easy fruit filling for layer cakes

~ 6oz. jam (I like to use homemade freezer jam, it has such a fresh flavor, but store bought works just fine too. I usually go with Polener’s)

1 small box Jello in same flavor

Heat jam in the microwave for about 30-60 seconds. It should be fairly hot. Quickly stir in Jello and mix thoroughly; let cool for a few minutes. Pipe a frosting “dam” around the edge of the cake and spread filling in the center. Let sit for a few minutes in the fridge to set then place he next layer on top.

1/3 yard white cotton

1/3 yard navy cotton

1/4 yard red cotton

3 circles of felt-or whatever heavy fabric you have in your scraps

Styrofoam wreath form

I cut the navy and white fabric into 2 1/2 or 3 inch strips (seriously-quick and dirty works well here, no need to measure.) Wrap the foam wreath with the white fabric so that it is completely covered and secure with hot glue or pins. Next, wrap the navy fabric, leaving room for the white to show through and secure.

Cut 1 inch strips of the red cotton and tie a loose knot in one end. Glue to the middle of the felt circle. Now loosely twist and glue the fabric in concentric circles until your flower is as large as you want. Glue or pin to the wreath and repeat for remaining flowers. That’s it! So easy, you might feel you have to make something else because it isn’t past bedtime yet. (Am I the only one who crafts after the kiddos are asleep??)

materials

• 3 1/2-4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon cream of tarter (found with the spices on the baking isle)
• 2 1/2 tablespoons oil
• 2 cups of water
• food coloring (1-2oz. bottle for red batch)
• 1-2oz. peppermint extract

directions

1. Heat water to boiling in a medium saucepan.

2. Measure a generous 3 1/2 cups flour into a medium-large mixing bowl (one that holds at least 8 cups.) Reserve extra to add if the dough is too sticky. Mix in the salt and cream of tartar.

3. Once the water is boiling, whisk in the oil and food coloring. Remove from heat and add peppermint extract. Remember that it will smell strong now, but will be diluted greatly once mixed with the flour.

4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the water mixture in. Stir with a spoon until flour is incorporated, then turn it onto the counter or a cutting board and knead until smooth.

5. Layer each color in mason jar, pressing down gently (You don’t want to smash them together too much, so they are easy to separate and play with.)

6. Print tags below and attach with twine, yarn, or ribbon.

Here is a pdf: candy cane tag 2

Merry Christmas you guys! I wish you a quick finish on your projects and to get to bed before midnight on Saturday! Keers

Meg’s masterpiece: full of things that she didn’t really want on there. (She says as she eats them.)

Emily’s house: winner in the heavy- weight division.

Amanda’s decor was a little more spartan. She stopped decorating as soon as she realized she could eat the candy.

Mom and Dad had fun too. Check Mike’s creative roof and frosting trees. Mmmm, delicious Christmas fun.

…you know, just in case you are pining away like me.

Silhouette Cameo on Amazon

(Seriously, easy and on the cheap, ladies!)

If you want to put those kiddos to work, here is a tutorial for making paper turkey place holders.

My little princess. She is so in love with her dress. She requested “special princess hair” Um???? This is what I came up with and she was thrilled with it. I love how she gets all quiet and demure when she is happy about something like that. So cute.

Emily was equally stoked about her flamingo costume. She looked so stinkin’ cute! I wish I had taken more pics. The back was hilarious with it’s little drape of tail feathers by the bum.

…and my little candy corn witch. What can I say? This girl just kills me! Don’t you want to hug her after seeing this?