Christmas craft #1- homemade hot cocoa in jars

So, being on bed rest has left me plenty of time on my hands. Rather than sit back and watch tv (like I probably should be doing) I have taken this time to get things crossed of my life's to-do list. I have already picked out my birth announcements, got all the addresses of family and friends for that, addressed, stamped and filled out all my Christmas cards, and even tried a few Christmas recipes (FYI I STILL stink at making Rice Krispie treats). I have also started making some Christmas gifts. My first completed project is homemade hot cocoa in vintage masonry jars. Here is how they came out:

Way better than what I had originally envisioned! But that's the thing with me and ideas- it will start off small but as I get going I will get inspired to do more! Let me share how I did this:


First I dug around online and found a bunch of recipes for DIY hot cocoa. I took them all and just mixed them. My son had a great time pouring dry ingredients into a large glass bowl. He also had a great time being the guinea pig and trying each batch of hot cocoa (though he always gave it two thumbs up). Here is what I ended up using:

• 4 cups powdered milk
• 1 (6 ounce) package non-instant chocolate pudding mix
•   2 cups powdered chocolate drink mix
•   2 cups powdered non-dairy creamer
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

It still wasn't as sweet as I wanted it to be, but hey I am not in the business of giving people diabetes either! The next step was finding the right glass jars. I wanted a vintage look, and I wanted them to be functional (ie not so old they can't open) as well. I found these beauties at Michaels for $1! So I got home, washed them, and dried them out. Next, I filled the jars about 80% full of the cocoa. The rest of the jar I filled with mini marshmallows to the top. That is when the idea to dress it up more hit me! I ran to Michaels (rather drove and waddled real fast up and down the aisles) and bought red and green card stock, crazy cutting scissors, and holiday ribbon. I got home and typed up cute printed instructions on red paper, cut it out with the crazy scissors, mounted it on green paper and hot glued them together. I punched a hole in them, and strung the holiday string through it. Then I tied the holiday string, glued a jingle bell I had lying around in the middle of the knot, stuck a candy cane stick on it, glued any loose parts, and viola! Instant gift! I plan on giving these to my mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, a few friends and some girls from work. I am so proud of how they came out, I wish I could pass them out now!! Until next time :)

Birthday bracelet

I finished a very special bracelet a few days ago. I wanted to make a piece of jewelry for my friend's 22nd birthday. She is very laid back, easy going, and loves nature and gardening. Very natural and unassuming. Most of my baubles are a little glitzy, shiny and dressy, which to me did not speak to her true essence. I dug through my beads and found some really neat earthy looking round ones. They look like they could be straight from a river bed! I used 5 natural looking beads, then a crystal clear 5mm bicone bead, followed by charms that I thought represented her outdoorsy side, then another crystal clear 5mm bead, then repeat all over. I used a standard lobster claw and jump ring to fasten the two ends. I just let the energy flow and this is what happened:

 I mailed it to her Monday and she got it the next day. She loved it! I am glad :) it was surprisingly easy to do, maybe because I just channeled her essence lol until next time!

Jewelry making

I started getting into jewelry making and beading last year. I got a kit from my mother-in-law for Christmas, and quickly learned how to use wire cutters like a semi pro. I would find designs that inspired me online and put my spin on them, and when I wasn't sure how to copy it I went to youtube.com and learned from the professionals. Here are some of the jewelry I have made this year:

 I made this one ^^ for a friend's daughter

 This is a St. Patrick's Day anklet for a friend ^^

 These two above were for friend's daughters as well

 This one is still mine ;)

 I gave this bracelet to a friend

 I made this bracelet for my sweet aunt, who loves lady bugs!

 I still have this bracelet

 This is a bracelet with a locket that I made for my sister

I made a few of these, each with different charms. I am thinking about giving them out as Christmas gifts!

So that is as crafty as I have gotten so far. I intend on finishing up my home made hot cocoa mix tomorrow, and posting about that. Then it is on to name plates for my kids, Christmas ornaments, a personalized wipes carrier, and eventually I intend on taking a sewing class and sewing hats, totes, and clothes! Here we go! :)

New to crafting!!

Hello everyone! My name is Jennifer, and I live in sunshiney Florida. I have another blog Gardening for Newbies that is all about my foray into gardening. I am 36 weeks pregnant and have been on bed rest for about 2 weeks now. I have always loved making jewelry in my spare time, and making little odds and ends. I have recently been inspired by some super crafty friends and blogs, and decided to chart my journey! Here I will post my new projects, details of how things are going, and pictures of the finished project! Please come along, offer advice and share in my ups and inevitable downs :)