Valentine Cookies

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

Use melt and dip frosting method.

Star Wars Bedroom Idea

` measure your room, and draw it on graph paper

1 square = 1 foot

` draw each wall to help visualize needed artwork

This wall has a circle representing a Death Star Fathead and two frames. Maximize storage in a small space with two narrow bookcases and writing desk.

` take a less-is-more-approach to paint colors and patterns

This paint was inspired by the hallways of Space Mountain in Disneyland.

` copy a pattern from the Death Star interior, and use it in a modern way

` instead of wall art, use a magnetic white board

` study paint samples in different lighting before you commit

` use solid bedding and neutral colors for an easy change-up later on
` fill in with favorite trademark accessories

See finished project!

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