Christmas Cookies

` decide on only a few cookie cutter shapes

` choose modern sprinkles that are big and simple

` avoid colored, fine sugar sprinkles

` use melt and dip frosting method (see below)

` save time by making cookies early

` if making ahead of time, par freeze frosted cookies on cookie sheets

` then package cookies together in plastic bag, tin, or tupperware

` par freezing will protect cookies from damage when packaged

 ` this method works on gingerbread cookies too

Materials

the best sugar cookies ever
maybe even throw in some gingerbread cookies
buttercream frosting
food coloring
sprinkles

Directions

Place dollop of frosting on a small plate and microwave for 4-5 seconds.  Stir to make sure frosting is smoothly-melted.  Place cookie flat in melted frosting and move it around carefully to make sure all appendages are covered.  Pull cookie up as straight as possible, allowing some excess frosting to drip off.  Then flip cookie quickly and shake it back-and-forth to allow frosting to settle in a flat and smooth fashion.  Sprinkle cookies before frosting hardens.  You can re-melt the same frosting over and over again.  Just add dollops as needed.

Note:  Try this melt and dip frosting method a few times before giving up.  Once you master the method, the process moves quickly.

Frame Your Christmas Wrap!

` fill your frames with holiday gift wrap

` top with tinsel, grinch garland, or this advent calendar

Think Grinch and Felt for Christmas!

Materials

4 pieces of felt

wired ribbon

pom chain (from Michaels)

needle and thread

Directions

Hold 9 x 11 inch felt in landscape position.  Cut vertically down the middle.  Then, cut each half into 5 equal strips.  Each felt piece should yield 10 strips in total.  Tie each strip into a knot.  Use the needle and thread to string knotted-felt strips together.  Embellish with bows and balls.

Halloween Cupcake Wrappers and Toppers

` patterned scrapbook paper for cupcake wrappers

` chandelier stamp on white cardstock, hot-glued onto toothpick

` silk flower, stem removed, hot-glued onto toothpick

cupcake wrapper template

Halloween Photo Booth

` make your halloween party something to remember with photo booth frames

` customize your frames with printed signs

 ` provide props for mixing and matching

Click HERE for free photo props printables.

Materials

foam board

3 to 4 sheets patterned scrapbook paper

3 to 4 sheets black scrapbook paper

glue stick (our favorite is Elmer's Extra Strength)

scissors

paper cutter

X-Acto knife

Directions

Using the X-Acto Knife, cut a rectangle out of the center of the foam board.  Our cutout is about 19 x 13 inches.  Glue patterned scrapbook paper onto foam board.  Freehand your best wavy frame design onto black scrapbook paper.  Cut wavy frame out, and glue around the cutout portion of your photo booth frame.  

Note:  If your black frame seams do not align perfectly, use a Sharpie to fill in.

Halloween Cookie Cakes

` make your cookie cakes orange and black for halloween

Cookie Cake... learn it.  Live it.  Love it.

Here's the recipe.

Halloween Wall of Frames... for Pennies!

` make ornate halloween frames out of cardstock

` print vintage halloween art onto ivory cardstock 

(we like www.vintagerio.com)

` mix it up with stickers, die-cuts, and patterned scrapbook paper

 ` matte images onto bright colors

` play with spooky fonts

` complete your presentation with spray painted accessories

Materials

cardstock

vintage Halloween art

Halloween stickers

die-cuts

Mod Podge with foam paintbrush

tape

Directions

Trace frames (see printables) onto cardstock and cut out.  Paint Mod Podge onto frames before adding art, stickers, or die-cuts.  Tape to your wall in no particular order, and enjoy!

Warning:  DO NOT MOD PODGE PRINTED ARTWORK!  Trust us.  We tried.  The printed art looks best when left alone. 

printable frame

printable frame

printable edges

Halloween Garland

` felt chain garlands

` decorate with halloween ornaments 

` hot glue scrapbook embellishments onto mini clothespins

Materials

sheets of felt

rotary cutter

cutting board

hot glue gun

sewing machine

Directions

Cut sheets of felt, two at a time, into 9" x 1.5" strips.  Stack two felt strips and sew together.  Use hot glue to link chain together.  Use about 30 rings for a six-foot garland.

Warning:  Individually sewn strips tend to look sloppy.  Don't worry...it's the overall!

 

Paint Everything Black for Halloween!

 ` spray painted dead twigs, candlestick, frame, bird cage, and owl

` add spiders to painted twigs

` spray painted old candlestick

` spider web table runner, Marshalls $12.99

` wrap chairs with black halloween shrouds, Walmart $5
` finish with black rose bunches, Michaels $1.50

` spray painted birdcage, Ross $8.99

` fill in with existing halloween decorations and any black home accessories

Complete this Halloween tablescape for $50!

Sugar Cookie Cakes

` cookie cake

` cookie cutters in three sizes

` stacked cookies secured with buttercream dollops

` microwaved buttercream poured over cookie cake

 

` decorated with royal icing

Soft and Puffy Sugar Cookies

1 cup butter
4 cups flour
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons soda
1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream butter and sugar.  Add milk, eggs, and vanilla until combined.  Add already-mixed dry ingredients.  Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.  Roll out, cut out, and bake at 350 degrees for 6-9 minutes, depending on cookie size.

Buttercream

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3-4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Royal Icing

1-2 egg whites
1 teaspoon water
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 heaping teaspoon cream of tartar

Shark Week Cocktail

` sharkarita

` shark gummies