This is what happened

This is what happened to my old laptop

I closed the top and a pen was near the hinge and it cracked my screen.  I have been trying to get all my files and pictures transferred to the new laptop we bought almost a month ago. I unpacked it and turned it on (finally) after I found my screen like this. I can still read what's on the computer by hooking it up to our tv.  I have lots of emails saved on the old one and need to read them save the ones I want to keep.   At least I haven't lost any of them, they are just harder to get to.

 

Billie C.

Instead of loving your enemies, try treating your friends a little better ~ Ed Howe

(no subject)

 

 

 

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http://domesticsimplicity.com/2011/11/14/merry-making-50-things-to-do-with-kids-in-December/

 

 

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http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/scandinavian-christmas-decorations#slide-3

 

Recycling Meets Rudolph

Create this playful reindeer project with a couple of corrugated cardboard boxes and our handy template .

• Print out templates on 11x17" paper.
  
• Trace the head twice, and the antlers once on corrugated cardboard (we purchased flat boxes from Staples).
  
• Cut out two head patterns. On the inside of each head pattern, score along the dotted line as shown on the pattern. To score, use an xActo knife to cut partially through the cardboard, which allows the cardboard to fold easily along that line.
  
• Place heads together so they are matching, making sure scored lines are on the inside.
  
• Glue nose section together, matching exactly, so the two heads are connected at the nose.
  
• Allow glue to dry.
  
• Open heads to form a slight V, and insert deer antlers in top grooves.
  
• Place rectangular brace in back.
  
• Add antler prongs in grooves.
  
• Glue red construction paper to either side of the nose (traced and cut out from template) .
  
• Use a black sharpie to draw circle for eye.
  
• Place reindeer head in wreath of your choice.

********

 

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

July 10

 

 

 

http://www.houseography.net/2010/12/holidayography-gingerbread-magic.html

 

 

 

 

http://lilluna.com/elf-on-the-shelf-poem-free-printable/

 

Who has an Elf on the Shelf?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://kellymoorebag.com/blog/?p=8923

 

There are a lot of pictures so go to the site to see the step by step instructions on how to make these.

 

 

 

http://blog.craftsnthings.com/?p=1353

Advent Tree

Posted on November 28, 2012 by lhoman

Crafts 'n things Craft of the Day

 

Count the days 'til Christmas with this bright and cheery Advent Tree. Simply move a light bulb onto the tree for each day, then add the star at the top on Christmas day to reveal a fully decorated tree!

Materials

• Craft foam: brown, 1-1/2"x2"; blue, 11-1/2"x18", two; white, 11-1/2"x18"; green, 11-1/2" x 18"
• 24 pre-cut craft foam light bulb shapes

Tools

• Aleene's Adhesives: Spritz-On Reposition-It! Tacky Glue, Reposition-It! Tacky Glue, FunCraft Foam Glue
• Markers: black medium-tip; silver metallic

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler or yardstick

Directions

Note

Use photo as guide for creating this project.

Advent Tree

1. Print and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns.

2. For calendar, use one blue sheet, black marker, and ruler or yardstick to draw four 2-1/4" wide vertical lines. Measure and draw a 3-1/2" wide horizontal line from top edge; measure and draw four 3" wide horizontal lines from first line. Use marker to write in numbers, 1-25. Follow manufacturer's instructions for foam glue to adhere other blue sheet to top 1/2" of calendar. Use marker to draw a wiggly outline along the side edges of banner.

3. For top, middle, and bottom of banner snowdrifts, cut from width of white foam sheet and cut strips so one long edge is straight and other is a random wave. For top snowdrift, cut foam to measure 2" on left side and 4" on right side. For middle snowdrift, cut waves to measure between 1-3/4" and 2-1/2". For bottom snowdrift, cut waves to measure between 2-3/4" and 3-1/4". With Figure 1 on pattern as guide, use black marker for the following: write "Advent Tree" on top snowdrift and draw snowflakes to each side of words; write family's name on middle snowdrift; write "Christmas Countdown" on bottom snowdrift; outline edges of each snowdrift and around "Christmas Countdown" as shown.

4. To assemble the banner, adhere top snowdrift to top of banner so straight edges are aligned. Adhere middle snowdrift to center of banner at overlap, and bottom snowdrift to bottom of banner so straight edges are aligned.

5. To assemble the tree, center and adhere trunk to top of middle snowdrift. Center and adhere tree pieces to banner, overlapping edges slightly: tree bottom to top of trunk; tree middle to top of tree bottom; tree top to top of tree middle. Adhere tree snow layers to overlapped edges of tree, beginning with first tree snow layer and ending with fourth tree snow layer.

6. Use silver marker to draw bulb threading, to highlight bulbs, and to color in star as shown. Let dry. Follow manufacturer's instructions to apply tacky reposition glue to back of bulbs and star. Press bulbs onto calendar squares and place star on the 25th. Follow manufacturer's instructions to apply pump-spray reposition glue to back of entire advent calendar. When dry, banner may be placed where desired without the use of tools or hardware, and removed quickly and easily when the season is over.

Tip

If you are unable to locate pre-cut Christmas light bulb shapes, cut your own from craft foam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.betterbudgeting.com/christmasornaments10/chenillepoinsettia.htm

 

 

Homemade Christmas Ornaments

"Classy Chenille Stick Poinsettia"

Submitted by Rebecca K. of Pensacola, FL

I had these fun-looking chenille pipe sticks and wanted to make flowers with them. I started to fold them and arrange them, and just kept adding fun things to make them into an ornament. I used them for gift toppers this year, hung them on the tree and attached them to Christmas Cards that I handed out. There is no better feeling than making something special to give, and these can be made in any color you can get beads and chenille sticks in (many colors). I love that this ornament is fluffy and colorful. It really pops on a Christmas tree (and really covers those bare spots if you have a bald branch!)

Materials Needed:

8 Chenille Bumpy Pipe Cleaners
10 inches of ribbon (for a hanger)
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Thread in a color to match Bumpy Pipe Cleaners
Beads to put in the center
Clear thread and beading needle
Small piece of felt

Directions:

Step 1: Fold pipe cleaners after the first and third fluffy parts, pinch each end a bit. Do this with all the pipe cleaners.

Step 2:

Step 3: Repeat Step 2 with 4 more pipe cleaners.

Step 4: Place one circle of pipe cleaners on top of the other and use thread again to hold them in place. Tie firmly in back.

Step 5: Bead a needle with clear thread, and sew some beads in the middle of the flower.

Step 6: Flip the flower to the back, and glue on the hanger with the glue gun. Hot glue a small circle of felt to cover the backing and the ribbon.

Make it your own by using other colors, adding glitter or using a button in the center. The options are endless!

The Chenille Pipe Sticks can be found in any craft store or on the web. I've noticed they have various names by brand. Sometimes they are called Bumpy Chenille Pipe Cleaners.

Billie C.

July 8

 

 

 

******

 

"Christmas" by Nick Kenny
from the IDEALS Christmas Magazine 1961

Come follow the Holy Men, tonight
To that stable in Bethlehem,
Where a tiny babe in the manger lies
With stars for His diadem.

Fall on your knees with the shepherd folk
Who stopped at the door ajar
And sing with the angels, "Peace on earth,"
For Jesus who came so far.

Come share in the yearly miracle
While His star shines tenderly bright
And beseech Him to bring the whole world peace
As He did on that Christmas night!

 

 

 

"Black-and-White Chocolate Truffles"
from the Dec/Jan 2010 EVERY DAY With RACHEL RAY Magazine

1-1/2 tablespoons UNsalted butter
1/4 cup PLUS 3 tablespoons heavy cream
10 ounces semisweet OR bittersweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
8 ounces white chocolate coarsely chopped

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cream, stirring. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a boil.
2. Place 6 ounces semisweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Add the cream mixture and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir the mixture until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, 1 hour.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a small scoop or melon baller, scoop teaspoon-size balls of the chocolate mixture onto the pan; refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a double boiler, melt the white chocolat over simmering water, stirring until smooth; remove from the heat. (Keep the water simmering in case the chocolate hardens.) Using a fork, coat each truffle with the white chocolate. Set them on the baking sheet. Refrigerate to harden.
5. Rinse and dry the bowl, return to the simmering water and add the remaining water and add the remaining 4 ounces semisweet chocolate to melt. Pour into a large, resealable plastic bag, make a tiny snip in one corner of the bag and pipe zigzags of dark chocolate over the truffles. Refrigerate overnight. Makes 30.

 

 

http://store.doverpublications.com/by-subject-holidays-christmas.html

 

Welcome to the Dover Holiday Shop! You'll find memorable gifts for children and adults, from classic Christmas collectibles to stocking stuffers and more. Plus, if you love to create your own Christmas crafts, you can enjoy low prices on festive clip art for greeting cards, home decorations, and more.

 

 

 

Cranberry Raspberry Punch

Ingredients
* 2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen sweetened sliced strawberries
* 1 can (12 ounces) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
* 1 can (11-1/2 ounces) frozen cranberry raspberry juice concentrate, thawed
* 2 liters ginger ale, chilled
* 2 liters club soda, chilled
* 1 quart raspberry or orange sherbet
Directions
* In a blender, combine the strawberries, lemonade concentrate and
* cranberry raspberry concentrate; cover and process until smooth.
* Transfer to a punch bowl. Gently stir in ginger ale and club soda.
* Top with scoops of sherbet. Serve immediately. Yield: about 5
* quarts.

 

http://redheadscraftmorefun.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas

 

lots of Christmas light ideas on this blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billie C.

JULY 3

 

 

 

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http://www.craft-o-maniac.com/search/label/Christmas

 

 

********

Mickey's One Upon a Christmas (full video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0B2SmOc2Vs

 

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A Stranger for Christmas Carol
Author:Lynn Pearson Stille

 

Call your children. Ask them if they'll take in a little old lady who needs a family for Christmas. Go on, call them." With this challenge, the heartwarming story of A Stranger for Christmas unfolds. Two old ladies find themselves alone in a nursing home during the Christmas season. Only one of them still believes in goodness, in faith, and in hope. And she believes that one telephone call to her children will show that kindness to strangers still exists. But something unexpected - even miraculous - happens that will change their lives ...

 

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Captain Crunch Candy

 

1 pkg. Almond Bark
1 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. Captain Crunch
2 c. Rice Krispies
2 c. peanuts
2 c. miniature marshmallows

 

Melt Almond Bark, peanut butter and vanilla in 200° oven for 20 minutes. Add cereals, peanuts and marshmallows and mix. Drop by tablespoonfuls on wax paper. Let set up.

 

******

http://www.xmasfun.com/Lyrics.aspx?ID=72

 

Angels From The Realms Of Glory

 

Angels from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth
Ye who sang creations story,
Now proclaim messiah's birth

Come and worship, come and worship,
Worship Christ the new-born king

Shepherds in the field abiding,
Watching oe'r your flocks by night
God with man is now residing,
Yonder shines the infant light.

Sages leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar.
Seek the great desire of nations,
Ye have seen his natal star.

Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear
Suddenly the Lord descending
In his temple shall appear.

 

*****

 

 

 

Billie C.

July 2

*****

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (show)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nimk_S0HKQM

 

******

 

A Redbird Christmas
Author:Fannie Flagg
Deep in the southernmost part of Alabama, along the banks of a lazy winding river, lies the sleepy little community known as Lost River, a place that time itself seems to have forgotten. After a startling diagnosis from his doctor, Oswald T. Campbell leaves behind the cold and damp of the oncoming Chicago winter to spend what he believes will be his last Christmas in the warm and welcoming town of Lost River. There he meets the postman who delivers mail by boat, the store owner who nurses a broken heart, the ladies of the Mystic Order of the Royal Polka Dots Secret Society, who do clandestine good works. And he meets a little redbird named Jack, who is at the center of this tale of a magical Christmas when something so amazing happened that those who witnessed it have never forgotten it. Once you experience the wonder, you too will never forget A Redbird Christmas.

 

******

 

Make A Homemade Giant Hershey Kiss

 

1. Select a plastic funnel the size of the kiss you wish to make.

 

2. Decide if you want it plain or with nuts, peanut butter,
caramel, white chocolate, Rice Krispies, etc.

 

3. Melt enough Hershey's chocolate bars to make your kiss in a
double boiler being careful not to scorch it.

 

4. Plug end of funnel with a mini marshmallow and rest it in a
sturdy cup (coffee cup is great).

 

5. Add fillers, if desired, to melted chocolate and pour into
funnel. Tap the funnel gently to make sure no air is trapped.

 

6. Cool at room temperature for several hours. Tap funnel and the
kiss will slide out. Wrap in aluminum foil and tie with ribbon.

 

******

 

Mint Cocoa Mix

 

Ingredients
* 7-1/2 cups instant chocolate drink mix
* 1 package (25.6 ounces) nonfat dry milk powder
* 2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
* 1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
* 25 peppermint candies, crushed
* ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS (for each servings):
* 1 cup milk
Directions
* In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. Store in an
* airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. Yield: 53
* servings (17-2/3 cups total).
*
* To prepare hot drink: Warm milk; stir in 1/3 cup mix until dissolved.
* Yield: 1 serving.

 

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http://www.filthwizardry.com/2008/12/homemade-advent-calendar.html

 

Homemade advent calendar

A few weeks ago I saw an awesome post on Alphamom by Brenda Ponnay that made me say "we have to do that right now!", so that afternoon we got together all the bits and bobs from around the house and started to construct our own left over candy advent calendar.

The base boards were each a side of a cereal packet wrapped in aluminium foil and then the condiment cups were glue gunned on top.

The kids stuck snowflakes all over while I printed out their names to stick on, and then we filled up the cups with sweeties.
Sticking on the circles of tissue paper was going to be a bit too fiddly for my two preschoolers, so that was done after they had gone to bed.
Smashing through the tissue paper to get to the treats is as much fun for them as smashing through the foil on a new jar of coffee is for me ;)

Hang them up high unless you have saintly children!

 

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http://www.homelife.com.au/how+to/how+to+make+a+christmas+star,4501

 

If you're looking for a christmas craft idea you can go past this handmade star.

Christmas is about many things, but it's also about decoration, and the heart of the Christmas scene is the tree. Nothing tops the tree quite so well as a star, and it should shine with memories as well as glitter.

We have a method that allows you to create a unique finish and pull your collection of baubles together.

What you will need

• Ruler
• Fine-tip pen
• Scissors
• 1 sheet of stiff, mid-weight cardboard
• 1 sheet of translucent decorative paper (optional)
• Scalpel
• Double-sided sticky tape

(Available from craft stores)

Christmas star template

Step-by-step

 

1.

Use our template to trace two outlines of the star onto the board and two onto the decorative paper (if using). Before removing the template each time, use the tip of the scalpel to pierce the central hole to mark the intersection. Cut out each star and set any outer layers aside.

With the ruler as a guide, use the scalpel to score the shorter lines between the centre and the 'V' at the base of each arm. Do not cut too deep; just break the surface. Repeat with the second star.

add to stylebooks

2.

Take one arm of the star and, working from the tip, pinch the scored line into a sharp crease. Work around the star, folding along the centre of each arm. Turn over and pinch along the short lines to create sharp folds that point away from the long folds. Repeat with second star. You now have two halves of a 3D star.

Turn the first star over and use the scalpel to score the longer lines from the centre to the tip of each point. Repeat with the second star. Take one arm of the star and, working from the tip, pinch the scored line into a sharp crease. Work around the star, folding along the centre of each arm. Turn over and pinch along the short lines to create sharp folds that point away from the long folds. Repeat with second star. You now have two halves of a 3D star.

add to stylebooks

3.

Hold the halves together and use double-sided tape to secure together. Close at all points but one, leaving the final valley open.

add to stylebooks

4.

Decorate star as desired. To apply the decorative paper cover, fix double-sided tape at the centre of one side of the star, then place a cover piece so the centres align. Smooth the cover over the star, using the sharp folds of the base to gently shape it as you go. Secure cover along the outer edge with double-sided tape. Turn over and repeat. To secure to the top of the tree, push the point of the top branch through the hole in the bottom valley.

 

 

 

 

******
http://www.xmasfun.com/Lyrics.aspx?ID=3

 

Adeste Fideles

 

Adeste Fideles
Laeti triumphantes
Venite, venite in Bethlehem
Natum videte
Regem angelorum
Venite adoremus
Dominum
Cantet nunc io
Chorus angelorum
Cantet nunc aula caelestium
Gloria, gloria
In excelsis Deo
Venite adoremus
Dominum
Ergo qui natus
Die hodierna
Jesu, tibi sit gloria
Patris aeterni
Verbum caro factus
Venite adoremus
Dominum

 

Billie C.

Christmas in July

I can not say how well I'm be at doing this, but I hope to post a letter per day to both the group and my blog in July with lots of Christmas Ideas. 

 

 

*****

Holiday Stove Top Potpourri Mix

 

one whole orange or just the orange peel
1/2 cup cranberries
1 Tbsp. whole cloves
3 sticks of cinnamon or a small handful of small pieces of cinnamon
a bit of grated nutmeg if desired
Quarter the orange. Put all the ingredients into a saucepan. Fill pan with water. Place on the stove on the smallest burner, on the lowest setting. Refill water as needed.

 

 

******

http://www.favecrafts.com/Wreaths/Countdown-to-Christmas-Wreath

 

Countdown to Christmas Wreath

This fun Christmas wreath craft project features 24 numbered tins on top of a wood base adorned with green tissue paper. You can use this wreath as an advent calendar and fill each tin with sweets or other surprises to count down with the kids.

Materials:

• Tulip® 3D Fashion Paint
  • 65000 White
• Aleene's® Crystal Clear Tacky Spray™
• Tulip® Soft Fabric Paint™
  • BI15784 Glacier White
• Tulip® Fabric Glitter Spray™
  • FLSG1 Crystallina Glitter Spray
• Plastic tablecloth
• Card stock, red, turquoise
• Satin ribbon, 2" wide, 1 yd, red
• Wood wreath, round, flat
• Circle pattern
• Paintbrush, large, flat
• Favor tins, silver, 24
• Pencil
• Tissue paper, lime
• Candy
• Scissors
• Foil

Steps:

1. Cover work surface with tablecloth. Lay wreath onto work surface.

2. Squeeze a puddle of Glacier White onto foil. Paint front and edges of wreath, using paintbrush. Let dry. Paint back of wreath. Let dry. Repeat procedure to apply a second coat of paint. Let dry.

3. Trace 12 circles onto each color of card stock. Cut out, using scissors.

4. Line up tins. Lay circles onto work surface. Apply Tacky Spray onto one side of each circle, following manufacturer's instructions. Immediately press each circle onto center of lid of a tin.

5. Turn tins over. Spray glue onto bottom of each tin. Immediately press tins onto wreath, alternating colors. Let dry.

6. Turn wreath over. Cut a length of ribbon long enough to create a loop at upper edge of wreath and tails that extend below lower edge. Notch ribbon ends.

7. Glue ribbon loop onto upper edge of wreath and tails onto lower edge.

8. Cut one piece of tissue paper into 4" wide strips. Cut strips into fourths. Twist one end. Snip opposite end to create fringe to resemble pine needles.

9. Spray Glitter onto fringed end of tissue. Let dry.

10. Push twisted end of each piece firmly between tins.

11. Start flow of 3D Paint on a paper towel, applying an even pressure on bottle for a smooth line. Write "1" onto tin at upper center of wreath, using 3D Paint. Write appropriate number onto each remaining tin. Let dry.

12. Fill each tin with candy.

 

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The Cinnamon Bear: An Old-Time Radio Christmas Tradition

 

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A Christmas Carol
Author:Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol is a novella by English author Charles Dickens, first published by Chapman & Hall on 19 December 1843. The story tells of bitter and miserly Ebenezer Scrooge's ideological, ethical, and emotional transformation resulting from supernatural visits from Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. The novella met with instant success and critical acclaim.
(  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol  )

 

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http://www.xmasfun.com/Lyrics.aspx?ID=1

A Child This Day Is Born

A child this day is born
A child of high renown
Most worthy of a sceptre and a crown

Glad tidings to all men
Glad tidings sing we may
Because the king of kings
Was born on Christmas day

These tidings shepherds heard
Whilst watching o'er their fold;
'Twas by an Angel unto them
That night revealed and told.

Glad tidings to all men
Glad tidings sing we may
Because the king of kings
Was born on Christmas day

Then was there with the Angel
An host incontinent
Of heavenly bright soldiers,
All from the highest sent.

Glad tidings to all men
Glad tidings sing we may
Because the king of kings
Was born on Christmas day

They praised the Lord our God,
And our celestial King;
All glory be in Paradise,
This heavenly host do sing.

Glad tidings to all men
Glad tidings sing we may
Because the king of kings
Was born on Christmas day

All glory be to God,
That sitteth still on high,
With praises and with triumph great,
Andjoyful melody.

Glad tidings to all men
Glad tidings sing we may
Because the king of kings
Was born on Christmas day

 

 

 

Billie C.