That is usually the time when I scream and realize that I only have 30 more crafting days to create all my homemade goodies for the year.  Having that list prepared in January and tucked safely away in my ideas cupboard, makes that time of year so much easier and much less stressful.

So, if you are like me and want a few crafts to tuck away to bring out next Christmas or even throughout the year, then you may want to tuck this craft away.  I find that this is an excellent way to create wonderfully home-baked goods without having to do any of the baking.  It can be a great craft to do with kids but it can also be an excellent craft and gift to do on your own.

What you need:

• Jars:  You can use just about any type of jar you want.  I like to use the jars with the hinged lid but regular mason jars are perfectly fine.
• Decorations:  This can range from ribbon to silk flowers.  If you have a child helping make the jars, why not allow him to draw a picture and then tape it to the front of the jar.  The key is to decorate them the way that you want to.  The jars can be beautiful but a lot of the “wow” in this craft is how you fill the jar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour
• 3/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of white sugar
• 1/4 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 1 to 2 cups of M & M’s (This really depends on how chocolaty that you want your cookies to be.  I prefer to go with the 1 cup but I know my kids prefer having 2 cups so we often compromise at 1 and a half cups.)

Directions:

1. Before you do anything else, make sure that you thoroughly wash the jars.  Do not fill them until they are completely dry though.
2. While you are waiting for the cookies to dry, why not start preparing the decorative elements.  If your child will be providing the art, simply sit her down with markers and paper and let her create.  If you are decorating, use a hot glue gun to attach the various element.  For things that need to go on the lid, I would recommend waiting until the jar is filled and closed.
3. Now that you have your jar ready and waiting, it is time to start layering the jar.  To do this, it is important to do this as follows to create a layered look:

• 1 cup of flour with the baking soda and salt on the bottom
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of white sugar
• Half of the M&M’s
• 1/4 cup of the brown sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar
• Remaining M&M’s

When the jars are filled, you can close them and finish the last little details. The last thing that you will want to do is print off a label that finishes the recipe. So in this case, the label should say:

“Cookies in a Jar:

To finish off this wonderful recipe, you will need 1 egg, 3/4 cups of butter and 1 tsp of vanilla.  Combine all the ingredients together, including the ones found in this jar.  Once it is thoroughly mixed, drop small balls of cookie dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cookies are golden.”

All the best,

Sirena Van Schaik

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This candle craft is very easy to do and you don’t need a lot of supplies.  Of course, having the supplies doesn’t hurt but if you are just starting your candle making hobby, you won’t feel overwhelmed with all the supplies.

What you will need:

• Paraffin Wax:  You can purchase wax at most craft stores.  For this craft, you will want to use paraffin wax.
• Wax Dye:  This is optional and you only need to purchase it if you want to color your candles.  Another great way to add color is to use crayola crayons in the desired shade that you want.
• Wicks:  Again, you can purchase these at most stores and you can use anything from cotton to zinc core.  I would recommend the zinc since they are less likely to absorb the wax.
• Double Boiler:  This can be a double boiler that you purchase or you can simply fill a pot with 2 or 3 inches of water and place a coffee can in the center of the pot.
• Pencil:  For holding the wick
• Square Mold:  If you have a square candle mold, then all the better but if not, use the bottom half of a milk carton.
• Ice Cubes

Directions:

1. Clean your mold or milk carton and make sure that it is completely dry before you begin.  Also make sure that you have ice cubes prepared in your freezer.
2. Before you begin melting the wax, measure to see how much you will need.  The best way to do this is to break apart pieces and fill the mold with the wax pieces to just slightly above where you want the level to be.  Place the measured wax into the double boiler.
3. Melt the wax on a stove burner set at medium-low temperatures until it reaches the temperature that is indicated on the package.
4. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before you begin the next phase.
5. While you wax is cooling, you will want to pour the ice cubes into your mold.  Make sure that they are piled and not pressed down into the mold.  Remember that the messier the pile, the better.
6. Tie the wick to the pencil and place it in the center of your mold so that it hangs down to the bottom.  Make sure to arrange the ice cubes so that no ice is leaning against the wick.
7. Now that your mold is ready, slowly pour the wax into the mold. It should flow over and in between the ice cubes and the ice will begin to melt.  You should fill up the mold to slightly above your desired level since you will lose some height as the ice cubes melt.
8. Allow the wax to cool completely and then remove from the mold.  If you are using a regular mold, placing it in hot water will loosen the wax enough for it to slide right out.  If you are using a milk carton, simply rip off the carton.

And your ice candle is finished.  It is important to allow your candle at least 24 hours before you light it to ensure that you get the best burn and candle. If you can wait, try to let it set for 2 or 3 days.

Happy Candle Making,

Sirena Van Schaik

Photo Credit: © Invisiblev… | Dreamstime.com

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