Letter From Laurieann
Seasonal Crafts - Ornaments, Plastic Canvas, Cross Stitch
Crafty Tips
Our Featured Artist - Wendy Hogan of Wendy's World of Crafts
Crafty Q & A
Doll Corner - The Mistletoe Doll by Diane Lewis (Pattern Online!)
Crafty Kids - Snowman Ornament and MORE!
Kitchen Crafts - 'Tis the Season for these crafts!
General Craft - Includes a New Years craft!
Reader Roundup
Announcements
Contributors                     

The holiday season is here and we are full of the spirit!. We have a wonderful selection of fun crafts and yummy recipes for you to make as gifts for everyone on your list, or for you to give to yourself!

Please remember during all the hustle and bustle of the season to make sure to take the time to have fun, and to also remember the reason for the season.

Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year! And as always, thank you for reading Crafty Visions Newsletter.

Sincerely,
Laurieann
laurieann@ivisions.com
World Wide Visions

PS

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We would like to thank Creative Craft House, for allowing us to use the Pine Cone Ornament taken from their book "Creative Fun Crafts for Kids".

These ornaments can be hung to decorate the home, given as gifts or heaped in a decorative basket as take home favors for visitors during the holiday season.

Materials:

• 1 large pine cone
• 3 Christmas picks, holly leaves & berries or pine branch
• 1 1/2 yards red satin or velvet ribbon 1/4" to 5/8" wide
• 24 gauge wire
• Wire cutters
• Craft glue and craft stick

Instructions:

Make a hanging loop from 6" piece of ribbon by knotting the two ends together. Wire and glue the knot to the top of the pine cone.

Cut the stems of the Christmas picks to 1/2" length. Arrange the three picks around the ribbon hanger and attach using both wire and craft glue to anchor them in place. With the remaining ribbon form 2 shoestring bows and attach them one on each side of the hanger loop.

Options: The pine cone can be dipped in hot scented wax and sprinkled with glitter. Cloves can be glued on and between the scales of the pine cone. Cinnamon sticks can be added to the picks on top for scent and decoration. Snow paint or flocking can be used to enhance the pine cones.

GINGERBREAD ORNAMENTS

Materials:

• 2 pieces light brown felt 4 1/2" square
• White fabric paint with writer tip
• Craft glue and craft stick
• Small amount of stuffing
• Pearl cotton or carpet thread for hanger
• Small red or green bow
• Light cardboard for template if making multiples

Instructions:

Trace the pattern piece onto light cardboard to make a template. Cut 6" lengths of the carpet thread or Pearl cotton and knot the two ends together. Set aside.

Using the template trace the outline of the gingerbread ornament on the felt and cut them out. Using the picture as a guide paint the features and trim on half of the ornaments. Arrange in pairs. Spread glue around the outside edge of the undecorated ornament placing a small amount of stuffing in the center and press the decorated ornament onto the glue making sure you have lined up the edges all the way around.

When you reach the top of the head be sure to add a knotted loop of thread for the hanger. Glue a tiny bow at the neck for a boy and on the head for a girl ornament.

Options: To make a garland thread 8" lengths of 1/4" red or green ribbon in an embroidery needle. Take a stitch at the end of the hand of one ornament into the hand of the next. Tie a bow and repeat adding new ornaments to form a chain as long as you want.

Option 2: Fun Foam may be used in a single layer in place of the felt. (It is firm enough as a single layer. Option 3: Do not stuff and leave open at the top of the head. This can be used as a small gift bag or money gift holder.

Option 4: In place of paint to decorate you can use white embroidery floss and embroider the trim.

MATERIAL:

• 7-count plastic canvas 21 bars wide X 27 bars high
• Acrylic yarn: 2 yds. "A"; 3 yds. each colors "B", "C" and "D" ;1/3 yd. of "E" and "F"
• Floss: 4 - 10" strands red.
• Needle
• Scissors
• Chart shows color "A" in green, color "B" in lavender for white yarn, color "C" dark blue, color "D" light blue, color "E" black and color "F" red.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut canvas using chart. Using Continental stitch follow chart either using colors shown or colors of your choice.

Use 4 strands floss and back stitch mouth.

Overcast edges using yarn color to match stitching.

MATERIAL:

• 3" X 3" square 14 count Aida cloth or Waste Canvas
• 2 yds. of main colors, small amounts of black and red.
• Color "A" shown on chart in green, color "B" in lavender for white, color "C" dark blue, color "D" light blue, color "E" black and color "F" red.
• Needle
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS:

Following chart use colors shown or colors of your choice. Use 2 strands for cross stitch and back stitch for mouth.

Use 1 strand of black for back stitch to outline.

How often have you said "There must be an easier way !"? Well, now there is. In this feature, our contributing crafters share some of their secrets with you.

TIPS: (by Bluebonnet Crafters)

1. For candle tapers that have become curved place them on a sheet of aluminum foil on a cookie sheet in a slightly warm oven. This will allow them to relax and straighten. Place them in the refrigerator until ready to use (this helps them to drip less).
   
   
2. To save a large decorative candle carve back the melted wax and cut out the used wick and place a tea light or votive candle in the opening. This will allow you to burn just the votive candle and save the decorative outer candle.
   
   
3. With old cinnamon ornaments that have lost their scent sand them lightly where it doesn't show using a find emery board. This will release new scent.
   
   
4. Potpourri can be refreshed by crushing it to break up the pieces and stirring it.
   
   
5. Hang a potpourri sachet in front of the heat registers and this will spread the scent through the house.
   

     Wendy is a special Christmas present to all you crafters with children. Although her web site is craft related Wendy has included many activities and ideas to help keep the children busy. There are crafts, recipes and just "Mom I'm bored" activities for children. A great number of these are holiday related and every summer there is summer fun, special crafts and activities for the summer season.

     Approximately three years ago Wendy was surfing the web looking for craft ideas and craft recipes. Being unable to find what she was looking for Wendy decided this information was needed not only by herself, but by others and should be online. She began developing web sites for both craft and craft recipes. A great number of the projects have been submitted by her readers from around the world. Wendy always gives credit to anyone who submits content for her web pages.

     She also tries to answer any questions sent to her or to put you in touch with someone who can offer you the information you need.

     Wendy has been crafting for over thirty years and some of her favorites fall into the category of general crafting using any material, paper mache, cross stitch, sketching, woodworking, tie dying, home decor and baking. She volunteers at schools and libraries assisting children with general crafts for holidays and special occasions and her house is always full of kids creating and making fun things.

     We highly recommend bookmarking her main page: http://www.netfix.com/poptart/master.htm Wendy's World of Crafts. This is the jumping off page with links to games, fun with tie dye, summer fun and special seasonal craft pages for children. If you have projects, games or activities to share be sure to e-mail Wendy ( bsherrat@vianet.on.ca ) and tell her you read about her in Crafty Visions Newsletter.

In this feature, we invite readers to ask a crafting question. Questions will be printed in each issue. We then would like for anyone who has an answer to these questions to please send them to laurieann@ivisions.com .

In the following issue, we will print the questions, the answers we received, and new questions for you to answer.

Please submit your crafting questions to laurieann@ivisions.com

Answers To Last Month's Question:

Question:

I have a case of the little spoons that they use for sampling foods like the ones used at Sam's club. I have a Girl Scout Troop and we're looking for some craft ideas to use them. Any ideas will be appreciated. Nora

Answer:

For the person wanting ideas for using the sample spoons....

Using a permanent marker a simple face for a Santa. Cut out a triangle of red felt and glue to the top, adding a white pom pom to the point for a Santa hat. Where the red is glued to the spoon, add a narrow strip of white felt for the band on Santa's hat. Add a beard of poly fill by gluing to the lower portion of the face. Glue a pin back to the back.

Kaye

This Month's Questions:

1. Does any one have a recipe for fabric stiffener?
   
   

I have been a crafter for over 16 years and as much as I do love crafting, I have become a little tired of the hustle of creating and shipping out to craft malls. I would really like to design now; new ideas are always forthcoming. I create many lovely originals. My question is, how does a designer, experienced in the task but new to the field, break into the designing world in an effort to become published? Also, how is the pay? Sincerely, Cindy

This year when your kids say," I saw Mama kissing Santa Claus underneath the Mistletoe…." Let it be under the mistletoe dangling from the toe of this sweet little doll who is hanging precariously from the end of a candy cane that is hooked onto the molding above the door jam! She is simple to make for even a beginner and the results will brings ohhs and ahhs along with Christmas kisses! When was the last time you got kisses from a fun Christmas project? The body construction is very easy as it is a basic pancake doll. The possibilities for her clothing are endless. I've included patterns and instructions to recreate this doll and her outfit, but your imagination holds the secret to your special little Mistletoe Doll or Angel. Hope this adds some cheer to your Holidays! Merry Christmas!

Materials Needed:

• About ¼ yard muslin
• 1/8 yard of fabric for body suit & hat ( I used red lame)
• 1/4 yard nylon tulle or netting for skirt
• Silk Holly leaves for skirt
• Red Ribbon Roses
• Fur or embellishment for hat
• Hair or yarn
• Stuffing for doll
• Mistletoe sprig
• Candy Cane
• Velcro Patch
• Doll Pattern - Click HERE to see and download or print the pattern.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Draw body pattern directly on muslin. It is so much easier to sew this kind of doll first and then cut it out! Sew carefully around pattern using a small stitch . Remember, you need two pieces of fabric. Leave top of head open.

Cut the doll out about 1/8 inch from sewing line. Clip at curves to allow fabric to turn easily. Turn the doll inside out. Begin by using tiny amounts stuffing and filling hands and feet. Continue to stuff the legs and arms. Once the appendages are firm you can begin to fill the body cavity. Once doll is completely stuffed you will sew a running stitch at the top of the head and gather the opening closed. Trim excess fabric from top of head.

Draw or paint the face on the doll. Remember that she has her head sideways (profile) so you can see her face from either side of the doorway. Practice drawing faces on scraps of fabric.

Suit Cut the body suit pieces. ( cut 2) Sewing right sides together, sew all seams except the shoulders. These seams need to be sewn by hand once the body suit is on the doll. Turn right side out and slip on the doll. I used a lame fabric so I didn't have to finish the arm, neck or leg openings. If you choose a fabric that ravels you might choose to treat the cut edges with Fray Check or similar product. Stitch the shoulder seams by hand.

Nylon tulle or netting is used for the skirt . Cut ten strips that measure 2 inches by 18 inches and layer together. The more layers you use the fuller the skirt will be. Sew a running stitch along the top of the 12 inch side. Pull the running stitch to gather. Fit to the waist of the doll and tie off to secure correct waist band size. Stitch the skirt closed at waist to fasten to doll.

The skirt is embellished with holly leaves. Purchase a sprig of silk holly and simply pull the leaves off the plastic stems. The leaves can easily be sewn or glued onto the waist band around the skirt. Sew or glue three silk rose buds at the top of the leaves to replicate the holly berries. The doll shown has holly leaves as the finishing touch to the neck and arm holes of the body suit. Cut a silk holly leaf in half and sew or glue at openings.

Cut one piece for the hat. Stitch the straight sides together ( Right sides together) forming a triangle or cone. Turn inside out and place hat on head and tuck the doll hair or yarn into place under hat. You can secure it with glue or by sewing a few stitches. Trim hat edge with fur or yarn and top it off with a small pom pom.

Attach mistletoe sprig to the doll's toe with either glue or stitches.

Attach the doll to the candy cane for hanging using the ½ inch Velcro adhesive circles. Attach one half to dolls hand the other side to the candy cane. The doll can also be hot glued directly to the candy cane. The candy cane will perch easily on the molding of any door jam.

The doll and candy cane can be trimmed with ribbons or any other embellishment you can dream of. The body is designed so that it can be either a girl or boy doll. You can also simply paint the clothing right on the doll and embellish with glitter and trims.

If you have any questions please contact me at: Lewis-Popcorn@classic.msn.com

Diane Lewis

NOTE: To print only the doll instructions please click HERE.

FIMOsoft SNOWMAN ORNAMENT

"FIMOsoft is a special modeling material for small hands with a big imaginations". This material can be used over and over again as it remains soft until you harden it in an ordinary oven. FIMOsoft is available in 12 colors that can be mixed and kneaded to form completely new colors. It is available at your local craft outlet as individual color blocks or in complete kits.

Although marketed for children I can see many places an adult could use and enjoy this product. As always for safety's sake we recommend adult supervision during the baking portion of the project.

Materials:

• FIMOsoft in the following amounts:
• 1 block of white
• 1/4 block black
• Small amount of red, green and yellow
• Jar, glass or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap to protect work surface
• Oven and adult supervision for the baking portion
• Cookie sheet
• Butter knife
• Toothpick

Instructions: The FIMOsoft must be kneaded well until it is soft and pliable before using. Begin with the white and work through the next darker color washing your hands well between colors.

To form the Snowman divide the block into three pieces. His bottom snow ball is formed from one half of the FIMOsoft block. His head and mid section each require a quarter of a block. Form the bottom snow ball by rolling the well kneaded half block between your palms until you have formed a nice round ball. Set aside. Take one fourth of a block and repeat the above to make his head and set it aside.

With your final one fourth block pinch off a piece as big around as a pencil about 3/4" long. From this piece pinch a very tiny amount, roll it in your palms to form a ball and place it in the center of the head ball to make his nose. With your finger gently smooth out the line where the nose joins the head so that you can't see a separate line at all. Set the head aside for now.

Roll the remaining piece between your palms to form the Snowman's middle. Set it aside and take your pencil size piece and roll it into a small log. Break it in half and place half on each side of the Snowman's middle to form it's arms. Again, smooth the joint with your finger to blend in so you can't see the joint.

Place the middle section of the Snowman onto the bottom and smooth the joint with your finger. Place the head on the middle, again smoothing the joint. Set aside.

With the small amount of red roll it out into a flat pancake and with your butter knife cut a strip for his scarf. This can be cut in three pieces. The first piece will go around the neck, the second and third pieces will hang down from the neck forming the scarf. A piece slightly narrower than the scarf to form the headband and a small sliver to make the Snowman's mouth. A small amount of green is rolled out and cut and blended onto each end of the scarf. Three small leaves to look like holly leaves are cut from the remaining green.

The yellow is rolled out and a small U shaped piece is cut out with your butter knife. Using a toothpick make tiny lines to look like the straws of the broom. This is attached on the Snowman's right shoulder. Set aside.

Take your black piece and pinch off an area, roll it out and cut a circle just bigger than the Snowman's head. This will be the brim of his hat. Form a short fat log slightly smaller around than the brim of the hat and almost as tall as the Snowman's head. Attach this to the center of the hat brim smoothing the joint. Place the small strip of red around the base of the hat for his hat band. Place the three leaves to cover the joint on the head band. This should be on the front left hand side of the hat. Using any scraps of red that are left roll into three tiny balls for holly berries and place them at the base of the leaves.

From the remaining black form four tiny balls. Place two on his chest for buttons and the other two are used for his eyes. The handle of the broom can be made by rolling a very thin worm from black and attaching it to the base of the broom and down the front of the Snowman. At this point curl the Snowman's arm around the broom handle to look like he is holding the broom. Place on a foil lined cookie sheet.

With an adult to help set the oven to 265 degrees F. (that is 130 degrees C) and "bake" 20 to 30 minutes.

DECORATED STATIONARY AND ENVELOPES

You can cut a heart shape or follow the design in the picture. For example if it shows flowers cut out one flower or one section of flowers and use this as your design. If there is no definite design be careful that you match the areas so the design on the envelope and stationary will look the same.

MATERIALS:

• Plain white paper and envelopes
• Wrapping paper or tissue paper with a design on it
• Scissors
• Stick glue
• Markers in colors to match the design on your paper or gold or silver metallic

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut out two designs for each page and envelope combination from the tissue or wrapping paper. Using the stick glue be sure you get all the way to the edges of the cut out design and glue it in the return address area of the envelope and on the top left corner of the stationary.

Using the marker outline just around of your design to accent it. Set aside to dry thoroughly. Fold the stationary to the size of the envelope stack them together. Add seven more and tie the bundle of eight with a ribbon to match the colors in your design with a pretty bow on top.

STAINED GLASS ORNAMENTS

These can be made using the clear Shrink Art Plastic (Shrink only if you want tiny ornaments) or any clear plastic such as the clear plastic cold drink bottles

Material:

• Plastic
• Template shapes (use pictures as guide)
• Black fine point Sharpie pen
• 8" gold cord for hanger
• Small piece of sandpaper
• Colored pencils or transparent glass stain paints
• Scissors
• Hole punch

Instructions:

If using colored pencils: with the sandpaper gently sand the plastic with an up and down and then side to side motion roughing it enough to hold the color of the pencil. Trace the outline of your chosen ornament on the clear plastic using the Sharpie pen and fill in each area with the glass stains or the colored pencils. Cut out each ornament and punch a hole in the top for a hanger. Add the gold cord hanger.

If making miniature ornaments and you plan to shrink use only the Shrink Art Plastic and the colored pencils and follow manufacturers directions to shrink. Be sure you have an adult to help with this process.

CANDY CANE MOUSE

Material:

• Felt in two Christmas colors (body of the mouse is one color and the ears are a different color)
• Small black pompom
• 2 tiny wiggle eyes or small black beads
• Scissors
• 6" wrapped candy cane
• Thick craft glue and craft stick
• Light cardboard for template if making multiples

Instructions:

Using the pattern pieces cut templates. Trace the pattern pieces on the felt with an air or water soluble pen or lightly with a pencil. Cut out each piece just inside the line. Cut three slits in the body piece where marked. Glue the two eyes placed as shown in the picture. Fold the ears slightly and from the top side go through the first slit and then up through the second slit. This will slightly gather the ear piece as it passes through this slit so fan the ears back out once the candy cane is in place.

There is a third slit placed on the rump of the mouse. Insert the long end of the candy cane from the top into this slit, slide it between the ear and the body part and attach to the nose end of the body with a small amount of glue curving the sides slightly on the top of the cane. Turn the candy cane with the curl up so it will look like his tail is curled up toward his back. Glue the black pompom nose in place.

CINNAMON ROLL TREE

Material:

• Cookie Sheet
• Non stick spray
• 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls
• Colored sugar sprinkles
• Aluminum foil

Instructions:

Cover the cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with non stick spray. Arrange the cinnamon rolls in the following pattern. One at the top, then two, then three, then four, then five. The remaining single roll is centered at the bottom to form the base of the tree. Brush lightly with a little melted butter and bake following directions on the can. When they come out of the oven drizzle with the prepared frosting and sprinkle with colored sugar to decorate.

NEVER FAIL FUDGE

Ingredients:

• 2/3 c. evaporated milk
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 2/3 c. sugar
• 2 Tbs. butter or stick margarine (not low fat)

Instructions:

Place in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 4 to 5 minutes stirring constantly. Timing depends on humidity. The higher the humidity the longer you cook but never over 5 minutes.

Remove from the heat and immediately add 2 cups of miniature marshmallows or cut up large marshmallows, 1 1/2 c. chocolate chips 1 1/2 cups broken nuts of your choice

Stir until smooth and blended and pour into a lightly oiled pan 8" square.

VEGETABLE CHRISTMAS TREE

Materials:

• 1 Styrofoam cone
• Large round platter or plate
• Lettuce, parsley or other greens to cover the cone & platter
• 1 each large green and red Bell pepper with flat bottoms
• 2 small serving spoons
• 2 styles bottled dressing
• Variety of vegetables, pickles, olives and cheese cubes, whole or cut in uniform sized pieces
• Toothpicks
• Small amount of floral clay
• Plastic wrap and zipper bags

Instructions:

Cut a slice off the top of each pepper and remove the centers, wash, dry, cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator until serving time.

Place a small amount of floral clay on the bottom of the Styrofoam cone and anchor it to the center of the platter. Using the toothpicks, pin the greens to the cone to completely cover and add more around the base to cover the platter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Clean and prepare the vegetables etc. They should be left whole if small or cut so all pieces are about the same size.

Place a toothpick in each piece and place them in plastic wrap or zipper bags by kind and refrigerate.

A few hours before the party arrange some of the veggies in spirals around the cone alternating colors by sticking the end of the toothpick into the cone. Arrange the red and green peppers one on either side of the cone on the bed of greens and fill with the dressings, a Ranch or Buttermilk style will look good in the red while Catalina or Thousand Island will show well in the green. Place some of the remaining veggies on the platter with the toothpicks up. The rest can remain refrigerated to replenish as needed.

This makes a pretty centerpiece for a buffet table.

Material:

• Fabric scraps of your choice
• Paper backed fusible web
• Fabric paint
• Scissors
• Light cardboard for template if making multiples
• Embellishments of your choice
• Options: Sewing machine or needle and thread

Instructions:

Trace or print out several copies of the angel. Cut out each item as a separate pattern piece to form your template. Mark each template on the right side. Trace each pattern piece onto the paper side of the fusible web (be sure you have the same side of the template facing up each time).

Rough cut around each pattern piece and iron it onto the fabric pieces. (The face section on the flesh colored fabric, the hair part on your choice of hair color, etc.)

Trace the entire outline of the angel onto fabric that will form the base. Arrange the angel pieces using the finished picture as your placement guide (if making a tree top angel cut two of these shapes). When you have all the pieces arranged correctly lift them one at a time and peel the paper backing off. Replace them and iron in place.

For the tree top angel place a second backing piece glued or sewn to the back of the angel leaving it open at the bottom to form a pocket that will slide over the top of the tree.

With the fabric paint or sewing, outline each piece sealing the edges with the paint or sewing over the edges. Embellish your angel with lace, charms or embellishments of your choice.

Option: you may use strands of yarn tacked or glued in place for the hair, real ribbon for the bow on her apron and bouquet and real tiny silk flowers in the bouquet. Her gown can be embellished with glue on jewels, ribbon and braid trim. The tree top angel can be finished on the back to represent the back of the angel.

HOLIDAY CENTERPIECE

These decorated egg shells can be dyed with food coloring following the manufacturers instructions, painted with acrylic paint or decorated with gift wrap cut-outs decoupaged in place. This makes a spectacular display when you use more than one technique in the grouping.

• Blown, cleaned and dried egg shells
• Acrylic paint in the appropriate color
• Food coloring
• Tissue or gift wrap cut-outs
• Water based clear varnish or sparkle varnish
• Bead-it beads
• Sequins, stickers and embellishments of your choice
• Craft glue
• Glass bowl, preferably clear
• Green wreath, size that the bowl fits in center
• Option: Confetti

Save the blown egg shells until you have enough to generously fill your chosen bowl with several left over. Using small pieces of plain white stickers cover the holes in both ends of the egg. Dye or paint the egg shells in the colors appropriate to the season you are celebrating. You can also add additional bright colors to match your decor if you wish. Set them aside to dry.

Glue stickers, colored stars or embellishments of your choice to the colored eggs. You can make designs or stripes using the bead-it beads or strips of masking tape to paint between to give you stripes or let your imagination be your guide. Set aside to dry. When dry coat each egg with water based acrylic varnish or sparkle varnish. A second coat may be necessary.

When thoroughly dry fill the bowl and arrange a few among the greenery around the bowl. Add a decorative bow to the wreath at the front of the table or on each side of the table.

Option: Before you put both white sticker over the holes in the egg half fill the egg with confetti through the largest hole and then proceed as above. These decorated eggs are used to break over the head of your guests by the children. A little messy but a lot of fun.

HAPPY NEW YEAR CELEBRATION BOTTLE

These Celebration Bottles can be used as party favors, place cards or mailed through regular U.S. mail without additional wrapping.

Material:

• Clear plastic cold drink bottle with lid 1 liter size or size of your choice
• Plain confetti and tiny Mylar shapes
• Small amount of iridescent shreds
• A small stuffed animal or doll
• A variety of good luck charms and party favors of your choice
• 2" wide clear mailing tape
• Small piece of aluminum foil
• 4 pieces 15" length of curling ribbon in silver and other colors of your choice
• Craft glue
• Plain label (mailing label if you plan to send in mail)
• Craft knife

Instructions:

Remove label, wash bottle well and allow to drain and dry. Place a little craft glue in the lid, screw cap on and let it dry. Place a 4" slit in the bottle (at the point where there is some glue remaining if you couldn't get it all off so it is covered by the label). Check to be sure the bottle is dry and wipe it out thoroughly with a soft towel or cloth and add the contents through the slit.

Place the filled out label over the slit (if you are not mailing the label can contain guests names or a Happy New Year wish for health, happiness and prosperity in the New Year. If it is to be mailed your return address and the recipient's name and address can be added below a general greeting.

Center a 5" piece of tape extending over the edge of the label on all sides (it may takes two strips of clear plastic tape on a large mailing label).

Take your piece of aluminum foil and spread it with craft glue arranging it to completely cover the lid of the bottle trimming it evenly below the lid. Tie your curling ribbon around the neck of the bottle and knot, curl the ends and it is ready to be used.

In the U. S. if you are mailing them take them to the local Post Office and ask that they be mailed the same as first class letters. (At last mailing a 20 oz. bottle containing a 5" bear plus embellishments cost $1.36.) Other countries will have to check with your local Postal Service for information.

TOY SWAG OR WREATH

This arrangement can be made for the holiday using strictly holiday ribbon and embellishments. It can also be made as a permanent arrangement using decorator colors to blend with your decor and grapevine wreath or swag.

Material:

• Artificial pine/fir wreath or branches arranged in a swag.
• A variety of miniature or tiny children's toys (McDonald's and DQ toys work well as do dolls, Teddy bears and their furnishings)
• Christmas ribbon of your choice
• Craft glue
• Covered craft wire
• Chenille stems can be used in place of covered wire
• Wire cutters

Instructions:

If using a purchased wreath place small toys around the wreath in an arrangement pleasing to you. Make a large bow and wire it at either 6:00 or 12:00 o'clock on the wreath with the streamers wrapped, extending around the wreath on either side. Wire the toys in place and add a hanger at the back top of the wreath.

If you are making a swag you can use a purchased swag or begin with the longest branches one on each side with the stems crossing at the middle. Add additional branches to fill in also crossing at the center and wiring them in place. Arrange the toys among the branches on each side to get the best placement. Make a large bow with streamers and wire the bow to the center of the swag and arrange the streamers among the branches on either side. Wire the toys in place. Using the covered wire or chenille stem make a hanger on the back at the top midpoint.

Here are answers to two of last issue's Reader Roundup questions.

In response to someone looking for a knitting jenny:

I saw the instructions for making these out of wood, using nails for the teeth. Basically, it's a rectangle made out of wood and then you pound the nails in, evenly spaced on either side. If she looks at the plastic one that she has, she should be able to figure out what I mean. You could make these in any size, even big enough to do an afghan! And it would be alot sturdier than the plastic one - I know, as my daughter has one and it broke pretty quickly. Hope this helps! Susie

Some of our readers are trying to roundup the answers to the following questions:

• Could anyone please tell me how to convert an old washer/mangle into a printing press. I know it can be done, as I've seen a converted one working very well some time ago.

My mangle has wooden rollers and its metal end supports are themselves supported by wooden struts bolted onto the metal supports. This means that the mangle can have any length rollers fitted (simply by lengthening the wooden struts) to ensure a large print width.

Could you please tell me how I can fit a print platform on which to lay the etched piece and stock during actual printing?

Do I need to change the rollers for metal ones.... or are wooden rollers adequate? I hope to do etchings as well as collographic prints.

Any help would be most appreciated. Best wishes, John (john.judd@virgin.net)


• ......I have a question for anyone out there in cyber space, does anyone know of a place or dealer where I might find already made shadow boxes, that way I could have a more fun deciding what to put in them. I need them to be the size of standard frames 5x7 or 8x10. If you can contact me at petdeb@golden.net It has been great being able to just come to my computer and know that there is a whole world of crafters like me right at my finger tips. Hope to hear from you!! Debbie (petdeb@golden.net)
  
  
• Help! I would like to know where to find woodworking patterns and ideas for making the large (maybe 3-4' tall) outdoor standing decorations appropriate for displaying on a porch, steps, etc. Generally they have a seasonal theme and quite often have grapevines wrapped around them. With the Christmas season upon us, I would like to find patterns for snowmen or santas. Thank you. (rbesore@ctlnet.com)
  
  
• I am looking for yard geese clothing. ( Reephouse@aol.com)
  
  
• I would like to know if anyone knows where I can take a class in porcelain doll lace draping in the Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Ventura County or Orange County areas? Loie (wilton@directnet.com)
  
  
  
• A few years ago I received a small crocheted angel that you hang on a Christmas tree. A friend has offered to make me others but we are unable to find any patterns. I would appreciate any instructions on how to crochet these ornaments. They stand about 3 inches tall. Thanks for your help on this. Angela (awharram@oxford.net)
  
  
• I am trying to find boxes to sell a line of greeting cards. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Having a terrible time tracking these down. Thanks! Joan (Japee@cchat.com)
  
  
  
• Not a Question just a neat holiday craft!
  
  Here is a quick and easy Christmas gift Craft I thought others might enjoy.

Take a reg. size wire whisk, and poke candy kisses into it until its full. Then cover the outside with iridescent cellophane. Tie with a ribbon, and add a small gift tag that says, " We WHISK you a merry KISSMAS!!!"

I did this for all of my friends one year, they loved it :)

Diana (djs@pagesz.net)

1) Internet Visions Company is proud to introduce its newest Bulletin Board:

• Sewing!
  http://www.wwvisions.com/craftbb/sewing.html

2) New on The Doll Net :
(http://www.TheDollNet.com)

• A Giant Leap For Dollkind
  The amazing "Who-am-I?" Doll!
  http://www.TheDollNet.com/whoami/

3) Updates:

• Bluebonnet Crafters
  http://www.BlueBonnetVillage.com
  Bluebonnet Crafters has an early Christmas Present for all our visitors. Click on the snow globe on our entrance page to take you to the right place. We hope you enjoy and check back for more surprises.

• Bluebonnet Crafters - Crafts, tips, crafts and more crafts!

e-mail: bluebonnet@BluebonnetVillage.com

URL: http://www.BluebonnetVillage.com




• Juelie "Santa Lady" McLean -santas, Nutcrackers, and Ornaments!
  
  URL: http://www.SantaLady.com
  
  E-mail: mclean@santalady.com
  
  
  
• Diane Lewis -The Mistletoe Doll
  
  E-Mail: Lewis-Popcorn@classic.msn.com