Primitive Folk Art Santa's

Got our tree up yesterday and got a good start on the decorating. It usually takes me 2 or 3 days to get everything up. Hubby got all the outside lights up yesterday too. I'll try to get some pics of inside and outside posted on here soon. I was able to finish up a couple Santa's today that I had half finished last week. The one in the blue stocking cap is in my etsy shop now and I will list the other one tomorrow night. I've been thinking of making a pattern for him. What do you think?

Primitive Santa Make Do

Finally getting on a roll with my Christmas creations. Finished up this Santa Make Do today. I like him so well that I may make one for myself. He is listed in my etsy shop now, along with another Snowman which I just listed too.



Today sure did feel like winter. Only hit a high of 45º. I think most of the leaves have fallen from the trees so hubby was out raking up the leaves for like the 6th time this fall. He made a big pile for our little granddaughter to jump in. I captured the most precious picture of her. Love those little teeth!

Primitive Snowman Head Make Do!

Here is something new I finished today. I made 3 of them, but just have one listed in my etsy shop right now. I think he turned out fantastic if I do say myself. :) Also working on more gingerbread ornies to make and sell. Had a request to make some and I will be selling them for $1.00 a piece or 12 for $10.00.

Ornamental Gingerbread Cookies

I've been waiting a long time to make these gingerbread cookies since I saw the recipe posted on Linda's blog, Behind My Red Door. Love reading her blog. I've been searching for the perfect cookie cutter and found one at a really old hardware store in Iowa. They had a huge kitchen section with lots of neat kitchen gadgets. Here is the recipe courtesy of Linda. These ornaments smell so good while baking!

Ornamental Gingerbread Cookies

3 tablespoon shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup water
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon each: ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg
peppercorns for the eyes and buttons

Beat shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in molasses. Mix dry ingredients together. Stir them into the sugar mixture and gradually add water. Dough will be very stiff. Refrigerate overnight. Heat oven to 350º. Cut dough into three pieces. Roll one piece at a time (between two sheets of waxed paper) to a thickness of about 1/4". I sprinkled a little flour on the dough while rolling out as its a little sticky. Cut out desired shapes and patterns. ***If you are planning to hang these ornaments, poke holes in the shapes now with a straw or toothpick.*** Bake for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool and harden for several hours or overnight.

Finished ornaments can be painted, sealed, or dipped in melted wax. The possibilities are endless!

New Christmas Reindeer Pattern

It's been awhile since I've made up a new pattern. Have my new reindeer pattern listed on Pattern Mart right now and will get it listed in my etsy shop and website later. I have a link for it over to the right for a instant download from Pattern Mart.

As promised, I have pics of my little granddaughter in her Halloween costume as a little grey mouse. My daughter made the costume for her. I guess she is carrying on the tradition of making Halloween costumes like I did, every year for her and her sister. I loved doing it every year.