Chtistmas Cookie exchange

Again I have another belated post! I was invited to a cookie exchange this year, they seem to be a lot of work but if have people to send cookies to it is worth it. First, you must bake 12 sets of six cookies, this tends to be 5-6 batches all of the same cookie. Then you package your cookies up in bundles of six with your recipe. Finally you go the party, socialize and then get 12 sets of six cookies that are all different. This gives you a huge variety of cookies and let's you try some new recipes.

Last year I put my cookies on plates and they took up a ton of room and were awkward to travel with. So this year I purchased little poly bags and made header cards, I also printed my recipe on the inside of the header card. It was a huge hit at the party and made cookie transportation super simple!

I made Grandma Bea's Swirl cookies. If anyone is interested i can give you the recipe. They are really easy to make, take very few ingredients and it is the dish that people always ask me to bring.

Christmas pillows

I love making all my presents by hand, for me if feels more thoughtful. However it is always challenging to make something for my Grandparents. So this is what I came up with for them this year. I made them each a decorative pillow with their favorite animal appliqued on with white wool. I think they look great together and fit each of their personalities.

Grandpa Siefer's buck, and Grandma Lou's birdie

Beth Ann's Baby Shower

This Sunday we had Beth Ann's Baby shower and for my gift I hand painted a cermic Hippo bank! I have been waiting forever to post this!! I hope she loves it and I know she appreciates a handmade gifts. Let me know what you think!

Unfired

Fired
It is always fun and exciting to pick up your piece they look so different once they are fired and glazed in the kiln.

I painted it at Color Me Mine. If you have never been to a paint your own pottery place you must go!

Miss Lori Ann Siefer Electric is engaged!

Yes my cousin Lori is engaged, her boyfriend asked her over the New Year's Holiday, so congratulations! I actually got to see her the day he asked and the ring is beautiful and fits Lori well. She has asked me to help her with some of the details of the wedding, so of course I am delighted!

I have made her a wedding board and initially I was not going to make it so fancy but it just ended up happening.

Her requests:

1. a winter wedding (something different)

2. red and silver

3. and ice cream cake

I am sure I will have an updated board to work on that is more casual and a bit more "fun" but we will see!!