Homemade ornaments

I've had every intention of sharing with you, all sorts of Christmas crafts and pretty homemade gifts I've been making. Obviously, that has happened. I blame life - not my laziness! ;)

I wanted to try and hand make a lot of Christmas gifts this year. I've done pretty good, almost finished.

Here are some cute little handmade ornaments we made for Cal J's teachers and the grandparents.

We took some white colored flannel and I had Cal J draw a picture on the front and sign his name on the back using fabric markers. I cut out a star shape, machine stitched around the star shape, stuffed it with some batting, added a ribbon for hanging and sewed shut. I used pinking shears to trim around the stitched edges.

Homemade, featuring my little guy's art. And did I mention it's simple AND easy? That's what I like about it the most!

Fortune cookie ornaments

I read this tutorial for making these adorable little fortune cookie ornaments last year. I never got around to making them until now. Super easy!

In her post she talks about how she makes an ornament each year for each of her kids. That way, when they move out/get married they have their own set of ornaments to decorate their tree with. Great idea!!! I'm going to try this idea too - starting.....now....

Candy Cane Cake Pops!

Have you ever heard of Cake Pops? Oh man, OH MAN! I had never tried them until this past weekend when they gave them out at a birthday party we went to. They are super fantastic. I made them following the recipe from Bakerella shown here.

Mine don't even come close to how cute or perfect hers are, but they still taste good, and that's good enough for me.

Start off with your packaged cake mix (any flavor you choose). Cook according to the package instructions. Let cool completely then crumble into fine crumbs in a large bowl.

Take your frosting. She recommends using the cream cheese flavor so of course I did too.

Use about 3/4 of the container of frosting.

Mix together.

Take a tablespoon or so of your cake mixture and roll into a ball.

Place in freezer for 30 minutes to firm up a bit.

This is where I try to add a Christmasy spin to them.

Meanwhile, take some candy canes...

Place in a bag. And let out all your aggressions by pounding those candy canes into tiny little bits.

There you go. Feel better?

Take your chocolate chips, or melting wafers, or almond bark, or whatever, and melt until smooth.

Dip your cake into the chocolate.

Put on a baking sheet lined with wax paper.

While the chocolate is still wet sprinkle on your peppermint pieces.

Or try some dark chocolate with holiday sprinkles.

WARNING: SERVE WITH A GIANT GLASS OF MILK. Trust me on this one!