crafting
A family affair.
It all started with mandatory Christmas family weekend. On the Saturday it was a full day of crafting. On Sunday, everyone in the family baked cookies. Sugar cookies were my favorite to make - and to eat. I made the dough, Richard would roll and cut them out, while the kids decorated sheet after sheet of them. Then I would bake them. We always made enough to share with family and friends.
In an effort to teach my kids about the joy of giving, I made them, at a young age, make gifts to give away for the holidays. The kids often grew attached to their creations but the rule was they had to give them away since giving was the purpose behind the family weekend. I tried to come up with interesting ideas both for them to make and for others to receive.
The kids all loved the tradition, particularly the girls. Even as young adults they continue to craft. We made so many ornaments that we have a separate and very full tree of homemade ornaments which is my favorite of all the trees I put up.These are made with clay pots. I got the idea from Patti, a good friend in Georgia. They were a big hit with daughters Devon and Jeanine. I also have a couple of "snow pot people" which I just love. These are painted with acrylic paint and hot glued together. The tin man has a corded belt and a tassle on his hat. The santa has a pompom covering his top hole.
These are made with glass "Aunt Jemima" syrup bottles. The one on the left was the original one but I don't remember where it came from anymore. I don't think "Aunt Jemima" syrup comes in glass anymore and we've never tried the plastic. I may have to give it a try someday though. We used cotton batting, paint, lace paint and felt to decorate the bottles. The kids were very proud of their creations. I still display them every Christmas. I think the kids often gave me their favorite crafts -- perhaps so they would still be able to enjoy them when I display them year after year.