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Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 24, 20112 HOLIDAY

86 Exchange StreetPortland, Maine 04101(207) [email protected]

Swiss Time“Where watchmakers work”

86 Exchange StreetPortland, Maine 04101(207) [email protected]

Swiss Time“Where watchmakers work”

TRADITIONS

Significance of Midnight Mass

Ch r ist ma s is one of t he most celebrated dates on t he Ch r ist ia n ca lenda r.

Com memorat i ng t he bi r t h of the Savior Jesus Christ is only surpassed in importance by the celebration of Easter, a time when Chr ist ia ns remember Chr ist ’s sacrifice of life for His people.

Christmas is often celebrated with much joy and fervor all around the world, with exchanges of gifts and special acts of charit y a l l month long. One component of the Christmas celebration that has long been tradition and holds special meaning to celebrants is the Midnight Mass.

Churches all around the world hold four dif ferent Christmas celebrat ions, i nclud i ng t h ree masses and a Christmas v igi l. The Midnight Mass is perhaps the most cherished. Mass, a Christian liturgical rite that often involves the sacrament of the Eucharist, may begin prior to midnight and include Bibl ica l readings t hat focus on the story of Christ’s birth depending on the church.

At midnight on December 24, carols may be sung and the ringing of church bells to signify the birth of Christ as December 25 arrives.

In Israel, a procession takes place from Jerusalem to Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. In the Catholic Pope’s home of Vatican City, the Pope himself heads the Midnight Mass and people in large numbers pray for peace among mankind.

Many theologians say that the Mid n ig ht Ma ss evolved f rom individuals making pilgrimages to Israel and the actual birthplace of Christ. Because the Bible states that Jesus was born at night and in a manger, to fully immerse oneself in the stor y and the l iturgical signif icance of the moment, a Midnight Mass seems the best place to achieve these goals.

The darkness and the gentle hush that nighttime provides helps set the scene and enhance the spiritual component of Christmas.

The Nativity of Jesus takes place in two Gospels of the Bible: the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of Matthew. The version of Luke goes much more deeply into the story of Mary’s virgin conception through the time of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. Here is Christ’s birth according to the Gospel of Luke:

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the

whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town. And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now t here were shepherds in that region liv ing in the f ields and keeping the night watch over their f lock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.

The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you; you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying

in a manger.’ Later, the Gospel continues, “He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” Midnight Mass has become an important component in the celebration of Christmas for the

faithful. While secular celebrations may focus on the arrival of Santa C lau s at t he m id n ig ht hou r, religious celebrations often involve f i l ling churches at midnight to spread the word of Christ’s arrival.

Midnight Mass has become an important component in the celebration of Christmas for the faithful.

Advertising Supplement, Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Thursday, November 24, 2011 HOLIDAY 3

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EGGNOG:

Origins of a holiday stapleEggnog is believed to have originated

in 17th-century Europe, primarily as a drink for the elite, since the ingredients

in the beverage were hard to come by and thusly relegated to the very rich.

There are different theories on the origins of the word eggnog itself. Some believe it has gotten its name from the Old English word “nog,” which meant “strong beer.” The “egg” refers to one of the ingredients in the beverage, fresh eggs.

Others surmise that it comes from the word “noggin,” which was a vessel for serving drinks in taverns. The drink was called “egg in a noggin,” which was shortened to “eggnog.” Still, there are others who say its name is derived from the term “grog,” which was another term for booze. “Egg n’ grog” was eventually abbreviated to “eggnog.”

Although there is little certainty to the origins of the name, the recipe for eggnog has essentially remained unchanged throughout the centuries. It consists of beaten eggs, cream or milk and sugar mixed with some sort of alcoholic spirit.

The Old English were believed to mix it with wine, though once the drink was brought to the New World, colonists substituted rum for the wine. Rum was readily available through tradesmen running between the Americas and the Caribbean and therefore less expensive than another spirit.

As America grew and eggnog was enjoyed in different parts of the country, the rum was replaced w it h regiona l spir its, including bourbon or grain alcohol. Other ingredients were also added to give it a customized f lavor. However, the use of nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves has become traditional f lavoring for the holiday brew.

Although eggnog is widely enjoyed throughout the holiday season, in the past it was served at special events and social occasions. As a warmed beverage it can easily chase away winter’s chill. This is how it may have come to be enjoyed primarily during the holidays.

The thick, spiced drink we know as eggnog has become synonymous with the holidays. It is so linked with the Christmas season that a person may be hard-pressed to find it sold in the supermarket any other time of the year. But eggnog wasn’t always the holiday beverage it has become.

Love it or hate it, eggnog is a drink that can evoke strong feelings of the holidays within minutes.

T h e r e a r e v a r i a t i o n s o f e g g n o g s o l d commercia l ly, but many people swear by homemade ver sion s for t hei r t a ste a nd authenticity. Try your own homemade eggnog with this recipe, courtesy of Cooks.com.

Holiday Eggnog (Spirited)

1 dozen eggs1 pound powdered sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 cup vanilla8 cups evaporated milk3 cups water1 quart spiced rumNutmeg, to garnish

Be at eggs until light in color, gradually add sugar, salt and vanilla.

Then add milk and water.

If using spirits, stir in rum (brandy, bourbon or rye may also be used).

Co ver the nog and ripen for 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Stir again and serve sprinkled with nutmeg.

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Planning ahead: Getting married during the holidays

Alt houg h pr i me wedd i ng s e a s on r u n s f rom May t h roug h October, ma ny

brides- and grooms-to-be choose to tie the knot during the winter, with the holidays providing a popular backdrop to the wedding festivities.

Hol id ay w e dd i ng s a r e of ten joyous affairs. People are jolly, decorations abound, and there’s a chance that some snowfall can ma ke your picturesque photo dreams come true.

And considering most churches and reception sites are already tr immed in seasona l decor to accommodate various holiday parties, chances are you can save a little money on floral arrangements and extra accessories.

Hav ing a wedding during t he holidays also makes it easier to plan out themes and color schemes. For those who have difficulty deciding on bubblegum pink bridesmaids gowns or teal table linens, working with the colors of the winter season makes planning simple.

Choose among burgundy, berry red, forest green, gold, si lver, cream, and light blue to set the mood of the event. Deep red gowns complement any skin tone, and bouquets full of green and white colors call to mind a light snow dusting evergreen boughs.

W h e n s e l e c t i n g w e d d i n g invitations, be sure to choose a design that will set the invitation apart from the holiday greetings a l r e a d y b e i n g d e l i v e r e d t o

wedding guests. You may want to forgo a folded card or any holiday inspired embellishments on the invitations altogether.

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theme.Because the holidays are already a busy time of the year, there are a few other considerations couples should heed when planning their weddings.

• Push up the dates you do all of your meetings with vendors. The season is awash in parties and other festive events; therefore, reception sites, caterers, f lorists, l imousine ser v ices, a nd disc jockeys may book quickly. Try to secure as many vendors as possible as soon as you set your wedding date.

• Consult with a clergy member to discuss hav ing a rel igious wedd i ng du r i ng t he hol iday s e a s on . C er t a i n d ate s m ay be restricted due to liturgical requirements or simply because of special church-related events.

• Wedding g uests are l ikely to be busy themselves during the holiday season, so be sure to send out save-the-date cards to advertise your wedding well in advance of sending out the actual inv itat ions. W hen inv itat ions are mailed, do so about 3 months before the wedding.

• Flowers may be more expensive this time of the year, so spread a t ig ht budget by i nclud i ng candles, greenery (like evergreen bra nches or hol ly) or simple poinsettia plants with other more traditional flowers.

• Be sure to factor weather into the planning. If gowns will not have sleeves, be sure to select sh r ugs or capes t hat ca n be worn for warmth. Muffs or full-arm gloves can be elegant and warming as well.

• Get creative with wedding cakes to tie into the theme. An all-white cake can look like it’s covered in snow. A cake can be shaped into a wrapped gift or a giant ornament.

• Also keep in mind that this is a busy travel season. Therefore you may wa nt to wa it u nt i l wel l a f ter New Yea r’s before embarking on your honeymoon. O t her w i s e you c ou ld pay a premium for airline tickets.

A wedding during the holiday s e a s on c a n be m a g ic a l a nd something that adds even more sentimental value to an already joyous time of year.

Some brides and grooms may choose to incorporate red and green into their wardrobes for a wedding during the holidays.


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BRIGHT IDEAS:

Holiday season survival tipsIt’s a lmost upon us – the holiday season. During this hectic season, people take on more responsibilities and commit to more events and get-togethers than any time of the year. All of this extra work can put a strain on the body if the average person is unprepared. Surviving the holidays requires thinking of them as athletic activities and training for the work ahead.

The added responsibi l it ies of the h o l i d a y s , i n c l u d i n g s h o p p i n g , decorating and hosting, puts added stress on everyone this time of year. Those not used to the on-the-go speed and long days may find they suffer frequent ailments this time of the year, including physical injuries.

Think about how the holidays are akin to an athletic event:

• Du r i ng shoppi ng a person ca n unknowingly walk several miles in a store or mall.

• Individuals often tote around heavy packages and/or lift weighty items.

• Long hours are spent on one’s feet.

• Fast decisions have to be made on purchases.

• Hol iday decorat i ng may ent a i l climbing up and down a ladder or bringing heavy boxes out of the attic.

• People may keep long hours traveling to social engagements, taxing their bodies.

These are just a few demands on the body. In order to prevent fatigue or more ser ious injur y f rom holiday activities, consider these pointers.

• Stretch out before you hit the stores. Warm up stiff muscles to prepare for the day ahead.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can tax the body and lead to feelings of sluggishness or induce headaches.

• Wear comfortable shoes with plenty of cushioning to withstand the impact of walking all day.

• Use a backpack to tote essentials along. Plus, packages can be stuffed into the backpack to free up hands or balance the weight of purchases.

• Don’t carry around more than you can handle. Plan frequent trips to the car to drop off purchases. If lockers are available in the mall, use them.

• Eat light, healthy foods. Greasy fast food could strain overstressed organs. Heart attacks during the holidays are common. Healthy foods can also help combat the average six pounds of weight a person gains during the season of overindulgence.

By Tresa Erickson

MONEY-SAVING IDEAS:

Gifts for next to nothing

Times a re toug h a nd people a re cutting back, even on their Christmas shopping. If you’re among them, don’t feel bad. There are less expensive alternatives available, some that cost next to nothing. Here are some money-saving suggestions.

Make gifts using things you already have on hand around the house. Bake some cupcakes or cookies and deliver the homemade treats to your friends and families.

Make a family CD or calendar from the digital photos and software stored on your computer. Crochet some scarves from your leftover yarn or put together a family recipe book. There are dozens of gifts you can make without spending a dime.

Give the gift of service or time. Offer to watch the kids or run errands for a harried mother. Take an elderly neig hb or s hoppi ng. Wa s h y ou r brother’s card, clean your mother’s house or cook dinner for a dear friend. Spend a few hours visiting with your

great aunt at a local nursing home. You can present gift certificates for these opportunities and more.

Regift when possible. Take a look around your home and collect all of the items you rarely use or have yet to use. This includes all of those gifts you bought and forgot about, as well as those gifts you received and never opened. Wrap them up for the people in your life who will love, appreciate and use them.

If you absolutely must buy gif ts, consider shopping at consignment shops and thrift stores. You can often find new or gently used merchandise for a fraction of the retail price. You may even find some treasures from the past that the people on your list would really appreciate.

Whatever route you take this year, make sure your gifts are meaningful. Recipients will cherish the thought you put into them above all else. The dollar tag will mean little on a gift given from the heart.


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The workshop: Gift ideas for the household handymanMany homeow ners have taken cues from the recession and are choosing to stay in their homes a little longer rather than sell in a buyers’ market. Those who want to ma ke t heir current abodes more l ivable or at t ract ive to future buyers may choose home i mprovement s t hat ra ise t he va lue and/or add more space. T hese opt ion s present g reat oppor t u n it ies for g i f t g iver s wondering what to buy for the household handyman.

For many, home improvement renovations have become do-it-yourself projects out of necessity, as DIY is often more cost effective than hiring a contractor. However, projects can go awry and cost more money in the long run unless the right tools and techniques are used. Gift givers should select tools that will offer the most bang for their buck and help homeowners sail through many projects. Woodcraft offers these ideas for successful holiday gifting.

Shaping and drilling

W het her craf t ing f urniture or si z i ng a nd shapi ng wood for va rious home repa irs, qua l it y routers, planers and jigs are needed for the fine-tuned precision these projects require. To polish off

edges, add grooves or dadoes, or create a personalized design, choose the Porter-Cable Compact Router. DIYers can create an ultra-smooth surface with the Delta 13" Portable Thickness Planer. Its three-knife cutterhead offers a blade life three times longer than competitive three-knife planers. Select a Porter-Cable Quik Jig to substa nt ia l ly reduce t he t ime required to drill the pocket holes used for joinery in some projects.

The art of woodturning

For centuries, woodworkers have enjoyed the feel of virgin wood in their hands and the pleasure derived by turning that piece of wood into an amazing piece of artwork. Check out the Easy Wood Tools Detailers in mini, mid-sized and full-sized models that are ideal for adding detail to projects such as bowls or chair stiles. Pair these detailers with other gouges, scrapers and lathe accessories for the hobbyist or professional woodturner on your gift list.

Expanding the workshop

What DIY woodworking hobbyist couldn’t use a little more space in his or her workshop? While it’s not always possible to move up or out,

keeping tools neat and portable c a n ma ke ma x i m i z i ng spac e much easier.

Moving large machinery around the shop can be a challenge, but a four-pack of WoodRiver Plate Mou nte d, Mac h i ne L e v el i ng Casters can solve the problem by helping handymen to move, level and reduce the vibration of various shop machines. Likew ise, t he WoodRiver Adjustable Mobile Base moves and levels tools, enabling shop owners to get the most out of their existing space.

Workshop essentials

Every DIY woodworker needs to equip the workshop with some basic tools. To remove errant nails from wood, DIYers can use the Nail Jack Nail Puller or Nail Jack Nail Hunter. Projects can be kept secure by using the WoodRiver Universal Vise, and an 8" Pinnacle Arkansas Combo Stone is the ideal gift for keeping blades sharp to avoid injuries and kickback on machines.

To learn more about these products and others, contact the Woodcraft store nearest you, v isit http:// w w w.woodc r a f t .c om, or c a l l 800-535-4482. (MS)

The American Woodshop host Scott Phillips makes quick work of drilling pocket holes for joinery with a handy jig.

www.sunjournal.com


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Green thumb? Gifts for gardenersIf you have gardeners on your holiday shopping list, you’re in luck – there are many unique, innovative, and attractive gifts that every gardener is sure to enjoy. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Back to basics: A gardener’s tool box

E v e r y g a r d e n e r , f r o m t h e beginner to the most experienced, appreciates a gift of the basics. Most gardeners would welcome a gift of high quality hand tools, such as trowels and cultivators.

A set, along with a convenient tool caddy, would be especially useful. A nd you ca n’t have too ma ny pruning tools. If the recipient’s garden is some distance from their tool shed, consider this idea: Purchase a mailbox, place the hand tools in that, wrap it all up, and include a card suggesting that the recipient set up the tool-filled mailbox next to their garden. That way their tools are always close by, safe and dry. If you’re so inclined, you can even paint and decorate the mailbox.

For gardeners who start plants from seed or grow plants in containers – and that includes most gardeners – a potting bench would be a per-fect gift. At potting time, most gardeners gather up their various supplies and pot up plants on an old table. A potting bench lets the gardener keep supplies handy, and some are designed to keep soil contained on the surface. Plus,

they’re much more attractive than an old table.

Easy does it: Garden gadgets that make life easier

As enjoyable as it is, gardening ca n sometimes be ha rd work. For t u n at e l y, t her e a r e ne w, innovative products that make gardening tasks more convenient and comfortable.

For e x a mple, a m i n i t i l ler/cultivator is the perfect tool for f luffing garden soil, incorporating soil amendments, and weeding between rows.

Unfortuntately, most gas-powered tillers are started with a pull cord, and the repeated pulling needed to get them started can be tiring and frustrating if it won’t start.

A powerful yet maneuverable mini cultivator with an electric start will surely bring gasps of joy to any gardener, beginner or experienced.

There’s no question about it: you just have to pull some weeds by hand. And bending and kneeling to weed can take its toll on backs and knees. Specially designed seats, kneelers, and knee pads make the job so much more pleasant.

Form and function: Everyday objects made beautiful

A practical gift is appreciated, but a functional gift that’s also beautiful is a special treat. Everyday objects don’t have to be dull to be useful – some innovative manufacturers have transformed ordinary objects into extraordinary works of art.

Most gardeners enjoy watching and feeding birds and appreciate their help in controlling garden pests. Even if the gardeners on your list already have a bird feeder, they’ll be happy to add a second one if it’s a decorative one.

In addition to providing seed, a sure-fire way to invite birds is to provide a source of water. Why not provide it in a beautiful birdbath that also adds a striking focal point to the landscape?

Even busy gardeners need to stop and smell the f lowers once in a while, and what better place than a comfortable bench located near the garden? A beautiful, durable bench is a gift that will be enjoyed for many years. For more information, visit the website of the National Gardening Association at http:// www.garden.org. Purchase a mailbox, place the hand tools in that, wrap it all up, and include a card

suggesting that the recipient set up the tool-filled mailbox next to their garden.

Perhaps no holiday tradition is more visible than decorative lights. Whether on the house or on the tree in the front picture window, holiday lights help create a festive mood for all.

W hile aesthetical ly appealing, holiday lighting displays can also be quite dangerous. Older lights or poorly planned lighting projects can quickly turn tragic. However, t h i s mu c h b e l o v e d h o l i d a y tradition does not have to cease and desist. Instead, some simple safety precautions are all it takes to ensure this year’s lighting display is both stunning and safe.

• Make sure exterior l ights are designed for outdoor use. Not all lights can handle the elements, so t hose old Ch r ist mas t ree lights might not be able to enjoy a second life as part of a home’s exterior lighting decor.

• Plug l ig hts direct ly into t he electrical sockets rather than rely ing heav i ly on ex tension cords. Employ surge protector strips if there are not enough outlets available. Before plugging anything in, consult the fuse box to determine how much each circuit can safely handle.

• Don’t use da maged l ig ht i ng sets, including those with frayed

strings, unstable connections, ex posed w ires, or broken or cracked sockets.

• Make sure all external lights are securely attached. Wind can do signif icant damage to bulbs, which can lead to addit iona l safet y r isks. As a precaution, attach all lights firmly to walls or anything else that will not blow away when a stiff wind arrives.

• I n s ide t he home, b e e x t r a careful when using an artificial Christmas tree. Electric lights shou ld ne ver be u se d on a metallic tree.

• Rout i nel y c he c k a l l c ord s’ temperatures. If a cord feels too hot, unplug it and find a replacement.

• Don’t leave the lights on when no adults are home. If the home is empty or if just kids are home, ma ke sure the l ights are of f. A v o i d u s i n g t i m e r s t h a t automatically turn the lights on, as it’s possible they will turn on when no one is home. Unplug all cords when going away for the holidays just to be safe.

• Make sure all cords are visible. Don’t bur y cords underneath r ugs or f loor mat s to avoid personal injuries.

• Hanging lights shouldn’t be a solo project. Whether hanging lights inside or outside, never do so alone. A stiff wind might come along and blow the ladder away or an unstable ladder might lead to a fall. Accidents happen when hanging lights indoors as well, so make sure to have an adult partner on hand to avoid injury.

• Make sure k ids cannot reach lighting displays. Kids often adore holiday lighting displays and their natural curiosity is to reach for lights. Avoid potential accidents by keeping lights well beyond the reach of children.


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Creating a beautiful scene with lights: Put safety first

Holiday lighting displays are a beloved tradition, but one that homeowners must carefully consider and lay out to avoid accidents.

FOLLOWUSON

You're on the

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when you

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With the holiday season in full swing, thousands of people are again likely to donate money to charity. While the economy has yet to fully recover from the recent recession, charitable donations have arguably never been more necessary. As the Salvation Army has noted, charitable donations are on the decline while the need for charitable services is going up.

For those who can afford to make a donation this holiday season, it’s important to ensure that donation is going to the right place. Charity Nav igator, the nation’s largest evaluator of charities, encourages potential donors to ask charities questions about their programs as wel l as t hei r m ission a nd goals before deciding to donate. The following questions should be asked of any charity before agreeing to support them.

What are the charity’s long-term and short-term goals?

A charitable organization should have quantifiable goals by which it can measure its successes and failures. A good organization will jump at the chance to detail its short-term and long-term goals to prospective donors.

What progress has the charity made toward its goals?

Nearly ever y charit y has good intentions. W hile some might prove the rare bad seed, most do posit ive work. However, good intent ions a re not enoug h to warrant a donation. Ask a charity what progress it has made and is making toward its goals. A charity worthy of a donor’s support won’t merely be wel l-intent ioned. A charity worthy of a donation should have a track record of success and be capable of making a difference going forward as well.

Are the charity’s programs up to your standards?

T h i s i s a quest ion potent ia l donors must ask themselves. Just because a charity has a mission prospect ive donors bel ieve in doesn’t necessarily mean donors will agree with how charities go about achiev ing t hat mission. If donors support the ends but don’t support, or understand, the means, the decision to donate or not donate won’t be easy. Learn as much as possible about the charity’s programs before making a decision.

Does the charity inspire trust?

Donors shou ld not suppor t a charity they are not confident

i n. Rega rd less of how much faith potential donors have in a given cause, if the charity isn’t trustworthy, donors are not likely to feel good about their donations or become repeat donors. If a charity seems worthy of a donation but donors remain on the fence, consult Charity Navigator or other evaluators to put any fears to rest.

Are you willing to make a long-term commitment?

W hen con sider i ng a cha r it y, donors should look at it as a long-ter m com m it ment . Potent ia l d o n o r s s h o u l d l o o k f o r a n

organization they can support for years to come. To learn more about finding the right charity, visit Charity Navigator at http:// www.charitynavigator.org.


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Ev e r y y e a r, t w o o f m y girlfriends and I get together for an annual holiday cookie-

baking day. We’ve done this ever since our sons became friends in elementary school. We’ve done this so long now that our families anticipate the special day when each of us comes home with trays and containers brimming with the holiday flavors for which they wait all year.

Like our day together, many of our recipes are traditional favorites – the ones that, if cut from the cookie l ine-up, would create a major Christmas confection “faux pas.” It is almost always a mistake to mess with holiday tradition, as many people are connected to life’s happier memories through the tastes and smells of the season.

Grant’s Baker y and the Italian Bakery, both family-owned and operated, have an appreciation for what that tradition means to their customers. And, they begin their work early, preparing to fill their display cases with those traditional treats that have graced holiday tables for years.

According to Doug Grant, one of the three owners of Grant’s Bakery, assorted petite pastries and decorated holiday cakes, especially yule log cakes, make their list for top holiday requests. Pies are a consistent favorite as well. Grant’s offers 20 different meat and fruit pies ra nging f rom t he French traditional tortiere to chocolate cream and berry pies.

Add it iona l ly, t he Ba ker y a lso supports the home baker with premade rol led a nd u n rol led dough, pie crusts, prebaked if desired. “Almost everything we make, we sell ingredients for,” e x pl a i ne d Gr a nt . “Mer i ng ue powder, frostings, decorations.

We even sell gingerbread house kits with our own prebaked, from-scratch gingerbread.”

Lisa Chia ravelott i-Chouina rd, daughter of the ow ners of the Italian Bakery, also anticipates the traditional requests for petite pastries including cream puffs, ecla i rs, raspber r y a nd crea m turnovers, and Neapolitans. Italian holiday favorites are cannolis, crispy, cookie shells f il led with sweetened r icotta cheese a nd dipped in walnuts or chocolate chips, and tiramisu.

“Year round we offer Torrone, a honey nougat candy, that was a special treat in our family at Christmas time,” said Chiaravelotti-Chouinard. “Our holiday selections also include fancy European cookies in almond and butter f lavors and lots of little frosted, Christmas tree-cutout, sugar cookies.”

As for the “Betty, Ann, and I baking operation,” we bring our family-favorite recipes to the kitchen counter every year. Betty’s Mexican Wedding Cakes – buttery, bite-size shortbread cookies – make the platter every year. And it wouldn’t be Christmas for Ann’s family (or now ours) without Aunt Zil’s Date Pinwheels – chocolate-dipped maple creams, and peanut butter balls. Sour cream sugar cookies, chocolate caramel thumbprints, and jam-filled shortbread cookies are my family favorites.

During t he year, we a l l scour magazines and cookbooks for new additions to the traditional holiday l i ne-up. Nut ter But ter Sa nt a Clauses, gingersnaps, macaroons, c h e c k e r b o a r d s h o r t b r e a d s , g i ngerbread men, chocolate-dipped pistachio cookies, oatmeal cranberry and white chocolate chip cookies, and to-die-for pecan bars have all made appearances in our baking Christmas-cookie pageant.

Still, year after year, we come back to t he t r ied-a nd-t r ue recipes,

staying loyal to tradition while experimenting with new ideas that may eventually share the holiday table spotlight.

Every year we three friends come together, all agreeing to bake less than the year before. After all, we begin baking at 8 a.m. and finish around 9:30 p.m. However, once we get into the baking groove, getting lost in the sugar and f lour and sweet smells spil ling from the oven, we begin an elaborate confectionery dance of flavors and colors that carry us away.

Inev itably, by the night’s end, we awaken from our visions of sugarplums to discover we have made multiple platters of 13 to 15 different cookies and candies and are scrambling for every possible tray, basket, bowl, plate and plastic bag to t ra nspor t t hem to our eagerly awaiting families. And so, the holiday tradition continues and what a sweet way to celebrate.


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SWEET TRADITIONS:

Getting together with friends to make holiday cookies

Above, from left to right: Donna Rousseau, Betty Turgeon, and Ann Martin get together each year to bake holiday cookies. While these three bake their own sweets, others may find it more convenient to shop for traditional holiday treats.

Donna Rousseau, above, said, “Nutter Butter Santa Clauses, gingersnaps, macaroons, checkerboard shortbreads, gingerbread men, chocolate-dipped pistachio cookies, oatmeal cranberry and white chocolate chip cookies, and to-die-for pecan bars have all made appearances in our baking Christmas pageant. “


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A festive party calls for a lively variety of delectable edibles. These recipes give you some sweet and savory choices that

will help spread the holiday cheer.Scrumptious bites start with simple, flavorful

ingredients – golden Calimyrna and dark purple Mission figs from California and Jarlsberg cheese. They also make great house gifts, wrapped in a colorful box or presented on a pretty serving dish.

Sweet, mouthwatering figs are not only packed with great taste, they’re full of fiber and essential nutrients, making them as good for you as they are good to eat.

The versatile taste and texture of Jarlsberg cheese is ideal for these appetizers. Jarlsberg’s mild, nutty-sweet flavor and buttery creaminess makes it a perfect partner to figs and, along with its excellent melting properties, adaptable to many sweet or savory dishes.

You can combine both ingredients in one easy sure-to-please appetizer: Make a slit in a fig and stuff with a piece of Jarlsberg. Wrap with partially-cooked bacon (it should be a bit limp) and heat at 400 degrees Farenheit just until bacon is crispy and cheese begins to melt.

Get more sweet and savory holiday recipes at www.ValleyFig.com and www.JarlsbergUSA.com.

Fig Cranberry Bars with Caramel DrizzleCut into 32 bars 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour, divided 2 cups old fashioned oats 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup butter, melted 1 1/2 cups chopped Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 3/4 cup chopped, toasted walnuts 1 cup caramel ice cream toppingIn small bowl combine cranberries and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; set aside.

In medium bowl stir together 2 cups flour, oats, brown sugar, remaining granulated sugar and baking soda. Stir in butter. Reserve 1 cup crumb mixture.

Press remaining crumb mixture in bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan. Bake in 350°F oven for 15 minutes.

Stir figs and walnuts into cranberries and sprinkle evenly over crust. Stir together caramel topping and remaining 1/3 cup flour; drizzle over fruits and nuts. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.

Bake for additional 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Chocolate-Dipped Stuffed Figs Makes 15 figs 15 Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup water 1/2 cup brandy (or 1/2 cup water mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract) 15 to 30 small pieces candied ginger, toasted nuts or

chocolate 5 to 6 ounces semisweet, bittersweet or premium

white chocolate, choppedWith sharp knife, cut small slit in bottom of each fig.

In small saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Stir in brandy and figs. Bring to a boil over high heat then reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Drain figs, cool and dry thoroughly.

Stuff one or two pieces of ginger, nuts and/or chocolate into each fig.

Place chopped chocolate in 1-cup glass measuring cup or small microwave-safe bowl.

Heat on medium/50 percent power until almost melted, stirring after every 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Remove from oven and stir until melted.

Hold stem of each fig and dip in melted chocolate. Place figs, stems up, on wax paper-lined tray until chocolate sets. Decorate with white chocolate or nuts, as desired.

Store in airtight container in refrigerator.


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Savory Jarlsberg Thumbprints with Fig-Pepper JellyMakes 40 cookies 1 cup butter, softened 2 large egg yolks 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Jarlsberg cheese 1 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese 1 1/2 cups finely chopped, toasted pecans or unblanched almonds 3/4 cup finely chopped, stemmed Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid Figs 1/2 cup hot pepper jelly (red or green)Preheat oven to 350°F.

Place butter in large bowl. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed until creamy. Beat in egg yolks. On low speed, gradually beat in flour. Stir in Jarlsberg, Parmesan and nuts. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Wrap 3 in wax paper or plastic wrap and chill. On work surface, form remaining portion of dough into 10 (1 1/2-inch) balls.

Place balls, 1 1/2 inches apart, on ungreased baking sheet. With thumb or back of wooden spoon, make 1/2-inch indentation in center of each cookie. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. If needed, press back of teaspoon into cookies to re-form indentations. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool.

Repeat shaping and baking with remaining dough.To serve, in small bowl, stir together figs and jelly. Fill each cookie

with about 1 teaspoon fig-pepper jelly.Make ahead note: Dough can be prepared 1 to 2 days ahead. Form

dough into 1 1/2-inch cylinder, wrap airtight and chill or freeze for longer storage. Baked cookies can be stored unfilled, in airtight container for 2 days or frozen. To re-crisp, place on baking sheet in 350°F oven for 2 to 4 minutes.Cool. Fill with fig-pepper jelly as directed.

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Jarlsberg, Ham and Herb SwirlsMakes about 26 swirls 1 sheet frozen puff pastry (half of 17.3-ounce package), thawed 1 egg, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional) 3 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion 1 tablespoon dried basil or thyme leaves 1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded Jarlsberg cheese 4 ounces thinly sliced Black Forest or other lean ham Unfold pastry onto lightly floured board; cut in half, lengthwise, to form two pieces. Brush beaten egg on entire surface of each piece.

Leaving a 1/2-inch border around each pastry, top with the following, dividing evenly: Dijon mustard, green onion, basil and Jarlsberg. Top each with sliced ham, cutting to fit in a single layer within border.

Starting at the long ends, carefully roll up each pastry. Gently pinch ends to seal pastry rolls. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill rolls, seam side down, for 2 hours or up to 2 days.

To serve, preheat oven to 400°F. Unwrap rolls and cut each roll crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Place, 1 inch apart, on 2 greased baking sheets.

Bake one sheet at a time for 14 to 16 minutes or until golden. Place on wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.

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Celebrating? Host a merry, memorable partyThe holidays are the most festive time of the year, and no holiday season is complete without a party or two with family and friends. Be it to celebrate a religious holiday or to ring in the New Year, a holiday party is an essential element to the holiday season.

W hile it’s a lways great to be a guest, hosting a holiday party is a great way to show friends and family how much they mean to you. This holiday season, consider the following tips to ensure your holiday party is as memorable as the season is merry.

Ma ke it a t hemed pa rt y. T he hol iday sea son is f i l led w it h fest iv it ies, f rom of f ice part ies to neighborhood gatherings to gatherings with family. For more casua l a f fa irs, set you r pa r t y apart with a theme. For example, a Christmas sweater party, where each g uest wears a Christmas sweater, ca n be a f un way to excite guests and inspire a few laughs. Give a prize to the guest with the most ornate sweater. If sweaters aren’t your thing, then encourage guests to dress up like some favorite holiday characters, including Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman or even Rudolph.

Don’t forget the holiday fare. Just like parties are a staple of the holiday season, so, too, are certain foods and types of music. Few people indulge in some eggnog outside of the holiday season, so make sure there’s plenty of eggnog on hand. And don’t forget the gingerbread cookies, either. As people enjoy holiday goodies, make sure they do so with holiday music playing in the background. Choose songs that guests know and to which they can sing along. Such sing-alongs might become especially memorable once guests have a glass or two of eggnog in them.

Host a holiday giveaway. Though it can be fun to do a Secret Santa, chances are guests already have enough gifts to buy. But hosts can spice things up with a holiday giveaway t hat rewards g uests. Host a holiday-themed round of Trivial Pursuit or a holiday movie trivia game that encourages guests to compete for prizes. Prizes can be sma ll and inexpensive, but guests will be sure to enjoy some friendly competition for holiday-themed prizes.

Don’t be afraid to take it outside. For those who live in regions with sig nif ica nt snow fa l l, consider

inviting guests outside to have some fun in the snow. While fun in the snow is often left to the kids, don’t assume adults won’t enjoy building some snowmen or a good old fashioned snowball fight in the backyard. If outdoor fun is going to be on the docket, be sure to remind

guests to dress appropriately. And make sure there’s plenty of hot chocolate ready once ever yone goes back inside to warm up.

Prearrange transportation home for guests. A successful holiday party is one that is safe, so be sure to prearrange travel home

for guests just in case anyone overindulges in holiday cheer. W hen sending out inv itat ions, seek volunteers to be designated d r i v er s , a nd av oid d r i n k i ng a lc ohol y ou r s el f . For l a r ger parties, call a local taxi service and arrange for a couple of cabs to be on call when the party ends.

Be it to celebrate a religious holiday or to ring in the New Year, a holiday party is an essential element of the holiday season.

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Come the holiday season, perhaps no gi f t is more appropriate for a sports fan

than something that makes the big game that much better. This holiday season, shoppers searching for the right gift for their sports-crazed love ones might consider the following gift ideas.

Take tailgating to new heights

Though the games themselves are important, sports fans will admit the camaraderie they feel with their fellow fans is a big part of their love of sports. And nowhere makes a better place to build those bonds with fellow fans than the pregame tailgate. This holiday season, make that tailgate even more enjoyable for your favorite sports fan with a new grill or deep fryer.

Deep fryers come in many shapes and sizes, be it ones best suited to side dishes and smaller meals, or larger fryers that enable tailgaters to cook up some fried chicken or even a popular staple like deep fried turkey the whole parking lot can enjoy.

For those who tailgate and have a l l the tools and gadgets they need, don’t overlook food for your favorite tailgater. A box of gourmet steaks can go a long way on a cold afternoon before the big game, and any veteran tailgater knows there’s no such thing as too much food.

Tickets to the big game

For those sports nuts routinely relegated to the couch during their favorite team’s games, perhaps no gift is more appropriate than

tickets to a sports arena. Even i f money is t ig ht a nd t ickets seem costly, shoppers can take adva ntage of a host of ways to purchase t ickets at below-market costs. For example, many professional teams now allow their season ticket holders to sell their tickets to games right through the team’s website.

Tickets might be discounted as ticket holders attempt to recoup some of their money for games they simply can’t attend.

Another option when looking for affordable tickets is to peruse the Internet for websites like http://www.StubHub.com, where ticket seekers can often find discounted tickets to some of their favorite sporting events. In addition, peruse the local newspaper classifieds to see if anyone in your area is selling tickets. It’s often not as difficult as it might seem to find discounted tickets to even the most popular sporting events.

Get personal

Sports apparel has never been more popular, and no true fan can do without some gear that professes his or her love for a favorite team. This holiday season go the extra mile by personalizing a jersey for the sports fan in your life. His or her first or last name embroidered across the back of a favorite team’s jersey is the ultimate way for sports fans to show just how connected they are to their favorite team.

For those who want to go even f ur t her, contact a loved one’s favorite team to see if there’s any

way to make the connection even more personal. For example, some teams sel l bricks on walk ways outside their home stadium and fa n s ca n eng rave a persona l message on the bricks, forever c on ne c t i ng t hem w it h t hei r favorite teams.

Bring it home

Nowadays, many sports fans find themselves living far away from their favorite teams. New York

natives living in California might have no way to watch their favorite Big Apple teams do batt le and might be relegated to reading about their favorite players’ exploits in the morning newspaper.

For shoppers who truly want to please their favorite sports fans t his hol iday season, consider purchasing them a subscription package that enables them to see their favorite team play regardless of where they l ive. MLB Extra

Innings and NFL Sunday Ticket are just two of the more popular options that allow sports fans to see every game their favorite sport has to offer.

This holiday season, make your favorite sports fan that much more enthusiastic with a gift that further strengthens his or her bond with a favorite team.


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Game plans: Gift ideas for the family sports fanSports fans are a unique breed of people who range from avid devotees to casual observers.


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8 ways to create new holiday traditions

Much of what makes the holiday season so special is t he t radit ions t hat

people hold dear. While families have t r ad it ion s t hat st retch back decades, there is plenty of opportunity to embrace new means of celebration to breathe new life into Christmas, Chanukkah or the season’s other holidays.

C h a nc e s a r e y ou’r e a l r e a d y h a n g i n g s t o c k i n g s or goi n g caroling this year. You can add some of theseactivities and modify them to fit your family’s lifestyle.

Feed the wildlife. During the cold days of winter, birds and small animals that don’t hibernate may find it difficult to forage for food. By tr imming a n outdoor pine tree in edible snacks you’ll have a beautiful tree and one that benefits the wildlife as well. String peanuts and other nuts for the squirrels. Make little ornaments out of suet and string for the birds. Berries and corn can be enjoyed by all. Be sure to choose a tree that is far enough away from the home, so you don’t have too many scavengers hunting and pecking around the house.

Create a photo Advent calendar. Make your own Advent calendar that has small doors that open up to photos of different family members. Or use a collection of children’s pictures that showcase how they’ve changed as they’ve grown older.

“Adopt” a child for holiday gifts. Each year you can bring a smile to a child in need by purchasing a present for an underprivileged kid. Some post off ices sponsor “Letters from Santa” events where participants can respond to one of the thousands of letters mailed to The North Pole. Or work with a local charity that organizes events to

bring gifts to children in hospitals or in foster care.

Holiday story countdown. Every n ig ht i n D e c em b er w at c h a movie or read a story that tells an uplifting holiday tale. Use this as a method of counting down until Christmas. On the night prior, reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” should suffice.

Remember someone who has passed on. The holiday season is one made beautiful by lit candles and twinkling lights. Remember a loved one or a f r iend who has passed away by l ighting a remembrance candle in his or her honor. It’s a way this person can still be part of the festivities.

Have a holiday sing-a-long. Sure it may be tradition to go around the neighborhood singing carols, but it’s just as fun indoors. Have a singing party where guests are given lyrics to popular tunes they can sing around t he piano or karaoke machine.

Bring some joy to a public servant. Pol ic e of f ic er s , f i r e f ig ht er s , military personnel ... many of these workers do not get time off from work for the holidays. There are a certain number of public servants who must remain on call in the event of an emergency.

Treat these people to something enjoyable when t hey may be missing their own festivities. Cook or cater a meal for a fire house,

deliver cookies to the police station or put together care packages for people living on a military base.

Banish the holiday blues. When t he holidays a re set to go for another year, many people find they become a little down. After all, a home that was once filled with merry trinkets may now go back to the bare essentials.

Create a tradition where everyone in the family receives one more gift – a personalized ornament that can be packed away for use next year – that’s given in January before the decorations are packed away. It’s another opportunity to open a present, and it symbolizes looking forward to the joy of next year.

Holiday traditions are fun. This year it may be time to begin some new ones to add even more enjoyment.

HOLIDAY FACTS:

Christmas cardsSending out Christmas greetings is a tradition that is still common today. Have you ever wondered just how many cards are sent across the country? According to Hallmark Corporate, 1.5 billion Christmas cards, including boxed and individual cards, are purchased and then sent every year in the U.S.

This makes Christmas the number one holiday for sending greetings, followed by Valentine’s Day (144 million) and Mother’s Day (133 million).

MistletoeThe sprig of mistletoe plant has been associated with the Christmas holiday since ages. The power of mistletoe is not unknown to anyone; it makes anyone and everyone kissable around the holiday season – whether it is a friend or a relative or even a stranger. The moment anyone comes beneath a sprig of mistletoe at a Christmas party, he becomes a target for anyone who manages to see him. However, many more things are associated with the mistletoes apart from kissing. Given below are some interesting facts about the Christmas mistletoe. For more information about the mistletoe plant, visit http://www.worldofchristmas.net

Love is in the air and so is a hint of holiday nostalgia. This season, Lands’ End offers tons of gifts that people will love giving and love receiving. Lands’ End is partnering with HGTV Design Star winner Emily Henderson to share insights on holiday trends and her top gift-giving picks.

Love Giving: Nostalgia

“Old is new again. It’s especially evident in the growing popularity of needlepoint items,” Henderson explained. “These timeless items evoke a simpler time by offering a vintage look and feel that is really warm and inviting.”

Lands’ End features a collection of beautiful needlepoint pillow covers, including the Needlepoint H o u n d s t o o t h P i l l o w C o v e r that creates a cheerful holiday accent with a bold houndstooth pat ter n. C la ssic Need lepoi nt Stockings make great gif ts for new homeow ners or fa m i l ies welcoming a new addition. “If there’s someone in your life who loves tech and gadgets, you can a f fordably indu lge t hem w it h t he iPad a nd Nook or K ind le Needlepoint Cases,” continued H e n d e r s o n . “ T h e i n t r i c a t e needlepoint design offers vintage e l e g a n c e w i t h t h e m o d e r n convenience of an interior velvet sleeve to protect t he tablet ’s screen,” said Henderson.

Love Giving: Handmade

“You can see and feel the love in a gift that is crafted by hand. When you can feel the quality and see how well something is made, you will truly love giving it as a gift,” Henderson added. “My favorite handmade items in the Lands’ End collection are the adorable Kenana Plush Animals. They’re the perfect gift for kids, friends, siblings or even yourself.” For pet lovers, Lands’ End offers two snuggly pet sweaters, the Cable Pet Sweater and Argyle Pet Sweater, that are hand-knit in Ecuador by the Quechua Indians. Or add a whimsical touch to the tree with the miniature Hand-knit Bootie, Sweater and Mitten Ornaments.

Love Giving: Made in the U.S.A

“Shoppers love giving gifts that are made in the U.S.A., because they can feel good about supporting the work of artisans right here a t h o m e ,” s a i d He n d e r s o n . “A rt isa n-made items ca n a lso feature distinct characteristics, which make them truly one of a kind. Look for gifts made by local artisans, including the Pewter Leaf Ornaments that are hand-cast by metalsmiths in Rhode Island. Create a timeless and personal g i f t w it h E ng r av able Pe w ter Ornaments and Stocking Holders that are hand engraved by a family-owned company in Wisconsin.

Consider g iv ing t he exclusive Peppermint Crunch Cookies and English Butter Toffee – favorites on many holiday lists that are made and packaged in the U.S.A. This year, Lands’ End has also added decadent Sea Salt Caramels to its collection of holiday goodies.

Love Giving: Nautical

“The nautical look is very ‘in’ this season,” Henderson continued. “It’s completely ‘approachable chic’ and creates a look that is preppy yet unpretentious, classic yet casual. To me, nautical is a sophisticated, timeless style that evokes romantic feel ings of a snow y Cape Cod holiday curled up by the fire.”

Give the gift of cozy style with the Mariner Knit Pil low Cover and Str ipe Throw. Each features a

chunky, handknit look in classic navy and white stripe. The Mariner K n it Stock i ngs ma ke a g reat addition to any mantel. Make a bold, yet clean statement with the Wool Cable Dhurrie Rug and Cable Dhurrie Pillow Cover.

Love Giving: Comfort and joy

“Putt ing a specia l t w ist on a favorite everyday item is a great way to spoil loved ones,” added Hender son . “Robe s, s l ipper s and throws are items people use on a day-to-day basis, but don’t necessarily buy for themselves. A unique take on these classic items transforms an ordinary experience into something extraordinary.”

Seek out items like the women’s Nautical Knit Skimmer Slippers a nd men’s She a r l i n g C a no e Moc Slippers that are a stylish alternative to standard slip-ons. The Chenil le Throw is a great value with a plush chevron pattern that adds a touch of luxury to any home. Redefine “relaxing” with t he Fla nnel-l ined Dow n Robe that combines cozy down warmth with comfy f leece. According to Henderson, “It’s l ike wrapping someone in a snuggly, warm hug. I really haven’t seen anything else like it.”

Love Giving: Personalized gifts

“This season, take your gift giving to t he nex t level by adding a

monogram,” said Henderson. “It’s a simple yet elegant way to create a personalized gift and shows an extra element of thoughtfulness that everyone can appreciate.”

From stockings and luggage to scarves and sweaters, Lands’ End offers almost unlimited options for expert monogramming on holiday gifts starting at just $6 with delivery in 2-3 days. Specially marked items will include free monogramming throughout the holiday season.

For more gifts shoppers will love giving this holiday season, visit www.landsend.com


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1.HoldoneflowerandaddTulipBeadsinaBottlePainttoeachpetal.Todothis,holdthebottleupsidedownandgentlysqueezeuntilasmalldropreleases.Keepthedropsevenlyspaced.Youmaywant

topracticeonasparepieceofclothbeforeworkingontheflower.Asfarascolor,youcanchooseifyouwantallgoldorallredTulipBeadsinaBottlePaintoracombinationofboth.

2.Whenapplyingthedots,startbyapplyingbeadstothecenterareaoftheflower,thensetitasidetodry,andrepeatonthenextflower.Onceallthecentersaredry,youcanholdontotheminordertoapplyTulipBeadsinaBottlePainttotheoutsideareasofeachflower.

3.NowapplyTulipBeadsinaBottlePainttothefeathers.Letdry.

4.Assembletheflowersandfeathersaroundthewreathtoyourliking.


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Giveyourholidayapersonaltouchbymakingone-of-a-kindgiftsanddécoritems.Theseprojects,designedbyTheCraftyChica,KathyCano-Murillo,usebrightfabricsandfundimensionalpaints

andadd-onsfromTuliptomakevibrantgiftsandholidaydecorations.

• Faux Beaded Poinsettia Wreath—Wreathsandpoinsettiasgotogetherlikemilkandcookiesduringtheholidayseason.Butwhatcanyoudotoreallymakethoseflowerspop?Addsomedimensionwitheasyfauxbeads.

• Cartoon Canvas Ornament Frame—Getthekidsinonsomecraftyactionthisseason.Theycanexpresstheircreativitywiththesejumbopictureframesthatcanbeusedasornaments,gifttagsorholidaydécor.

• Starlight Scrap Holiday Garland—Multistrandgarlandsforyourtreeormantelcangetquiteexpensive.Whipupyourownversionwithpersonalityandshine.

• New Year’s Dream Journal—Thisornate,bejeweledjournalisfullofblankpagestoinspiresettingdreamsintoaction.Inscribethefirstpagewithyourgreetingandlettherecipienttakeitfromthere.

Forbestresults,pleasereadallinstructionsbeforebeginningaproject.Formoregreatholidayprojects,visitwww.ilovetocreate.com.

Faux Beaded Poinsettia WreathMaterials Needed:

Tulip Beads in a Bottle PaintSemiprecious 28794Metal 28788

16-inch faux pine wreath5 large flocked poinsettias, clip on5 long white feather accents

Handcraftedpage 19 ‰


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Handcraftedfrom page 18

Starlight Scrap Holiday GarlandMaterials Needed:

Tulip Beads in a Bottle PaintMetal 28788Semiprecious 28791Semiprecious 28792Semiprecious 28794

Assorted rolls of ribbonAssorted skinny strips of

fabric in different textures, colors and shapes

Assorted rolls of sequinsAssorted yarns and fibers

1.Thisgarlandsetwillconsistofeightto12stripsofcontrastingfabric.Measureandcuteachofthedifferenttypesto36inches.

2.SetthepiecesoutflatonatableandapplyacontrastingcolorofTulipBeadsinaBottleoneachone.Letdry.Ifyourfabricorribbonisverysheer,workontopofaplasticcoveringsoyoucanpeeluptheribbonafteritdries.

3.Onceallthestrandsaredry,looselydrapethemaroundyourtree.Youcanalsogatherthemintoasinglegarlandandhangonyourmantel.

Cartoon Canvas Ornament FrameMaterials Needed:

Tulip Fabric Markers Tulip Beads in a Bottle Paint

Semiprecious 28792Semiprecious 28790

Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue1/4 yard of blank canvasScissorsPinking shearsRibbonThin cardboard

1.Foldthecanvasinhalfandcutyourdesiredshapethroughbothlayers.Thiswillbethefrontandthebackoftheframe.

2.Cutthecardboardtofitabout1/4inchsmaller.

3.Takeoneofthelayers,andcutoutaninsidearea.Thiswillbethefrontoftheframe.

4.Takethecardboardpiece,addarowofAleene’sOriginalTackyGluetotheback,smoothitoutwithyourfingerandaffixittothesecondpieceofcanvas.

5.ApplyAleene’sOriginalTackyGluetotheinsideedgesofthefirstpieceofcanvasandaffixtothefrontofthecard-board,butleavethetoptwoinchesungluedsoapicturecaneasilybeslidinside.Letdry.

6.ColorwithTulipFabricMarkers.

7.UseTulipBeadsinaBottlePainttoadddimensional

New Year’s Dream JournalMaterials Needed:

Tulip Beads in a Bottle Paint Semiprecious 28790Semiprecious 28791Semiprecious 28792

Tulip Beads in a Bottle Iron-

On Ink TransferButterfly 28805Floral 28812

Tulip Beads in a Bottle Studs and CrystalsMetal Studs 28813Pearl Crystals 28814Gemstone Crystals 28816

Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Permanent Dry Cleanable Fabric Adhesive

Hardback journalScissorsIronAssorted fabric scraps in

bright holiday jewel tones: red, green gold, yellow, blue and purple

1.Cutassortedcolorsoffabricpiecesintovaryingsizesofsquaresandrectangles.

2.Onafewofthepieces,addTulipBeadsinaBottleIron-OnInkTransfers,applyingaccordingtopackagedirections.Thisistocreateavarietyoflooksandtexturesoneachofthepiecesoffabric.

3.Setallofthefabricpiecesonthetopofthejournalandarrangetheminamosaicfashion.Makesuretobalancethecolorsand

designssotheyappearevenandinteresting.

4.Onebyone,takeapieceoffabric,flipitoverandaddadropofAleene’sFabricFusionontheback.Spreaditevenlyaroundthefabricwithyourfingerandthenpressthefabricpieceinplaceonthejournal.Smoothoutanywrinklesusingfingers.Letdry.

5.Onceallthepiecesareglueddownanddried,addTulipBeadsinaBottleStudsandCrystalstoeachofthefabricpiecesthatdonothavetheTulipBeadsinaBottleIron-OnInkTransfers.Toapplythecrystalsandstuds,addasmalldropofTulipBeadsinaBottlePaintandsetthestudorcrystalontop.Letdry.

6.Oncetheentirecoverisdry,applyTulipBeadsinaBottlePaintonthespineedgetogivetheentirebookafinishedlook.

highlightsalloverthefrontoftheframe.Letdry.

8.Tomakeyourframehangable,flipitover,backsideup,andaddadropofAleene’sOriginalTackyGlueoneachsideatthetopandpressthestrandofribbonintotheglue.Letdry.

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Holiday 11-24-11

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