Coffee Break with Liz and Kate

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Well, here we are. Week one of Crafting down to Christmas. And I already feel like deckin’ the ol’ halls. Note to crafty readers at this point: I’m looking for ideas for magic fairy/Tinkerbell dust. I would prefer nothing with sparkles. Any thoughts?? That said, I’m gonna start things off here, and share one of my favorite crafts: salt dough ornaments.

This is one I’ve shared with all of my children (25, 17, and 8), so with the great age difference, you know it has to be a winner. When we put the tree up (traditionally the day after Thanksgiving) I will post one of my favorite all-time ornaments that my daughter made when she was about 4.

Keep in mind that most people probably use this dough by rolling it out and cutting shapes with a cookie cutter. Or perhaps they’re really good artist types (yeah, I know… kinda like me… haaaaaa). Although we have been known to make quite a few in cookie-cutter shapes, the best, most memorable – and without question, the most endearing – have been those that my kids have just made from scratch. There’s nothing like seeing them cut their own shapes and design their own miniature version of Christmas as they see it. And if you think there’s a limit to what you can do with salt dough ornaments, check out some of these images!

For me, the ones my kids have made are among my most treasured possessions, especially as they get older. So try your hand at a few of these ornaments if you haven’t already. I have a feeling you’ll treasure them too – and h0pefully find a bit of magic in them, year after year.

Salt Sculpture Dough

Combine 2 cups flour with 1 cup salt in large mixing bowl. Gradually add about 1 cup of water, stirring dry ingredients until moistened.

Form into ball and knead for 7-10 minutes, until dough is smooth and silky.

Tips: If dough is crumbly, moisten hands while kneading. if dough is sticky, work with floured hands on a floured surface.

When dough reaches desired consistency, roll out and cut into shapes or make your own creations (my preferred method). Any leftover dough can be stored in a plastic bag.

The method to “curing” these varies widely. I typically put mine in a 225-degree oven, checking every hour or so (depending on thickness of ornament). They can also be allowed to air-dry.

Finishing touches are what you make of them: think acrylic paints or varnish, clear-dry glue and sparkles. We usually just throw some sort of sealer on them and enjoy them in their natural state.

Moving right along, one of our readers has a great idea for turning a clear vase into a classy and eye-catching table-top decoration.

Metallic Walnut Display

For a beautiful display for a buffet or side table, purchase a tall, narrow, clear vase (or use one on hand), a couple bags of English walnuts in the shell, and some silver metallic and gold metallic spray paint.

Spray paint half the walnuts gold and the other half silver. Be sure to use spray paint in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. You can make your own “spray booth” by using a cardboard box turned up on it’s side to contain over-spray. Spray one side of walnuts. Let dry and turn over to spray second side.

Arrange the walnuts in the vase either in a mixed, random pattern, or in layers, whichever you prefer. You can finish the vase off with a metallic ribbon  or leave plain. Either way, it looks nice, and you can store and keep the walnuts to use again the next year!

Thanks for the great idea, Denise from Cynthiana, Ky. ! And keep the ideas coming – because Christmas is just six short weeks away!

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