Bruce The Chef.

Gardentime tools

Enjoy planting time using garden tools with hand-wrapped seed-packet handles.

what you'll need
Empty seed packets
Pinking shears
Garden tool
Thick white crafts glue; paintbrush
Scraps of 1-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon; pencil
Scissors
Scraps of narrow ribbon or rickrack

1  Cut out the front of seed packets using pinking shears. Arrange on tool handle as desired, allowing 1 inch at the top and bottom for ribbon. Glue in place using water-thinned crafts glue. Let dry.
2 Apply two coats of thinned glue over seed packets, allowing to dry between coats.
3 Trace around end of tool handle on 1-inch-wide grosgrain ribbon. Cut out circle. Glue to end of handle using crafts glue. Glue short lengths of ribbon at the top and bottom of the handle. Let dry.
4 Glue short lengths of narrow ribbon or rickrack over the
grosgrain ribbon. Let dry. 5 Coat the entire handle with thinned glue. Let dry.

Blue ribbon jelly jars

Be a winner all year long with canning jars trimmed with artificial fruits and vegetables.

what you'll need
Artificial fruits or vegetables
Additional canning jar lid
Thick white crafts glue
Jar filled with canned fruit or vegetables

1  Glue artificial fruits or vegetables to the top of an extra canning jar lid and allow the glue to dry.
2  Glue the topper to the lid of your canned produce, gluing to the rim of the lid. Remove the topper before opening
the jar.

Sand Candles

With just a few supplies and a coupie of quick steps, you can create tiny candlehoiders for each of your picnic guests.

what you'll need
Glass salt and pepper shakers
Colored sand
Glass adhesive
Small candles

1  Fill the salt and pepper shakers with colored sand.
2 To stack shakers, adhere together using glass adhesive. Let the adhesive dry.
3 Place a candle in the top of each holder.

True-colors plates

Show your love of country with these recycled-license-plate

what you'll need
Sandpaper
Old license plate
Soft cloth; newspapers; white spray primer
Acrylic paints in navy, red, and white; paintbrush
Star stencil
Matte clear acrylic sealer
Drill and bit; 20-gauge wire; wire cutters
24-inch-long piece of 3/e-inch dowel; pencil

1  Lightly sand front of license plate. Wipe clean with soft cloth.
2  In a well-ventilated work area, cover work surface with newspapers. Spray the plate with white primer. Let dry.
3  Paint various flag patterns as shown, below. Use star stencil to paint stars. Let dry.
4  Spray the plate with acrylic sealer.
5  Drill holes in the plate and dowel. Wire the plate to the dowel, leaving long ends. Curl the wire ends by wrapping several times around a pencil.

Fingerprint fish clock

Biend paint with your fingertips and press onto a clock frame to make a school of delightful fish.

what you'll need
Disposable plate
Acrylic paints in desired colors
Clock with frame
Fine paintbrush

1 Place small amounts of paint on a disposable plate. To make fish bodies, dip fingers and thumb into paints, blending colors if desired. Press fingers and thumb onto surface of clock frame as shown in the photo, opposite. Continue making fingerprints on the clock frame until approximately two-thirds of the frame is covered. Let the paint dry.
2 Paint details on the fish, such as fins, eyes, and smiles, using desired colors of paint and a fine paintbrush. Let the paint dry.

Sunshine bowls

Turn any meal into a celebration by presenting summer's best in bowls wrapped in bright papers.

what you'll need
Newspapers; wood bowl (available in thrift shops)
White spray primer
Acrylic paint in desired color
Paintbrush
Papers in several colors
Scissors; paper punch
Decoupage medium, such as Mod Podge
Glass or plastic liner, optional

1  In a well-ventilated work area, cover work surface with newspapers. Spray bowl with primer. Let dry. Paint the bowl the desired color. Let dry.
2  Cut paper strips and squares. Punch circles with a paper punch. Paint decoupage medium onto the bowl and arrange the paper shapes on the bowl. Paint two more coats of decoupage medium over the bowl. Let it dry.
3 Place a glass or plastic liner in the bowl if using it for food.

Fruited vinegar bottle

Unexpected materiais enhance an unassuming bottle, transforming it into a kitchen treasure.

what you'll need
Plastic net bag (from grocery store produce)
Bottle with cork
Glue gun and low-melt glue
Artificial fruit
12 inches of metallic gold cord

1  Slip the plastic net bag over the bottle. Use low-melt glue and a glue gun to glue the net to the bottom of the bottle. Let the glue dry. Tie the netting around the neck of the bottle.
2 Wrap and bend a stem of fruit and leaves around the neck of the bottle. Tie gold cord around the neck. Knot cord ends.

Stepping-stone

Use your imagination to create a stepping-stone for your backyard oasis.

what you'll need
Plastic tub for mixing
Trowel
Cement mix
10-inch-diameter disposable round plastic planter tray
One 25/8-inch square green tile
4 tiny terra-cotta flowerpots
4 iridescent purple marbles
Fourteen 1%-inch square red tiles
Large spoon
Brown sand

1  In the plastic tub, mix the cement with the trowel using small amounts of cement mix and water. It should be the consistency of a pourable dough, thin enough to pour slowly without running from the container. Mix a little more than what you think you need.
2  Pour the cement into the planter tray, filling it to the top. Shake the tray from side to side and tap firmly to settle the cement. Smooth the surface with the trowel.
3  Place items in cement in desired arrangement. Tap the items with the back of a spoon until they are firmly in place and settled to the desired depth. For container items, such as the tiny terra-cotta pots, spoon cement into the hollowed portion to stabilize the piece.
4  Pour sand on top of wet cement, covering the entire stone.
5 Leave stone stationary for 24 hours. Let it dry. Pour off the excess sand and wash off any remaining cement from embedded items, wiping with dry cloth. Gently turn stone over to remove it from the tray.

Charming chains

Hit the toolbox, not your jewelry box, the next time you need to jazz up an outfit with some dangling chains.

what you'll need
20-inch-long board; 2 nails; ruler; hammer 15-foot-long piece of bathtub chain; scissors Wire cutters; masking tape; fishing line 2 silver cap beads; 2 silver flat beads; 2 silver round beads; 24 inches of narrow black cord Thick white crafts glue; 2 small silver beads

1 On the board, pound two nails 18 inches apart. Cut length of chain into two equal pieces. Tape the end of one piece to the end of the board near one nail. Wind chain around nails to create loops. Tape the end of the chain to the board. Repeat for second piece of chain.
3 Tie an 18-inch piece of fishing line around loops of chain at each nail. Make a double knot. Remove tape and slip loops off nails, allowing ends to dangle. Thread a cap bead onto fishing line at each end of necklace and double-knot the fishing line.
4 Thread a flat bead and then a round bead onto the fishing line. Slip both ends of the fishing line back through the round bead only, leaving two loops of fishing line at the top of the bead. Repeat for the other necklace end.
5 Cut black cord in half; knot one end of each cord. Slip knotted end through the fishing line loop. Pull loose ends of fishing line to close loop around knotted cord. Thread line through flat bead; tie line into a double knot under the flat bead. Apply glue to knot; cut off excess line. Repeat for other end.
6 Add small silver bead to end of each cord; knot. Gather four loose strands of chain; tie together in an overhand knot centered in the other chain loops.

Denim carryall

Accented with trims from the hardware store, this fashionable purse is made from the leg of an old pair of jeans.

what you'll need
Old jeans; scissors; ruler; sewing machine; thread
Approximately 32—3/16-inch washers
Jewelry glue; pliers
2 feet of twisted nickel chain; carpet thread; needle
Two 3/4 inch-diameter circular closures, such as Velcro

1 Cut 91/2 inches off the end of one jean leg. If the hem is frayed, cut it off and turn the edge over to the front, turning under the raw edge. Stitch.
2 Turn the jean leg wrong side out. Line up the outside and inside seams so they run down the center.
3 titch across the bottom cut edge using a l/t-inch seam. Clip the corners and turn right side out. ' Glue washers in offset rows on the front of the purse.
4 Open the last links on each end of the chain and slip a washer on each link. Pinch the link closed. Hand-stitch washers to the top corners of the purse with carpet thread.
5  Glue closures to the inside edges of the purse.

Jam 'n' jelly jar tags

Accompany a gift from the kitchen with a pretty  cut-paper tag.

what you'll need
Heavyweight paper or tagboard; ruler
Straight or decorative-edge scissors
Brush pen in desired color
Metallic gold permanent marking pen
1-1/2 x  2-3/4inch white adhesive label
1/8inch paper punch
12 inches of metallic gold elastic cord

1  Cut the heavyweight paper into a 31/2x1 V2-inch strip using straight or decorative-edge scissors. If desired, cut off the comers of the paper strip.
2 Color the paper strip using a brush pen. Carefully outline the edges of the paper strip using a gold marking pen. Outline the adhesive label with gold marking pen. Center the label on the cut strip of paper and press into place.
3 Punch a small hole in each end of the tag. Cut a 12-inch length of cord. Thread the cord through the holes; tie around jar.

Star-studded candle

Edge a candle with metallic gold stars and chain to shimmer in the light of the flame.

what you'll need
Tape measure; red 3-wick candle
7 metallic gold upholstery tacks
18 inches of jewelry chain
7 metallic gold star charms

1 Measure the circumference of the candle and divide the measurement by 7. Use a tack to make a tiny guide hole for each star at intervals determined in Step 1, approximately % inch from candle top.
3 Push a tack through the end link of the chain and then through a charm loop. Press the tack into one of the guide holes in the candle. Continue tacking the charms and chain in place, allowing the chain to create scallops between the tacks.

               
               
               

All american plate

Show your American pride by making and displaying this grand plate.

what you'll need
Glass plate; newspapers
Krylon Looking Glass mirror spray paint and clear-coat sealer,
such as Metalcast (available at car supply stores) Tube-style fabric paint; scissors Adhesive-back paper Crafts knife
Transparent spray paints, such as Dupli-Color, in red and blue Felt; pen; thick white crafts glue

1  Wash and dry the plate. On newspaper in a well-ventilated work area, spray the back of the plate with three to four light coats of mirror spray paint, letting dry between coats. Spray sealer over the painted area. Let dry.
2 Write lettering on the front of the plate with tube-style fabric paint. Let dry.
3 Cut star and lines from adhesive-back paper. Place on plate front below lettering as shown in photo, above.
4  Spray the front side of the plate with red from one edge, bleeding off into the center. Spray blue beginning at opposite side, bleeding into center, overlapping slightly onto red. Let dry.
5 Carefully remove star and adhesive-back paper and peel away lettering.
6 Trace around plate bottom on felt and trim slightly smaller than drawn line. Cut out the felt. Glue felt to the back of plate.

Wood stars

Stack sanded wood stars to make rustic votive candleholders that are full of spirit.

what you'll need
Tracing paper; pencil
Star-shape cookie cutters in two sizes, optional
Scissors
Various thicknesses of wood
Scroll saw or jigsaw
Drill and 11/2-inch bit
Acrylic paints in blue, red, and yellow
Paintbrush
Sandpaper
Wood glue
Tea light candle

1  On tracing paper, draw star patterns or trace around cookie cutters; cut out. For a set of three candleholders, trace around each pattern three times on wood. Cut out pieces using a scroll saw or jigsaw.
2 Carefully drill holes 1A inch deep in the centers of the smaller stars. Paint the stars the desired color. Let dry. Sand off the paint around the edges.
3 Glue the smaller star onto the larger star. Let dry. Place a tea light in the hole.
Note: Never leave burning candles unattended.

Star paperweights

Embedded gems, and swirls solder, paperweights sparkie with the red, white, and blue.

what you'll need
Star-shape cookie cutter; waxed paper Permanent marking pen; scissors Disposable bowl; plaster of Paris; plastic knife Lead-free solder in silver, red, blue, and clear;
wire cutters; gems; eyelets; beads Thick white crafts glue; paintbrush Glitter in silver, red, or blue

1  Trace around the cookie cutter on waxed paper with marking pen. Cut out the shape V2 inch beyond marking.
2  Press the waxed paper shape into the cookie cutter, letting it fold up the sides.
3 In a disposable bowl mix plaster of Paris according to the manufacturer's directions. Carefully pour the plaster into the lined cookie cutter, filling it three-quarters full. Smooth off with a plastic knife.
4 To make a solder coil, cut a short piece and form it into a coil. Place a bend approximately Va inch from one end. Press this end into the plaster.
5  Press the remaining embellishments into the wet plaster where desired. Let the plaster dry.
6 Remove the star shape from the cookie cutter. Remove the waxed paper. Paint a coat of glue on the edges of the star shape. Sprinkle the wet glue with glitter. Let dry.

Patriotic pail

Rejuvenate  an old bucket by wrapping it in the colors of the American flag.

what you'll need
Metal pail with handle
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
4 yards of Winch-diameter red, white, and blue striped rope
Scissors

1 Wash and dry the pail.
2 Starting at the bottom of the pail, hot-glue the end of the rope to
the pail. Working with small sections at a time, tightly wrap the
rope around the pail and glue it in place. When you reach the
top of the pail, wrap the handle with rope.
3 Continue gluing the rope down the side of the pail. Cut off the
excess rope. If desired, glue rope down on the opposite side of
the pail. Secure the ends with glue if needed.

Seashell reflection

Border your mirror or create a bottle stopper with favorite shells to bring a beach mood to the bath.

what you'll need
Mirror with frame
Seashells
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Clear glass bottle or vessel

1 For the mirror, place the shells on the mirror frame, rearranging the shells until the desired look is achieved. Use the photo, opposite, for inspiration.
2  Hot-glue the shells in place. Let cool.
3 For the bottle, remove the lid or stopper if necessary. Wash and dry the bottle. Place a shell in the top for a stopper.
4 For the vessel, wash and dry the container. Fill the vessel to the top with shells.

Garden Gloves

Pulling weeds is more fun when wearing colorfully painted garden gloves.

what you'll need
Opaque marking pens in desired colors
Vinyl or rubberized gloves
Acrylic paints in desired colors
Paintbrushes

1  Use opaque marking pens to write gardening words, such as DIG, PLANT, WEED, FEED, WATER, GROW, and HARVEST, randomly across the front of the gloves.
2 Use acrylic paints to paint bulb shapes on two fingers of the gloves. Paint bulbs with white and shade with light brown. Use green paint to paint the beginning of the stem and white for roots. Paint an orange butterfly and outline in black. Let dry.

Party snack set

Whether following the design in the glass or making your own pattern, painted cups and plates turn any
gathering into a festive gala.

what you'll need
Glass snack tray and coordinating cup (available at antiques
stores and thrift shops) Glass paints, such as Liquitex Glossies, in desired colors Paintbrushes, including flat and liner Pencil with round-tip eraser

1  Wash the glass snack set. Rinse well and let dry. Avoid touching areas you intend to paint.
2  Using the photo, opposite, for inspiration, decide how you want to paint the glassware. Paint only the bottom of the tray. On the cup, avoid the rim area and paint on the outside only. Avoid painting areas that will come in contact with food.
3 Paint stripes or dots on the tray before painting background color. To make stripes, use a flat brush for wider stripes and a liner brush for narrow stripes. To make dots, dip the handle of a paintbrush or a pencil eraser into paint and carefully dot onto the surface. Avoid using too much paint or it will run or bubble. To outline areas, use a thin liner brush. Let the paint dry before applying the background color or pattern.
4 To enhance designs raised or embossed in the glass, paint in the patterns. Let dry. Paint the background color.
5 If instructed by the paint manufacturer, bake the painted glassware in the oven. Let it cool.

Garden gift tags

Accompany a gift from your garden's bounty with a cheery wood tag.

what you'll need
Scraps of wood veneer; scissors; ruler
Scallop-edge scissors
Paper punch
Paintbrush
Permanent fine-tip marking pens in black, green, and red
12-inch piece of raffia

1  Cut the veneer into a 5x2'/2-inch piece. Trim one end with scallop-edge scissors. Punch a hole in the opposite end.
2 Use black marking pen to write message in center of tag. Draw green vines and leaves. Use red for berry-like circles.
3 Thread raffia through the punched hole. Tie to the gift.

Rolled paper holder

Created in black and white with red accents, this clever kitchen utensil holder is formed from roiled-up magazine pages.

What you'll need
Magazine pages in black and white
1/4inch wood dowel
Glue stick; metal or cardboard can, such as
a potato stick can Wooden balls to fit the top of the rolled
paper tubes, approximately 3/8 inch Acrylic paints in red and black; paintbrush Scissors; thick white crafts glue Black and white twisted plastic-coated wire

1 Beginning at one corner of the magazine page, roll page diagonally around the dowel and glue the corner in place with glue stick. Remove dowel. Make enough tubes to go around the can. Paint three wood balls red and the remainder black. You will need one ball for each paper tube. Let dry.
Cut the tubes to the same height as the container. Using crafts glue, adhere the tubes around the side of the can. Glue a ball to the top of each tube, placing the red balls randomly in the arrangement.
2 Wrap two bands of wire around the can and knot the ends together.

Veggie board

Pick your favorite photo to make artwork out of a clear glass cutting board.

what you'll need
Newspapers
8Y2x6V2-inch piece of decorative paper
Spray adhesive
9x7-inch sheet of cork
8x6-inch photo
12x9-inch glass cutting board
Strong adhesive, such as E6000

1  In a well-ventilated work area, cover surface with newspapers. Spray the back of the decorative paper with adhesive. Center the paper on one side of the cork.
2 Spray adhesive on the back of the photo and apply to the center of the decorative paper.
3 Apply glue to the top edges of the cork border and glue to the back of the cutting board. Let the glue dry.

Ice bucket sewing kit

Keep your sewing tools handy with this ciever see-through kit.

what you'll need
Plastic ice bucket approximately 7 inches across the top and
Vh inches high; 2 yards of %-inch-wide satin ribbon Large tomato pincushion and strawberry emery Measuring tape; 7x14-inch bias strip of calico Scissors; needle; thread; green embroidery floss 5-inch square of green calico Fusible transweb paper; iron 3-inch square scrap of calico to contrast with green 3-inch square of coordinating calico; fabric glue 8x14-inch piece of felt; sewing machine; pinking shears; button

1  To cover ice bucket handle, tie the center of the 2-yard ribbon to one end of the handle. Bring the ribbon ends to the top side and twist, bringing ribbon ends to the back side in a cross. Repeat to cover the handle, securing the ribbon ends at the opposite end of the handle.
2 To cover the pincushion, measure from the center top to the center bottom and add Vi inch for seam at bottom. Measure around pincushion at widest part. Add Vi-inch seam at ends and cut bias strip of fabric this measurement.
3  Seam short ends, right sides facing. Stitch gathering threads at bottom edge. Gather bottom. Secure threads and turn to right side. Cover pincushion. Hand-gather top edge and secure threads. Wrap the pincushion with embroidery floss to make tomato seams; knot on bottom.
4  Trace top patterns, opposite, on transweb paper and cut out. Cut one each from green calico. Cut off strawberry emery from the pincushion stem, leaving string attached to pincushion. Pierce a hole in the center of the green calico for the top and thread string through the hole; fuse green calico to pincushion top. Cut a quarter circle from contrasting calico and seam the straight edges to cover emery. Turn to right side. Cover emery by gathering around top edge. Pierce hole in green calico for strawberry top. Pull string through hole and reattach to emery. Fuse or glue green calico in place.
5 For scissors case, measure scissors length and width. Cut a rectangle of felt that measurement for case front. Cut case back that measurement plus 3 inches longer for flap. Round the corners at the bottom and for the flap.
6  To make the flower design for the flap, trace the pattern, opposite, on transweb paper and cut out. Trace on scrap of calico. Fuse flower to flap. Trim the edge with machine stitches. Cut and stitch a buttonhole in the center of the flower.
7 With wrong sides facing, stitch the case front to the back along the sides and bottom edge using a 'A-inch seam. Trim the edge just beyond the stitching using pinking shears.
8  Sew on a button for closure.

Everyday Towels

Liven up linens with braided cord, iace, ribbon, or any trim that matches your decor.

what you'll need
Purchased day-of-the-week tea towel
1 yard of trim or ribbon; sewing machine; thread

1 Machine-stitch ribbon or trim along the top and bottom edges of the towel design to create a border, turning under the raw edges.

Elegant Flowerpot

Choose a pretty pair of satin cords to wrap a terra-cotta flowerpot with color.

what you'II need
4-inch terra-cotta flowerpot
Thick white crafts glue; paintbrush
Approximately 3 yards of Vi-inch-wide light green satin cord
Approximately 6 yards of TA-inch-wide rose-color satin cord
2-inch rose-color tassel

1 Brush glue on the pot. Starting with the green cord, wrap the rim of the pot.
Use rose-color cord to wrap the bottom of the pot, starting just below the green and tucking the end of the tassel under the first couple of wraps of the cord. Apply more glue to the ends if needed to secure. Let the glue dry.

Dogwood delights

Dine in style with this in-bioom table setting.

what you'll need for place mat
Fabric glue
Stem of small silk dogwoods with leaves
Fabric place mat; scissors

1  Cut flowers and leaves from stem.
2 Arrange and glue flowers across the top of the place mat using dogwood flower as the focal point. Glue some of the leaves from the flowers in and around the dogwoods.
what you'll need for plate and mug
White ceramic plate and mug; grease pencil
Glass paints, such as Liquitex Glossies, in yellow, white, red, and green
Disposable plate; paintbrushes
Cotton swab

1 Wash and dry the plate and mug. Avoid touching the areas to be painted.
Referring to the photo, below, draw dogwood and leaf shapes on the plate and mug using a grease pencil.
3 On the disposable plate, mix a small amount of yellow paint with white to make a light cream color for the flowers. Paint the flower petals. Add a touch of red to cream color and paint outside edges of petals. Highlight the centers of the petals with pure white.
4 Mix green and red together to form a dark green. Use this color to add stamens and pistils to centers of flowers.
5  Mix some of dark green with the cream color and use to paint veins on petals.
6  For leaves, paint one side of the leaf with the dark green. Add a little yellow to the dark green and paint the remaining side of the leaf. Use the same greens to paint stems.
7  Use a cotton swab to carefully remove any visible grease pencil.
8 Set paint according to directions on paint jar.

Scented bath sal

Pamper yourself with beautifully bottled, floral-scented bath salts.

what you'll need
Large bowl
2 cups Epsom salts; 1 cup baking soda
4 drops lavender-scented oil
2x4-inch scrap of white cotton fabric
Food coloring; cookie sheet
Apothecary jar (available in thrift shops)
Vintage baby spoon; 1 yard of ribbon

1  In a large bowl mix 2 cups Epsom salts and 1 cup baking soda. Dab a few drops of scented oil onto cotton fabric and stir through mixture. Repeat with drops of food coloring. Continue mixing scented oil and food coloring until desired scent and color are achieved. If desired, make two colors of salts to layer in jar.
2 Spread mixture onto a cookie sheet for several hours, stirring several times. Wash and dry the jar. Spoon into jar.
3 Tie baby spoon onto jar with ribbon.
4 To use, dissolve several teaspoons of salts in bathwater.

Floral note cards

Preserve touch of beauty share it cheery cards.

what you'll need
Flowers for pressing, such as Queen Anne's lace
and blue delphinium Heavy book
White spray paint and newspapers, optional Colored paper scraps Scissors; glue stick Paintbrush
1  yard of 1/2 to 1-inch-wide sheer ribbon Thick white crafts glue

i Press flowers in a heavy book overnight or longer until they are well-pressed and fairly dry. If using Queen Anne's lace and it turns yellower than desired, spray with a light coat of white spray paint in a newspaper-protected, well-ventilated work area. Let it dry.
2 Using the photo, opposite, for inspiration, cut one or more colors of paper into the desired size and fold to make a card. Cut squares of different paper colors and arrange on the front if desired. Glue in place using a glue stick.
3  Paint a small amount of water-thinned crafts glue onto the card where the flowers will be placed. Gently lay flower into wet glue. Let it dry. Brush on a second coat of thinned glue over the entire flower and card front. Let the glue dry.
4  Embellish the card with a coordinating ribbon bow. Glue in place with crafts glue.

Elegant eggs

Sparkling heart-shape gems and tiny polka dots team up as a striking duo on this bright yellow egg.

what you'll need for heart egg
Egg
Large needle
Toothpick
Bowl
Acrylic paints in yellow and black
Paintbrush
12-15 red heart-shape gems
Thick white crafts glue

1  Pierce tiny holes on each end of the egg with the needle. Pierce the egg yolk with a toothpick. Blow the egg white and yolk into a bowl. Rinse and dry the egg.
2 Paint the egg yellow. Let the paint dry.
3 Glue the heart gems randomly on the egg. Let the glue dry.
4 Dip the paintbrush handle into black paint and dot on the egg. Continue placing dots between the hearts as desired. Let the paint dry.

Daisy may Baskets

Just the right size for a handful of treats, these candy cups are a sweet surprise for those you love.

what you'll need
Newspapers Acrylic paints in
desired colors Paintbrush
Cone-shape paper cup Paper punch Eyelet tool and eyelets Wood petal shapes 1/2-inch wood apple
shape 3/4 inch wood wheel 1/2-inch wood beads Hot-glue gun and glue sticks Pipe cleaners in desired colors Scissors; pencil

1 Cover work surface with newspapers. Paint cup desired background color. Let dry. Use a contrasting color to paint a dotted line around the rim. Let dry.
2  Use a paper punch to make a hole V2 inch from rim. Make a second hole opposite the first. From outside of cup, insert an eyelet in each hole. Secure using an eyelet tool.
3  Paint six petal shapes. Paint the apple a contrasting color for flower center. Paint the wheel the same color as flower center and a wood bead the color of petals. Let dry. Hot-glue petals and flower center to the front of the cup. Let dry.
4 Thread an unpainted wood bead onto a pipe cleaner that matches the flower center. Twist the pipe cleaner to secure the bead at one end. Snip off the end of the cup. From the inside push the end of the pipe cleaner through the bottom of the cup. The bead holds it in place.
5 Thread the painted wheel and bead onto the pipe cleaner. Twist remaining stem around a pencil to curl.
6 For a handle, twist two contrasting pipe cleaners together. Insert through the eyelets from outside. Fold ends upward to secure.

Oh-so-sweet may baskets

Metal cans make wonderfullyfestive containers when painted, embellished with wire handles, and filled with irresistible treats.

what you'll need
Newspapers
Clean fruit or tuna can without lid or sharp edges
Spray paint in desired color
Drill and Vi-inch bit
Paint marker; tube-style paint pens
18-inch lengths of colored wire
1/8-inch dowel or pencil

1  In a well-ventilated work area, cover work surface with newspapers. Spray-paint the can the desired color. Let dry.
2  Drill a hole on each side of the can just below the rim.
3 Write a name in the center of the can using a paint marker. Draw flowers or other desired designs around the can using paint pens. Let dry.
4 Choose six colored wires to make the handle. With the ends even, group the wires in twos. Beginning 5 inches from one end, braid the handle, leaving 5 inches at the opposite end. Slip the braided wire through the holes in the can. Wrap the unbraided wires around the braided handle once to secure. Wrap the wire ends around a dowel or pencil to curl.

Baby buckets

These endearing pails are just theright size tokeep things organized for little darlings.

what you'll need
Off-white acrylic paint; paintbrush Peat pot (available at
garden centers) Baby-motif sticker Decoupage medium, such as
Mod Podge; small nail 12 inches of 20-gauge silver wire Wire cutters Pencil

1  Brush two coats of paint on the inside and the outside of the pot. Let the paint dry. Apply a third coat to fill any remaining dark spots. Let the paint dry.
2 Apply a sticker to the center front of the bucket. Brush several coats of clear decoupage medium over the sticker. Let dry.
3  Use a small nail to poke a hole on opposite sides of the bucket V2 inch down from the rim. Cut a 12-inch length of the wire for the handle. Wind the center of the wire around a pencil six times. Bend the straight sides of the wire down and thread them through the prepoked holes from the outside. Fold V2 inch of each wire end back up against the handle.

Rainvow Vase

Choose braid in spring-fresh colors to transform a pitcher into a vase.

what you'll need
Small glass pitcher
Thick white crafts glue; paintbrush
1 yard variegated braided cord
Scissors
18-inch-long piece of iVi-inch-wide variegated sheer ribbon

2 Wash and dry the pitcher, removing stopper if necessary.
2 Beginning just below the spout, paint glue on the center portion
of the pitcher. Wrap the cording around the pitcher over the glue.
Trim the excess cord. Apply more glue to the ends if needed to
secure. Let the glue dry.
3 Tie ribbon around the handle. To cut notches into the ribbon
ends, fold each of the ends in half lengthwise; cut diagonally.
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Embroidered stationery

A few simple stitches of silk ribbon create charming notes.

what you'll need
Tracing paper; pencil
Card stock note card and matching envelope
Darning needle
4mm or 7mm silk ribbon in desired colors
Fine tapestry needle; glue, optional

1  Trace design, opposite, onto tracing paper. Place the tracing on note card on a protected work surface.
2 Use a darning needle to pierce the design into the paper and note card. Using the pattern holes, stitch diagrams, and the photo, below and opposite, as guides, stitch the design with silk ribbon, knotting on the back.
Trim the envelope and note card with running stitches or flat pieces of ribbon glued in place.

Tiny tote

Dress up a tiny canvas tote with clusters of floral and leaf beads.

what you'll need
Thread; scissors; ruler
Beading needle
Mini canvas tote bag
Beads in flower and leaf shapes
Assorted seed and other small beads
total cost
tote bag beads

1  Cut an 18-inch length of thread. Thread the needle and knot one end of the thread.
2 From the inside of the bag, push the needle through one side, centered approximately 1 Vi inches from the top. Thread on a flower bead and a seed bead. Push the needle back through the flower bead and the bag. Continue attaching bead flowers until you like the look. Sew on single seed beads and leaf beads as desired. Knot the thread on the inside of the bag.
3 Sew bead trims to the tote bag handle in the same manner.

Pretty pencil holder

Artful motifs cut from decorative papers beautify this set of pencils and holder.

what you'll need
Toothbrush holder
Scissors
Scraps of decorative scrapbook or origami papers
Thick white crafts glue
Pencils
Glass paint; paintbrush

1 Wash and dry toothbrush holder.
2 Using scissors, cut out flowers or other motifs from decorative paper and glue onto the holder.
3  Cut paper to cover each pencil, allowing a slight overlap. Glue the paper around each pencil.
4  Dip the handle of a paintbrush into paint and dot the center of each flower. Place dots in groups of three between the flowers. Let the paint dry.

Dainty posy box

Fill this clay-embellished box to the brim with aromatic potpourri for an irresistible display.

what you'll need
White air-dry clay, such as
Crayola Model Magic Rolling pin Small heart-shape cookie
cutter Butter knife Thick white crafts glue 31/2-inch high round cardboard box with lid approximately 6
inches in diameter Acrylic paints in desired colors Fine-point and small, flat paintbrushes White gel stain; damp, soft cloth

i Roll out clay to a thickness of approximately 3/-e inch. Cut out four small hearts with cookie cutter. Set aside to dry.
2  Shape leaves by forming a marble-size ball out of clay. Flatten it into an oval shape and press a crease into the center with the blade of a knife. Let dry.
3  Form seven or eight small balls to place in the center of the flower. To make the blue flowers around the edge, form five balls of clay for each flower. Shape tiny leaves out of clay. Let dry.
4  Glue clay shapes onto the lid and sides of the box.
5 Coil a piece of clay into a Vs-inch-thick rope to trim the edge of lid. Place a thin line of glue around the edge and adhere the rope of clay around the edge, meeting at each flower. Let the clay dry on the box.
6  Paint the entire box, inside and out, using white. Let the paint dry. Paint the box pale yellow. Slightly overlap the paint onto the flowers and rope. Let the paint dry. Paint the large flowers red, the leaves and rope green, the small flowers blue, and the flower centers bright yellow. Let the paint dry.
7  Coat the entire outside of the box and the lid using a generous amount of white gel stain. Brush the gel stain into all of the crevices of the clay design.
8 Let the gel just begin to dry and gently wipe off with the damp, soft cloth. Wipe just enough to take the top surface off, leaving the white stain in the crevices. Let the stain dry.

Dainty watering cans

Tiny enough to hold in the palm of your hand, this mini arrangement blooms with cheer.

what you'll need
Disposable plate
Acrylic enamel paints in white and
other desired color Sea sponge Miniature watering can Color photocopies of
fresh flowers Scissors
Thick white crafts glue Paintbrush
Metallic silver or gold marking pen Small plastic cup

1  Place small amounts of paints on a disposable plate. Moisten the sponge and wring out excess water.
2  Dab sponge lightly in each paint color; dab onto watering can. Continue applying color in this manner until the desired look is achieved. Let dry. Cut out photocopies of flowers. Arrange cutouts as desired on watering can. Glue cutouts in place. Let dry. Thin glue with water; coat the front of the cutouts. Let dry. Accent the edges of the watering can with tiny stripes drawn with a silver or gold marking pen. Trace the flower outline with pen. Let dry. Before placing flowers in the can, place a small plastic cup inside can. Fill with tiny flowers and water.

Pretty pansy tray

Serve guests in style with this vintage-looking serving tray lined in pansy motifs.

what you'll need
Color photocopies of vintage or new floral-motif cards
Scissors
Distressed-look serving tray
Thick white crafts glue
Paintbrush
Dried, pressed pansies and ferns

1  Trim photocopies as desired. Arrange trimmed pieces on the top of a serving tray.
2 Keeping the desired arrangement, glue the paper pieces in place. Let dry.
3 Arrange and glue on pressed pansies and ferns where desired. Let dry. Thin glue with water; coat decoupaged areas of tray. Let the glue dry.

Nap-time notice

Make an endearing sign to let everyone know when baby's asleep.

what you II need
Tracing paper; pencil
Scissors
Heavy cardboard
Fiberfill sheet
Fabric glue
Vi yard of light blue silk shantung
Sewing machine; thread
Dressmaker's carbon
2-3 yards of small pearls on a string
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
3/4 yard of thick decorative cord
Small rhinestones

1  Enlarge and trace the heart pattern, above right. Cut out the shape and trace twice onto cardboard and once onto fiberfill. Cut out the heart shapes. Spot-glue the fiberfill heart to the top of one of the cardboard hearts using fabric glue.
2 Trace the heart pattern twice onto fabric. Machine-stitch on the lines. Cut out both fabric hearts V2 inch from the stitching.
3  Use the dressmaker's carbon to transfer the letters onto one of the hearts.
4  Lay the heart with words over the top of the cardboard heart with fiberfill. Line up stitching to edges of cardboard. Pull fabric over edge of cardboard; hot-glue to back, clipping as needed.
5 Cover the second cardboard heart with the second fabric heart in the same manner for the backing. Set aside.
6 Working one letter at a time, hot-glue the string of pearls over the transferred letters, cutting the length of pearls as needed.
7  For the hanger, cut a 10-inch length of pearls and hot-glue the ends to the back side of the heart. Hot-glue the backing to the heart.
8 Begin at the dip of the heart and hot-glue cord around the outside edge of the heart. Finish with a knot to cover the raw edge of
the cord.
9 Randomly glue the small rhinestones across the front of the heart.

Teacup Napkin

Grace a cloth napkin with vintage flair by transferring on blue work in a classic teacup design.

what you'll need
100-percent cotton napkin with
eyelet-hemmed edge; iron Iron-on blue-work teacup design
(available in fabric stores) Scissors
Press cloth; tapestry needle 3 yards of 4mm blue silk ribbon

1  Prewash the napkin without using bleach. Let the napkin dry. Press the napkin. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to transfer the teacup design to one corner of the napkin.
2 Cut away the excess of the textured velour past the edge of the design. To iron on the design, heat a dry iron to the wool setting.
3 Thread the ribbon in a tapestry needle. Weave the ribbon through the eyelet hem. Knot ends together and trim away the excess ribbon.

Silk scarf pillow

Choose a scarf to match your decor instead of your outfit and sew a beautiful quilted pillow.

what you'll need
Silk scarf at least 15 inches square
Vi yard of coordinating cotton fabric for lining and back
16-inch square of quilt batting
Metallic gold sewing machine thread
Sewing machine; ruler or measuring tape; scissors
2 yards of beaded sew-in fringe
Pillow form; 5mm accent beads; needle

1  Line the scarf with cotton fabric and batting. Machine-quilt around scarf design using metallic gold thread.
2 Trim quilted scarf to measure 15 inches square.
3  Using '/2-inch seam allowances, sew the beaded fringe around the outside edge. Cut backing fabric the same as the front.
4 Stitch the back to the front, right sides facing, leaving an opening for turning. Trim the corners. Turn to the right side. Insert the pillow form. Stitch opening closed.
5 Sew on accent beads to detail the pillow.

Strawberry sachets

Speckled with clear seed beads, these sweetly scented strawberries are always in season.

what you'll need
White pencil Cereal bowl Va yard crinkle red
cotton lame Scissors Needle Thread in red
and green Sheet of felt Strawberry-scented oil Fiberfill
Thin needle to fit through beads Clear seed beads Ve yard green cotton lame 22-gauge floral wire; ruler

1  Use a white pencil to trace around the edge of a cereal bowl on the red fabric. Remove the bowl and cut out the traced circle.
2  Use a needle threaded with red thread to stitch a running stitch around the edge of the fabric circle. Pull both the beginning and end of the thread to gather the fabric circle into a berry shape.
3 Cut a 1-inch-thick strip across the width of the felt. Dab a drop of scented oil onto one end of the felt strip. Starting with the oiled end, roll up the felt strip and then place it in the center of the gathered fabric. Stuff pinches of fiberfill around the felt to widen the top of the strawberry. When the shape is formed as desired, pull both ends of the thread tightly over the stuffing and knot them together.
4 Thread a thin needle with red thread to begin stitching the white beads on the outside of the strawberry. Avoid piercing the rolled felt in the center of the strawberry with the needle to prevent the scented oil from spreading and leaking onto the red fabric.
5  Draw a circle on green lame to cover top of a strawberry; trim the edge in a zigzag fashion. Snip a small slit in the center of the leaf. Cut a 3-inch length of floral wire and then fold the wire in half. Coil the two wire ends into small circles. Thread the folded end of the floral wire stem through the slit in the leaf. Position the leaf on top of the beaded strawberry with the wire ends down. Stitch the leaf and stem in place with a needle and green thread.

Heart pins

Create miniature pieces of art to give with love. These colorful resin hearts are simply luminous.

what you'll need
Black art board
Scissors
Adhesive-back papers, such as foil, metallic, and hologram papers
Decorative-edge scissors
Pencil
Waxed paper
Liquid plastic casting resin and hardener
Crafts stick
Gems
Metallic gold glitter fabric paint
Fine wire; colored beads
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Pin backs

1  To make several pins at one time, start with a piece of black art board in desired size.
2 Cut the papers into small, irregular shapes. Use decorative-edge scissors to cut long strips of paper. Remove backing after cutting.
3 Arrange papers in a random pattern to cover black art board, allowing small black borders to show between the pieces.
4  Draw heart shapes on paper-covered board as many times as possible. Cut out.
5  In a well-ventilated work area, place waxed paper on work surface and arrange heart shapes. Mix the resin and hardener following the manufacturer's instructions. Use a crafts stick to spread a thick coat of resin on each heart. Before it begins to set, press in gems. Let hearts set overnight.
6  Outline hearts and gems with glitter paint. Let dry. String beads onto fine wire. Loop ends of wire around first and last beads and back into strand of beads. Hot-glue onto back of heart. Curl and shape wired beads. Repeat for each heart. Hot-glue one pin back to back of each heart.

Battenberg mantel

Drape a shelf with a lace edge made from a tablecioth embellished with colorful stitches and buttons.

what you'll need
Purchased 36-inch Battenberg lace tablecloth
Assorted machine embroidery threads in rayon and
gold metallic Assorted crafts buttons Sewing needle and thread

1  Following the edge of the tablecloth design, stitch rows of embroidery threads, using different colors and stitches.
2 Sew on buttons where appropriate to enhance the Battenberg design on the tablecloth.

Star napkin rings

Give a rustic theme to a Hanukkah table setting with star napkin rings formed from sticks.

what you'll need
Pliable twigs approximately % inch in diameter
Twig cutter; sharp knife
34-gauge wire; 18-gauge wire; ruler
Wire cutters
Needle-nose pliers

1  Beginning at the end of one twig, bend it four times at 2'/?-inch intervals. Cut it at the fourth bend.
2 Whittle the sides for the first and last sections so they lie flat against each other when they overlap.
3  Using 34-gauge wire and needle-nose pliers, fasten the overlapping twig sections to each other, forming an equilateral triangle.
4  Cut a second twig to the same length and bend at the same 21/2-inch intervals. Whittle as in Step 2, above. Weave the second twig into the first triangle, centering the points of the second triangle on the sides of the first. Wire the overlapping sides together as before.
5 To make a wire loop for the napkin ring, use a piece of 18-gauge wire about 3V? inches long. Use needle-nose pliers to squeeze one end of the wire around the star where the triangles cross; repeat on the opposite side, shaping the wire into a half circle.

Festive floss trims

Vivid embroidery floss enhances the shapes of purchased wood or plastic ornaments. In an evening make a set for your tree or to give as a much-appreciated gift.

what you'll need
Thick white crafts glue
Paintbrush
Wood or plastic ornament in
desired shape or curtain ring with
screw eye Embroidery floss in desired colors Scissors
1-inch-wide sheer wire-edge ribbon Large marking pen or dowel

1  Paint on a thin layer of glue at one end of the ornament. Begin winding the desired color of floss around the glued area. Continue gluing and wrapping floss around ornament, changing colors as you wish. The floss ends should be glued down securely. Let dry.
2 Tie a ribbon bow to the ornament top. Smooth out the ribbon tails. Wrap the tails around a large marking pen or dowel to create curls on the ends.

Ribbon Purse

Just the right size for holding a small surprise, this bag is woven from scraps of holiday ribbons.

what you'll need
Scissors; ruler; Vi yard of lightweight
fusible interfacing; pins Corrugated cardboard Approximately 9 yards of'/»- to
lV2-inch-wide ribbons Fusible hem tape; iron; 7x9-inch lining
fabric; thread; sewing machine Needle; snap; button; tassel

1  Cut a 6'/2x221/2-inch piece of
interfacing. Pin it fusible side up to the cardboard. Cut enough 221/2-inch-long ribbons to cover the interfacing. Pin the ribbons side by side atop the interfacing.
2 Cut several ribbons to a length of 6V2 inches. Pin hem tape to the ribbon backs. Begin weaving short ribbons with those pinned to cardboard. Pin ribbon ends as woven. Using an iron, fuse ribbons to interfacing, removing pins as you go. Trim edges.
3  Place the lining onto the woven piece, right sides facing. Stitch together using a 1/i-inch seam allowance and leaving one short end open. Trim seams and turn. Measure 4'/2 inches from stitched short end. Fold the woven piece at this point with right sides facing. Hand-stitch both side seams. Turn right side out.
4 To make the flap point, measure 2Vz inches from open end on each side. Fold the corners together and stitch from sides to center of flap. Turn right side out. Sew on a snap where flap point meets bag. Sew a button and tassel to point of flap.

Rose corsage

Any lady feels as pretty as a princess wearing this elegant corsage.

what you'll need
2 yards of lV2-inch-wide red felt wire-edge ribbon
Yardstick
Scissors
Needle and matching thread
10 inches each of 1'/2-inch-wide felt wire-edge ribbon in two
shades of green 4-inch length of 1 Vi-inch-wide wire-edge ribbon for back Two 4-inch-long sprays of vintage artificial corsage leaves with
fruit trim

1  Cut red ribbon into 1-yard lengths for each rose. Pull out the wire along one edge of each piece.
2 With wireless edge at the bottom, fold down one end of ribbon to extend V2 inch below the bottom edge.
3  For flower center, wind ribbon from end that is folded down clockwise several times and hand-stitch to secure.
4  Fold back length of ribbon close to flower center and wind several times. Fold back ribbon again and wind again. Use running stitches to gather the remaining length of ribbon and
wind around center. Taper and secure ribbon end with hand stitches. Make two roses.
5 For leaves, remove wire from one edge of a 10-inch length of green ribbon. Fold ribbon in half crosswise. Make a running stitch from the folded edge with wire curving down to unwired edge and curving back up to wired edge. Trim away corners of bottom edge.
6 Gather leaf and secure thread. Open leaf and shape along wired edge. Make two leaves. 7 Assemble roses and leaves and hand-stitch to 4-inch ribbon piece. Using the photo, left, as a guide, hand-stitch artificial corsage leaves with fruit trim in place.

Pretty pasta tree

With as many colors as a rainbow, this ornamental table tree is made from oodles of noodles.

what you'll need
Waxed paper
Assorted pasta in interesting shapes
Thick white crafts glue
Wood skewer
Plastic cone approximately 12 inches tall
Sponge or standard brush for glue
Newspapers; black spray paint
Acrylic gloss paints in desired colors
Paintbrush

1  Create the treetop star first. Lay shell pasta on waxed paper and arrange in a star shape, gluing generously between shells. Glue a skewer in between two shells for inserting into the cone.
2 To make the tendrils, partially boil long strands of pasta. Boil just long enough so they are flexible. Pat dry. Shape noodles and lay flat until dry. Generously glue onto the star, inserting the ends between shells. Let dry. Glue shells to the back side of star so it looks the same from both sides. Insert end of skewer into top of cone.
3  Use a sponge or regular brush to apply a very thick coat of crafts glue onto surfaces of cone, working on one section at a time. (It is important to cover the entire foam surface with glue to prevent the spray paint from eating into the foam.) Begin covering the cone with pasta. Arrange pasta in rows, using a variety of textures and shapes. Let dry.
4  In a well-ventilated work area, cover work surface with newspapers. Spray entire tree with black spray paint. Let dry. Repeat if necessary to get paint into all the deep crevices. Let the paint dry.
5 Paint rows of pasta different colors, allowing the black crevices to show. If desired, layer some of the paint colors, such as yellow over orange, lime green over blue, or red over purple. Allow the first layer of paint to dry; then paint the second color over the first, letting some of the first color show.

Pinecone place cards

Dinner guests feel ever so welcome with these natural place cards by their plates.

what you'll need
Metallic acrylic paints in blue, purple,
gold, copper, green, or other
desired colors Paintbrush Pinecones; acorns Medium-weight paper scrap Ruler Gold metallic marking pen

i Paint the pinecones the desired color. Paint the tops and bottoms of the acorns different colors. Let the paint dry.
2 For each place card, tear a 11/?x3-inch piece of paper. Wet the edges with water. Paint the edges of the paper, allowing the paint to bleed. Let dry. Write a name in the center of the paper using a gold metallic marking pen.
3 For each place card, set the pinecone in a position on a table to avoid rolling. Insert the paper place card in the top of the pinecone. Arrange the acorns around the pinecone.

Seashell tree topper

A fun and unexpected departure, this shell tree topper glistens with color and texture.

what you'll need
Sharp knife; foam cone, such as Styrofoam, in desired size
Assortment of shells, including a starfish
Newspapers; metallic gold spray paint
Transparent glass paints, in desired colors; paintbrush
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
1 yard of wide ribbon; scissors; quilting pins

1  Using a sharp knife, cut the foam cone in half lengthwise. Each topper will use one half of the cone.
2  Wash and dry shells. In a well-ventilated work area, place shells on newspapers. Spray the shells with gold paint. Let dry and spray again if needed. Let dry.
3  Using the photograph, above, as a guide, determine shell pattern and placement, planning smaller shells for the top of the cone. Paint the shells with glass paints. Let dry.
4 Starting at the bottom, hot-glue the shells to the rounded side of the foam cone.
5  Cut three strips of ribbon, each approximately 12 inches long. Centering the ribbons in horizontal rows on the back of the foam, pin the ribbons securely across the foam.
6  Use the ribbon ends to secure the topper to the tree.

Frontdoor frosty

This friendly fellow loves hanging out at your front door to melt your heart with a smile all winter long.

what you'll need
Metal snowman-shape cake pan
Newspapers
White spray primer for metal
Acrylic paints for metal in white, black, and pink
Paintbrush; artificial snow flecks
Ve yard red and green plaid flannel fabric; scissors; ruler
Thick white crafts glue
1-inch red pom-pom; two 1-inch black buttons; braid
Two %-inch black shank buttons
4-inch-square piece of green felt
Scrap of red felt

1  Wash and dry the cake pan. In a well-ventilated work area, cover surface with newspapers. Spray-paint the outside of the pan with primer. Let the primer dry. Spray on a second coat of primer. Let dry.
2  Mix some white acrylic paint with artificial snow flecks. Using the photo, opposite, as a guide, paint the snowman body with the paint. Let the paint dry. Paint the details on the snowman. Let the paint dry.
3  Cut two strips of fabric, approximately 4 inches long and
3 inches wide. Fold and shape the fabric into a scarf and glue it in place. Glue the pom-pom, buttons, and braid in place.
4  From green felt, cut two holly leaf shapes. Cut three circles from red felt for berries. Glue the felt pieces on the hat. Let dry.

Friendly Fellas

Topped with hats made from socks, these smiling snowmen warm hearts all winter long.

what you'll need
Sock; scissors
Round white glass ornament
Hot-glue gun and glue sticks
Pom-poms in green, red, or silver
Fishing line or thread; yarn needle; yarn
Pink makeup blush; wire cutters
Black permanent marking pen
Orange plastic-coated wire; sharpened pencil

1 Cut off the cuff portion of the sock, approximately 5 inches from the top. Stretch the cuff piece over the glass ornament, covering the hook. Fold back a '/2-inch cuff. Hot-glue the sock in place, allowing enough room for the snowman face. To trim the hat, hot-glue pompoms on it as desired.
2 For a hanging loop, cut and tie fishing line through the loop on the ornament. Knot the ends to secure.
3 To finish cap, gather 1 to 2 inches from the top with yarn. Pull snug and knot the yarn ends. If desired, fringe the top cap piece.
4 Draw a face on ornament with marking pen. Apply blush for cheeks.
5 For nose, wrap orange wire around pencil tip, allowing the tip to gradually get smaller. Cut with wire cutters. Hot-glue nose in place.

Jingle-jangle trims

A twist on the traditional red and white, jingle bells make these trims sparkle with silver and golden tones.

what you'll need
Crafts wire; ruler; wire cutters; needle-nose pliers Assorted sizes of jingle bells in gold and silver Beaded wire; Vi-inch-wide ribbon in gold and silver

1  Measure crafts wire to the desired length for ornament and cut with wire cutters. Using needle-nose pliers, pinch one end of the wire and twist to create a small loop.
2 Thread different sizes and colors of bells onto the wire until approximately 1/4 inch of the wire is left at the end. Use pliers to shape a small loop in the wire end.
3 Bend one end of the ornament so the shape resembles a candy cane. Measure approximately 6 inches of beaded wire and loop it around the top curve of the ornament. Secure it with needle-nose pliers.
4 Tie a ribbon bow around the middle of the cane.

Beautifull Vintage

Vintage linens find their place during the holidays transforming into lovely Christmas stockings. Dainty laceand satin ribbons drape from each cuff's edge.

what you'll need
Tracing paper; pencil
Scissors
18x28-inch vintage or new tea towel for stocking
Ruler
Vintage or new fabric napkin or tea towel for cuff
Sewing machine
30 inches of lace; sewing needle and thread
36 inches of Vs- or Vi-inch-wide ribbon

1  Enlarge and trace the pattern, below left, and cut out. Use the pattern to cut two stocking shapes from the tea towel. Cut a 1x5-inch piece of fabric for a hanging loop. Cut two corners from napkin or tea towel, each equal to the width of the stocking top and approximately half the stocking height.
2  Stitch the stocking pieces with the right sides together using 1/i-inch seams. Leave the top open. Clip and trim the seam. Turn the stocking to the right side.
3  For the hanging loop, press in Vi inch along two long edges. Press in half lengthwise and topstitch. Fold the loop in half crosswise and baste the raw edge at the back seam. Seam the cuff in a continuous loop.
4 Stitch lace along the bottom edge of cuff. Weave ribbon through the lace if desired and tie into a bow.
5  Match the side seams with the right side of the cuff to the wrong side of stocking. Stitch around the top edge. Fold the cuff to the right side.

Trailing stars

Suspend graduated sizes of stars from beaded wire to make striking tree ornaments.

what you'll need
Electric drill and Vi6-inch bit
Purchased unfinished wood stars in
small, medium, and large sizes
Metallic gold crafts wire Wire cutters; seed beads
Assorted large beads
Thick white crafts glue; paintbrush G
litter in red or silver

1 Drill a small hole in the top and bottom of each of the stars.
2 To make the hanging loop, cut a piece of wire 5 inches in length and thread approximately 1 inch through top of large star. Twist to secure next to hole.
3 Thread several seed beads on the other end of the wire. Place the open end of wire between thumb and index finger, pinch, and twist several times into a circle to make a curly loop.
4 Cut a 2-inch length of wire; thread one end through bottom hole of large star. Thread on several seed beads and thread the other end into the top hole of the medium star. Twist and secure. Repeat process to attach medium and small stars. Wire on one or two larger beads to bottom of small star.
5 Thin glue with water; coat stars. While wet, sprinkle with glitter. Let dry.

Berried Candles

Create holiday magic by wrapping candlelight in the colors of the season.

what you'll need
Tall clear glass candleholders; clear glass tumblers
Adhesive for glass
Wired artificial greenery with berries
Wire cutters; 1 1/2-inch-wide sheer ribbon; scissors
Votive candles

1  Glue a tumbler to the top of each candleholder. Let the adhesive dry.
2 Wrap the tumbler bases with greenery, twisting the wire ends to secure. Cut off any excess greenery.
3 Tie a ribbon bow to one side of greenery. Trim ribbon ends. Insert votive candle.

Simiply beautiful ornaments

Make dancing stars in minutes using ordinary ball ornaments and metallic paint pens.

what you'll need
Soft cloth
Matte-finish glass ornaments in desired color
Small-mouth drinking glass
Metallic paint marking pen

1  Using a soft cloth, gently wipe any dust from the ornaments. If using glass balls, handle them with care as some glass ornaments are fragile and break easily. While working, place each ball in a drinking glass to prevent rolling.
2 Draw a design on the balls using a paint pen. Draw stars, scallops, small dots, zigzags, words, or curlicues. Work on one side at a time. Let dry.
3 Turn the balls over in the glasses and finish the other sides. Let dry.

Copper tree

Hanging from a bag or on a chain around your neck, this copper tree makes a bold contemporary statement.

what you'll need
Needle-nose pliers Copper wire; hammer 2 metal beads Ribbon or chain

1  Using needle-nose pliers, bend wire back and forth in graduated widths to form a tree shape. Leave a 2-inch straight piece of wire at the top. Twist the end at the bottom into a curl.
2  Place the tree on a hard, flat work surface, such as a metal vise or anvil. Hammer the wire flat except for the 2-inch length at the top.
3 Slip beads on the end of the wire at the top. Bend the end of the wire to form a hanging loop.
4  Tie a ribbon to the top of the wire or slip a chain through the loop to wear as a necklace.

Bejeweled trees

Nest flea market jewelry in glass tree jars for an inviting holiday accent.

what you'll need
Candle, optional Clear glass tree jar Flea market jewelry

1  If using a candle in the jar, center it in the bottom. Stabilize the candle by placing jewelry around it, avoiding the wick area.
2 If using the jar lid, fill the bottom of the jar with jewelry and place a few pieces in the lid so the tree is decorated to the top. Carefully place the lid on the jar.

Knite-to-fit mittens

Like the little kittens that were smitten with their mittens, these kid-size duplicate-stitch versions are purr-fectiy suited to your iittle ones.

what you'll need
Sizes 3 and 5 double-pointed knitting
needles (dpn) Lamb's Pride Superwash Bulky
(100-gram or 110-yard skein) in
desired color Scissors; yarn needle 2 small stitch holders; stitch marker 10 yards of white yarn in a bulky weight Gauge: Working in rounds of stockinette stitch (st st) and with larger dpns,
5 sts and 7 rnds = 1 inch. Skill level: Intermediate

1  For mittens (make two): With smaller dpns and main color, cast on 28 (32, 36) sts. Arrange the sts onto 3 dpns; join and place a marker to indicate the beginning of rnd. Work around in k 1, p 1 ribbing for 2 (2V2, 2'/2) inches.
2 Change to the larger dpns. Knit every rnd for st st until the piece measures 2% (3V2, 3V2) inches from beginning.
3  For thumb, slip 6 sts onto holder; cast on 6 sts; k around = 28 (32, 36) sts. Work even to 4% (6, 6V2) inches from beginning.
4 For shaping, Rnd 1: (K 2, k 2 tog) around. Rnd 2: K 21 (24, 27) sts. Rnd 3: (K 1, k 2 tog) around. Rnd 4: K 14 (16,18) sts. Rnd 5: (K 2 tog) around = 7 (8, 9) sts.
5 Cut yarn leaving 8-inch tail. Thread tail into needle and back through remaining sts. Pull up to gather; close top opening. Secure.
6 To complete thumb, k 6 sts from holder, pick up and k 6 more sts around opening. Arrange the 12 sts onto three dpns; join. Work around in st st until thumb measures 11A (IV2, 1%) inches from beginning. K 2 tog around. Leaving a 6-inch tail, cut yarn. Thread tail into yarn needle and back through remaining sts.
7 Using the duplicate stitch chart, left, count stitches on mitten top to center pattern and embroider backs with white yarn. Weave loose ends on wrong side of knitting.

Jeweled poinsettia

The Christmas tree Sights glisten off this sparkling floral glass ornament.

what you'll need
Triangular glass ornament (available
at crafts supply stores) 5 red teardrop rhinestones, each
1 inch long 2 diamond-shape green plastic mirror
gems, each V/2 inches long 1 round gold rhinestone, V2 inch
in diameter Gem glue; 1 yard metallic gold cord

1  Wash the glass ornament; let dry.
2 Arrange and glue the rhinestones and gems in the shape of a poinsettia as shown, above.
3 Glue gold trim around the edge of the ornament. Use cord to make a hanging loop and thread through the hole in the ornament. Let the glue dry.