Fishing on the Net
By Bonnie Nelson
Christmas Sock Stuffings
Wow! It is almost Christmas. With about 3 weeks to go, it is time for Christmas shopping to begin. There are probably a few people on your list that still need a gift. Try making a homemade gift for them.
There are many gift ideas on the Internet. Here are few that I found.
A tiny treasure chest filled with little treasures for kids is always a hit. Have your kids help to build, and decorate it. Have them go look for things that their friends would play with--skipping stones, acorns, marbles, shells and pinecones. Decorate a small box with paints or a collage. Be sure to leave a little extra room for future treasures the recipient might want to collect. Kids can also decorate larger containers for more sizable treasures. A shoe box can become a house for paper dolls or a garage for Matchbox cars.
Another idea along the treasure line, would be to make little treasure pouches. It’s easy for you or your older child to sew a square. It’s fun to think of variations on it, from little treasure pouches to sachets to change purses. Cut two five-inch squares of fabric and sew them together, right sides facing each other, leaving room to pour in the beans. Have your child turn the bag right-side out, poke out the corners from the inside with a pencil, pour in some dried beans or rice, and stitch up the last side by hand. Three beanbags tied up in ribbon make a nice juggling set for a kid’s pal. If you want to make a sachet, substitute fragrant herbs such as chamomile or mint for the beans (http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/ specialfeature/holiday_gifts_ms/).
Of course, homemade baskets filled with your favorite recipes and ingredients for the “down home” cook is always a great gift. Fill a basket with Southern flour or cornbread mixes, stone-ground grits, preserves or syrup and decorate a few wooden spoons tied with a bright Christmas bow. The gourmet cook would enjoy a basket with jars of ripe olives, capers, olive oil, anchovies, and a pound of spaghetti along with an Italian cookbook, and a recipe card.
Cookies, candies, and homemade breads are always welcome gifts. Prepare and give festive preserves, relishes, or sauces. Baking mixes or assorted beans and seasonings for soup dressed up in a pint or quart canning jar make great gifts for family or coworkers http://southernfood.about.com/ cs/homemade
gifts/a/gift_recipes.htm).
Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions, email her at waltbon@comcast.net.
CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET
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