cheap and easy holiday gifts and recipes

Lighted, Potpourri basket or jar

This is an easy inexpensive gift to make and it is beautiful to look at during the holiday and winter months.

First you will need to gather your supplies, which include....

-crafting ribbon of your choice. This can be any color or theme you like. I've found that the wired ribbon works the best.

- a basket or glass jar/container of your choice(small, medium or large)

-string of 50 indoor lights

-potpourri of your favorite scent, You may also like to include scented pine cones, gingerbread or cinnamon sticks.

-Hot glue gun with glue sticks

-any ornaments that go with your theme, such as angels, Santa's or snowflakes

Putting it all together

First begin with your basket or glass container that you have selected. Then, plug in your lights in order to see what you are creating. Nest, measure ribbon around top edge and handle of basket, if you have chosen a basket. Leave enough room in your ribbon length to tie a bow at the front of the jar or bottom of one of the sides of your basket handle. (you could also place bow at the top of basket handle.) When you are done measuring, and placing your ribbon, glue it in place.

The next step is to place your lights in the basket and pour the potpourri within, up to the edges. Add your extra pine cones or other scented items to top of potpourri. Last attach any extra ornament to top edges and handles to finish off your lit basket/jar. ENJOY!! the great aroma and beautiful lighting.

P.S. If this seems like too much work, buy any small can or glass jar and find a stencil of your choice to fit on a side. Attach stencil with tape and sponge over top of stencil, gently pull off stencil. Add potpourri. (Empty formula or baby food jars also work great, for one less item to buy!) This is a great craft for young ones to make for their grandparents.

Scented Ornaments

These are a favorite at my house during the holiday. I started making them every year with my daughter and would etch in the date on the back of ornament. Just use equal parts cinnamon and applesauce. I would suggest starting with 1/2 cup. Roll them out and use your favorite cookie cutters. We used tooth picks to make a small round hole in the top of each ornament or to write in name or year. Let them dry for two days and then string through your choice of ribbon or string. Attach to the tree or any other item you wish to adorn and the scent will last all season.

Adorable stuffed Snowmen

These cute little guys will stay with your family holiday decor year after year. And most of all they make great gifts!

Items you will need...

-white felt material

-cozy material(for scarf and hat)

-stuffing, or bunched up white grocery bags

-little sticks

-glue gun and glue sticks

-black fabric paint or mini buttons

-scissors and string

The first step to these cuties is to cut out a small or medium sized circle from your white felt. You may do this by using one of your kitchen bowls turned upside down over top of the material and tracing around the bowl. Next place stuffing material in center of circle and gather edges of material over top. If you need more stuffing, add it at this time. Then tie string around edges to secure them together. This is the top of your snowman's head. Then cut a strip of fabric from the cozy material chosen, and cinch it around where you would like his neck to be. Leave excess to drape down the side of it's "shoulder" to give the effect of a scarf. Next, measure "cozy material" around the head of your snowman and cut to size. Then sew these edges together. place on head and use string to cinch top of hat. Use little sticks for nose and arms. Use fabric paint or mini buttons for eyes and mouth. Enjoy your snowman!

My mom and I came up with this concoction a few holidays ago when I still lived at home. We would dig out the big glass punch bowl and first put in either rainbow sherbet, which leaves a nice foamy look and taste or a frozen punch brick that you can find at any grocery store. Then we would pour on top cranberry ginger ale up to the top and let it fizz. To garnish and add a little zest, cut an orange into very thin slices and place on top, and cut a slit half way though a couple of the slices and arrange them on the edges of your punch bowl. It is very quick and simple, but very delicious!

 There is no need to buy those expensive door hangings, when you can make one yourself for a fraction of the price that looks exactly the way you want.  Find your nearest and dearest craft store and buy a plain fake pine wreath.  Next you'll need some ribbon.  If you want to save on this item, I suggest looking at their clearance ribbons of plain colors that still go with Christmas, such as white, red, gold, green and blue. If that doesn't excite you, check out your dollar store or dollar tree.  They also carry ribbon at a much lower cost than the craft stores.  You will also need craft wire to help attach ribbon and/or ornaments to wreath.  As far as the ornaments are concerned these are a dollar store item as well.  Buy 2-4 of your favorite ornaments or better yet steal some of your favorites from your tree decor at home.  Secure them with craft wire or a glue gun if you have that instead.  Now all you need is one of those door/wreath hooks and you are in business!