January 2013 RS meeting

Sisters,  We will not have our regular meeting the first week in January.  Instead, we are going to the temple when it opens.  Our RS Temple day is Thursday, January 17th.  If you would like to carpool, we will be leaving the church at 6 PM.  If you would like to meet us at the temple, we are planning on attending the 7 PM session.  You are free to do other ordinances also, if you like. 

Come to the Temple with us and start 2013 on a Spiritual note.....

Extra Supplies

Sisters,  If you wanted to make the Sammy Snowman Paver brick but didn't get the chance, you can now.  We have extra pavers and all the supplies needed so you can complete one for your Christmas decorating.  Give Sandii a call.  (the chenille and the pom poms may be a different color from the sample below)

Mark your calendars!

Sisters, mark your calendars for a special evening to start your Christmas season.  Our Relief Society meeting will be on Thursday, December 6th at 6:30 PM in the Relief Society Room.

A program featuring the Women Surrounding Christ's Birth will follow our dinner.  A nursery will be provided for your little ones.  

Paver Brick Characters for the Holidays

We made a cute and simple snowman in our Make 'n Take, but you can use your imagination to make other holiday characters from the paver bricks.  Here are a few suggestions and a sample pattern for one of the them.  Let your creativity flow and have fun!

 

 

The antlers, arms and tails can be cut from wood and painted or made from two pieces of felt with cardboard between them for stiffening and attached with a glue gun.  Hats, gloves and other accessories can be cut from felt..  The strung lettering can be hung on wire.  The halo can be made from wire, as well.

Sammy Snowman Instructions

Made from a paving brick, this cute snowman was a lot of fun to complete.  One of our samples had "Let it snow" written on the front opposite the heart and patch....  so cute!  Add a fabric scarf and your snowman is ready for the cold.
 

Materials needed:

          Paver brick

          Black sharpie pen

          White craft paint or latex-based paint to cover brick

          Craft paints in orange, red, yellow, & black – or desired colors (or sharpie                     pens in desired colors)

          Nail with large head

          Brushes: foam to cover the brick, smaller brush for nose, heart, patch

          2 – 2” pom poms in color of choice

          9” chenille craft wire

          Cloth strip 2” x 23” for scarf

          Glue gun

1.    Wash and thoroughly dry the paver brick.

2.   Paint the paver with acrylic craft paint or latex-based paint in the color of choice.  You may need to use 2 coats, depending on the desired coverage and it may be easier to paint the bottom first (Fig 1), let dry, then paint the rest.  (Fig 2)  Let the paver dry thoroughly – possibly as long as a day.

    Fig 1

     Fig 2

3.   With the sharpie pen, draw the eye, nose outline, smile, and other facial features.  Also draw on the heart and “patch” on the body.  Use the blog photo as your model, if you need.

4.   Fill in the nose with orange paint, the heart with red paint, and the patch with yellow paint – or use the colors of your choice.  You may also use sharpie pens instead of paint.

5.   Dip the nail head in a small amount of black paint and make the buttons on the body.  Or you may use the black sharpie to draw them instead.

6.   Add the stitches to the patch and all details on the body of the snowman with the black sharpie.  Add the lettering “Let it snow”, and the squiggles around the outer edge, if desired.

7.   Using the glue gun, attached the chenille wire ends to each side of the paver to start the ear muffs.  Attach a pom pom to each end of the chenille to complete the ear muffs.

8.   Tie the fabric strip around the neck area to form the scarf.

Candy Bar Ghost

Another variation of the Candy Bar Snowman..... Both this ghost and the bat from a previous post are perfect for Halloween.   

Materials needed:

          60” – 1” wide crepe paper strip (cut 2” crepe paper rolls in half – length wise ~ this will make 2 candy bar snowmen – or cut sheet crepe paper in 1” strips)

          1 – 1.55 oz Hershey-type milk chocolate candy bar

          Twist up glue stick, hot glue gun, tape

          White paper to cover the candy bar wrapper, optional

          Wiggly eyes

          Black fine tip pen

          Heavy black paper scraps, if desired

1.    Cover the candy bar with the white paper, if desired, to help disguise the color from the wrapper.  

 

2.    With the white crepe paper strip, begin in back and wrap the candy bar around like a mummy.  Secure both ends with the glue stick.



 

3.   Measure approx. 1” from top of candy bar and glue wiggly eyes on the front.  (see photo above)

4.   Add the nose and mouth, if desired, with the black fine tip sharpie or make eyes and large open mouth with heavy black paper and glue in place.  

Candy Bar Bat

This is a variation of the Candy Bar Snowman. 

Materials needed:

          1 – 1.55 oz Hershey-type milk chocolate candy bar

          Twist up glue stick, hot glue gun, tape

          Wiggly eyes

          Black pellon – 7” x 7” (this is the wings, so it shouldn’t be too stiff)

 

1.    Cut out the bat wings from the pellon using the pattern below. 

2.   Glue the pellon to the back of the candy bar using a hot glue gun or glue stick.

3.   Hot glue the wiggly eyes on the pellon above the candy bar (face area with ears)

4.   Fold one side of the pellon over the front of the candy bar then fold the other side over the front to complete the bat. Use a small piece of rolled tape to keep the bat wings closed, if desired.  

Candy Sticks Snowman

Here is a fun alternative to the Candy Bar Snowman.....  Use candy sticks, Necco candy rolls, etc. to fill the inside. 

Materials:

          2 pieces of printer paper (for thickness)

          Black and orange sharpie pens

          Fleece for hat, 6-1/2” x 7-1/2” (or to fit around snowman with a ¼” seam) in the color of your choice

          Fleece for scarf, 1-1/2” x 13”

          Garden twine or ribbon, 12” long

Tape, glue, scissors

Candy or other treats to place inside

Take 2 pieces of printer paper (8-1/2” x 11”) and fold together (as if one piece of paper) so the front is approximately 3 to 3-1/2” wide.  Fasten in back with tape or glue.

Measuring down from the top approximately 3”, draw the snowman face on the front with fine tip sharpie pens, using black and orange.   Measuring down approximately 6” from the top, draw buttons on body with the black sharpie.

 Stitch the hat fleece into a tube to fit around the snowman’s “head” using a ¼” seam.  Turn right-side out and turn the bottom edge up ½” to form the hat band.  Cut the top of the hat into fringe, 2-1/2” long. 

Fringe the ends of the scarf fleece 1-1/2” to 2” on both ends.

 Tape or glue the top of the snowman shut.  Place the fleece hat on the “head” of the snowman and tie just below the fringe with the garden twine or ribbon to form a “stocking cap” effect.

Tie the scarf around the snowman between the head and the buttons.

Fill the snowman with candy sticks, Necco candies, or desired snacks.  Fold the bottom up to the back to close.  Tape shut.

Snowman Candy Bar

 

Materials needed:

          60” – 1” wide crepe paper strip (cut 2” crepe paper rolls in half – length wise ~ this will make 2 candy bar snowmen – or cut sheet crepe paper in 1” strips)

          1 – 1.55 oz Hershey-type milk chocolate candy bar

          Twist up glue stick, hot glue gun

          White paper to cover the candy bar wrapper, optional

          Black and yellow felt pieces

          Wiggly eyes

          10” – ¼”wide ribbon for scarf

          Black, orange and red fine tip pens, if desired

          Extra embellishments as desired

 

1.    Cover the candy bar with the white paper, if desired, to help disguise the color from the wrapper.   (Fig 1)

2.    With the white crepe paper strip, begin in back and wrap the candy bar around like a mummy.  Secure both ends with the glue stick. (Fig 2)

    Fig 1

       Fig 2

1.   Measure approx. 1” from top of candy bar and glue wiggly eyes on the front. 

2.   Add the nose and mouth, if desired. (We used orange paper for the nose, but you could also use felt.)

3.   Wrap the scarf ribbon around the candy bar, tie one knot, and hot glue in place.

4.   Add the “buttons” to the body of the snowman, cutting small squares of the black felt.

5.   Glue the hat band to the hat and trim to fit, depending on where it is placed.

6.   Glue the hat on the head of the snowman.

7.   Add extra embellishments, as desired. 

See the alternatives on the blog for additional holiday ideas…..

Look to the Right!

Remember to look to the Archive links on the right to search for the project posting you want! 

Russian Refresher Mix (Wassail)

 

We had the opportunity to taste Wassail and take a sample of the ingredients home.  For those of you who were not able to attend the Make 'n Take, here is the recipe.  Enjoy!

Russian Refresher Mix (Wassail)

      *      2 cups powdered orange drink mix (Tang or fruit drink from cannery)

      *      13-oz pre-sweetened powder lemonade mix (approx. 2/3 cups)

       *      1-1/3 cup sugar

       *      1 teaspoon cinnamon

       *      ½ teaspoon ground cloves

           

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.  Mix well.  Put in a one-quart air tight container.  Label and store in a cool, dry place.  Use within 6 months.  Makes about 3 – ½ cup servings of Russian Refresher Mix.

Mix 2 – 3 teaspoons to 1 cup of hot water.  Dissolve completely.  Add a cinnamon stick, lemon wedge or orange slice, as desired.

Harvest Banner Alternative Ideas

 

Here are some alternative ideas for your Harvest Banner......  the basic materials and instructions are the same as the Harvest Banner we made at the Make 'n Take (see previous posting here on the blog).  Use these ideas to spark your creativity to make your banner unique!

Assembly alternatives (Alt.):

Alt. 1.  Before cutting out the triangle flags, back the burlap with iron-on pellon to help reduce the fraying of the burlap.  Then cut out in triangles, add your lettering and attach to the hanging ribbon.  Your pellon needs to be 26” long and 7” wide.  Using the photo as your guide, lay the triangles on the pellon & follow the instructions for adhering to your fabric. ( Fig. A)      

               Fig A

Alt. 2.  Cut out triangle flags out of felt (or fabric) in the color of your choice using a pattern ½” larger on all 3 sides than they original pattern.  You can use a decorative edge scissor such as pinking shears, if desired.  Attach the felt (fabric) to the back of the burlap triangles with stitch witchery.  Add your lettering and attach to the hanging ribbon. (Fig. B)

              Fig B



       Fig B-1

Alt 3.  Follow instructions for cutting the triangles in Fig. B.  Instead of stitch witchery to join the triangles, stitch through both layers ¼” in from the edge of the burlap triangle.  Add your lettering and attach to the hanging ribbon.  (Fig. C)



        Fig C

Alt. 4.  Cut out triangle flags out of felt (or fabric) in the color of your choice, ¼” smaller on all three sides than they original pattern.  This can be done with a decorative edge scissor such as pinking shears, if desired.  Then cut a third triangle ¼” smaller than the felt (fabric) flag on all three sides in burlap.  Using stitch witchery join all three triangles together layering the largest burlap triangle on the bottom, the felt (fabric) triangle in the middle with the smallest burlap triangle on top.  Add the lettering and attach to the hanging ribbon. (Fig. D)



         Fig D

Alt. 5.  Follow the instructions for cutting the triangles in Fig. D.  Instead of using stitch witchery to join the triangles, stitch through all 3 layers ¼” in from the edge of the top triangle, using a thread color of your choice.  Then add your lettering and attach to the hanging ribbon.  (Fig. E)



         Fig E

Alt. 6.  Before assembling (but after lettering) go over each triangle flag with Mod Podge to stiffen and give a coating to the flags.  This will also help prevent fraying.  You can use gloss or flat.  Remember to place a protective covering over your table or work surface. 

Lettering alternatives: (Fig. F)

      1.    Using a Cricut or other cutting machine, cut out the letters for your banner in scrapbook paper, vinyl, or other material and glue them on each triangle.

2.    Freehand cut the letters out of the materials of your choice then glue them on the triangles.

3.    Using stencils (or freehand) paint the letters on your triangles with craft paints, paint pens or puffy paints.

                Fig F

Harvest Banners

The banners we made at the Make 'n Take were made from burlap bags.  Especially, if you are using a wide-weave burlap like the bags, it is highly recommended you handle your triangle flags with care and paint them with ModPodge as soon as you have added the lettering so you can use them repeatedly over the years.

Materials needed:

Ø  Burlap fabric: one strip 7” long & 28” wide (recommended fabrics:  tight weave burlap, felt, or heavy cottons such as duck or canvas).  It is highly recommended, if using burlap, to coat the triangles with ModPodge after adding the lettering.  This will help keep the triangles from fraying with use.

Ø  Ribbon:  ¾” wide (or wider as desired), approximately 10’ (this measurement will be determined by your fireplace or the area where you will hang the banner)

Ø  8 silk leaves (you can add more if desired)

Ø  Pattern: can be cut of paper or lightweight cardboard

Ø  Lettering stencils, if desired (2-1/2” tall or less)

Ø  Glue gun, glue sticks, scissors, sewing machine with thread in the color of your choice

Ø  Permanent marker in black or brown or color of your choice

1.     Make a triangle pattern that measures 6” across the top and 7” down to the point in the center of the triangle.  Using this pattern, cut 7 triangle flags out of ironed burlap fabric. 

2.    Stay stitch ¼” from the edge on all three sides of each triangle flag to prevent excessive fraying, being careful not to stretch the burlap as you stitch. (If using a loose weave burlap such as a burlap bag, stay stitching will not stop fraying. Use one of the alternate methods included)

3.    Using stencils (or freehand) and permanent markers, print the letters H – A – R – V – E – S – T on the burlap triangle flags – one letter on each. You can also print out the letters from your computer, hold them up to a window behind the burlap and trace the letters onto the burlap.  Then you can fill them in with the permanent markers.  (Remember to place something under the triangles to keep the marker from bleeding onto your table or work surface)

4.    Measure your fireplace or area where you are going to hang the banner and cut your ribbon to that length, remembering to add some length to hang down each side of the fireplace, if desired. 

5.    Laying the ribbon down on a flat surface, place the triangle flags in place – spacing evenly across the ribbon.  You may want to pin them in place and hold it up to the fireplace to check it before gluing.

6.    When you have the triangle flags in place, glue the ribbon to the front of each flag with a glue gun or Fabric-Tac adhesive. 

7.    Add a silk leaf between each flag and on each end of the row of flags (8 total).

Your banner is complete and ready to hang.  

Pumpkin Roll Recipe by Theresa Cornwell

 Theresa Cornwell showed us her tricks to making delicious pumpkin rolls..... Then we got to sample them for our dessert!  Yummmmmm!   Here is her recipe!

Pumpkin Roll                      Theresa Cornwell

3 eggs
1 Cup sugar
2/3 Cup Pumpkin
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 Cup chopped walnuts

Beat eggs on high speed. Gradually beat in sugar. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Fold in pumpkin mixture and spread evenly into a greased and floured 10 x15 x1 pan. Top with chopped nuts. Bake @ 375 for 15 min.

Turn out onto a towel sprinkled generously with powdered sugar immediately before it cools.

Starting at narrow end roll towel and cake together. Let cool and unroll. Top with filling and roll again this time without the towel.

Filling:
1 Cup powdered sugar.
4Tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
2 -3 oz pkgs cream cheese or I-8 oz pkg.

Click on the Archive Links

In order to see the posting you are looking for, without scrolling through them all, remember to check the Archive Links to the right of this blog......  You can then click on the link and it will take you directly to the posting you want. 

Small Sweet Gifts

This is a great activity for the entire family for stocking stuffers, gifts for friends, Visiting Teaching and Home Teaching.  Have fun making these cute little gifts.....

Materials needed:

                   2 small fuzzy pompoms

                   2-1/4” piece of pipe cleaner chenille

                   4” – ¼” wide ribbon

                   4” x 5-1/2” white paper to wrap the packet of gum

                   Pack of chewing gum (5-piece pack)

                   Tape, hot glue gun

                   Orange & black fine tip markers

                   Scissors

 1.    Wrap the package of gum with the white paper and tape in place.  Be sure to fold it in on both ends

2.   Hot glue the chenille and pompoms in place to form ear muffs

3.   Using the fine point markers, draw the face on the front

4.   Tie and hot glue the ribbon in place for a scarf.

 

Paperback Pumpkins

 

Materials needed:

         *  Paperback book, any size (the more pages, the fuller the pumpkin – about 250 or 300 works well)

         *  Orange spray paint

         *  Scissors

         *  Pumpkin pattern 

         *  Cinnamon stick or twig (about 4” long)

         *  Green fabric strip for the leaves – 1-1/2” x 13”

         *  Hot glue gun

 

1.    Carefully remove the book cover.  (You can use it to make the pattern for your pumpkin). 

2.   Make the pattern for the shape and size pumpkin to fit your book.  Only make ½ of the pumpkin, as the book spine will be the middle of the pumpkin.

3.   Using the pattern, trace the pumpkin shape on the book and cut approximately 5 pages at a time.  Cutting more than 5 may cause your pumpkin to lose the shape you desire.  Repeat this process, cutting just inside the lines you draw each time so that each cutting will be approximately the same size (otherwise each cutting could be larger than the one before causing your pumpkin to be out of shape by the time you are done).  Repeat until the entire book is cut into the pumpkin shape.

4.   Gently bend the spine of the book a few pages at a time to fan it around into a circle.  Hot glue a dot on some pages to help them keep the pumpkin open in a round shape, if desired.

 

 

5.   Using the orange spray paint, lightly spray the edges of the book so you can see the color all around the pumpkin but the interior still shows the words of the book.  Let dry a few minutes.

6.   Hot glue the cinnamon stick or twig into the center of the top to form the stem of the pumpkin.

7.   Tie your green fabric on the stem to represent leaves.

 

 

The round Pumpkin Pattern is the one used at the Make 'n Take.  The others are variation ideas to spark your creativity.