twelve (plus) days of traditions: family baking

Today, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed to welome Jen from Tatertots and Jello.  I'm pretty sure you all hang out regularly on her blog just like me! 
She hosts one of my favoritest (yes, that's a word) parties. 

I love the family pics that she is willing to share with us today.  She is literally giving us a sneak peak into her home and family!  So cool!

  Don't forget to . . .
check out the 4 Advent Calendar giveaways that end tonight at 10 PM.
Party & Cake - Peace On Earth Printable Party Collection
CopyCraft - CHRISTmas Advent Calendar Tree ePattern
Julie Marie - Mod Tree Advent Calendar
happythought - Advent Calendar Garland pdf

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Hi there!

I'm Jen from Tatertots and Jello. I love this Holiday Traditions party idea! It's so fun to read what everyone else does with their families during the holidays.

I thought it might be fun to share one of our favorite family activities. Making cookies!! I usually am so busy crafting and working on projects that I don't have a lot of time to create in the kitchen. But at Christmas-time I love to gather my family around and bake!

My sister Wenderful was in town last weekend and caught our cookie making and I thought I would share it with you along with one of my favorite recipes -- Snickerdoodles!

Real. Life. Together from wendy vonsosen on Vimeo.

And here's one of our favorite Family Recipes -- Snickerdoodles.

So simple and easy to make!

Snickerdoodles

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.
3. Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
4. Here's the secret -- bake for EXACTLY 8 Minutes!! Remove immediately from baking sheets.

Thanks for letting me come by Elizabeth!!!

I just love Christmas -- here are a few Christmas projects that I have done if you want to come over and check them out.

{Christmas Subway Art Pillow}

{Painted Ornament Pillows}

{Chalkboard Chargers}

{Lump of Coal Gift Boxes}

Have a Wonderful Day!

Thank you Jen!  I'm so ready to go bake some cookies!  Mmm mmm good! 

Tradition on!

Don't forget to enter add your own tradition below.

If reading through subscription, click over here to add your own tradition post.

speaking of ornaments . . .

Kim has me totally thinking ornaments! 

She's inspired me to chuck my usual tree decor which is very prim and proper.  My usual tradition of tree decorating is to do the whole coordinated tree decor thing.  So basically, I spend the night decorating the tree myself and fending of the kids who want to help because I want the tree to look a certain way.  Then I spend a month keeping them away from the tree so they don't mess it up! 

Now, that I think about it that entire tradition seems completely silly.  Why on God's green earth would I try to keep my kids OUT of the fun of decorating.  I could kick myself for doing it this way for the past five years.  Sometimes I just need a swift kick to the behind as a good wake-up call . . . so THANK YOU KIM! 

BUT NO MORE!!!

From now on my kids are going to be part of our tree traditions. 

Enter the Memory Mitten Ornaments.

I actually did this ornament for Stephanie Lynn's ornament extravaganza over at Under the Table and Dreaming.  I was originally planning on starting this tradition and putting all these handmade ornaments on a special wooden ornament tree that I have on the piano.  However, with Kim's tradition swimming around in my head, I'm excited to add these memory mitten to the tree.

 

These ornaments combine two things I love around the holidays: memory-keeping and tradition-keeping.  Each ornament is made from clothing that my children wore at some point during the year.  Every time I look at these ornaments I will remember this year in their lives, and every year I will make a new ornament from another article of clothing.  Then as we pack away the ornaments for safekeeping until the next Christmas, I will ask them to write down one memory from our Christmas celebration (or write it for them) to tuck inside the mitten.  I imagine the Christmas celebrations to come as we read the memories tucked inside each mitten together.

Here's what you need:

~sweaters or other clothes that your children/grandchildren have out grown and hold a special place in your heart

~yarn or embroidery thread

~a yarn or tapestry needle

~ribbon

~felt or other embellishments and hot glue/fabric glue (optional)

Here's what you do:

1)  Draw freehand or use a mitten to trace a child's sized mitten shape onto the sweater.  Make sure you position the mitten or draw the mitten shape so that the open cuff of the mitten will be either the bottom edges of the sleeves or the waist of the sweater.  

2)  Pin the front and back layer of the sweater together and cut out mitten shape.

3)  Thread needle with yarn and sew the two layers together by using the blanket stitch to sew around the outside edge of the mitten.  Make sure to tie a hidden knot at the beginning and end to secure the yarn.

4)  Heat seal the end of your ribbon by running the ends very quickly through a candle flame.  Push ribbon through one of the blanket stitches toward the mitten cuff and tie into a bow.  Secure with a dot of craft glue or hot glue in between the folds of the center so the bow doesn't come undone.

5)  Use felt and/or embellishments however you want to decorate the mitten.  I cut out my daughter's initial and secured it with fabric glue.

6)  Add your memory.

Done!



Craft . . . and tradition on!

Check out the great parties I may link to by clicking on the blog name below or visiting my "I like to party" page that shows off all the party buttons.  These gals go to a lot of work to host these parties.  If you participate in parties please take time to look through a variety of the projects linked up.  They are a great source of inspiration!


Weekend - Somewhat Simple Holiday Party, a little lovely, Craft Envy, Under the Table and Dreaming, Be Different Act Normal, A Vision to Remember, 504 Main - Tickled Pink, Funky Junk Interiors, Tatertots and Jello, I heart naptime


Monday - Keeping it Simple, Craft-O-Maniac, The Girl Creative, The Trendy Treehouse, CRAFT, Making the World Cuter, Mad in Crafts, Sumo's Sweet Stuff, Between Naps on the Porch, Tools Are For Women,  It's So Very Cheri, Skip to My Lou, Sew Can Do, Polly Want a Crafter


Tuesday - All Thingz Related, Sugar Bee, New Nostalgia, Creative Itch, Lucky Star Lane, Hope Studios, These Creative Juices, My Delicious Ambiguity, Today's Creative Blog-Get Your Craft On!,


Wednesday - It's So Very Cheri, Beyond the Picket Fence, Blue Cricket Design, Trendy Treehouse, Tea Rose Home, Someday Crafts, My Backyard Eden, Sew Much Ado, Night Owl Crafting


Thursday -  Fireflies and Jellybeans, Life As Lori, House of Hepworths, Somewhat Simple, Seven Thirty Three, The Train to Crazy, PonyTails and FishScales


Friday - The Sabby Nest, A Little Knick Knack, Fingerprints on the Fridge, It's Fun to Craft!, It's a Hodgepodge Life, Kojo Designs, Simply Sweet Home, Frou Frou Decor, Remodelaholic, Momma's Kinda Crafty

twelve (plus) days of traditions: personal ornaments

Kim is here!  Kim is here!  You know . . . Kim from a girl and a glue gun!  She has a wonderful ornament tradition to share with us.  Don't forget to . . .
check out the 4 Advent Calendar giveaways . . . that's right, I said FOUR!
Party & Cake - Peace On Earth Printable Party Collection
CopyCraft - CHRISTmas Advent Calendar Tree ePattern
Julie Marie - Mod Tree Advent Calendar
happythought - Advent Calendar Garland pdf

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Yo. I'm Kim from a girl and a glue gun! I am so excited to be here!

When Elizabeth emailed me about my favorite family tradition I jumped on it!  I have a ton....(like slowly going around and having each person open one present at time...it's like pulling teeth..but I LOVE it (and my mom did it us so it's only fair!) but that's not my favorite.....and I am currently shooting for a mostly handmade Christmas right now on my blog (but that one is DEFINITELY not a favorite...stressful!)  but if you want to come over and see the handmade goods I've got posted so far...head on over.

 (My favorite is the animal scarf...I just love it!...does that

sound conceited? Sorry.  Really though... I LOVE IT. I

think I might be a genius. Okay, I KNOW that sounded conceited.)

but my favorite tradition is actually another one my mom started! In our stockings each year, we
got a special ornament. It represented something we did that year, or something we loved, or something that represented us.  (what sport we played in high school that year, a favorite obsession (like flip flops or a purse) or maybe a chocolate bar....cause we all know how much I love chocolate!) She would write on the back the year we got it...so we could keep track of what we did each year.

Then we got old, and kicked out of the house, and started a family of our own...we got all the ornaments that were ours. I remember that first Christmas tree with my husband...full of all the things that were ME! (poor husband had nothing!)

I have since started this with my own kids...(and my husband...cause I didn't want him to feel left out!)

(The tv is for the year my husband got his Ginormous tv....so far the

best year for him!) sidenote: he is getting an In-N-Out ornament this

year (he has an obsession!) and I have been on a look out for an xbox

ornament...so that will probably be next year!)

(The scooby doo was the boy's costume for that Halloween.  Batman was

HIS obsession (still is). Two years ago, he watched CARS every

morning. EVERY morning! (it was the only way I could shower and get my

crafts...oh I mean cleaning), and his ornament when he was 2 was the

basketball...even at two he loved throwing balls!)

Now, when we set up our Christmas tree (usually the day after BLACK FRIDAY) My kids wait "patiently" (okay, asking every two seconds) to get their ornaments...and when I finally dig
them out of all my Christmas decorations, I give each child the box of their ornaments. They open them up so excited....and then they get to place all  their own ornaments on the tree.

Some years...I do really great finding them (hallmark always has AMAZING ONES)...but sometimes I know exactly what I want...and can't find it..so I make my own! (like the littlest pet shop...I had to

stick a hoop in it's head and added some hot glue! I heart my hot glue gun!)

She has a princess Ro (from barbie's island princess) cause that was

what she was for Halloween that year...and the red girl is a

ballerina...that was for the first year she did dance...and all of

them get a baby one that says My first Christmas for their first

ornament.  

As they get older the more fun it gets to pick

which one truly represents them.  I'm sure star wars will be on

the list this year....maybe an ipod for the daughter....and for sure

mickey mouse for the babe (I didn't show her ornaments cause they

consisted of a stork and a rubber ducky (she's only two!)

I also save any they get at church or school, or any that they made...

cause you know you just can't throw those away.

and I put those in the box too...(and i make sure they get the year

written on them...and where they got them from)

When we get the tree all set up...we turn off the lights and sit there and look at all the things that makes us...US! We love it! The whole month we keep rearranging and playing I-spy with all our
ornaments!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! All parts. but this is one of my most favoritest part!

And if you love ornaments too...I'm having a ornament giveaway on my blog! 
So come check me out!

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Thanks Kim! 

I already entered her ornament giveaway . . . definitely go through your entry into the pot!

Tradition on!

Don't forget to enter add your own tradition below.

If reading through subscription, click over here to add your own tradition post.

take time for traditions: advent calendar giveaway #4

Check out the previous 3 Advent Calendar giveaways:
Party & Cake - Peace On Earth Printable Party Collection
CopyCraft - CHRISTmas Advent Calendar Tree ePattern
Julie Marie - Mod Tree Advent Calendar

EXTRA ENTRY ON ALL GIVEAWAYS:

1)  If you have entered all four Advent Calendar giveaways, go back and leave one comment on your favorite one telling me you've entered all four.

2)  Go push that little FB "like" button on the bottom of ONE, TWO, THREE or ALL FOUR of the posts and leave an extra entry telling me that you did this on each post.

happythought

Advent Calendar Giveaway #4

I love the colors and designs of happythought.  Everything is so fresh and bright.  Here's a few of my favorite shop items.

Custom Silhouette Portrait

Christmas Reindeer Paper Ornaments

Custom Birth Announcements - ADORABLE!

One winner will receive a Christmas Advent Calendar Garland (pdf pattern) from happythought.  The printable pattern will make a garland of little funnel cups for you to hide treats in as you count down the days until Christmas.

Enter to win in four easy ways and ONE leave comment for EACH entry:
1) Be or become a twelve crafts follower.
2) Stop over at happythought and find an item you like.  Then come back and tell me about it.
3) Heart the item that you like on Etsy.  (Do this by adding item to favorites on the shop sidebar.)
4) Leave a comment telling me when you put up your Christmas tree.

**Giveaway end Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 10:00 PM (CST).  Winner will be sent the pdf file on Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Remember this giveaway gives you what you need in a pdf file to make your own Advent Calendar and party supplies.  You will not receive items already printed and assembled.

Tradition on!

take time for traditions: advent calendar giveaway #3

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the previous two Advent Calendar giveaways!

Julie Marie: cards and handmade goods

Advent Calendar Giveaway #3

Julie Marie crafts and blogs in her spare time.  You can find a few modern and simple (my two favorite things) in her Etsy shop, and you can find more creative inspiration from her at her blog Julie Ree.

Thank You Cards (Set of 6)

One winner will receive a printable file for the Mod Trees Advent Calendar to help you create these cute little tree-shaped boxes to hold treats and goodies this holiday season.

Enter to win in four easy ways and a leave comment for each entry:
1) Be or become a twelve crafts follower.
2) Stop over at Julie Marie and find an time you like.  Then come back and tell me about it.
3) Heart the item that you like on Etsy.  (Do this by adding item to favorites on the shop sidebar.)
4) Leave a comment telling me what your favorite holiday treat is to eat.

**Giveaway end Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 10:00 PM (CST).  Winner will be sent the pdf file on Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Remember this giveaway gives you what you need in a pdf file to make your own Advent Calendar.  You will not receive items already printed and assembled.

Tradition on!

take time for traditions: advent calendar giveaway #2

CopyCraft

Advent Calendar Giveaway #2

CopyCraft is a family business run by Jennifer and John and inspired by their son.  They have a great holiday sale going on right now through November 29 . . . 25% off your order by entering the code HOLIDAY2010 at checkout. 
Check out some of their fun printable kid-friendly gift ideas.

ePattern for Camp Wannacraft Tent fit for a card table

ePattern for Pirate Print and Play Felt Figures

Quiet Felt Book ePattern

One winner will receive the CHRISTmas Advent Calendar Tree - ePattern which includes full instructions and pattern pieces to make your own Advent Calendar.

Enter to win in four easy ways and ONE leave comment for EACH entry:
1) Be or become a twelve crafts follower.
2) Stop over at CopyCraft and find an item you like.  Then come back and tell me about it.
3) Heart the item that you like on Etsy.  (Do this by adding item to favorites on the shop sidebar.)
4) Leave a comment telling me your favorite way to spend Christmas Eve.

**Giveaway end Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 10:00 PM (CST).  Winner will be sent the pdf file on Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Remember this giveaway gives you what you need in a pdf file to make your own Advent Calendar.  You will not receive items already printed and assembled.

Tradition on!

take time for traditions: advent calendar giveaway #1

Paper & Cake: printable partyware

Advent Calendar Giveaway #1

As moms of young children, Kira and Abigail, had a dream of offering affordable and easy partyware for busy moms.  That dream led to Paper & Cake - the shop that offers custom, printable pdf partyware.

Check out some of their cute printable creations.

Space/Rocket Ship Birthday Party Printable Pack

Holiday Printable Photo Booth Accessories*

*cute children not included ;)

Bon Appetit Party Collection

One winner will receive the entire Peace on Earth Printable Party Collection which includes this simply chic Advent Calendar as well as the other beautiful items below.

The winner will receive the following printable items with this set:

Invitation and Envelope +

Note card and Envelope

Place card +

Napkin Rings, Candle Wraps or Vase Wraps

Party Food labels +

Menu +

Christmas Crown

Standees

Wine tags

Gift tags +

Party hats

Front door sign +

Paper photo frame

Wreath

Christmas tree decorations

Favor Boxes

Christmas star tree topper

Advent calendar

+ Customizable item: Those items with a + sign can be easily personalized using Acrobat Reader, a free download from Adobe.com. Each collection has detailed instructions and recommendations.

Enter to win in four easy ways and leave comment for each entry:
1) Be or become a twelve crafts follower.
2) Stop over at Paper & Cake and find an item you like.  Then come back and tell me about it.
3) Heart the item that you like on Etsy.  (Do this by adding item to favorites on the shop sidebar.)
4) Leave a comment telling me your favorite thing about your day so far.

**Giveaway end Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 10:00 PM (CST).  Winner will be sent the pdf file on Wednesday, December 1, 2010.

Remember this giveaway gives you what you need in a pdf file to make your own Advent Calendar and party supplies.  You will not receive items already printed and assembled.

Tradition on!

start your own tradition: advent calendars

Remember how I mentioned my goal of actually making an Advent Calendar this year.  Well, I did it!

Here's a sneak peak:

I'm not going to show it to you just yet though because I have a SUPER SUNDAY SURPRISE for you first . . . well, actually four of them!

Some amazing Etsy shops have partnered with twelve crafts so that we can offer you some quick and simple ways to make your own Advent calendar.  All of these giveaways will be pdf files that can be printed and assembled quickly at home.  Woohoo!  Just the right kind of Advent Calendar if you are a little . . . okay, a BIG procrastinator like me.

These pdf Advent Calendar giveaways will start tonight at 5 PM (CST).  A new calendar will be posted every hour . . . 5 PM, 6 PM, 7 PM, and 8 PM.  All giveaways will end Tuesday night, November 30 and 11:59 PM (CST), and you will be e-mailed your pdf file on Wednesday . . . just in time to start counting down the days. 

See you later tonight for your chance to win printable patterns to make one of these:

Paper & Cake: printable partyware

CopyCrafts

Julie Marie: cards and handmade goods

happythought

Tradition on!