CHRISTMAS CRAFTS FOR KIDS

One of my favorite sites to visit for childrens printables and activities is  http://dltk-holidays.com/xmas/m-draw-details.htm. They have plenty of winter/holiday related printables for every occasion.  Check out the "draw the details" on the gingerbread man and reindeer!

CRAFT FOR KIDS: HANDPRINT WINTER TREE'S

School vacations are coming up! It's a good time to start gathering ideas to keep kids busy.  Check back for many more fun and easy ideas to come...

Snowy Handprint Tree

http://crafts.kaboose.com/snowy-handprint-tree.html

What you'll need:

• 1 sheet light blue construction paper
• 1 sheet white copy paper
• Brown acrylic craft paint
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

How to make it:

1. Lay white paper sideways (landscape) and cut the paper in half using a curvy cut. Place paper across the light blue construction paper. Use the glue stick to attach it to the bottom third of the blue paper.  Use scissors to trim off any excess white paper.
2. Paint child's palm and fingers with brown paint. Have child spread out his/her fingers then press his/her palm and fingers down onto the paper. Wash off child's hand.
3. Use finger to paint on a "tree trunk" under the palm print.
4. Use the glue stick to apply glue to the fingers (branches) and snow (white paper). Sprinkle all glued areas with granulated sugar. Carefully lift paper and tap off excess sugar over the sink or a piece of wax paper.
5. Use glue stick to draw dots or small circles onto the blue paper, sprinkle with sugar again and tap off excess.

COOKIE COUNTDOWN: RECIPE #18 BIG SOFT GINGER COOKIES

The smell of these baking in the oven is wonderful!


Big Soft Ginger Cookies
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Big-Soft-Ginger-Cookies-2/Detail.aspx
Original Recipe Yield 15 servings

 

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Additional sugar

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg and molasses. Combine the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll into 1-1/2-in. balls, then roll in sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until puffy and lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool

COOKIE COUNTDOWN: RECIPE #17

These cookies taste great and make a nice decoration on the dessert table.

Stained Glass Ornament Cookie Recipe

http://www.rd.com/home-garden/stained-glass-ornament-christmas-cookie-recipe-with-pitcures/article19124-1.html

Stained Glass Cookie Recipe

You Will Need
1-1/2 cups butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon salt
Assorted colors of Jolly Rancher hard candies
1 tablespoon meringue powder
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 teaspoon water
2-2/3 cups confectioners' sugar

What to Do
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Divide dough into three portions; cover and put in refrigerator for 30 minutes or until easy to handle.

2. Line baking sheets with foil and grease the foil; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to 1/4-in. thickness. Cut with floured 2-1/2-in. ornament-shaped cookie cutters. Cut out centers with a floured 1/2-in. cookie cutter. Place larger cutouts 2 in. apart on prepared baking sheets. Using a plastic straw, poke a small hole near the top of each cookie for hanging. Repeat with remaining dough. Reroll small cutouts if desired.

3. Place the same color of hard candies in small resealable plastic bags; crush candies. Sprinkle in center of cookies. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Use straw to reopen hanging holes. Cool for 2-3 minutes or until candies are set before carefully removing to wire racks.

4. For icing, in a small mixing bowl, beat meringue powder and water until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar. Decorate cookies; let dry. Thread string through holes to hang cookies.

Yield: about 7 dozen.