MARG'S CRAFT UPDATE: 2011

My son had a wish to create his own gingerbread house from scratch and he fulfilled that wish just in time to share it with our family and friends. Using a basic gingerbread recipe he made the dough and kept it in the fridge overnight. The next day he rolled it out, cut out the shapes using templates that he made and baked it until it was a light golden brown. A little engineering was necessary due to the size of the gingerbread house and the weight of the roof, but thankfully it all worked out in the end. Once the house was set with royal icing, it was time to decorate. HOW GOOD DOES IT LOOK! Well done to my 14 year old son Ben - it looked and tasted excellent.

Reindeer Food

Reindeer Food - 1/2 cup of oats with glitter!

Gingerbread Gift

This is a cute little gift to give those with little children - don't forget to attach a recipe card so they can follow the instructions to make some yummy gingerbread cookies.

Minties Xmas Tree

IT'S TIMES LIKE THESE .... that's right, that you need MINTIES. Create a xmas tree by painting a little craft box topped with a foam cone (from craft shops like Riot or Lincraft) then pin minties into the cone to form a tree. Maybe remind the adult to remove pins before sharing.

Personalised Wine Labels

Here's a more personal approach to giving bottles of wine as a gift. I recommend you purchase a clear skin wine (it's much easier to remove the original label), then create a new personalised label to reflect the person you are giving it to. Photos can be added, as well as a witty title or phrase. Don't forget to also list what wine it is at to the bottom of your label so they know what they will be drinking.

Thanks to Anne for sharing this cool idea - my parents & in-laws loved it!

QUICK CARDS ON THE RUN by Marg

Using some beautiful flower photos taken this week, this is the quickest type of card you can make in a hurry. No mounting, slap bam thank you mam!

DOUBLE SIDED TAPE REMOVER

It's great being able to purchase discount double sided tape but it can be a real pain to remove the backing tape. Homebiz in Berowra have a great little tool for $2.00 (located in the kitchen aisle) which will save your nails from discomfort after hours of crafting. Thanks Anne - excellent tip!

L.O.V.E. by Marg

I painted and covered these large timber letters in scrapbook paper using Mod Podge (adhesive sealer), added a few embellishments and ribbons then mounted them onto 4 separate canvas frames.

By mounting these letters on separate frames,

you can rearrange how you put them on your wall.

KRAFTY KIRSTEN ... totally off the page!

Here are some creative ways to decorate your walls by my idol Kirsten.

Kirsten has used large rubber alphabet letters to stamp directly onto gyrock painted walls. This is so totally off the page and looks awesome .... watch your step though!

Another brilliant idea - Kirsten has used curtain rods with clips to hang her children's works of art in her family room. This runs the full length of the wall and adds so much colour and personality to the room.