I got to go and spend some time with Caroline and Noah yesterday and man was Caroline full of inspiration. I saw lots of new CHA-W releases and all I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW or as Noah would say, “WOOOOWWWW”you all are going to be so wanting lots of Maya Road products! I feel like the luckiest person in the world getting to work with Caroline and Deb. While there sorting DT product Caroline was showing me all the cute projects she has been creating. That girl has been churning out some projects! Well her clear ornaments were the cutest and I had to come right home and make some for myself. The hardest part about this project is deciding which photo to use. They are so easy, so fun and would be adorable handed out at an ornament exchange, as a little housewarming gift or attached to a present for family and friends. BUT be careful… these are very fragile! I know first hand because I already broke one… dang it!

Supplies Needed:
Clear Ornaments
Transparency
Maya Road Rubons
Ribbon
Faux Snow

Tools Needed:
Coluzzle (circle)

Instructions:

1. Print wallet sized photos in greyscale onto transparency
2. Cut out photo using your Coluzzle or other form of circle cutter to appropriate size for your ornament
3. Roll up transparency and place inside of ornament (you might need to flatten it out just a bit, I used the eraser on top of a pencil)
4. Add Faux Snow to inside of ornament
5. Using Rubons place a word or date along the front of the ornament
6. Tie a bow to the hanger

Enjoy. You have an adorable personalized holiday ornament.

Thought I would share a little recipe to create some magic reindeer food for those of you who might have some little ones that feel the need to help guide Santa’s reindeer to their house on Christmas Eve.

Magic Reindeer Food

Ingredients:
1/2 cup oatmeal
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup red or green sugar crystals

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mix. On Christmas Eve be sure to take this magic food and sprinkle it on your lawn. Santa’s reindeer travel miles and miles before the dawn. The smell of the oats and sugar path will guide them on their way then you’ll wake up to Santa’s gifts bright and early Christmas Day!

Alan added the Mitten Tutorial to my store for those of you who are interested in creating my Mitten Project.

Mittens hanging up to dry just makes me smile. Not sure why because I’ve lived in Texas for 37 years and we certainly don’t get the opportunity to hang mittens up to dry very often. Heck, we rarely get to wear them… but I love to see them hanging. So I thought I would make some as a winter accent for the house and grabbed a cup of hot coffee, a pencil and some paper. I sat down and got to work creating my mitten template and here is the end result.

Alan will be uploading a tutorial later this evening. So if you want to make some for yourself check back later.

These mittens have just enough twinkle and fluff to keep me smiling all winter long.

Wanna learn how to create this ornament?

If so, please check out the Memory Makers 2008 Masters Blog. I posted a quick tutorial that includes the supplies needed as well as step by step instructions.

I found this and thought I would share it with you. I think it would be great fun for both kids and adults. I do believe Ansley and I just might have to Grinch a few people in our neighborhood. Below is how it all works.

You’ve Just Been Grinched!

You’ve been selected as the recipient of this ornament. The Grinch made it just for you! And you don’t want to disappoint the Grinch!

The following are his demands… If you want to see any presents under your Christmas tree!

1. Hang up one copy of his festive face where all can see so you don’t get Grinched again!

2. Make or buy two ornaments.

3. Send them to two unsuspecting friends-you must include pictures of the Grinch and a copy of this letter so the next Grinchee can send off his/her ornament! Make photocopies if necessary.

4. Bring your package to your friend’s house. Ring the bell and take off! The Grinch would be extremely disappointed if you were to get caught.

5. Don’t break the chain if you want a Merry Christmas.

And my friend Patti sent me this link. She Elfed a group of us Fiskateers… we appear in this order… Me, Jane Hasty, Patti Church and Stephenie Hamen. I think it is so funny. They are all at a crop right now and I really do not like being geographically challenged. Because I am here and they are there! Have fun. I’m sure there will be lots of laughs. I miss you three a lot.

We are putting up the tree this evening. I have been cleaning the front room all day. This years tree will look totally different from last years. It is so easy and I love it! First time ever I have placed colored lights on my tree. Ansley is thrilled. I will show photos once we get it just right. Have a wonderful evening.