Make Christmas Tree Napkins, Name Tags, And Ornaments Whether You Sew Or Not!

They Are Quick, Easy And Fun Gifts For Young And Old To Make For Family And Friends.

The trick is in the folding to make the napkin look like a Christmas Tree.

Asian Knives

Let the kids cut some out of paper and decorate their own.

Use them as name tags, decorations, Christmas Tree ornaments and napkins, of course.

Napkins can be either single or double layer of fabric. They can be any size you want them to be. The example I am using here is a 14-1/2"

Use some pretty Christmas prints or some unusual decorative fabrics.

One year, I used a lacey fabric and rolled the edges with a gold metallic thread. Then, I hung them on my tree. It really looked pretty.

You really don't have to sew these napkins if you don't want to. You can use decorative edge craft scissors to cut the fabric and not finish it with sewing at all.

You can even use paper napkins if you like. Have fun with this idea.

Less than a yard of 45" wide fabric makes 6 napkins single layer or 3 double layer.
1-5/8 yards makes a dozen single layer napkins.

Preshrink all fabrics.

I also like to spray starch my fabric before I cut and serge or satin stitch the edges of my napkins.

Cut Napkins into 14-1/2" circles.

To make a paper pattern, draw a circle 14-1/2" in diameter.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Here is how to make a compass to draw your pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Tie a string or ribbon to a pencil.

Measure the string back from the pencil 7-1/4".

Put a pin in the string/ribbon at that point.
(7-1/4" is the radius or 1/2 of the diameter of the 14-1/2" circle.)

This is your compass to help you draw your circle.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Here is how to draw your pattern.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Place some tracing paper down and put the pin in the center.

Now, extending the string, and using the pencil, draw a circle out all around the pin 7-/4"away.
This creates a 14-1/2" circle for your napkin pattern.

Label it and keep it for future napkins.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Single Layer Napkins

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Serge finish with the right side up on your serger.

I like to use the rolled edge finish on most of my napkins. It depends on the fabric.

Feed the circle of fabric to the knife slowly letting the knife shave off a little of the fabric.

Slightly overlap the beginning stitches about 2 inches.

Seal the end with "Fray Check". Let dry. Trim off the thread tails.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Double Layer Napkins

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Place 2 circles wrong sides together.

Make sure one circle's straight grain matches the other circle's bias grain.

This will minimize flared edges.

You can also apply slight differential feed to eliminate flared edges.

Or you might want to baste the two layers together to help hold them while you finish the edges.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Serge Finish Edges With A Serger

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

A rolled edge works well on light to medium weight single layer napkins.

A rolled edge may not work on the double layer fabrics or heavier fabrics. Test it first.

Try using a narrow satin balanced stitch instead.

Note: If you get the "Pokies", try wrapping the napkin bias edges in Solvy (a water soluble stabilizer) and then serge. Wash the Solvy away when finished.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Conventional Machine Satin Stitch Finish

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

If you don't have a serger, you can use your conventional sewing machine.

Finish the edges with a satin stitch sewing in from the edge using a stabilizer such as water soluble Solvy.

You may want to spray starch the napkins again before stitching. It might help.

You can apply "Fray Check" to the outside of the stitching when you are finished to seal the edges.

Let it dry and then trim off any excess fabric.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Fold and press the napkin into a Christmas Tree Shape.

Here are the folding instructions.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

1. Fold the napkin in half and press well. We will call this fold the center fold.

2. Fold again into quarters and press lightly. This is a temporary crease that we will use as a guide to establish the fold we actually want.

3. Open back up to the 1/2 fold again and measure 1-1/4" above the temporary quarter foldline.

4. Fold the napkin "back" along the 1-1/4" new line (the one above the quarter fold) and press well. We will call this fold, Fold A.

5. Now you have a fold at the top, (Fold A) and the lower part of the center fold to your right.

6. The upper part of the center fold that you just turned down, we will call Fold B.

7. Take the top Fold A and bring it over to meet the center fold edge to your right and press in place.

8. Now bring the upper portion of the original center fold (Fold B) over on top of Fold A and to the lower portion of the center fold edge and press again.

Voila! There you have a Christmas Tree.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Decorate your trees

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Add a bow, jingle bell, decorative Christmas button or whatever at the top of the tree if desired.

Embroider each family member's name on his/her napkin.

Use decorative stitches, paint or decorate your tree napkins any way you like.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

More Ideas For Smaller Trees

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Consider making smaller circles into trees, add a ribbon loop at the top and use them to decorate packages or to hang on your Christmas Tree as ornaments.

Use up lots of that stash! It is easy!

Or, how about letting the kids cut some circles from paper napkins and have them decorate their trees with crayons, stickers like stars, glitter glue, etc.

They could give them to family members, classmates, teachers, etc., use them on packages, hang them on the big tree, or use them as place cards at the dining table.

Be creative. You are the designer. Have fun making your Christmas Tree napkins!

It just makes sense!

Happy Holidays!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

© 2005 Marian Lewis - All Rights Reserved

1st Step To Sewing Success

Make Christmas Tree Napkins, Name Tags, And Ornaments Whether You Sew Or Not!

Marian Lewis is a sewing instructor and the creator of an amazing new fitting method for hard-to-fit sewing folks.

In her ebook, "Common Sense Fitting Method For Hard-To-Fit Sewing Folks Who Want Great Fitting Skirts And Pants", find out step-by-step WHAT you really need, WHERE you really need it and HOW to apply that to a commercial sewing pattern.

For more information, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/fitting.html

Marian is also the author of other eBooks related to sewing including, "Sew A Tee Pee And Accessories For Your Tribe Of Kids" where she teaches basic sewing techniques while you have fun doing it!

To learn more, go to: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com/sewing.html

To discover sewing and fitting secrets to achieve sewing success, follow the link: => http://www.1ststeptosewingsuccess.com

http://bastoiletsfixtures.blogspot.com/ http://buywatercoolersandfilters.blogspot.com/

Christmas Cookies - Christmas Pinwheel Cookies and More

The history of cookies goes back to the time of Alexander the Great, and perhaps even earlier. It is no wonder there are so many varieties of these easy to carry treats. Pinwheel cookies are no exception. Whether you are combining two different colors or flavors of dough, or rolling dough with a filling, these cookies are pretty to look at and tasty treats to eat.

For a filled Christmas Pinwheel Cookie try this. You will need:

Asian Knives

• 1 1/2 cup craisins (dried cranberry raisins)
• 1 cup pistachios
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Put the craisins and nuts in a food processor and chop coarsely. Just use the pulse a few times. Place this mixture in a small saucepan with the water and 1/4 cup of sugar. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture just comes to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool.

Cream the butter, sugars, egg and vanilla. Sift the flour, soda and, salt, together and add to the creamed mixture. You should get a medium soft dough. Chill 30 minutes.

Roll the dough out between sheets of wax paper. You want a large rectangle. Spread the nut and craisin mixture evenly across the dough, almost to the edge. You will roll from the long side so the filling can extend to the edges of the short sides and about 1/8 inch from the edges of the long sides. Starting at one long side, use the wax paper to help you roll the dough. Press the seam slightly. I use a fork to add a little decorative edge. Just gently press the fork across the length of the seam to create little indentations, much like you might do on a pie crust.

Wrap the cookie-roll in wax paper and chill until firm. When ready to bake, Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Cut into 1/4 inch slices. Bake on a greased or parchment lined cookie sheet.

Here is a tip. If you use a new, clean, piece of dental floss as your knife you won't end up with cookies that are flat on one side. Simply slide a length of the floss beneath the roll. pull the ends up and over the dough and cross them, like you were about to tie a shoelace. Pull and the floss will evenly cut through the dough. Move down and repeat. Toss the floss when done.

Bake the cookies about 8-10 minutes or until just starting to brown. Wait one minute before removing to a wire rack to cool. You may wish to lightly sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture, or confectioners sugar before serving. Santa loves these and the sugar-coating my reveal his true identity.

You can also make Pinwheel cookies by mixing up two batches of your favorite refrigerator cookie dough. You can even use the packaged cookie mixes if you like. My family loves old-fashioned sugar cookies. Tint one batch with food coloring. Roll each into a rectangle and layer one atop the other. Roll, chill, cut, bake and serve. Be adventuresome. Spread some raspberry jam between layers of plain and green tinted dough for a festive cookie.

If you are in a hurry or are pressed for time, you may decide to make drop cookies your choice. There are many to choose from. Try these delicate cookies. They have a big pecan flavor and are a great addition to a cookie tray as well as a unique and welcome hostess gift.

For these Pecan Lace Cookies You will need:

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup butter,melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, use pure extract if you can. It is a difference in taste.
• 1/2 cup pecan halves for garnish

Using a food processor, process the pecans and sugar until finely ground. Use the pulse. You don't want pecan butter. Place in a bowl and stir in the sifted flour,powder, and salt.

Prepare your cookie sheets by lining with foil and greasing or use parchment paper sprayed with a cooking spray. You could also use a silicon pad.

In another bowl beat the egg. Add the melted butter and vanilla. Stir into flour mixture. Drop by teaspoonfuls about 3 inches apart onto the prepared pans. Press 1/2 of a pecan into the center of each cookie.

Bake at 325 degrees F for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and 'lacy' in appearance. Cookies should be allowed to cool on the pans before removing.

Optional: You can carefully remove the warm cookies while they are still soft and pliable by rolling them lightly around the handle of a wooden spoon. Slide them off gently and allow to finish cooling. When they are cooled they can be served with a filling of whipped topping mixed with fruit, or any other filling of your choice. IF you choose this option, keep in mind that you will need to fill and serve immediately. Cookies will get soggy if left to sit with fillings. Store flat between sheets of wax paper in an air tight container.

One of the reasons we bake all those cookies is because we want to share our love with our family, and lets face it, home-baked cookies are one of the favorite ways to show them you care. But, today it is sometimes hard to find the time to bake. Here is a way to share the love of a home-baked cookie, without having to do the baking.

Christmas Cookies in a Jar.

When you can't bake, or if you want to send cookies easily and not have your recipient end up with a box of crumbs, try this recipe. You can adapt it to your favorite recipe as well. Just omit the wet ingredients, layer the dry ingredients, and include a recipe card with instructions.

In a pretty Jar layer

• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (pack to measure then break up in the jar)
• 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda and 1/8 teaspoon salt sifted together
• 1 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup vanilla chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts

From your computer you can print out a pretty recipe card, or you can write out the directions by hand. I prefer the hand-written version. It is a little more personal, but the choice is yours. Here is what you should include on the recipe card for these cookies.

To prepare these cookies please add 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla which to the contents of the jar in a large bowl. Stir well and chill for 30 minutes. When you are ready, bake the cookies at 375 degrees F. You should drop them by tablespoons onto an ungreased baking sheets and bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until browned. Remove to wire racks to cool.

This gift will keep for up to 6 months if sealed air tight, so when you have a little time earlier in the year you can make up a few of these and store in your pantry until gift giving time comes around. You can also mix up these 'cookie mixes' and keep on hand for those emergencies when you just gotta have a cookie but you didn't get a chance to shop for that missing ingredient.

These cookies in a jar are also great additions to a goodies basket. You might want to consider creating several different versions and make a cookie basket to give as a gift. Tuck into a large mixing bowl with some wooden spoons, a pot holder and stack on a cookie sheet. Wrap with a pretty ribbon and any cook would be thrilled. You might even want to tuck in some home-bakes samples.

These recipes are basics. With a little imagination you can turn them into different variations and create a platter full of 'different' cookie with minimal effort. And don't forget to get the kids and other family members involved. Making cookies is truly one of the joys we share during the winter holiday season. Christmas cookies aren't just for Christmas, they are good year-round, for all holidays, and especially good for a smile. Oh, don't forget to leave a few for Santa. (He likes the Pinwheel kind).

Christmas Cookies - Christmas Pinwheel Cookies and More

I am Barbara Cagle and I have been working and playing online since 1989. I am a certified teacher and as such I find that people are constantly asking me how to do ____. I started http://www.cagleonline.com in 2001 and it is now my internet portal where you can access information on a variety of subjects, find free products and resources, and get help for your business or just to make your life just a little bit easier.

At http://www.mealtime.us you can download free cookbooks and find great lots of recipes. Check it out and don't miss the Master Site Index with links to all my online content. My Holiday cookbook is still available if you missed it and my newest cookbook, for Diabetics, is almost ready and will be available in time for Thanksgiving. So, head on over and see how I can help YOU today?

http://buykitchendining.blogspot.com/ http://buykitchengobletsandchalices.blogspot.com/ Christmas Story Nightlight

Decorating Christmas Trees With Style

Does your christmas tree look too old fashioned? When it comes to decorating christmas trees there are some style tips to follow so that they look more up-to-date and stylish.

STYLE TIP #1:

Asian Knives

The big fat round artificial christmas tree is out and the slim artificial tree is in. This is because when it comes to decorating christmas tree the trends lately lean more towards tall and conical shapes rather than fat and round shapes.

This style is more reminiscent of the modernist trends from the seventies and strangely, the tall conical trees that were in favor during the Victorian era. It was Queen Victoria who insisted on the tallest tree possible for her living room and the narrow tree girth was also necessary in order to fit these tall slender trees into Victorian homes. The same could be said of modern day "cozy" condo lofts and apartments which often have tall ceiling heights but less floor space and suit a slim artificial christmas tree much better than a chubbier version.

Natural trees that tend to be tall and slim are the spruces and firs. They just have a slimmer girth than pines and cedars. When it comes to fake xmas trees, more and more manufacturers are releasing slim artificial trees that can fit more easily into our cramped urban lifestyle.

STYLE TIP #2

Artificial is in and natural trees are out. Okay, so maybe real christmas trees will never go out of fashion but if you are a bit of style snob then the trend is towards an artificial tree in the wildest color you can find. Basically the idea is to find a tree that looks like it would go well in Lieutenant O'Hura's bedroom on Star Trek.

Every year, artificial trees are looking more and more cartoonish. You can buy them in a spectrum of colors and in many different materials including PVC, vinyl and tinsel. The slim artificial trees in wild colors are very popular with younger people. Some sites sell xmas trees that are nothing more than a coiled spiral of yellow pink and blue lights that are free standing and merely emulate the shape of a christmas tree.

Probably the two most trendy colors for trees are the red and white. The red trees have an offbeat look to them that is reminiscent of a bad Kodachrome photograph from the seventies. However that is part of their appeal. The white artificial trees are just simply gorgeous, especially the prelit artificial trees with branches that have glowing fiber optic tips.

STYLE TIP #3

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees in a stylish way is to be minimalist. To be truly fashionable, stick to decorating the tree in just one or two colors. For instance you could decorate a natural evergreen with only gold bows and natural crystals. A white christmas tree looks great with uniformly sized christmas balls from top to bottom. A sky blue artificial tree could be decorated in monochrome with glass balls that are a deeper shade of blue.

The minimalist approach also goes for the style of decorations that you choose. Stick to one or two shapes to keep the look of the tree uncluttered and sleek. For instance, forget the round glass balls and choose conical glass balls and flat spheres only to decorate an entire tree. By the way the craze for slim artificial xmas trees is similar to the current craze for slim conical christmas decorations. Conical decorations are very much identified with retro seventies styles.

STYLE TIP #4:

One of the first rules of fashion and also interior decorating is to break all the rules and the same applies to Christmas trees. This means deliberately ignoring christmas traditions with the idea of putting a new spin on them. For instance instead of using the classic angel or star as a tree topper you could try topping it with a spray of fibrous waving multicolored diodes or a design that you have constructed using christmas rope lights. One interesting idea is to make a star out of red velvet and decorate it with peacock feathers, faux gems and gold bows.

Another way to break a traditional rule is to decorate your tree with just one color. To be different you could also forget about putting largest decorations at the bottom and the tiny ones at the top, put the large ones on the top and the tiny ones on the bottom. Another idea is to make all of your christmas tree decorations the same size.

One big trend that has dominated Christmas style and design for the last few years is to hang your Christmas tree anyway you can think of, as long as it is not standing up. This includes hanging it upside down from the ceiling, suspending it sideways from the ceiling and buttressing it against a wall.

STYLE TIP #5

One of the secrets to decorating christmas trees is that the more personal it is the better. A good example is the chef who decorates his tree using only plastic forks and knives or the new mom who decorates her tree with baby bottles and baby toys. If you celebrate the Chinese New Year you might want to decorate your tree with Buddha figures and fortune cookies.

Another great way to personalize your christmas tree is to use baked goods. Tree ornaments made of pink and yellow gumdrops and toothpicks look nice on an artificial white christmas tree for example. Home made gingerbread men and short bread snowmen would go well with a red artificial prelit christmas tree.

One place to get inspiration is the candy store. Choose your favorite candies that you loved as a kid. A smaller tree looks fantastic decorated in candies wrapped in foil. However once again the key is to be minimalist. Don't decorate the tree with seven or eight kinds of candy. Decorate it with two to three kinds to give it a kind of uniformity.

If you haven't figured it out by now one of the keys to decorating christmas trees is repetition on a single theme. If you like teddy bears than decorate the entire tree in teddy bears and one other design element, such as red glass balls. Keeping it simple yet elegant is the key to decorating christmas trees.

Decorating Christmas Trees With Style

For more information on Christmas trees, visit http://www.o-christmas-tree.com - a year-round resource for all your christmas tree and decoration needs.

http://bakingtoolsandaccessories.blogspot.com/

Creative Ideas For Gift Exchange Games to Play With Your Family at Christmas

In days gone by, there were no real rules about family gift buying. Basically everyone purchased a gift for everyone else. The gifts were all exchanged when the family gathered somewhere during the holiday season.

Changing Times

Asian Knives

Nowadays, traditions have changed. It is more common for people to be assigned a specific person to buy for, often by drawing a name out of a hat. Other families have a "white elephant" exchange rather than having family members buy for certain individuals. Whether families exchange "white elephant" gifts or give a gift to a designated person, all families want a fun way to exchange the presents.

Hunting For Christmas Gifts

There are several fun ways to enjoy yourselves if family members drew names. Hide the gifts and give out clues to the location of the presents. If you get to grandma's house with a gift for Uncle Harry, tuck it away in the refrigerator. Make up a series of clues so Uncle Harry can find the gift. You may want to say, "It's a milky situation" or "It's cold".

Looking For Christmas Clues

Clues can be serious or silly, depending on your mood. The clues can easily lead to the gift in a minute or may involve a series of complicated clues to actually find the present. For small groups or large homes, turn the game into a hunt. Leave clues that lead to another clue and then another. Have several leading clues to different places in the house until the gift is finally located.

Themed Christmas Gifts and White Elephants

Kids aren't the only ones who want to have fun. Make up whimsical gift exchange ideas for the grown-ups. Whether your family decides to have a name draw or not, a white elephant gift exchange is always a good time. The white elephant gift exchange can be themed to coincide with your family's favorite things. For example, families who love camping can choose that as a theme. All the family members must bring a gift related to camping. From army knives to backpacks to compasses, all the gifts must relate to camping in some way.

Other white elephant exchange themes include cooking, fishing and music. The theme should please as many family members as possible and be something they can relate to. Create fun games for the white elephant exchange. Have everyone draw a number and choose their gifts from the pile based on the number they pick. You can start the game this way then let people 'steal' someone else's gift if they want.

Stealing Christmas Gifts

To 'steal' someone else's gift you can have the gift recipient study the gift, shake it up and down and then make an educated guess as to the contents before they open it. If the recipient is correct, they can 'steal' someone else's gift and if they are wrong, they keep the gift they have.

Cards and Christmas Gifts

You can also build up gift giving anticipation by playing cards. Play fast card games such as rummy or poker. Tell everyone they cannot get their Christmas gift until they win a hand in the card game. Everyone gets to play games, open their gifts and have a good time.

When you exchange gifts with your family, you should also enjoy each other's company. Feel the Christmas spirit when you play engaging, enjoyable games with the adults and children in the family. Exchanging gifts is more than opening presents, it's sharing time with the people you care about.

Creative Ideas For Gift Exchange Games to Play With Your Family at Christmas

One last thing -- Imagine the look on your child's face if they received a personalized letter from Santa. You can also include extra goodies with the Santa letter like Reindeer food. It's a gift that makes a strong and lasting impression.

http://buykitchendining.blogspot.com/ Outdoor Holiday Decor