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 :)