useable idea!) The name of the guest is written on the deer with dry erase marker.  Small mirrored candle plates serve as coasters.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

This small vintage kitchen always has many unique ideas.

First, the island is a re-purposed industrial cart.

Next, notice the two pieces of wall art. Framed pieces of galvanized metal gives you the opportunity to change notes or sayings on them.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

In the kitchen, the open cupboards show off the red patterned china while re-purposed drawers hold tea and hot cocoa supplies.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

The last feature in the kitchen is a garden arbor over the stove. Hanging lanterns and seasonal greens make this an unexpected focal point in the kitchen.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

The small vintage bathroom uses a wagon shelf unit as towel storage. The wall mirror is decorated with greens and hanging lanterns. Right under the mirror, a small wooden sleigh makes a lovely seasonal wall shelf.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

Have you ever thought of using an old drawer for a toilet paper holder? Love it, don’t you?

 

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 grandparentsplus.com

The next three ideas are for tall narrow areas. The first narrow hallway area uses a vintage section of a cabinet with a metal panel above. The second area uses salvaged wooden gates layered with holiday decor.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

 

In the stairwell hang decorative curtain panels of a pine tree embellished with garlands and ornaments. If you are artistically inclined, you might want to paint your own.

 

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

One bedroom is a “Sports Den”. Industrial clamp lights are attached to pipe making it look like stadium lighting. An old incubator table is re-purposed as a coffee table.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

In keeping with the theme, a small Christmas tree is decorated with sport-themed ornaments and shoe laces as garlands.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

Two golf clubs wired together form the curtain rod!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

I had to look twice when I walked into the room and saw this 3-dimensional looking wallpaper on one wall. It looks like the real corrugated metal siding. Going along with the sports theme, the hockey stick, attached to the wall, makes a great ledge for pictures!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

The last piece highlighted in this Sports Den is a metal store rack used as a shelving unit. It fits in perfectly when decorated with sports containers, glasses, snacks, and sports related games.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 2 www.grandparentsplus.com

You’ve seen several unique ideas both for Christmas and year round. Did you get inspired? Which idea did you like the best?

If you missed the Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 post, be sure to check it out, too. Part 3 will be posted soon.

Thanks for stopping by,

Phyllis

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DIY Best Nativity Crafts

DIY Best Nativity Crafts

Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and I enjoy making Nativity Crafts with my grandchildren at Christmas time. It is the real reason for the season and it gives opportunities to talk with the kids about why Jesus came to earth. The following is a round-up of many Nativity crafts that you can make with your kids, grandchildren, or for a Sunday School project. They are great to give as gifts, or hang on your own Christmas tree. I’ve included a couple of my own posts here as well. There’s a total of 35 wonderful ideas in this DIY Best Nativity Crafts post for you to make.

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

This one works for preschool, but I would mark the dots lightly with a pencil for the child to follow! Older kids can just follow the pattern. Go to each site posted under the photo for complete directions.

 

Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  craftymorning

 

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Both ornaments pictured above are from Reesedixon  (diorama)   Reesedixon (nativity)

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to   GrandparentsPlus

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

 

My easier version is here….

O Holy Night Scrabble Ornament grandparentsplus.com

Go to grandparentsplus

For the wood slice ornament, older kids would enjoy wood-burning this design.

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to   catholicsanonymous

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

 

Go to   Create-with-kiddos

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  shout4joy-shouting

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to   bountifully

Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Sugardoodle

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  lovelyetc

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Creatitgo

 

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to   abbotscraftandvariety

 

Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  freebiefindingmom

 

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  itsalwaysautumn

 

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to   scattersunshine

 

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Sorry, no site given….

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  icanteachmychild

 

DIY Best Nativity Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Hookedonthebook

Pringles Lid Ornaments grandparentsplus.com

Go to  grandparentsplus

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Etsy

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Craftynightowls

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Etsy

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

 Go to  biblekidsfunzone

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to   catholicicing

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

No site given…

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  littlepumpkingrace

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  Terryricolidesigns

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  everydaychaos

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  hubpages

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  housingaforest         

There is a nice printable of the silhouette manger scene on this site, too.

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  idwellinpossibility

 

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to Etsy

DIY Best Nativity Crafts grandparentsplus.com

Go to  tidbits       

They include a nice tutorial and link to the picture they used.

Baby Jesus Ornament grandparentsplus.com

Go to   GrandparentsPlus

 

Wow! Lots of ideas for making your own Nativity Ornaments! I will be making some of these with my grandchildren, too!

Here’s hoping that your Christmas is meaningful and Christ-filled! Have a very Merry Christmas!

DIY Best Nativity crafts grandparentsplus.com

Phyllis

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Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1

Need some fresh ideas for your Christmas decorating? You’ll find them in this tour of the Christmas Idea House 2016 – Part 1.There’s lots of interesting ideas with re-purposed vintage finds along with just using easily found items in unique ways.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

The decorator team, that transforms this house, doesn’t leave any place without a decoration or two! The outside is just as festive as the inside. There’s an old shed (called a warming shed) all dressed up in greenery and festive banners. Birch logs in front give a hint about what theme you’ll find inside the house.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

On the door, hangs a cute wreath made of red and white mittens! They are simply wired onto the wreath base. Such an easy and fun decoration!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

Inside the shed, is a tree made from graduated sizes of scrap wood mounted on a center board. A host of gnomes sit on the shelves. Any collection you have would look great on this tree! Make it any size, too!

 

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

On the wall, vintage skis make an interesting coat-rack.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

Outside, three metal deer stand under a garden arbor embellished with garlands, ornaments, ribbon, bells, small trees, and birch logs.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

Another outside focal point is the tree made from salvaged windmill blades. Add lights, a few snowflakes and you’ve got one re-purposed, unique tree!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

The garden containers look lovely with greens, birch, and pinecones along with white artificial stems.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

Upon entering the front porch,  a lovely Christmas table greets guests. Lots of metal, wood, and red plaids give a warm cozy feeling to this setting. Birch rounds become the coasters. Another birch accent is an empty birch shell placed in the vase for a Christmas arrangement.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

Above a vintage cupboard, a sled combined with a wreath and a framed Christmas piece, make an interesting combination for the wall.

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

Ever thought of using a galvanized tub as a chandelier? I haven’t, but I just love this one! Add hanging electric lights   (through openings made in the base) along with seasonal decorations, and you’ve got a very unique light fixture! After Christmas, change out the seasonal decorations for Spring! Sorry, the tub will no longer hold water!

Christmas Idea House 2016 Part 1 grandparentsplus.com

This is just a small taste of ideas to come. You’ll want to subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 and 3!

Did you find some inspiration?

Thanks for visiting!

Phyllis

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Baby Jesus Ornament

The birth of our Savior, Jesus, is what Christmas is all about. This little Baby Jesus Ornament reminds us of that wonderful event. 

Baby Jesus Ornament grandparentsplus.com

I found the idea on Pinterest and adapted it as an ornament using Pringles Lids. The complete tutorial is found at TheGoldenGleam.  You can see how they used them as window decorations instead of ornaments. The Pringles Lids are the tops of the canisters of Pringles potato chips. They are just the right size for ornaments.

Basic Materials:

Pringles Lids

coffee filter

black paper

glue (use Tacky Glue as regular school glue doesn’t adhere to the plastic over time)

scissors

Food Coloring – red and yellow   or Water Color Paints

I found that the food coloring stays nice and bright while the water colors are more muted. However, young children should stick with water colors as they are washable!

Baby Jesus Ornament grandparentsplus.com

When using the Pringles lid, trace the circle of the lid on the filter, but cut inside the lines as the inside is slightly smaller. If kids are working on this ornament,  make a simple pattern for the three pieces so they can trace and cut it themselves. For the star, a sticker works well, too! Lightly glue the pieces together on the coffee filter circle.

 Place a small amount of tacky glue along the edge on the inside of the lid. Place finished piece inside the lid and hold down with a coffee cup until dry. Finishing options for the edge are to roll in glitter, edge with a ribbon, or leave plain. Go to Pringles Lid Ornaments to see other options on finishing the edges. Hot glue a ribbon or string to hang  your Baby Jesus Ornament on your tree.

Baby Jesus Ornament grandparentsplus.com

 

The lights of the tree makes the Baby Jesus Ornament look like stained glass! Very cute  ornament, don’t you think? Also, very inexpensive to make!

Have fun! 

Phyllis

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Easy Notebook Cover

This Easy Notebook Cover idea is so easy, yet it looks amazing! It is simple enough for kids to make while adults can make this elegant looking. It makes a lovely special gift, too. Materials are easy to find and very inexpensive.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

Materials needed:

  • Natural Sponge –
  • Acrylic Paint – 3 shades or colors
  • Fun Foam – choice of color
  • Decals, Stickers, Artificial Flowers, Buttons, Felt, Permanent Markers, or any Semi-Flat Decorative Objects
  • Glue Gun
  • Round Elastic
  • Notebook – any size, but I prefer journal-size (without a metal coil) I found ones at Walmart for under a $1.00

First, lay the notebook open on the Fun Foam and measure around it leaving an extra 1/4 in – 3/8 in to cover completely. You may use a regular scissor or a decorative one to cut out the cover. (For small kids, I did this part ahead of time.)

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

Next, with the Fun Foam laying flat, lightly dip the sponge in a dark color. Dab it on newspaper a couple of times so your paint is very light on the sponge. Now, dab the paint over the sheet of Fun Foam. Be sure to leave spaces for the other colors. Let dry in between colors.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

With a lighter color (you can mix just white with the base color), continue dabbing the paint onto the Fun Foam.
Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

Using an accent or third shade, dab again over the Fun Foam sheet and let dry.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

This project used one color of acrylic paint. Start with the dark color and apply. Add white to lighten and sponge the paint again. Finally, lighten even more for the third step.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

Finally, when you have reached the way you want it and it’s completely dry, fold the Fun Foam over the notebook. Use black elastic to keep the cover in place. Place the elastic in the middle of the pages in the book and around the outside cover. Tie a knot in the elastic and slide the knot inside the notebook so it is not noticeable.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

At last, decorate the cover with stickers, artificial flower, feathers, etc. It works best to have the decorations fairly flat on the cover.

These Notebook Cover samples were made by my grandchildren. The foam colors they started with were red, black, and white. Stickers were applied after the paint dried. Using a black permanent marker, one child made a black border around the edge. Their choices were entirely made by them.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

As I said, this project isn’t just for kids. You can make this elegant, too. It makes a great hostess gift or sell your creations at a craft sale.

Easy Notebook Cover grandparentsplus.com

This Notebook Cover was one of the crafts I did with my grandchildren (ages 6-12) at our Oma and Opa Camp this past summer. They really enjoyed making them. But remember, this is not just for kids!

Enjoy!

Phyllis

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