Friday, November 28, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 Week 11

Welcome to our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014 

 


get the InLinkz code < -- Get your blog hop code here.

If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 300 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/ 

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas 2014

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup slivered almonds
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 and ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling cookies

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Bake almonds in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely (about 20 minutes). Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees (F).
  2. Process almonds in a food processor 30 seconds or until finely ground but not powdery.
  3. Beat butter at medium speed with a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar, beating well. (Dough will be crumbly.)
  4. Combine flour, salt, and almonds; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until blended.
  5. Shape dough into ¾-inch balls, and place 2 inches apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets.
  6. Bake at 325° for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Transfer to wire racks, and cool 10 minutes. Roll cookies in ½ cup powdered sugar.

These are wonderfully delicious little cookies. The same as Mexican Wedding cookies, only with almonds.

Speaking of wonderfully delicious cookies, these wonderfully delicious gifts will be wonderful in gift boxes everywhere, so shop now and get them in time for the holidays.

specialtivity

Antique Gold Pewter Fancy Heart Charm Celtic Knot Leather Bracelet

Antique Gold Pewter Fancy Heart Charm Celtic Knot Leather Bracelet

PrettyGonzo

Purple Awareness Earrings Swarovski Crystals Pearls Gold Tone Ribbons

Purple Awareness Earrings Swarovski Crystals Pearls Gold Tone Ribbons

polymerclaybeads

Red Rose Beads, Handmade Beads, Gold Beads, Jewelry Making Supplies, Beading Supplies

Red Rose Beads, Handmade Beads, Gold Beads, Jewelry Making Supplies, Beading Supplies

SewAmazin

Caramel Brown Kitty Cat 3-piece Accessory Gift Set

Caramel Brown Kitty Cat 3-piece Accessory Gift Set

postcardsintheattic

Antique Postcard "Oh, Send me, soon, a letter..." Poem by V. B. from the Good Cheer Series by F.A Owen Co., 1919

Antique Postcard "Oh, Send me, soon, a letter..."  Poem by V. B. from the Good Cheer Series  by F.A Owen Co., 1919

RSSDesignsInFiber

Bird of Peace Filet Crochet Lace in a Hanging Hoop Suncatcher Ornament

Bird of Peace Filet Crochet Primitive Style Ornament or Wall Hanging

KevsKrafts

Reindeer Christmas Tree Ornament Handcrafted from Poplar Wood

Reindeer Christmas Tree Ornament Handcrafted from Poplar Wood

ninascorner

Handmade Crochet Fuzzy Mane Lion Amigurumi

Crochet Lion Amigurumi

craftingmemories

Dropped Caged Bead Earrings

Dropped Caged Bead Earrings

evezbeadz

Iridescent Starburst Czech Glass Button Sterling Plated Ring

Starburst Iridescent Czech Glass Button Sterling Plated Ring

http://umeboshi-jewelry-designs.myshopify.com/

Gold-Green Long Rectangular Dichroic Glass Dangling Earrings - Handmade

QuiltTops

Vintage Haeger Oval Pottery Vase or Planter 4020B USA Mid Century

Vintage Haeger Oval Pottery Vase or Planter 4020B USA Mid Century

KatsAllThat

Blue Green Apatite, Via Murano Filigree Gold Heart Chandelier Earrings

Blue Green Apatite, Via Murano Filigree Gold Heart Chandelier Earrings

Covergirlbeads

Art Glass Pendant Butterscotch Lampwork Glass Bead Sterling Silver

Butterscotch Lampwork Glass Bead And Sterling Silver Charm Pendant

ResetarGlassArt

Gold and Black Cufflinks, Helix Chevron Pattern, Dichroic Fused Glass

Gold and Black Cufflinks, Helix Chevron Pattern, Dichroic Fused Glass

ShadowDogDesigns

Tree of Life Pendant Necklace Handmade Chalcedony Pearls Brown Green

Tree of Life Pendant Necklace Handmade Chalcedony Pearls Brown Green

TheSingingBeader

Gold Bracelet Puffy Squares Linked Beads Adjustable Small Medium

Gold Bracelet Puffy Squares Linked Beads Adjustable Small Medium

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Infinity Scarf Extra Long Off White Shimmering Gold Finger Crochet

Extra Long Off White Shimmering Gold Finger Crochet Infinity Scarf

Wyverndesigns

Spirals In Time Ancient Symbols Necklace Polymer Clay Hand Made

Spirals In Time Ancient Symbols Necklace  Polymer Clay Hand Made

BeadSouk

Gold Colored Chain Necklace 23 inch Black Crystal Glass Beads

Gold Colored Chain Necklace 23 inch Black Crystal Glass Beads

ElunaJewelry

Small Hoops, Gold Filled Hoop Earrings, Gold Reverse Hoop Earrings - 1 Inch

Small Hoops, Gold Filled Hoop Earrings, Gold Reverse Hoop Earrings - 1 Inch Diamter

There are many other gift ideas in our Countdown to Christmas series, so check out these other goodies:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10

More recipes and goodies:
Fruitcake cookies
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Cookies
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies
Pecan Tarts
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Angel Delights
Enjoy,

Julie and Blu

Friday, November 21, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 Week 10

Welcome to our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014 

 


get the InLinkz code < -- Get your blog hop code here.

If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 300 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/  

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

12 Days of Baking–Countdown to Christmas 2014

 

angel delights cookies

Angel Delights

No time to bake? These award winning cookies from 78-year old Frances Van Vynckt, will give you something sweet and easy to make for those holiday parties. My grandmother made something very similar, and now, I want to create some of these great treats.

  • 1/4 cup(s) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup(s) sugar
  • 1 1/2 cup(s) (8 ounces) chopped pitted dates
  • 1/8 teaspoon(s) salt
  • 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
  • 2 cup(s) toasted rice cereal, such as Rice Krispies
  • 1 cup(s) shredded coconut

Directions

  1. 1.  Combine butter, sugar and dates in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted, the sugar is no longer white and the dates are mostly melted, 8 to 15 minutes. The mixture should be a shiny, brown sticky mass. Remove from the heat.
  2. Add salt, vanilla, cereal and coconut; stir well to combine.
  3. When cool enough to handle, squeeze and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until chilled.

Makes 4 dozen.

These treats are quick and easy, and they will delight all of your guests.

Other treats to delight are as follows:

SolanaKaiDesigns

Crystal Prism Beaded Suncatcher Window Ornament

Crystal Prism Beaded Suncatcher Window Ornament

hollyknittercreations

Hand Knit Little Ballerina Dancer Wash Cloth or Dish Cloth

 Hand Knit Little Ballerina Dancer Wash Cloth or Dish Cloth

specialtivity

Pink Wings, Crystal and Green and Purple Glass Angel Earrings

Pink Wings, Crystal and Green and Purple Glass Angel Earrings

PrettyGonzo

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet Chaplet Sterling Silver Ribbon Cross

Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet Chaplet Sterling Silver Ribbon Cross

SewAmazin

Pink Hearts Valentine Westie Terrier Applique Embroidered Hand Towels

Pink Hearts Valentine Westie Terrier Applique Embroidered Hand Towels

bluemorningexpressions

Pink Flower Necklace with Yellow Beads Swarovski Crystals Handmade

Pink Flower Necklace with Yellow Beads Swarovski Crystals Handmade

CraftingMemories1

Crochet Bead Bangle Bracelet Pink Yellow Blue Spiral Rope

Crochet Bead Bangle Bracelet Pink Yellow Blue Spiral Rope

KevsKrafts

Shhh, Baby's Dreamin Pink Wall Hanginging Plaque Handcrafted from Birch Wood

Shhh, Baby's Dreamin Pink Wall Hanginging Plaque Handcrafted from Birch Wood

LittleApples

Pink Yellow Flower Locket Beaded Shell Crystals Pearls Necklace

Pink Yellow Flower Locket Beaded Shell Crystals Pearls Necklace

http://linorstore.com/

Swarovski Galactic Crystal Pendant Necklace & Earrings Set

Pink Swarovski Crystal Necklace

ResetarGlassArt

Fuchsia Pink Dichroic Glass Dangle Earrings, Sterling Silver Earwires

Fuchsia Pink Dichroic Glass Dangle Earrings, Sterling Silver Earwires

TreasuresofJewels

Pink and Victorian Ivory Dragonfly Charm Adjustable Bracelet

Pink and Victorian Ivory Dragonfly Charm Adjustable Bracelet. Gunmetal Dragonfly Charm Bracelet. Feminine Adjustable Bracelet for Her

postcardsintheattic

Beautiful Vintage Pink Rose on Gold Background

Beautiful Vintage Pink Rose on Gold Background 600 DPI Digital Hand Designed Art Scrapbooking, Card Making + Craft PRINTABLE DOWNLOAD

ninascorner

Handmade Crocheted Pony Stuffed Animal Toy

Handmade Crocheted Pony Stuffed Animal Toy

evezbeadz

Sugar Skulls Red, Pinks, and Purples Charm Bracelet

Sugar Skulls Red, Pinks, and Purples Charm Bracelet

Umeboshi

Bamboo Garden Dichroic Glass Pendant and Earrings Set

Bamboo Garden Dichroic Glass Pendant and Earrings Set

TheTwistedRedhead

Pink Handmade Beaded Key Fob Wristlet, ID Holder, Bracelet, One Size

Pink Handmade Beaded Key Fob Wristlet, ID Holder, Bracelet, One Size

TheSingingBeader

Swarovsk Pink Pearl Crystal Three Strand Necklace With Chain Attached

Pink Pearl And Crystal Three Strand Necklace With Chain Attachment

Wyverndesigns

So Pretty In Pink Memory Wire Bracelet With Glass Beads

So Pretty In Pink Memory Wire Bracelet With Glass Beads

KatsAllThat

Kumihimo Dragon Scale Salmon Pink Plus-Size Handmade Bracelet

Kumihimo Dragon Scale Salmon Pink Plus-Size Handmade Bracelet

Covergirlbeads

Light Pastel Pink Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads Opaque Silver 260gfs

Light Pastel Pink Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads Opaque Silver 260gfs

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Infinity Scarf Ruffle Lace Pink Red Heart Sassy Lace yarn Rose Dust

Pink Ruffle Lace Infinity Scarf Red Heart Sassy Lace yarn Rose Dust

ShadowDogDesigns

Handmade Necklace Jasper Coral Sterling OOAK Unique Beaded Jewelry

Handmade Necklace Jasper Coral Sterling OOAK Unique Beaded Jewelry

dianesdangles

Pink Fuchsia Rose Crystals Silver Heart Pendant with Chain Necklace

Pink Fuchsia Rose Crystals Silver Heart Pendant with Chain Necklace

There are many other gift ideas in our Countdown to Christmas series, so check out these other goodies:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9

More recipes and goodies:
Fruitcake cookies
Chocolate Macadamia Nut Coconut Cookies
Apple Cider Caramel Cookies
Chocolate Christmas Cookies
Snowflake Cookies
Chai Tea Eggnog Cookies
Pecan Tarts
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Enjoy,

Julie and Blu

Friday, November 14, 2014

Countdown to Christmas 2014 Week 9

Welcome to our 3rd Annual

Countdown to Christmas

2014 

 


get the InLinkz code < -- Get your blog hop code here.

 If anyone would like to join us on the Handmade Community Facebook page, please follow this link. I took the group over from Nikki about a month and a half ago (or so), and it is dedicated to handmade only. We are over 300 strong and working on networking. https://www.facebook.com/groups/handmadecommunity/  

This would be a good time to share our ezine again.