Christmas Tree Circles

Gosh, I thought these were darling. These wooden ornaments preserve the piney memories of Christmasses past.

You need:

Handsaw/pine disk/copper wire/ribbon or cord/glue/artificial greenery and berries/marker or craft paint

How to:

Saw a cross section from the bottom of your Christmas tree trunk before putting it into its stand for decorating. Alternately, you can saw a smaller piece from the middle after the holidays are over. This is your pine disk. I would think that a Christmas tree lot, might give you some pieces if you bring you own handsaw.

Wrap a length of thin wire around the pine disk and twist it into a loop at the top for hanging. Tie on a ribbon, glue on some trim or add greenery, berries or other decorations.

Write the year across the front with a marker or craft paint. If the wood surface to too rough,sand it down a bit before writing

For an extra remembrance, glue on a fun Christmas morning snapshot before you store it away for next year.

Candy Cane Signpost

Here's a real treat for your tree;a candy cane like ornament that points the way to Santa's place.

You need

Large craft stick/paints/craft knife/marker/glue/small green felt holly leaves/red pom pom /glitter/5 inch piece of ribbon

How to

Coat a large craft stick with white paint and another with green. Let them dry, then add striped of red paint to the white stick.

Use a craft knife to cut a 3 inch section from the green stick, notching each end to create an arrow shape. Write North Pole on the sign in permanent marker, then glue the sign to the red and white craft stick

Next, glue on small green felt holly leaves and red mini pom pom berries. If you like, add dabs of white paint, then sprinkle on white glitter for snow.

Finally, glue both ends of a 5 inch piece of ribbon to the back of the signpost for a hanger and let the glue dry.

December's thought of the Month

Let your heart determine your destination,
and your mind shall carry you there.

Anonymous



I think that we are need inspiration throughout the year, so I have decided to start posting a thought a month. Hope you enjoy.

Easy Wreath Birdbath

Use an inexpensive grapevine wreath and a flowerpot saucer to create a refreshing spot for feathered friends. A snap to assemble, this project is perfect for any child who thinks that bathing is for the birds. I thought maybe it could be used a a bird feeder in the winter and a bath in the spring.

You need

3/8 inch manila rope /15 inch grapevine wreath/10 inch terra cotta saucer/artificial grape leaves

How to

Cut three 5 foot lengths of rope and knot them together at both ends. Nestle the wreath inside the ropes.

Place the saucer inside the wreath. If you like, tuck grape leaves into the wreath and wind them around the ropes

Use more rope for hanging the birdbath is needed.

Wishing Spool

Forget about postage to the North Pole. When kids roll their wish lists onto these cute as a button spools. Santa will snap to attention

You need

Paint/wooden thread spool/marker/paper strip to fit the width of the spool/double sided tape/ribbon/self sticking label

How to

Paint the spool and let it dry

Have your child write her Christmas list on the strip of paper

Roll the paper around the empty spool, using double sided tape to fasten it, and leave some of the list hanging down

Thread the ribbon through the spool's center and tie a knot at the top for hanging. Write your child's name on the self sticking label and affix it to the ribbon.

Painted Christmas Tree Pot

Stacking clay pots has never been so fun. We all have them , now we can put them to good use.

You need:

Green paint/ and different colors paint for the dots/1"wood star /4 clay pots 1/2" 1.7"2.75 "and a 3" / E6000 industrial strength adhesive

How to:

Paint the outside of the pot any green of your choice. Let dry

Stack pots with rims down and largest on bottom: glue pots together inside rims

Paint star . Use a pouncer brush dipped in different colors to make ornaments. Attach star

Carefree Countdown

Offer daily surprises with this simple Advent calendar. Fill colored envelopes with treats, seal with adhesive numbers, and punch holes in the corners.

Hang from cording strung across a gift wrapped covered cork board.