Christmas Twigs Blog

Share The Love!

2011-12-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

Don't these look divine! Now that the holidays are upon us what a great time to make and bake these beautiful heart shaped Pumpkin Caramel Cream Cheese Cinnamon rolls! This recipe comes compliments of Fast and Easy Bread you can make these rolls in a snap! Wow your neighbors and friends with a plate of these yummy delicious rolls.

As a an extra special gift you may want to give family and friends a bread bundle kit with a plate of these tasty morsels so they can taste the love and then make it themselves! Bread in an hour or less! My sister in law Lindsey does a fabulous job with her Fast and Easy Bread site! You can make all kinds of things with her bread recipe including pizza!

Gather The Family and Start Counting!

2011-11-16T23:06:00.000-08:00

There is so much anticipation during the Christmas holiday. Why not take advantage of another opportunity to gather the family and enjoy it? There are a variety of advent calendars
to choose from.

Each morning during December, gather the family and sing a Christmas carol before you open a window. You could even hand out a little treat for each child as they take turns opening a window on the calendar.

Start this fun little tradition and pass it on. You can make this tradition as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Your children will love it as they have a special moment with mom and dad before everyone starts their day! Good times!

Entertaining Guests Done Easy!

2011-11-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

The holidays are coming fast and time to think about entertaining guests in your home. If you have guests coming to spend a few days, don't panic just prepare!

With a few simple ideas, you can be well on your way to hosting your guests and having a wonderful time. Cancel any stress you might be feeling and follow these tips.

1. Find some make ahead meals that you can freeze now to pull out when the guests arrive. Plan your menus now so that you know what you will be serving. The idea here is to spend the least amount of time in your kitchen when the guests come to call and the most time enjoying your guests and your family!

2. Where will you put your guests? Clean the rooms where they will be staying. Dust, vacuum,and change the sheets. Open the windows for a few minutes to air out the room. You may need to use an air freshener or candle to make it smell inviting. There is nothing like fresh flowers by the bed to make your guests feel welcome!

Why not put together a welcome basket with goodies, bottled water, some toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner in their basket. Put towels on the bed so they can have easy access to them. Place a couple of hooks on the back of the door for them to hang their towels on. You can find hooks in many stores just for this use.

3. Come up with some fun activities to do. What's happening in the town where you live? Have a list just in case everyone is looking for something fun to do. Maybe a play, a movie, or a holiday lights display.

4.Have a puzzle on hand. If you stick a puzzle in a corner on a small table it is like a magnet. Young and old will get involved trying to put it together. Have some games available as well. Stock up on popcorn and make sure you have some movies to watch at home if everyone is in the mood to just stay in and relax.

5.Make some goodies before the guests arrive. Try and use recipes that you can freeze. Then pull out at a moment's notice to bake or if already baked to serve.

No need to fear if you follow these simple steps for entertaining guests who will be staying at your home during the holidays Don't be afraid to use paper ware except for the special holiday dining days. Everyone will be glad that you have made meal clean up so quick and easy.

So bring on the guests! Don't worry just plan ahead and get ready now so you can spend all your time entertaining the easy way and enjoying your guests and your family!

Easy To Make Pillow

2011-11-10T05:01:00.000-08:00

I am always looking for fun fresh gift and home decor ideas. Especially the kind you can make it yourself. There is something very rewarding about being able to make something to give or to use in your home. Disney at Ruffles and Stuff has such wonderful ideas! She is an amazing crafter!

Well here is a sure fire easy to make pillow. The tutorial for this beautiful pillow is simple to follow. You can change the butterfly to fit the holidays...a wreath or candy cane, a teddy bear the sky is the limit to what you can imagine to put on a darling pillow like this. Give it as a gift for a one of a kind present!

Get creative with the color. It doesn't have to have a white or cream background. There are so many funky fun felt colors now you can go as bright or as soft as you want to with color.

That gives me an idea. I think maybe I will make a couple of pillows for my sweet mother in law for Christmas. I will design it to go in her front room on her couch. She is a talented artist and crafter not to mention an awesome mother in law! Two simple but beautiful pillows on each of her couches would give her front room a new fun look to add to the already beautifully decorated room.

My biggest problem will be deciding on the color and what shape to put on the pillows! I willing to tackle that problem though! Think maybe I will make a pillow as well for my mother's bed. Have fun with this. There are so many ways to get creative with this project!

Banana Rama Pancakes

2011-11-08T21:52:00.000-08:00

Ok so here is a new twist on an old favorite. If you are looking to spruce up your ho hum pancakes, try this simple idea.

1.Take a ripened banana and mash it with a fork.

2.Add it to your favorite pancake batter. Mix it in well. Add some cinnamon to the batter. Then cook your pancakes.

3.Serve with toppings of your choice.

A yummy syrup to serve with these is homemade buttermilk syrup. Great way to use up overripe bananas and your family will love it!

Wreath for Thanksgiving

2011-11-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

With Halloween gone and Thanksgiving on the way, it's time to take down the pumpkin and ghost decor and celebrate Thanksgiving. I am always looking for fun ideas to make my porch look inviting year round. I found this simple and very creative wreath made of mens' ties at the Felt Board.

Who would think mens' ties could be so decorative! It has a nice tailored look to it perfect for Thanksgiving decor. You can find old ties at a second hand store reasonably priced if your husband can't bear to part with the ties he has. The tutorial is simple and all there. So impress your guests and neighbors too and make this unique do it yourself wreath!

Stress Less With A Little Know How

2011-11-03T11:08:00.000-07:00

As much as everyone loves the holidays, there is always stress that comes with the planning. A few years ago I attended a seminar on getting organized taught by Marie Ricks. It was practical, easy to do, and made sense! Marie is the guru of getting everything in order and in that way you can eliminate the stress! Check out her site House of Order.

She offers ideas and solutions for almost every situation. You can get up and ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas in no time. Marie has tried her suggestions and has great tips and how to's on her site. She has written several books that are well worth considering as they will change the way you look at your home, the way you cook, and the way you organize drawers, closets, kitchen,etc...you name it she has thought of it! You've heard the old adage, "Time is money"...she can show you how to save time and how to save money through sound shopping tips that she has discovered over the years.

Marie does a great job of sharing her professional tried and true advice. Stress less as we all enter the holiday season and enjoy your family more this Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Fall Is In The Air...And So Is Football!

2011-09-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here comes fall and with it of course the football season. If your house is like ours we love watching football games with family this time of year! We also enjoy watching our oldest son play football at an in state college.

My husband played and coached college football and his father did the same. Our three sons played high school football and two continued on to play college ball. So it runs in the family!

Here is an easy and fun dip for your tailgating parties. Only takes two ingredients and then add the chips for an easy peasy crowd pleaser!

* Take a block of cream cheese and put in a decorative bowl.
* Pour your favorite salsa over it.
* Set the dish on a platter and put chips around it.

Have small plates handy for your guests to put their snacks on. You are sure to score with this quick appetizer! Go Team! Happy Football Season!

PJ's Are The Passport

2010-12-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

Warm up the car and don your PJ's and go for a Christmas drive to look at the lights in your area. Make sure you have doughnuts and chocolate milk to treat everyone as you do the drive.

Put a Christmas CD in or turn on the radio to play some fun Christmas tunes as you cruise through your city with your children. It can be a short or a long drive depending on the age of your children but old and young alike enjoy seeing the lights and get into the spirit of the season! Happy driving!

Tis The Season For A New Family Tradition

2010-12-02T07:19:00.000-08:00

Time to welcome in Christmas with the family gathered round! Create a formal dinner just for your family. Use the fine china, crystal, silver,etc... Try serving at least three courses (can be simple salad, dinner, and dessert.)

Here are some cute ideas for setting your fancy table and don't forget to come up with conversation ideas as well. No time better for being together and laughing, talking, and making memories with your children.

*Place a different cookie cutter at every family member's place setting. Use holiday ribbon as a napkin ring holder and tie the cookie cutter to the napkin.

*Have a box dinner sitting on each plate. Decorate a white gift box just the right size to hold a picnic dinner and fill each box with tissue, food, napkin, and some Christmas accessories like a small ornament, or candy cane and set on each plate. Sure to surprise your children and they will love all the delightful things to eat on their fancy picnic.

*Decorate a paper napkin with a holiday stamp. Stamp the edge or the middle of the napkin. If you like, you could use a fabric napkin. Tie the napkin with a raffia bow and place on a fancy holiday dinner plate.

*Tie several bells on a ribbon and tie it to the stem of the goblet.

*Cover your table with white quilt batting. Put various sizes of styrofoam balls on the table for snowballs and decorate with sleighs and handmade snowmen. There you have a frosty table setting.

*Use a neck scarf for a placemat and a mitten to put the silverware in.

Add candles and soft Christmas music in the background. Perfect setting to gather as a family and welcome in this joyous holiday season! Afterwards, read a special Christmas story by the light of the tree.

Cookies and a Kiss

2010-11-12T08:52:00.001-08:00

Loved it when I came home from school and my mom was in the kitchen and had cookies and a kiss waiting for me! Now I have passed that tradition on to my children and as the holidays approach, it just wouldn't be Christmas without making sugar cookies!

So many fun things you can do with the dough. Check out Deck The Halls Of Home With Joy
and see all the fun ideas they are cooking up in the kitchen! When you get ready to roll out your favorite sugar cookie dough why not make it easier with a handmade french rolling pin from Christmas Twigs . They are easy to maneuver, beautiful to display, and make the perfect gift for neighbors, teachers, or friends! Give a walnut or sugar maple french rolling pin along with a plate of homemade cookies and the recipe! Sure to please anyone special! Easy to clean and beautiful to display in the kitchen!

Create some magical memories with your children. Make up a batch of sugar cookie dough, mix up some frosting, grab small candies, sprinkles, etc... and have fun in the kitchen as a family! Give your creations away teaching your children the art of giving (and the fun too) ! Don't forget to make enough for your family to munch on for their hard work in the kitchen! Happy baking!

2010-11-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

Santa makes a big impression on all who see him with these beautiful Father Christmas designs by Ditz Design. Know someone who embodies the spirit of Christmas all year through? Why not give them a Santa Clause to cherish.

These life like Santas are so real looking you will want to reach out and touch them! Several family members could go in on a gift together and give their mom or dad an amazing keepsake Father Christmas. This is a gift that could keep on giving because you can display him all year long.

Have you got a birthday coming up and need an extra special unique gift? Here you go! What about displaying a Santa Clause in your entryway to greet your holiday guests? Great year round in cabin decor! Ho Ho Ho! Tis the season to be jolly and these Santas are just that!

Cook Up A Spooktacular Dinner for Halloween!

2010-10-29T15:08:00.001-07:00

Cook up some dinner in a pumpkin and wow your family this Halloween weekend! You will need:
Medium pumpkin (remove the seeds but leave the flesh of the pumpkin)
cooked ground beef (1 lb )
cooked rice 2-3 cups depending on how many you are feeding
1 small can tomato soup
1 cup chopped green olives
salt and pepper
oregano

Mix all ingredients together and season to taste. Then put the rice mixture in the pumpkin. Cook until pumpkin is done about 1 hour.

Serve some rootbeer in a glass punch bowl and put some dry ice in it. Watch the steam pour out like witches brew. (Easy to do and a nice Halloween effect!)

Make or purchase dinner rolls, add a veggie or dip and veggie sticks, some fruit, and a dessert like witches cupcakes. (Recipe in yesterday's post.)

Set a festive table with Halloween decor, some candles, then turn out the lights. Invite your family to a fun time around the table with this spooktacular Halloween dinner!

Halloween Is Here!

2010-10-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Well Halloween is fast approaching with school parties, costume preparation, and gathering fixins' for a fun Halloween family dinner! Aren't these cookies darling found over at Deck the Halls of Home With Joy along with this darling trick or treat bag!

Just a couple of last minute ideas to help make your Halloween divine! Tomorrow I am off to do a "Wizard of Oz" class party for the third grade. We will divide into groups and play:
Melt the Witch- kids will melt a picture of witch drawn with washable markers with squirt guns.
Stuff the Scarecrow - a race to see who can stuff and put together a scarecrow body out by putting a pillow in a men's flannel shirt, a broom through the arms of the shirt, stuff the shirt into pants and the pant legs stuffed into boots. Then a straw hat placed on the shirt. It will lay on the floor and two teams will race to be the winner. (The person who stuffs the scarecrow then unstuffs the scarecrow and we will time to see how fast each team is total.)
Courage Words For the Cowardly Lion- cute handout with a lion on it and the kids have to see how many words they can make out of Give the Lion Courage.
Witch Cupcakes- We will take a cupcake and put a pointy ice cream cone upside down on the cupcake. We will add skinny black licorice hair and red hots for eyes.
Then I have a few other surprises up my sleeve for a fun Halloween party!

Tomorrow check back and I will give you a menu that will knock your family's socks off for Halloween and a great way to start a new family tradition!

Get A Head Start on Cute Christmas Ornaments

2010-10-27T09:37:00.000-07:00

You can always count on Martha Stewart for darling ideas for any occasion! Take a look at these cute ornaments! You can find the tutorials on her site for the easy peppermint candy wreath ornament and the cute Santa couple!

Ornaments can be very simple and still look elegant. Decide what look you are going for. Are you going for a whimsical touch such as a tree filled with a variety of Santas? Pipka Santas are a good choice. Or are you going for a sophisticated look? Gloria Duchin Pewter Ornaments would make your Christmas tree shine!

Whether you choose to make your ornaments or purchase them, you can make your tree look stunning with a little planning. If you want some new ideas to spruce up your old way of decorating your tree, scout it out online. Look through old and new magazines for a spark of creativity.

E-mail us at customerservice@christmastwigs.com with some of your fabulous Christmas tree photos or ideas for tree design! We'd love to share your ideas with our readers!

Make a Flower Button Headband to add to A Halloween Costume

2010-10-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

When you dress up your trick or treaters in kids Halloween costumes and you need a quick headband to finish the costume off, add a button flower headband. So sweet, so simple and very cute!

This headband designed by Disney over at Ruffles and Stuff, can be easily made by following her tutorial. This darling headband is very inexpensive too. After Halloween, you can still use the headband for school days or dressing up for church.

With Christmas fast upon us, why not make a few extra to give as holiday gifts or even birthday gifts. You can save money and be fashionable at the same time! Isn't that worth it?

Sneak Peak of Fun Holiday Baby Clothes

2010-10-20T01:19:00.001-07:00

Things are very busy at Christmas Twigs as we prepare for the heart warming holiday season. We have added some darling duds for your baby boy or baby girl to wear for winter and the Christmas holiday!

If you are looking for a new baby gift, look no further. We have plenty of adorable baby outfits to choose from! Cute red and white sweater rompers to put with cute beanies and soft and cuddly candy cane striped booties. Not to mention frilly tutus and leggings fit for any little princess!

Let Christmas Twigs help take the stress out of your upcoming Christmas shopping and make your holiday brighter! Grab a cup of hot chocolate and browse through our store awhile. By the way, you can shop in your pajamas!

Give the Gift of Santa

2010-10-16T08:46:00.000-07:00

With Christmas right around the corner, here is a unique gift idea to give someone special! Give the gift of Santa. Santas come in all shapes and sizes. This vintage looking Santa Claus is my own design. I fashioned his face out of clay. Santa's beard is made of beautiful sheep's wool. He carries twigs and a wreath, a round hat box package, a old time looking horn, and a tea dyed teddy bear dressed in ruffles and bow.

Santa sits in a beautiful handmade rustic framed wooden shadowbox. The stars sparkle with rhinestones and diamond dust. His face has a gentle look and his eyes are deep blue. When I think of Santa, it reminds me of service and giving myself to others. Even the small things we do matter. We may not be able to give a lot of time to others at this time in our life, but small and simple acts of kindness to our family and others go along ways.

When you give someone a birthday gift or a Christmas gift, consider giving them a special Santa. Maybe someone has been especially kind to you. You could give them a Santa to represent what they have done for others with a note to say that this reminds you of them and why.

Pipka Santas have such a variety of Santas to choose from. They are reasonable priced and you can find a Santa to fit almost everyone's personality. They are designed by the talented Pipka the artist

Whatever Santa you choose, you can be inspired to do good or inspire others you know to do good.

Simple, Easy, and Charming Halloween Decoration

2010-10-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

Isnt' this a darling idea! So simple and easy to do. Jenn over at the Redberry Barn came up with this inspiration from a napkin she saw at Wal-Mart! If you look, you may even have a lot of the supplies for this cute Halloween decoration around your home!

This would make a cute gift for a school teacher, friend's birthday, or why not get really motivated and make several for a wall grouping in your home or set a few on the mantle. Cute, simple, and charming!

Wrap It Up the Creative Way!

2010-10-05T08:09:00.001-07:00

Think unconventional when wrapping up a package. Look around your home for things that you could use to wrap a special gift up with. Ruffles and stuff blog has some great ideas for creative gift wrap!

No matter the occasion whether birthday, wedding, Christmas, or some other holiday if you use your imagination you can come up with a fun way of wrapping a gift. The gift receiver will be delighted that you took the time to create something different with your gift presentation.

The possibilities are endless. Buttons, # 10 cans, felt, twine, twigs, paper napkins, etc...Start brainstorming and coming up with things you already have on hand that will work for wrapping your next package. You might even get organized and gather your materials and put them in a container or a drawer now. That way, when you need your stuff you will have it at your fingertips! Wrap it up and have fun doing it!

Create A Halloween Countdown

2010-10-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

Happy October! It's time to create a fun Halloween countdown for your family to enjoy. Take some twigs or a branch from a tree. Put them in a vase or container of your choice. Gather some Halloween looking decorations or make some out of paper or fabric. What matters is that you get creative!

Buy a variety of treats, and little projects for your children to make such as Halloween necklaces. I found easy to make pumpkin necklaces at JoAnns fabric store for a dollar a piece! Very reasonable!

Punch holes in the items and hang them on the branches. I used some festive looking yarn. You can make little paper or fabric pockets to hang on your tree. Then fill them with goodies.

Each day your child can pick a treat to countdown the days until Halloween. If you like, put numbers on your pockets (I made my pockets out of envelopes and just punched holes in some of the candy to hang on the tree.) You could tie cute pencils, pens, erasers,whatever you like to create your Halloween tree.

Holidays are for families so why not take advantage to celebrate the whole fun month of October with your children!

Make a Cute Christmas Stocking Display

2010-09-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

When hanging your personalized Christmas stockings by the fireplace, think variety! If your stockings are looking a bit ragged and you need to spruce them up a bit consider buying or making a variety of Christmas stockings.

No longer do you have to stick with traditional red, green, and white Christmas colors. Think about the personality of the person you are buying for as well. You want your Christmas stockings to last so look for quality when you decide which stockings you want to add to your collection.

Having a variety of Christmas stockings will make your fireplace cozy and cute. Whatever style Christmas stocking you choose, your family will cherish their special sock for years to come! Your guests will enjoy the display and family memories can be made as each child hangs their own special sock.

When hanging your personalized Christmas stockings, add some simple traditions to go along with it. Create a festive dinner where each family member is recognized for their Christmas spirit and they can share a Christmas memory that they have of a Christmas past. Great opportunity to bring your family a little closer and get them in the holiday mood!

Easy Apple Turnover Delight

2010-09-02T08:18:00.000-07:00

Easy recipe for apple turnovers would make a great gift for neighbors at Christmas. Serve them at any special family gathering or holiday meal! All you need is a batch of bread dough, apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon and a powdered sugar icing.

Start with this no knead bread dough recipe (or use your favorite):

5 1/4 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar

1/2 T. salt
1 1/2 T. Saf yeast
1 1/2 T. soy Lecithin
2 cups hot water

Mix well in a Bosch mixer or Kitchen Aid Mixer for 5 minutes. Remove dough from mixer and set on counter top sprayed with shortening spray. Cover the dough so it doesn't dry out.

Take a small piece of dough and roll it out with your rolling pin. Butter inside of dough. Sprinkle dough with cinnamon and sugar. Then peel an apple and cut up into small pieces. Place on the dough. Fold the dough in half and pinch or pleat the edges with your fingers. Butter top of dough and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar mixture. Poke small fork hole in the top.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and immediately frost with powdered sugar, 2-3 T margarine or butter and mix well. Add a little milk if it's too thick.

Let them slightly cool and serve! Delicious and easy. Line a basket with a fabric napkin and place the apple turnovers in the basket. Tie a bow on the basket and there you have an easy yummy dessert or gift!

Prepare For Christmas Baking Now

2010-08-19T09:48:00.001-07:00

My life became a lot easier when I started using a beautiful handmade wooden french rolling pin and I learned to make bread in an hour! I make a beautiful bread braid filled with fruit or jam and baked in the oven. (Resembles German Stollen a bit.)

Drizzle icing on top of the dessert bread braid and you have a beautiful gift to give your neighbors at holiday time. You can use a variety of jams such as raspberry, apricot, or cherry filling. Whatever you have on hand or want to put in the middle of your dough. It will taste delicious!

Use your favorite bread dough. I love this recipe from fast easy bread
You can make this from start to finish in an hour! It's great! This will make two bread braids. Half your dough and cover the other portion. Then roll out your dough with your french rolling pin. Take a 4 0z. container of cream cheese and mix it with a 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and add 1/2 t. vanilla. Spread it on down the center of your dough.

Next put your jam or pie filling on top of the cream cheese mixture in the center of your dough. Then take your kitchen scissors and cut strips on both sides of the rolled out dough. Don't cut too far into the middle. Fold over the very top of your braid and begin braiding the strips back and forth on your braid. Fold the bottom of the braid up on your dough and secure each strip by pinching them tightly together.

Bake in a 350 oven for 25 minutes and while it is still hot and fresh from the oven, drizzle powdered sugar icing on top of the braid. You could get fancy and serve it in a basket with a french rolling pin and the recipe for a gift. Put a fabric napkin in the basket first and then put your gifts inside and tie a fancy wired edged ribbon bow on the side of the basket.

There you go a gift you neighbors will love and remember you for, for years to come each time they use their beautiful handmade french rolling pin!

Impromptu Family Nativity

2010-08-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last year Temple Square in Salt Lake City Utah had a beautiful display of nativities from around the world. Many countries were represented and delightfully displayed. Why not incorporate a nativity into your own family get togethers.

Write on a piece of paper the various individuals in the nativity scene such as shepherds, wisemen, angels, Mary, Joseph, etc... Have each family member pick from a hat their assignment for the nativity. Then each person has 15 minutes to come up with their costume and meet back in the family room.

Choose a narrator. Then each person takes their place in the nativity as their part is read from the bible. (You can adapt this activity for younger children.) Take a family photo for fun and enjoy the memory of that moment!

Easy to Make Holiday Centerpeice

2010-08-10T19:57:00.001-07:00

This beautiful holiday centerpiece from Sandra Began Holiday is both simple and elegant. What a nice centerpiece for the holidays. You can make it with a fresh wreath or substitute a faux pine wreath. Cranberries float in a glass bowl. Add floating candles and a few sprigs of boxwood to keep the cranberries company in the bowl. At night light the candles for a soft warm flickering touch to your holiday decor.

You can place this on a dinner table, a living room table, or in a bedroom to spread holiday cheer. Make several and place throughout your home to give a natural smell of Christmas. If you want to, you could add gingerbread men cookies or peppermint candy canes to the display. You will have a wonderful holiday display in no time at all!

DIY Paper Clock

2010-08-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

This do it yourself project from Design Sponge is quick and cute! Takes about 30 minutes to make and costs about $2.00 or less for the paper and $5.00 for the movement kit! You can use scrapbook paper, wallpaper, map, or magazine page. Whatever your fancy. You can also easily change it with the seasons if you like!

Take a look at the simple tutorial and step by step photos. Fun and easy makes for a great combination. Tailor it to fit the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc...Get your creative cap on and tick tock away!

Service Brings Success So Pass It On!

2010-08-03T18:38:00.000-07:00

As the holidays approach, many turn their hearts to good causes. New Day Foster Home is just that! With many ways to help and give aid to children in need, any thing you can do to help these precious children is time and money well spent.

This is a great way to teach your children to do unto others and to give of themselves. Stroll through the New Day Foster Home blog and discover adorable little faces in need and people who volunteer and spend many hours serving and caring for the children who live at New Day and their corresponding centers.

Whatever cause you choose to give to, take some time to find a cause to support. Encourage others you know to get involved. It has actually been proven that if you give or serve others you will be more successful!

Involve your children in a good cause. They will be motivated in many other ways to do good things with their lives and to spread the joy of service!

Great Gift Idea From Socks!

2010-07-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

Who would have guessed such cute socks could be recycled into gloves and a darling neck scarf??? I am an advocate for preparing for Christmas in the summer so why not round up the mismatched socks in your home and start sewing some cute gifts. Talk about using things you already have! These turn out so cute you will want to make more than one set!

You can find the full tutorial on the blog Ruffles and Stuff . Disney, the woman who thinks up these ideas is very talented and her tutorial is step by step easy to do and understand!

There are plenty of socks out there that would make a great set for boys as well. Take a look at your Christmas list and see if you can't start using your time and talents to make a gift that will truly be heartfelt this year! Then go ahead wrap it and cross one more thing off your Christmas list right now!

Think Halloween Now!

2010-07-28T09:10:00.001-07:00

Hey now is a good time to think Halloween. You can talk with your children and plan out what they want to be for Halloween this year. That way you shouldn't have a problem finding a costume or making their costume because you can take your time doing it! Most likely at this time of year costumes won't be sold out.

The more you are prepared for a holiday the less the stress! It just makes sense doesn't it! Check out costumes on Christmas Twigs as they are 15% off until August 6th.

Kids Halloween Costumes at Christmas Twigs serve double duty as they can be used for dress ups as well. Pretend play is a great way for children to interact and have fun with each other or friends. Tuck a few new costumes in the dress up chest. Give them as gifts. Watch your children be entertained for hours as they pick what costume they want to wear and who they pretend to be.

Tree Decor and Christmas in July

2010-07-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's not too early to start thinking ahead to Christmas. If you have more than one tree to decorate or you are on a tight budget and want a quick and easy idea for decorating your Christmas tree think Christmas cards!

Choose a whimsical, religious, or more than one themed Christmas card. For example, if you want to decorate your tree in a Santa theme, choose a couple of Christmas cards that will coordinate color wise. Both can have Santas on them.

*Punch a hole in the top of the Christmas cards.
*Purchase some wired ribbon, striped, or thin ribbon according to the design you want to achieve. Thread the ribbon through each punched card hole. Then tie a bow.
*Hang each instant ornament on your tree with a Christmas tree hanger.
*Add some snowflake ornaments (handmade or purchased) or other ornaments of your choice.
*Drape ribbon from the top of your tree down the branches to the bottom of your tree. Several times around the Christmas tree.

You can add other accents such as doll or toy batting to each branch to resemble snow. Let your imagine run magical! Voila! You have a beautiful tree both inexpensive to decorate and easy to create!

Spend Christmas in Salzburg, Austria

2010-07-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

Looking for a beautiful, picturesque place to spend Christmas this year? Why not travel and explore Salzburg , Austria. The hills are truly alive as they say in the movie "The Sound of Music" and their traditions charming!

Start planning your trip by visiting Salzburg-.net for very helpful information in planning a trip to this part of the world. (The beautiful photos displayed here come from Salzburg-net.) Home and birthplace of the famous musician Mozart there are many music options at Christmas time for soaking in the classical music atmosphere.

Ice skating, castle exploring, carriage rides are just a few of the fun things you can during a Salzburg winter. Christmas markets are a must for finding fun handmade Austrian trinkets. Take time to stroll down the famous Geitreidegasse a narrow street with unique stores and wrought iron signs that hang above each doorway.

You will find many interesting shops worth exploring and plenty of good food. Another option would be walking up Linzergasse also filled with shops. Stop and try some of the local desserts!

Mirabell Palace has striking gardens and pathways to walk through with dwarf type statues for fun picture taking. Salzburg is filled with churches, squares, and plazas filled with animated sights and sounds worth checking out. Even if you know little about architecture, you will be intrigued with the various onion domed churches, cathedrals and palaces in this beautiful city.

There are many places to explore outside of Salzburg as well. You can take day trips to explore the surrounding villages worth checking out! Don't forget to check out the marionettes and puppet theaters to.

Study some of the leading travel guru sites to gather more info about traveling to Salzburg, Austria. It will truly be a Christmas for you and your family to remember!

Use Cookie Molds For Any Occasion!

2010-07-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

There are so many things that you can make and do with cookie molds! Not only can you make a variety of cookies, you can use cookie molds for cakes, craft projects, and much more!

This is a fun way to make and decorate cookies with your children! Sugar cookies are great but how about trying something new? You can get very creative and decorate these cookies with cookie paints, icing, or just leave them plain. They are very festive looking!

Use them for any special occasion or holiday! Display them in your kitchen on a shelf instead of hiding them in a drawer. You may want to start collecting them once you get started.

There are plenty of fun crafting ideas you can do with your children when using cookie molds. Check it out! It is Christmas in July...try your hand at cookie molds and maybe you will end up making ornaments for your Christmas tree. Now is good time to practice! Give your cookies, ornaments, or molds as gifts! With so many fun ways to use cookie molds why not give it a try!

Happy creating! (Photos courtesy of House On The Hill, Inc )

Start a New Halloween Tradition

2010-07-21T14:46:00.001-07:00

The best time to start a new holiday family tradition is before the holiday arrives! The Halloween holiday ushers in the beginning of the holiday season. Why not plan ahead and start a great family tradition that you can use this October!

Cute Halloween countdown calendars are a great way to come together each day as a family and open a window to reveal a joke, riddle or cute verse to a holiday poem. Young children have a hard time trying to understand how many days left until Halloween. Each day you open a window can help them countdown to their trick or treating tradition and this activity will help them see how many days left until you actually celebrate Halloween.

Good family time is often hard to come by these days so why not take every opportunity that comes your way to gather together and celebrate the days of October as you open the windows and see what cute picture and saying is behind each picture.

How To Collect Santas For A Fun Santa Clause Display

2010-07-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you like Christmas all year long, start a fun Santa Claus collection and display. You can buy darling new Santas or you can add old well worn Santa pieces to your collection.

Pipka Santas have some adorable Santas around the world. They also have small ornament sizes to taller figurine Santas but they would look great in any Santa collection!

You can find a variety of online Santas to put in your collection. Shop second hand stores and antique stores for old looking Santas to add to your Santa display. Consider making your own Kris Kringle if you want to be adventurous and creative! You don't have to be an artist to create your own. You can find patterns in magazines and online to help you create your Santa masterpiece.

It's not hard to make a display, just find a spot to group your Santas. They will be a delightful additon to your holiday or year round decor! Happy collecting!

Fun in the Kitchen With A French Rolling Pin

2010-01-12T23:10:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is past, take a little time to slow down and have some fun in your kitchen. Save time and discover how efficient you can be using a French rolling pin.

This type of pin is so much easier to use than a rolling pin with handles. It helps you roll out your dough consistently and without much fuss! Just press on the middle of it with your palms and gently guide it where you want it to go! In no time you have pie crust, pastries, or pizza dough ready to put in the pan and bake! You will be amazed if you've never used or tried this type of kitchen tool before. You'll want to use it again and again!

At Christmas Twigs , we offer two beautiful handmade French rolling pins . Choose from Maple or Walnut wood. These make perfect wedding gifts or even birthday gifts for someone you know who enjoys baking!

Try it out on the following fun recipes:

Cinnamon Bread Loaf

Make your favorite bread dough (enough for one loaf) and roll it out evenly with your French rolling pin . Then butter or spread margarine on your dough. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon and sugar. Roll up and shape like a loaf of bread then pinch the bottom of the loaf and place in a greased bread pan. Let it rise for twenty minutes and then butter the top of the loaf and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes (until lightly brown on top and done in the middle). After it cools, frost the top of the loaf.

Pizza Pockets

Again use your favorite bread dough. Roll out your dough with your French rolling pin and then cut dough into small squares. Take one square at a time and roll it into a circle. Put spaghetti or pizza sauce on the circle, pepperoni, olives, grated cheese, whatever you want to put inside and fold your circle in half. Pinch edges closed or take a fork and make indentations to seal your dough. Then brush with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic salt. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve hot! They won't last long!

Involve your children in the fun and have them help you roll the dough out. Make some memories while cooking in the kitchen. Once you use your French rolling pin, you will be hooked! Cleaning is a snap. You just rub off the flour and any dough on the pin with your hands. Pour a little cooking oil into your hand and rub the oil onto your pin. Now it is ready to display on your kitchen counter until the next time you use it!

Spoil Those You Love With Holiday Gift Baskets !

2009-10-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something extra special to give as a holiday gift this year, why not put together a gift basket. The sky is the limit when it comes to what goes in the basket and you can tailor it to fit the person you want to give good holiday cheer to!

1. First choose a container to put gifts in. It doesn't have to be your typical wicker basket. Find something fun and creative. What about filling the back of a toy dump truck or fill the inside of a cute purse with yummy holiday treats? Come up with a catchy saying to go with your creative gift. Like "Purseonally we hope you have a Happy Holiday!" Something along those lines.

2. Decide what filler you will put in the bottom. This can include fabric, shredded tissue, regular tissue paper, something to display your gifts on in the basket.

3. Gift items to go in the basket can include, holiday DVD's, CD's, advent calendars, ornaments, small collectible Santas, cookies, chocolates, fruit, crackers, cheese, muffins, or hot chocolate. Is there something special that you can buy that represents your part of the country? Tailor the gift basket to fit the individual(s) you will be giving it to. Tuck movie tickets, and or gift cards inside the basket for an added surprise!

Don't forget to consider including gift items from a local college such as t-shirts, mugs filled with individually wrapped candies, items with the college logo, and a good book from the college bookstore. You could also include tickets to the next college basketball game. This would be great to give a college student or an alumni from that college!

4. Finish off your basket with holiday accents, bows, ribbon, small bells, ornaments,candy canes, etc... Wrap your basket in cellophane or a large clear gift bag. Then tie the top with wired ribbon and attach a festive handmade card.

There you have a gift that is not only thoughtful but sure to please! If you would rather order a gift basket and have it shipped visit Christmas Twigs and let them take the stress out of your holiday! It will also leave a lasting impression that you took the time to create or give such a nice holiday gift!

Take Time For A Family Tradition!

2009-09-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

At Christmas Twigs, we believe in FAMILY! You know what they say, "The family that plays together, stays together." The holidays are fast approaching and now is a good time to prepare so that you can have fun as a family once the Christmas season arrives!

An Advent Calendar is a fun way to count down the days until Christmas Day. This tradition dates back to 19th Century Germany. Each day you can gather as a family to open a window and sing a Christmas carol together. Some calendars have chocolate tucked inside. If one calendar is not enough, get one for each of your children to open each day at the same time.

An Advent Calendar, can heighten the anticipation of the holidays as your family prepares for Christmas. This tradition will help to create fond memories for loved ones to cherish throughout the coming years.

Why not send one to Grandpa and Grandma to enjoy? Young and old alike will have fun with this time honored tradition! Give them as gifts to neighbors, friends, or school teachers. They make a cute decoration for home, office or the classroom.

As this tradition is passed along from your family to your children's and so on, this annual tradition will continue to make Christmas memories for many years to come. It's never too late to start a new tradition or continue an established one!

What a Doll!

2009-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

It's not too early to start your holiday shopping. Christmas is just around the corner. If you have a little girls in your family or you have a doll collection, you're going to want to check out the new dolls at Christmas Twigs!

The Precious Doll Company has created four dolls that will delight any little girl wanting to hug, cuddle and rock her baby! These dolls are very life like! They have a soft body with vinyl arms, legs, and face. Each doll's hands and feet look like a real baby's.

The dolls include: Kimberly Caryn, blonde hair and blue eyes, Li Ming, a beautiful Asian baby doll with dark hair and dark eyes. Sophia has brown eyes and brown skin and Katya sports auburn hair and green eyes.

People may stop you and want to look at your beautiful doll because they are so adorable and well made!

Hurry and purchase before the holiday rush! These lovely dolls would be great for birthdays as well as Christmas gifts. Now is a great time to shop and take some of the stress out of your holidays! Christmas Twigs can help make your holiday shopping easy and that way you can enjoy the holiday season more!

Cute Baby Costumes Have Arrived!

2009-08-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

Halloween is right around the corner! It's not too early to plan ahead and choose costumes for your little trick or treaters! When choosing a costume, you want to be sure to get one that is comfortable for your baby and in some climates that will be warm.

Christmas Twigs has a great selection and we have many new adorable baby costumes to choose from! What about a smartly dressed scarecrow? A sweet little angel? Perhaps a huggable fuzzy teddy bear? With so many choose from, it may take you until Halloween to decide!

For added warmth, dress your baby in tights and a turtleneck. Many of the costumes have a top to them that cover a baby's ears. One more plus to purchasing a quality made costume.

Whatever costume you choose, take time to celebrate with those you love. If you plan ahead, you will enjoy the Halloween holiday more with your family. Happy costume shopping and have a Happy Halloween a little early!

Holiday Decorating Ideas for your Porch

2009-08-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed as you drive through your neighborhood that some houses just invite you to visit? Their porch decor is warm and inviting. Why not take a look at your porch and plan what how you will decorate it this coming holiday season. Now is a good time to think ahead. It will be one less thing to worry about once the holidays are upon us and that time is not far away!

Wreaths

Do you want a whimsical jolly look on your porch? A more sophisticated chic look? A warm down home kind of feeling? The choice is yours. Even on a very limited budget you can get the look you want and make it inviting and interesting to those who see it. You can dyi or buy a wreath if you don't want to spend the time on it! Maybe you will want more than one.

Garland

Garlands can be decorated with cranberries, pine cones, faux flowers, twigs, walnuts sprayed gold, apples either plastic or edible, lemons, ribbon, etc... and hung around your door or on your porch banister, or spiraled or framing columns on your porch.

Topiaries & Trees

You can make a grand entrance at your front door with topiaries or trees. You can use all kinds of containers to make this happen. Tin containers or buckets sprayed painted green, cranberry color, black, or white could be filled with natural or color sprayed twigs, small pine trees or other dried flowers could be used. What about using out of the ordinary containers you have around your yard such as an old red wagon, a bike, weathered bench, etc..

Remember to add some lights maybe some candles and before you know it you will have the look you want and people will be noticing your warm and inviting porch!

Here We Come A Caroling...in August!

2009-08-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

It is almost time for back to school and Christmas is right around the corner. Ease the stress of the holidays and find a great gift now to give your neighbors this holiday season.

1. Musical Snow Globe
Why is it when you see a snow globe you can't resist picking it up and watching it snow? There is something very magical about a snow globe that brings a smile to your face and a delightful feeling of Christmas. Pipka makes several beautiful Santa inspired musical snow globes which you can find at Christmas Twigs! Package your snow globe in a homemade hand sewn fabric gift bag and tie it with a ribbon and fill a cello bag of individually wrapped peppermint candies inside the bag to the front of your gift bag.

Attach a saying like: "Let it snow! We hope you enjoy the wonder and magic of the Christmas season. Thanks for being such a great neighbor!" Or come up with your own tag.

2. Tabletop Christmas Tree with Teddy Bear
Ditz Design makes some darling tree bears that are perfect to sit on a tabletop. They feature a white, brown, or black teddy bear climbing its branches. There are various styles to choose from and they are prelit. Add a tag that says, "You are the beary best neighbor!" or something like that. They can deck their halls with your gift and every time they look at it, they will think of your thoughtfulness!

3. Pewter Ornament
At Christmas Twigs we have a beautiful selection of ornaments. Gloria Duchin pewter and silvertone Perfect for neighbors, teachers, or anyone on your gift giving list.

Attach a tag that tells them "It is sweet having you for a neighbor!" Give a candy cane ornament along with chocolate mint candies, candy canes, or peppermint candy sticks.

How about a darling snowman ornament with the timeless story about "Frosty the Snowman" and attach a tag that reads, " Great stories like friendships last forever! Thanks for being such a fun neighbor!"

Check out Christmas Twigs and find the perfect gift for your neighbors and loved ones! Stress less and enjoy more when it comes to your holiday shopping, decorating, and gift giving!

It's Not Too Early To Start Getting Ready for Christmas!

2009-07-16T13:50:00.001-07:00

" Of all the festivals, however that of Christmas awakens the stronger and most heartfelt associations." Washington Irving, in his book titled Old Christmas made this observation. When someone just says the word "Christmas", it conjures up warm fuzzy feelings and memories in all of us.

If you want to stress less this Christmas and enjoy more, start now to prepare for Christmas! Take a look at your gift giving list. Decide if you will make or buy gifts for those on your list. At Christmas Twigs ,we have a variety of gifts to give anyone on your list.

How about starting a new tradition? Draw names and exchange Christmas stockings. We have beautiful heirloom quality handmade Felt Christmas Stockings at Christmas Twigs perfect for any member of your family! (Makes a great gift for birthdays, new babies, wedding or Christmas!)

Here is how the tradition works. After exchanging names, each member of your family fills the stocking with fun gifts tailored to fit the person they are giving the stocking to. This especially works well when your children are older. You can choose a theme for the gifts going in the stocking or a theme for everyone to follow as a family. It can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want it to be. Start now to find items on sale and tstart now to have plenty of time to purchase or make items that the gift receiver will really like.

Don't forget to fill the stocking with Christmas treats and favorite candy of the person you are giving the stocking to. When Christmas comes, designate a special night for the stocking exchange. It could be at your yearly family Christmas party or closer to Christmas. If you have family members living far away who can't make it to the party, you can either have them open their stocking Christmas morning or when you hold your family party call them and put them on speaker phone as everyone takes their turn finding treasures in their stocking. Then they too can take their turn. Just a special note. Who ever picked their name will have to mail their stocking ahead of time.

It really is a lot of fun to see how creative everyone can get! Make some lasting memories and start a stocking exchange in your family this year! With a little planning it is sure to become a lasting tradition in your home!

Visit Christmas Twigs today for all of your festive Christmas decorating, gift giving, and ideas to make your holidays brighter, less stressful, and more enjoyable!

Once Upon A Dream Fairy Tale Birthday Party

2009-07-09T07:37:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to make your daughter(s) birthday extra special this year? Try Once Upon A Dream Fairy Tale Birthday Party! You can make a magical party that your daughter will remember for years to come. All you need is a little time and imagination.

Let's start with the invitations:

Make it yourself! Shop the thrift store and find several pairs of high heels or purchase inexpensive dress up shoes. Take the high heels and spray them with glossy white, pink, or gold spray paint. Once they are dry, spray them with spray adhesive and sprinkle them with white or pink glitter. Type up the "Royal" invitation with the date, time, and place information on the invitation. Roll it up like a scroll and tie with a fancy ribbon. Stick inside the "slipper". Deliver each invitation on a small pillow and let the guest take the invitation & the slipper. (Take the pillow with you to deliver the next invitation. If you want have someone in your family dress up like a knight, or a royal page to present each guest with their special invitation.)

Plan the Activities:

Attire for The Royal Party:

Ask each guest to wear their "Royal" best dress. For your special princess purchase a Christmas dress that can be worn for her party, for weddings, for church, for Easter, or of course for Christmas. You can find a great selection at

http://www.christmastwigs.com/category_122/Christmas-Dresses.htm

Princess Crowns-

Purchase some hot pink poster board and cut it in half lengthwise. Along the top of each piece cut a decorative edge with scrapbooking scissors. Then staple or hot glue them together. (Make really tall crowns they look adorable!) Then spray them again with spray adhesive and sprinkle with glitter. Do this ahead of time. When it's time for the party, have crowns ready to go. Set up a place where the guests can decorate their crowns with large sequins, buttons, beads, flowers, etc...For the birthday girl, you can purchase a beautiful tiara so she is the "fairest one of all" on her special birthday at http://www.christmastwigs.com

Fairy Tale Ball-

Give each guest a bright pink piece of crepe paper streamer. Streamers are fun to wave gracefully through the air as little princesses dance and move around the floor. Turn on some classical music or princess music and let them dance to it. Stop the music and have them freeze. Those who are still moving have to sit out until the last person is left to win the game.

Castle Pinata-

Fill gift bags with treats and fun fake jewelry, little notebooks, fun pencils, etc... and put them inside a themed pinata. Then have each guest take their turn hitting the pinata with a baton or wand of some sort. Get creative! Once the bags are on the ground each guest doesn't have to fight or scramble to get the rewards. Everyone gets the same thing!

Put the Crown on The Princess-

Draw a princess on poster board or find a poster of a princess and give each guest a sparkly crown made out of scrapbooking paper or fun crowns you have made yourself.

Fairy Tale Wands-

Make a fairy princess wand for each guest by taking a silk flower and wrapping the stem with floral tape. Take ribbons and fashion a pretty bow with streamers hanging down. You can glue some little jingle bells to the ends of the ribbons. Each guest gets one to take home with them. (This can be given as explained below for the gift giving

Open Gifts:

Have the birthday princess sit on a royal throne to open her gifts. As each guest comes forward to present their gift have them bow and hand her their gift. She can hand them a cute wand as a thank you for their gift.

Bring on the Refreshments!

You can make refreshments as simple or as fancy as you want them to be!
*You can make little sandwiches with bread cut out with cookie cutter shapes. Fill them with a filling of your daughter's choice.
*Add a chocolate dipped strawberrry (white or milk chocolate will do.)
*Fancy cupcakes or purchase some store bought chocolate or pink frosted cupcakes and put a tall candle or little favor like a giant ring on top of the cupcake.
*Serve pink lemonade and put some lemonade with fresh raspberries frozen in the ice trays. Put a couple of ice cubes in their glass of lemonade and add a cool straw with a lemon slice threaded on the straw.

When all is said and done, you will be glad you took the time to create a fun party and memories for your special princess. Isn't that what life should be all about? One more thing...don't forget to capture all those fun moments with her Royal Highness and her guests with your camera.

For more fun family activities and ideas, visit http://www.christmastwigs.com.

2009-06-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

At Christmas Twigs, we celebrate the holidays year round! So if you are looking for some great gifts for any occasion visit for some fun gift choices for any age!

Today on this blog we are featuring cute clothes for babies. Our ballerina looking baby clothes are sooooo cute! Comfy to wear and very adorable! You will find onsies, pants, and dresses sporting polka dots and tutus perfect to outfit any little princess! Take a look at our cute, cute cowgirl outfit and top it off with red suede cowgirl boots! Perfect outfits for summer weather!

You can top off these outfits with a bright pink ruffle hooded jacket. The rows of ruffles go around the sleeve cuffs and the bottom of the jacket.

For little boys we have summer shortalls. These are overalls but done in shorts! Choose from cow print or a horse print perfect for little boys. Each set comes with a tee to wear with the shortalls.

You'll find something for everyone on your gift list so stop by our site at and browse through our gift pages.

School's Out...Time to Create An Old Fashioned Christmas!

2009-05-23T06:28:00.000-07:00

At Christmas Twigs, www.christmastwigs.com, we like to make your holidays and celebrations less stressful and more enjoyable. You can create a memorable Christmas the old fashioned way and involve your children by starting your holiday preparations this summer!

Parents are always looking for creative ways to keep their children busy during the summer time. There are many fun things you can do as a family to spend quality time together and make it a memorable summer. Not to mention make this year's Christmas less stressful!

Simple ideas mean beautiful results!

Christmas Tree Ornaments

Felt Ornaments

Your children can make all kinds of fun ornament shapes with felt. You will need paper for patterns, felt, sequins, glue, batting, needle & thread, buttons, assorted trims, glitter, ribbon roses, etc...
1.Cut out simple pattern shapes like a Christmas tree, bell, round ornament shape, star,present, just keep it basic. Cut two of each pattern out of felt.

2.Depending on the age of your child, he or she can sew the edges together by hand or you can sew them on a sewing machine leaving a spot open to stuff with batting. Sew or glue the open spot closed.

3. Then the fun begins! Let each child decorate with their own style and flair. These can become treasured ornaments through the years. On the back of each ornament, take a fabric marker or fabric paint and put their name and date on it.

4.Glue a thin ribbon loop on the back for a hanger.

Gumdrop Ornaments
These are a little tricky for small hands so you may want to do these with your older children. Purchase white or colored gumdrops, Styrofoam balls, toothpicks, glue, ribbon, and corsage pins. (For step by step instructions with pictures visit our second blog at www.holidayhearthandhome.blogonize.com.)
1. Cut a piece of ribbon and fold it in half. Pin the two cut edges into the Styrofoam balls at the top of the ball with a corsage pin.

2. Cut or break toothpicks into half pieces. Stick half of the uneven edge toothpick into the ball. The pointy edge of the toothpick will be sticking out. Put a gumdrop on the pointy end of the toothpick. Carefully push the gumdrop all the way onto the toothpick. (It may be helpful to use a fabric hot pad folded in half to push the gumdrop on so the toothpick doesn't poke your finger. Start at the bottom of the ball (opposite edge from where the ribbon was placed.

3. Randomly put a corsage pin in the small spaces between the gumdrops for an elegant finish!

These are quite heavy so when you hang them on the tree they will need to be hung closer to the trunk of the tree instead out on the branches. You could add greenery to these ornaments or hang them on a garland. Put a a gumdrop ball in a small glass bowl or on a decorative Christmas plate. Put two or three displayed along your mantel. Add greenery and put it on your mantel for an eye catching display!

Clothespin Fairies, Santas, & Elves
Hop aboard Santa's sleigh and pretend you are flying away to the North Pole. You will need old fashioned wooden clothespins, fabric, felt, scissors, markers, assorted trims, pipe cleaners, variety color of yarn, batting, ribbon, tulle or regular net for wings, and . You and your children can use their imaginations to make whimsical miniature dolls from old fashioned clothespins.

1. For the fairy, first glue on a pipe cleaner cut in half to the back of the clothespin. Let it dry and you may want to hot glue these on.

2. Create your own designer dress (possibilities are endless here), and attach to the clothespin. Make some cute puffy sleeves with trim or fabric to glue on each side of the clothespin.

3. Make a small loop at the end of each pipe cleaner for hands.

4. Put eyes, mouth nose, and blush on each doll with markers.

5. Fairy wings are easily made by cutting a small rectangle of tulle or net. Take a thin ribbon and tie it in the middle of the tulle or net.

6. Make long locks of hair out of yarn for fairies and make a cute hat out of a flower. Santa beards and hair are easily made out of batting.

***Take pictures of your cute creations and these could be made into Christmas Cards with a note on the back of designed by...and put the child's first name.***

Check out our selection of Green Christmas trees, Flocked Christmas Trees, and Christmas Trees with cute bears in them by Ditz, at christmastwigs.com. The Ditz Design Tree bears are adorable and you could add a combination of handmade ornaments to hang on their branches for a beautiful old fashioned Christmas tree that your family, friends, and guests will love! Take a look at these they really would be a nice addition to any home, Christmas, or cabin decor!

Christmas Garland

Scraparoo Paper Chain Garland

There are sooo many fun scrap booking papers out now that you can choose just about any creative combination for a paper chain. Spruce up the old idea of using construction paper and substitute that for beautiful designed paper. Have your children cut out strips of paper and glue them together. They can make amazing garland creations this way! Best part about it's simple so your children can do it themselves while making family fun!

Popcorn, Cranberry, Mini Colored Marshmallow Garland
Pop pop corn. Put popcorn, cranberries and marshmallows in separate bowls. You will need a needle and thread for each person stringing the garland. Alternate popcorn, cranberries, and mini colored marshmallows as you sew through the middle of each item. The popcorn is fragile so this activity is easier for big hands but little hands can definitely help. Once you make each strand of garland as long as you want, set it on the cupboard or table and allow it to dry. This makes such a cute and festive garland for your tree!

Let your imagination go and create an old fashioned Christmas this summer that you and your children will enjoy and remember for years!

Visit www.christmastwigs.com and read our article pages for more family friendly holiday ideas and www.holidayhearthandhome.blogonize.com for creative ways to celebrate and start family traditions!

Father's Day Made Easy! Part 2

2009-05-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

Pipka's Tee Time Collectible Santa (part of the Santa At Play Series) would be a thoughtful gift for your Dad or husband. Add a gift certificate for using the local driving range. If you want to get fancy, give him a round of golf and some items purchased at your local sporting goods store such as golf tees, golf balls, towel, and other golf equipment designed to help your golf enthsiast improve his golf swing.

For the man who likes camping, how about giving him a Pipka Camping Claus? You can find this and other beautiful Pipka Santas at christmastwigs.com. Add some camping equipment and an invitation to dinner in a tent set up in the backyard. Furnish the tent with table and chairs. Set pie plates for dinner plates, and use tin cups for the glasses. Don't forget the candles. Serve him a nice dutch oven dinner baked in your oven in your kitchen (that's cheating a bit but permissable on Father's Day). Or, if you have a backyard fire pit, use it to serve tin foil dinners. Dad can pretend like the family is roughing it even if you are in the backyard! Serve s'mores for dinner.

Father's Day Made Easy! Part 1

2009-05-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Father's Day is almost here. Why not consider giving your Father or husband a collectible Pipka Santa. Pipka's new Santa at Play Series is perfect for a dad or husband. They are creative and whimsical and very affordable! They represent the various sports and hobbies that men enjoy. Add a few things to go along with this theme and you have a recipe for a very successful Father's Day!

At christmastwigs.com you will find these festive Santas. They are featured on our home page this week.

Consider the Play Ball Santa. This Santa is wearing an old time baseball uniform. Along with this Santa you could give the man in your life, a couple of tickets to a local college or pro baseball game. Perhaps he would rather watch a couple of old movies about baseball legends. You could purchase a baseball mitt and fill it with the movies, some of his favorite goodies, sun glasses, baseball cap, etc...and place the Pipka Santa on top. Wrap the mitt in cellophane and there you have great gift for your Dad or husband!

Isn't the Touchdown Santa adorable! Think about giving this to your Dad or hubby. Purchase season tickets to a local college football games. Present these with the football figurine. Another idea would be to pack a basket complete with a football DVD, his favorite goodies, popcorn, cushy slippers, whistle, bathrobe, and this darling Santa. Put cellophane around it and you have everything an armchair quarterback could want!

These two Santas should get your creativity going! In Part 2, you will find more suggestions to make your Father's Day gift giving easy!