And, who knew “dashing through the snow” could be so much fun?
This season, trim your tree with these “make and shake” personalized ornaments with fun winter scenes. Add photos of your favorite people or pets, mini trees, mini sleds and Epsom salt “snow” to a clear plastic globe for decorations that are sure to bring a smile to everyone who visits. These little snow globe ornaments are simple enough to put together that even kids will love making them for grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and friends.
This cranberry pepper jam not only made me smile with it’s beautiful holiday vibes and tastes, but it was so much fun to try some new low key photography, making the jam pop from a darker background. It’s a challenging form of photography, but I had fun experimenting with it for the first time. Be sure to check out the photo of the chopped jalapeƱos below, definitely one of my favorites from this shoot. I know I have lots more to learn, but hey, you gotta start somewhere right? I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Here we go:
You can make the holidays extra sweet with an unforgettable flavor combination. This homemade jam brings out the cheerfulness of tart, juicy cranberries and the warmth of spicy jalapeƱos. It’s finished off with a joyful splash of zesty lime. You can even up your charcuterie game by baking some brie cheese topped with some homemade cranberry pepper jam wrapped in a puff pastry. Serve it with some crackers and apples for a memorable appetizer. YUM!
And, if you’re in a jam (Ha!) trying to find the perfect gift, this jar of deliciousness is not only beautiful but you can give something special without breaking the bank. Even though cranberry pepper jam is ideal for the holiday season, it’s so tasty that you’ll want to make it year-round. No matter what you decide to do with this delightful treat packed with holiday flavors, it’s sure to spread some joy.
This next photo of the chopped jalapeƱos, is actually one of my favorites because of the way the light is hitting the peppers. I know, I know, I’m kind of a geek this way. But it’s so much fun!!
Are you looking for something fun to do this fall? One delicious way to celebrate autumn is to visit a local apple orchard. A day at the orchard can include fresh apple cider, warm doughnuts and hayrides as well as pick-your-own apples. It’s a wonderful way to spend some time with people you love and support local farmers at the same time.
When you get home, you can continue the fun by canning apple pie filling made with some of your freshly picked apples. Don’t worry if you’ve never canned anything before because we’ve got you covered. These beautiful jars full of pie filling will make the deliciousness last all winter long. Just pop one open anytime to fill a pie shell, make an apple crisp, pour over ice cream or even eat straight out of the jar. Yum!
Click here for the entire step-by-step directions.
Who knew a common kitchen utensil would become part of your sewing kit? You’ll be wondering why you didn’t throw a fork in your bag years ago when you learn how easy it is to create perfect fork pleats using this step-by-step tutorial. Even beginners can master this pleating technique, and all you need are your sewing machine, a fork and some fabric.
Perfect pleats every time!
Click here for the complete step-by-step tutorial.
For a fun, new autumn condiment, that pairs wonderfully with the rich foods of fall, try making your own pickled apples. Serve them next to a grilled pork chop or top a pulled pork sandwich with these spicy, maple-flavored pickles. Use them for a salad topper, a sandwich garnish, or place them on a colorful charcuterie board full of meats, nuts and cheeses.
Not only are these small-batch pickled apples simple to make but absolutely no canning is involved. Just keep them in the fridge for a week or two and make another batch when you’re ready. Guaranteed to be a feast for your eyes as well as your tastebuds.
Click here for the complete step-by-step instructions.
Fill it with your keys, a card, a little cash and some lip balm for those grab-and-go situations. Better yet, indulge your loved one’s sweet tooth by loading it up with treats and surprising him with a delicious “just because” gift. If that isn’t enough to make you want to create this adorable little zipper pouch, think about all the wrappers you’ll keep out of the landfill. It’s a trifecta!
The front porch is decorated, pumpkins are carved and costumes are made. Now it’s time to create some delightful, felt trick or treat bags for your scary little ghosts and goblins.
Made from sheets of craft felt and a little iron-on fabric adhesive, the designs are as unlimited as your imagination. No need to be afraid of this project ā you’ll be doing the Monster Mash when you see how quickly these bags come together.
Up your creepy yard game for Halloween by recreating three of the most delightfully wicked sisters to grace a movie screen. Fans of the movie āHocus Pocusā will immediately recognize the Sanderson Sisters on your front lawn when they see the green, red, and purple capes.
Make your display even more eerie by adding a few props like a bubbling cauldron and some magical brooms made from branches. These ghostly figures are quick and inexpensive to create, and will startle even the most hardy of your friends and neighbors. Careful though ā Winifred, Sarah and Mary just might put a spell on you and make you dance all night.
Have fun this Halloween season with one of the creepy, mysterious and spooky members of āThe Addam’s Familyā.
You’ll have the spookiest, kookiest front porch on the block when this DIY life-size Cousin Itt greets your trick or treaters. Gather up several grass table skirts, a tripod, some sunglasses and a hat to quickly construct this peculiar and hairy cousin.
When you’re finished, your neighbors just might put their witches shawls on, grab some broomsticks they can crawl on, and maybe make a call on, your quirky Cousin Itt.
Talk about a Halloween decoration that will send chills up your spine and scare the living daylights out of your trick or treaters. They might even spill their candy buckets as they flee past the creepy hands inside this glowing TV set ā so much fun for the ‘Poltergeist’ movie fans that come to your door looking for treats on Halloween night. Grab a big cardboard box to create your own haunted TV and you’ll be well on your way to frightening all your friends and neighbors.
Click here for the complete instructions for the Haunted TV.
The Renegade Seamstress 