Cover design and photography byAshley Pahl

Welcome toSnowed In

I'm Ashley Pahl,

the writer behind She Makes a Home, and the creator and editor of Snowed In Magazine.

Writing for a magazine has always been a dream of mine. It doesn't seem that long ago that I made my first magazine on construction paper, and cold-called my relatives for subscriptions. Now with the internet, I am able to make a long-time dream come true with my first-ever magazine, Snowed In.

Why Snowed In? Why focus on the holidays? The holidays are special to me. I feel happy and invigorated in November and December. I believe that the holidays are for everyone – from Thanksgiving to the New Year, these holidays span beyond religion. The holidays are a time of charity and giving; family and friends; peace and thankfulness; creativity and imagination; tradition and acceptance; good cheer, good food, good community, and a sense of wonder. While these articles focus largely on family, entertaining, and gift giving, let us not forget to spread plenty of love and goodwill during this holiday season. Thank you all for reading, and a BIG thank you to all of my sponsors and contributors who helped make this magazine possible.

Warmest of Wishes, Ashley

contentsHome for the HolidaysGingerbread French Toast BakeBy Ashley Pahl

Phenomenal Photography TipsBy Erin Sylvester

Thrift Store Ornament UpgradesBy Ashley Ramsey

Easy Holiday Decor TipsBy Ashley Ramsey

Peppermint Chocolate PopcornBy Ashley Pahl

Holiday Fashion & BeautyHoliday Hair Accessories

Wavy Pony Tail Pouf TutorialWith Emily Thomas

Holiday Beauty Looks to StealBy Ashley Pahl

Holiday Fashion GuideBy Ashley Pahl

Entertaining & Parties5 Spectacular Dinner Party TipsBy Lauren Savoy

DIY Washi Tape Napkin RingsBy Ashley Pahl

A Chic New Year's Eve PartyBy Haeley Giambalvo

Freshen up with FruitBy Eva Burgess

Holiday Gift Guide 2012DIY Geometric EmbroideryBy Eva Burgess

DIY Envelope LinersBy Emma Alimi

Themed Gift GuidesBy Ashley Pahl

DIY No-Spill InkwellBy Rachel Anne Jones

Glittered Name PlaquesBy Christine Lehto

Hard Rock CandyBy Ashley Pahl

Snowy Window Pane Pendant by Jennifer Grace

Shopping directory with holiday coupon codes is at the end of the magazine!

contributorsEmma Alimi of Persian Laundry

Eva Burgess of Build House Home

Haeley Giambalvo of Design Improvised

Jennifer Grace of Jennifer's Jumbles

Rachel Anne Jones of Pthalo Azul

Christine Lehto of Lilly Bug Studio

Ashley Ramsey of Bricks and Baubles

Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete

Erin Sylvester of Sylver Photography

Emily Thomas, cosmetology student

sponsorsChange of hART – jewelry and wedding flowers

Chariot Designs – handmade jewelry

Dreamery Studio – illustration, prints, and home goods

(re)U – virtual and local home design services

Swanky Outlet - bedding, bath, and home decor

{Via}vacious Designs – custom invites and printables

Gingerbread French Toast BakeBy Ashley Pahl

This is the perfect Christmas morning breakfast to prepare the night before. Slices of freshly baked gingerbread are arranged flat in a baking dish, covered with a layer of french toast batter. Let sit overnight, place in the oven when the kids wake up, and let bake while you open presents under the Christmas tree.

A drizzle of icing and a dusting of ground cinnamon makes this a meal you'll dream about year after year.

For the gingerbread

● 1 ½ cups flour● 1 tablespoon ground ginger● ½ tsp baking soda● 1 tsp cinnamon● 1 tsp salt● ½ tsp allspice● ½ cup milk● 2 tsp vanilla extract● 1 stick of butter● 1 cup packed dark brown sugar● ½ cup dark molasses● 2 eggs

For the french toast

● 8 large eggs● 2 ½ cups milk ● 1 cup granulated sugar● 2 tablespoons vanilla

extract

Topping

● ½ cup powdered sugar● 1 tablespoon milk● ½ tsp vanilla extract● Ground cinnamon

ingredients

In bowl one: Combine flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, andallspice. Whisk thoroughly.

In bowl two: stir together milk and vanilla.

In bowl three: Beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in molasses and eggs.

Preheat oven to 350 F

Add all three mixtures together in largest bowl, and beat until smooth.

Pour into a greased and floured loaf pan.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Slice baked gingerbread into ½ – 1” thick slices.

Arrange slices in one layer in a rectangular cake pan or casserole

dish.

Mix eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla together in a

bowl.

Pour egg mixture over gingerbread slices. Slices may float, so push them

into the mixture for complete coverage.

Bake now, or refrigerate

overnight. Preheat oven to 350 F and

bake uncovered for 55 minutes, or until

egg mixture is solid.

While baking, prepare icing. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl. Icing should be runny – add

slightly more milk as needed. Stir well.

While gingerbread

french toast bake is still warm, top with icing, and a

dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon. Enjoy while still

warm!

Phenomenal Photography Tips

By Erin Sylvester of Sylver P hotography

Christmas morning: the last thing you think about is taming your bed head, getting dressed, or even brushing your teeth. Nevertheless, you still want to capture those precious memories! When the kids start ripping open their presents and the camera comes out - Be fearless!

1. You don't need a fancy camera to capture a terrific picture. Get familiar with your camera. Learn its settings and how to tweak them.

2. Be mindful of what is in the picture. When looking through the viewfinder or at the screen, look for things that may be out of place.

3. Before hitting the delete button, give the image a second chance.

You don't need a fancy editing program like Photoshop; there are free programs like Ribbet or PicMonkey. In just a few clicks you can adjust the exposure, fix red eye, or add a cool filter.

4. Introduce some natural lighting and bounce it!

> If taking shots outdoors, the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset are the "magic hours" for great light - it softens edges and is great for exposure.

> If indoors, open curtains and blinds to let natural light in. Use a white surface (ex. sheet of poster board) to bounce the light back on the subject if light only comes from one direction.

> If you have a DSLR with an external flash, try pointing the flash up at the ceiling instead of the subject.

5. Snap that shutter often! Take pictures of family and friends when they're not expecting it.

6. Don't be afraid to get in the picture. Prop the camera up on a table, set the timer, and JOIN IN!

Season's Greetings, & Happy Snapping!

Thrift StoreOrnament

Upgrades

by Ashley Ramsey of Bricks & Baubles

Buying Christmas ornaments can be expensive, but my local thrift store has a huge Christmas section each year. Ornament rejects may not be exactly what you were looking for, but that doesn't mean

you can't make them your own. Here are 5 inexpensive ways you can upcycle ornaments to fit

your Christmas style.

Natural OrnamentsSupplies: “naked” plastic ornaments; jute or twine; hot glue

Directions: Attach the end of jute or twine to ornament with hot glue. Uniformly wrap jute around ornament from top to bottom, adding a hot glue drop every few rows. Seal the end of jute with hot glue.

Version 2:

Wind the jute around the ornament in an overlapping fashion.

To keep the round shape, rotate the place where the strings overlap to different places on the ball. Seal the end with a piece of hot glue.

Winter Wonderlandsupplies:

● "naked" styrofoam ornaments

● mod podge or spray adhesive

● epsom salt

Directions

Cover the ornament in adhesive.

Sprinkle with salt until the ball is covered.

Shake to remove excess salt.

Traditionally Modern supplies● "naked" styrofoam ornaments● Embroidery Floss (2 packs per

ornament)● hot glue or spray adhesive

DirectionsWith a small drop of hot glue to attach the end of the floss to the ornament.

For a more uniform look, wrap the floss around the ornaments from top to bottom. Add a drop of hot glue every few rows to keep the rows aligned.

Spray adhesive can be used, but it results in sticky hands!

Soft & Bright

supplies ● ornaments (any type will do)● yarn● hot glue

DirectionsAttach the end of yarn to the ornament with hot glue. Wind the yarn around the ornament in an overlapping fashion. To keep the round shape, rotate the ornament as you overlap. Seal the end with a piece of hot glue.

Monochromaticsupplies ● Non-round ornaments ● Spray primer● Spray Paint● Clear Coat/ Shellac Spray

(optional)

DirectionsPrime, then paint ornaments. Ornaments may turn pastel if priming is skipped. Hand ornaments from a coat hanger, hung from a tree outside so all sides are covered. Use multiple thin coats of primer and paint to achieve an even layer of spray paint. When ornaments are fully dry, clear coat them for added durability.

Photos by Ashley Ramsey

Convert old books into

inexpensive décor. Cut & fold

pages to make trees & pillars.

Don't be afraid to put a Christmas tree in the kitchen!

No fireplace? No problem! Set the mood with a fireplace DVD, or stream it on Netflix.

Decorate your mantle with the ornament overflow from your tree! Place vintage or shiny bulbs in large glass jars. Accessorize with vintage knick knacks.

Peppermint Chocolate Popcorn

By Ashley Pahl

Peppermint Chocolate Popcorn might be your new Christmas Eve tradition! Easy and sweet, this seasonal treat takes just five minutes to make!

Ingredients½ cup popcorn½ cup chocolate chips1 candy cane

DirectionsAdd ½ cup of popcorn to 1 paper lunch sack-sized bag. Fold top down 3 times and microwave for 3 minutes, or until popping slows to

one pop every 2 seconds.

While popcorn is popping, place one unwrapped candy cane into a ziplock bag, and smash gently with a hammer or end of a butter knife.

When popcorn is done, add crushed candy cane and chocolate chips to paper bag. Fold the bag's top, and gently shake to distribute candy and chocolate.

Empty bag into a large bowl, and you are ready to watch holiday classics with the family!

Photo by City of Blackbirds via Pugly Pixel

Holiday Fashion & Beauty Guide

hair tutorial photos by

Ashley Pahl

Dress hair up with glam accessories

Gardens of Whimsy, $24.00

BHLDN, $425 Anthropologie, $28

ModCloth, $16You Fancy Thing, $5

The Wavy Ponytail-PoufBy Ashley Pahl with Emily Thomas

Dress it up or dress it down, the pony tail pouf is one of the most versatile hairstyles for the holiday season. This step-by-step guide will transform the basic ponytail into a festive style statement.

Step One: Use any-size curling iron to curl 1” sections of hair, starting from the chin down, or the bottom 1/3 of your hair.

Step Two: Tease the crown section of your hair, using hair spray. Back-comb the hair to make it smoother.

Step Three: Sweep together the sides of the hair to form and half up-do. Use bobby pins to keep hair in place.

Step Four: Gather hair into a low pony tail. Remove bobby pins, and adjust pouf with a comb if any hair is mis-placed while creating the ponytail.

Step Five: Use enough hair from the pony tail to wrap around the pony tail holder, obscuring the holder from view. Use a bobby pin to tuck the end of the hair into place under the pony tail.

Step Six: Secure hairstyle with hair spray.

Dress it up!

Use glam or holiday-themed hair accessories to take this hairstyle from family dinner to evening cocktail party. Jeweled head bands, flower clips, or sparkling bobby pins are all good choices.

Short Hair?

Skip the curling and pony tail, but keep the crown pouf and half up-do. Add glitz to a short style with a pretty head band or dazzling bobby pins.

Holiday Beauty: 4 Looks to Flaunt

gold shadow gold polish

peachy lipstick black eyeliner

smoky shadow nude lipstick

wine gloss iridescent eyes

gilded gala

vintagesoiree

dramaticdinner

cheerfulradiance

Holiday Fashionfour complete outfits

By Ashley Pahl

Studded scarf, $20Urban Outfitters

Dress, $69 Urban OutfittersClutch, $25 TargetJacket, $40 TargetMakeup kit, $59 SephoraShoes, $228 AnthropologieBracelets, $79 Stella & DotEarrings, $32 Mitz Metals

Sweater, $30 TargetJeans, $174 MiH

Necklace, $68 Metro Park Makeup kit, $50 Sephora

Bun ring, $6 Urban OutfittersShoes, $53 asos

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, $22.50 SephoraSanta Monkey flannel pajama set $30 TargetRed Head Band, $14 ModClothSock Monkey socks, $5 Old Navy

Little Black Dress, $60 ModClothHair ties, $6.50 Nordstrom

Necklace, $30 TargetRing, $35 Fantasy Jewelry Box

Shoes, $140 Urban OutfittersMakeup kit, $30 Sephora

Holiday Entertaining Tips

with Lauren Saylor of A Fabulous Fete

Entertaining is pretty much

inevitable around the holidays.

Whether it's a bash you've been

planning and slaving over for

weeks, or an impromptu get

together for cocktails, here are a few tips

that will help. I These five points help keep sanity

in the insanity that IS party

planning!

1. HOARD fancy candlesticks and simple plates or chargers. They make the best stands for serving up anything from desserts to appetizers. Whenever serving several types of food, add height to the platters. Attach a simple glass plate or plastic charger to the top of any candlestick, and the result is an interesting display of varying heights! Temporary glue dots to attachthem allows for mixing andmatching for all occasions, and more efficient storage. As long as the color scheme is consistent, you can throw pairings of mismatched decor together and it always looks chic.

2. Save time and put together a "serve yourself" bar. Set out menu and ingredients for 1 to 2 cocktails. A good signature cocktail gets people talking about it. Invest in a nice large drink bucket.

3. Get people moving! Never ever ever put all of the party necessities (appetizers, desserts, booze, soda, etc.) in one place.

4. Start conversations. Games can be fun, but when hosting a larger party, use something to get people talking! An Instax mini is great. Polaroids are perfect - everyone shares their picture, and it usually gets people laughing.

5. Always add a little greenery or some flowers - they bring the space to life. To save money stick with one color from the grocery store, or use potted plants. Mini succulents range from $2-$5.

Bonus tip: ALWAYS be ready 20 minutes before the party "start time”!

lauren Saylor is a party, wedding &

celebration design enthusiastwho spends her days crafting event

decor, infusing calligraphy in any place she can, and enjoying

newlywed life.

DIY Washi Tape Napkin Rings

By Ashley Pahl

Materials● Cardboard paper towel tubes● Washi tape● Scissors● Craft knife (optional)

Step One

Puncture cardboard tube every 1” or so.

Step Two

Insert scissors and complete circle around the tube to cut off a 1” wide ring of card board.

Step Three

Wrap washi tape around card card board ring. Overlap the ends to prevent card board from showing through.

Step Four

Add a second row of washi tape to completely cover card board ring. Different colors and patterns may be used.

Step Five

Fold and roll up napkins and pull through rings.

Step Six

Place napkins with silverware inside at each place setting. Get ready for compliments.

5 Tips for a Chic New Year's PartyBy Haeley Giambalvo of Designed Improvised

Thinking about ringing in 2013 with a New Year's Eve party? If so, setting the atmosphere is just as important as a well-stocked bar! Here are 5 quick and inexpensive decor tips to make this New Year's a night to remember:

Go Metallic

Anything metallic (gold, silver, bronze) is hot this season. Sprinkling metallic tree ornaments down the middle of the bar or appetizer table, or fill big glass jars with them. Re-purposing Christmas ornaments is a great place to start for inexpensive New Years decor - just leave out anything red and green!

Hit up your local thrift store for inexpensive knick knacks such as pretty bowls, vases, candlesticks, etc., and spray paint them all metallic colors to make an eye catching display interspersed with some candles.

Stock Up at the Party Store

Traditional New Years noise makers, silly glasses, hats, beads, etc. are always fun for a party. They can also serve as inexpensive decor when put on display in glass jars or scattered around tables. Let guests get creative decorating their party hat. Buy plain plastic hats at the party store and set up a table with feathers, streamers, pom-poms, washi tape, etc.

Make a Statement

Make one wall the focal point of the party with a large “2013” cut from kraft paper. Have some fun decorating the numbers: glue silver tinsel garland to them; spray paint with metallic paint; or use fun supplies from the party store. The options are endless - just make them BIG! Alternatively, spell out 2013 with balloons: tape each balloon to the wall with painters tape in the shape of each number.

Dress-up Disposable Glassware

No one wants a sink full of dishes after a party, nor do you want to serve wine out of red plastic cups! Instead, buy disposable plastic champagne flutes and wine glasses. You can dress them up with a band of pretty washi tape, which doubles as a name tag when markers are set out.

Capture the Moment

What better way to capture the evening than with a photo booth setup in your house? Create a quick and low-cost backdrop by stapling long streamers to twine hung across the wall. Fill a basket with props, such as these from Etsy. If you really want to go all-out, provide an instant Polaroid camera!

Cover page

Tassel garland by The Flair Exchange

Balloon with tassel by Steph Shives

2013 balloons

Glitter flag drink stirs by Dill Pickle Picnic

Below

Metallic silverware by Sucre Shop

Photo props by Perfectionate

Freshen up with fruit! Two holiday meal additions sure to perk up your traditions.

By Eva of Build House Home

These light and fruity recipes are the perfect companion for rich, main course holiday dishes.

Refreshing apple, fennel and rocket salad goes wonderfully with slow roasted pork belly and oven-roasted potatoes.

Refreshing apple, fennel and rocket salad

1 sweet red apple, sliced thinly; 1 bulb fennel, sliced thinlyRocket leaves; Lemon & olive oil

Slice the fennel finely. Squeeze over the juice of 1 lemon, a few spoonfuls of olive oil & a pinch of salt.

Refrigerate while meal is Cooking to absorb the flavours of the dressing.

Just before serving, slice the apple finely and add to thefennel.

Pile rocket leaves on top and drizzle with olive to taste.

Ingredients

● Cloves● one orange● a few cinnamon sticks● sugar to taste● at least 1 bottle of red wine

Directions

Make a “porcupine” with orange & cloves; add porcupine and other ingredients to red wine in a large pot.

Bring to a simmer slowly - don't boil!

Serve and enjoy. Mmmmmmm! Nice and toasty!

Mulled Wine

Photography by Eva Burgess

In addition to your tasty dinner dishes, spiced mulled wine is the perfect way to warm up on a cold Winter's day.

Snowed In Holiday

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Geometric Embroidery DIYBy Eva of Build House Home

The inspirationI spotted a basic embroidery framed up in a children’s design store in Auckland. A simple design, fresh colour palette and blank white space lifted the piece from granny needlepoint to modern must have. But $300! My inner Martha was twitching to have a go.

The Materials• White embroidery mesh .• 8-10 embroidery wool colours• Embroidery needles

The stitching pattern• Repeated triangles form squares with two stitched quarters and two blank quarters.• To create the triangle shape the long side of each triangle must cover an even number of holes or rows in the mesh. I used 22 but suit your size to your design.• Keep the colour combinations consistent.Use your eye to balance the colors, or copy the pattern below

TOP TIP If you are using an existing frame make sure that your completed piece will fit before you begin. Place the picture mat over the mesh. Allow for a small gap between the picture mat and the embroidery edge, and mark off the remaining space with sticky tape. Count the number of rows in the taped area and divide by the number of rows in your triangle to make sure the pattern will fit.

The Directions

Step 1: Cut mesh about 2cm larger than the final size you want to make.

Step 2: Start embroidery about 2cm in from a corner of the mesh. You can make your triangles any size you choose, for mine the long side covers 22 squares of the mesh (see yellow numbers on diagram below). The long side must cover an even number of squares or the tip of the triangle will be blunt rather than pointed.

Step 3: Start with longest side first, and follow the stitching pattern on the diagram below (blue numbers) until triangle is complete.

Step 4: Choose colors randomly, but repeat color combinations to create a flow of color rather than a fruit salad. Use your eye to balance colors across the piece.

Step 5: Tie off loose threads as neatly as possible on the back of the work.

TOP TIP - Do not cross threads across the white spaces between the stitched areas. They will be visible when the work is framed on a white a backing.

Step 6: Once piece is complete iron flat between two pieces of fabric (clean tea towels work well).

Step 7: Stick mesh to back of picture mat with a wide tape. Make sure that it is lying flat and fits with in the frame.

Back with white paper or board to make the white space pop.

By Emma Alimi from The Persian Laundry

DIYenvelope liners

MATERIALS

envelope liner template (paper source, $13); envelopes; paper of choice; blade (Slice ceramic blade); tape runner (thermoweb XL); sturdy ruler; pencil; cutting mat and bone folder.

TRACE

+ Use a pencil to trace an outline of your template onto your paper of choice.

CUT

+Make a slow cut with your blade. Use your ruler to help make a straight line.

ADHERE

+Slide liner into envelope; align. Press liner’s flap down. At the same time, hold down the bottom of envelope with free hand. Don’t remove your hand until adhering is finished.

+Run the tape runner along each edge. Press liner into envelope flap. Smooth with fingers.

CREASE

+Fold envelope flap down. Run your bone folder along the envelope’s top edge.

CREASE AGAIN

+Lastly, open flap and gently run your bone folder along the crease.

HOLIDAY PAPER IDEAS:● Christmas Trees: Design

Design, $9● Cherry blossoms: Cost Plus

world market $3● Snowy Forest: Roger la Borde

$7● lovemaestore (etsy.com)

whimsy floral prints.

STUDIO TIPS

● Liquid-based glue not recommended.

● Always cut with a sharp blade.

● Don’t forget to use your cutting board. Your table will thank you!

opposite page:

Vanilla Bean Marshmallows by LusTreatsYosemite Circle Modern Art Print by ZoiShopJanuary Rose Print by Sweet Bonnie ChristineRose & Cardamom Bathing Salts by MarbleandMilkweedSilver Branch Necklace by burnishSweet Orange Natural Lip Balm by Winsome Green8pc FALL GLOW Mineral Makeup Kit by BeneficialMineralsCoPine Cone Sticker Set by Ashley PahlOrganic Squirrel Tea Towel by ohlittlerabbit

Bear Wood Mounted Stamp by Gingiber

NatureGirl

Air Plant Tillandsia on Quartz Crystal by FalconandFinch

Glamour Girl

Evening Rapture print by Jessica Durrant

SARONG tm Perfume by themefragrance

Peruvian Pyrite Ring by MineralogyDesign

Mineral Makeup Starlet Secrets Grab Bag by noellabeautyworks

The Fashion Sketchpad: by Tamar Daniel

Silver Chainmail Necklace by xanadulady

Stella & Dot Radiance Coil Bracelet

Glitter Envelope Liners by PersianLaundry

Urban Glitz Diamond Stud Earringby Kenneth Cole New York

Iridescent post earrings by tinygalaxies

Chevron wall hook by oneeyeddog

Pink & grey gold filled necklace by quinfetti

Llama / Mini Art Block by millersye

Dinosaur Planter & Air Plant by boygirltees

Convo Pug Card Set by AfricanGrey

Girl's GotSpunk

Lasercut White Wishbone Necklace by HookAndMatter

Modern Girl

Constellation Map Fabric Wall Hangingby TheApiarist

Modern Lace Embroidery by What No Mints

Ceramic Travel Mug by sewZinski

Coral & Gold bracelet by minco

Wood Candle Holder by treasureforest6

ROCK PARTY by brittany bass

Geometric Necklace by iluxo

Concrete Cube Earrings by Raine Design Concrete

Snowflake Cameo Brooch by Waterrose

Floral Magnets - set of 3 on Pure Home

Vanilla Bean Cookies by ButterBlossoms

Wood Read Sign by A Little Miscellany

Rubber Stamp Hello by Wit and Whistle

Initial Necklace by Meadowbelle Market

Porcelain Lace Bowl by Hideminy

Classic Style

Casual Scarf in Heather by Oh Leander Shop

MenlyMen

this pageRub Gift Set by GustoSpice

opposite pagePuppy Dog Pillow by SpathDesignsMen's Scarf by SimpleSmilesRon Swanson Mug by betwixxtBeer Taster's Log Book by LittleBlackBeerBookTimex Easy Reader Limited Watch on Urban OutfittersSolid Cologne Fragrance by AstridaNaturals"El Guapo" Plate - by Jimbob ArtBacon Peanut Brittle by ToffeeBarksBrittleBREWERY in a BOX Kit by UrbanBrewery

kiddosFor the

This page

Dinosaur Hoodie by Pip And Squeak Boutique

Opposite page

Woodrow the Wood Grain Bunny by sleepyking

Wooden Vegtable Play Food by Imagination Kids

DIY Paper Puppet FOX by furzechan

Robot Bookplates by Sweet Harvey

Space Set Toy by ArmadilloDreams

Rainbow Unicorn by woolies

Sparkle Hair Ties by No Tug Hair Ties

Winter Wonderland Stencils by Alice Stevenson

PitterPaws

This page

Winter Formal Dog Bow Tie Collar by CharlieHeartsDiesel

Opposite page

Custom Red Green and White Pet Sweater by PawApparel

Here Kitty Kitty Cat Treats by bwbarkery

Cat Toy Catnip Mouse with Feather by TheThimbleAndHound

Cat Ball Modern Kitty Bed in Lime Green by TheCatBall

Personalized Dog Bone Wall Decal Pet Wall Decor by ArtofVinyl

Wood Pet ID Tag by Cropscotch

Dog Hat in Candy Cane by All You Need Is Pug Shop

By Rachel Anne Jones

Gone are the worries of impending stains, and back to spreading holiday joy with ornate letters. Its not completely spill proof--while it passes the adult mess test, it won't pass the children mess test.

As a plus, its extremely easy, quick, and cheap to make, and, paired with some calligraphy nibs and nice paper, will make a cool gift for the romantics on your list.

During the holidays, there's so many reasons to pull out the calligraphy pens: unique name tags, place holders, personalized tags for gifts, thank you letters, and signing cards. And it's all done with not just any ink, but the thickest, richest India ink.

We all love India ink. From the first moment you use it with a dip-pen to the first time it topples over in slow motion, spilling all over your roommate's fresh table cloth... we love India ink.

But look at this: this inkwell is completely full of ink for hundreds

of dips with your quill – and it doesn't spill.

Materials

● 1 airtight bottle with an easy to open lid

● makeup sponge ● India ink (such

as Speedball brand in super-black)

● scissors to cut the sponge, if needed

Directions

1. Cut your makeup sponge to fit, and stuff it down inside the bottle.

2. Shake the India ink--it has a lot of pigment that settles to the bottom, to get a good, rich black; shake it for at least a minute.

3. Pour about a teaspoon at a time into the bottle, onto the sponge.

4. The sponge may need to be prodded a bit with a toothpick - every time the sponge is pressed with the toothpick, ink will swell up. Test it out with a quill pen to see if it's enough ink.

6. If the ink well is a gift, dress it with a ribbon and instructions The bottle should be shook every day it is used to get the pigment working again. Add more ink when necessary.

Glitter Name PlaquesBy: Christine Lehto of Lilly Bug Studio

Supplies:

● Cereal boxes (one or two depending on the size of the plaque)● Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eight (note: if you don’t have a die

cutting machine, make a template to cut out your plaque shape)● Scrapbook paper● Eye pins (located in

the jewelry findings department)

● Masking tape● Clothes pins or

binder clips● Mod Podge● Brayer● Chipboard letters● Glitter● Glue● Beads● Jump rings● 20 gauge wire● Jeweler's pliers● Waxed paper● Heavy books

You will be working with six layers of box material for this project. Two layers will be the "front" section, two layers will be the "middle" section and two layers will be the "back" section.

1) Cut out six shapes from the cereal box material. Divide them into three groups of two, "front", "middle" and "back."2) Cut out scrapbook paper of your choice to use on the front and the back of the name plaque.

Front section & back section1) Using Mod Podge and the brayer, carefully attach the scrapbook paper to one piece of cereal box material. Use a moderate amount of Mod Podge, too much may cause the paper to wrinkle and too little may dry too quickly. When the paper is attached, cover the surface of the paper with Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

2) Once the Mod Podge has dried, attach the second piece of cereal box material to the back side of the piece with the scrapbook paper. Since the cardboard may have dried "warped" use clothes pins to make the two pieces adhere together. To protect the front papered surface from the clothes pins, use some scraps of felt to place in between. (See photo)

3) After about 5-10 minutes, remove the clips and allow to dry by placing the glued pieces under a heavy book/books. To help things from getting messy, use two pieces of waxed paper to "sandwich" the glued pieces under the book. Allow to cure for at least an hour.

Middle section

1) Take one cut out cardboard piece and two eye pins. Bend the wire on the eye pins as shown in the photo. Secure the bent eye pins with masking tape to the cardboard cut out. Next attach a second cut out piece to cover the side with the eye pins/tape. Use Mod Podge to glue the cut outs together and use clothes pins or binder clips to keep themtogether while drying. Make sure to include clips close to where the eye pins are attached.

2) Repeat the same process for gluing pieces together as detailed in steps 2 & 3 for the front & back sections.

The finishing touches

1) Attach each section together using Mod Podge and the clothes pin/clip and book method described previously.

2) After your three sections are glued together and cured, arrange the chipboard letters on the front of your plaque and glue them onto the surface. Next add glitter to the surface of the letters by brushing on with glue. Once the glitter has dried on the letters, begin to cover theunfinished edges of the plaque with glitter.

3) When the edges are finished, make a beaded hanger and attach it to the plaque using jumprings that can be joined with the eye pin openings attached to the plaque.

Note: Instead of using a beaded hanger, use some pretty ribbon sandwiched between themiddle layers instead of eye pins.

Hard RockCandy

homemade

By Ashley PahlI drove all the way back to my home town to document my mom making hard rock candy – a holiday tradition for as far back as I can remember.

It's not nearly as intimidating as I once believed – we made three different flavors in less than two hours. Cinnamon, wintergreen, root beer – pick your favorite flavors and come join us in the kitchen!

Ingredients3 3/4 cup sugar1 1/2 cup light karo syrup1 cup waterone or two .125 oz bottles of candy flavoring oilfood coloringpowdered sugar

Materialsmedium sauce pan; candy thermometer; wooden spoon; baking sheets

Directions

Sprinkle a thick layer of powdered sugar onto two large baking sheets covered with foil.

Pour the sugar, syrup, and water in a pot and bring to a boil.

Put candy thermometer in place.

Watch for the temperature to reach 310 degrees F, which is the hard crack stage.

Stir often to prevent burning.

Once the hard crack stage has been reached, add food coloring and flavoring oil to the pot.

Stir well to spread the coloring and flavor evenly.

Use 1-2 bottles of flavoring per pot of molten candy.

Drizzle molten candy over sugar-covered baking sheets.

Allow to sit for at least half an hour to make sure the candy has set and hardened completely.

Break candy into edible-sized pieces by hand.

Store in an airtight container for freshness

Make a magical frosty pendant, by turning a domino into a snowy window-pane. Perfect to cheer yourself up in the chil ly

months, or to gift to someone you love this holiday season!

Snowy Window-Pane Pendant

By Jennifer Grace

You will need:● An old domino with raised edges but flat dots● White gesso, pale blue acrylic paint, and a paintbrush● Fine sandpaper● Sparkle Mod Podge● Ranger’s Glossy Accents● Studio Calico wood veneer snowflakes● Small white and blue seed beads● Fine white glitter● E600 or superglue● A jewellery bail, chain and clasp, wire cutters and round-nose pliers.

STEP ONE

Clean and dry an old domino. Coat it all over with two layers of white gesso – do the front and sides, leave to dry, and then do the back, so you can lay it flat to dry.

STEP TWO

Coat the whole domino with two layers of pale

blue acrylic paint. I used Martha Stewart

Satin Acrylic Craft Paint – one part Indigo to three parts Wedding

Cake.

STEP THREEGently sand the domino with finesandpaper to distress the bluelayers and reveal some of the whitegesso beneath. Try to mostlydistress the raised edges, with just afew streaks of white in the squaresbetween, so the domino starts tolook like a window.

STEP FOURWipe off any excess sanded

paint, and then coat the whole domino in Sparkle

Mod Podge.

STEP FIVESqueeze some Glossy accents intothe top left and bottom rightcorners of the domino front, atangles to look like snow drifts onthe window-pane.

STEP SIXPlace a small Studio Calico woodveneer snowflake in each area of

Glossy accents, and thensurround the snowflakes with

white and blue seed beads.Finish off with a dusting of finewhite glitter and leave it to dry.

STEP SEVENDust off any excess glitter, turn thedomino over, and glue a jewellery bailonto the top at the back, using E600 orsuperglue. Thread a chain through thebail hole, attach a clasp to the ends ofthe chain.

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Thank youfor reading

Happy Holidays

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