Simple (and Cheap) Idea for Homemade Christmas Ornaments

This year I wanted to give something a little more personal to friends and family for Christmas. I decided to go with ornaments. I am making two different types of ornaments.

The first are quite simple. I bought a box of plain, glass ornaments (under $5 for 18). I also bought a box of 18 different glitter shakers (under $10) and some school glue ($1). I write the year and a saying onto the ornament with the glue and then sprinkle the glitter onto the ornament. Leave it in the box until the glue has thoroughly dried then blow off the excess glitter. Easy breezy.

The second set take a bit longer and are little bit more expensive. I ordered a set of microscope slides ($7), a set of alcohol paints ($6) and various colors/sizes of jewelry wire ($2-$8 per set depending on type, length and thickness). Begin by laying out half the set of slides on a flat surface. Take one of the alcohol paints and drop the ink onto the slides in various locations. Repeat with a second color (and a third/fourth if desired). Place the remaining slides on top of these. Let dry. Once the slides are dry you wrap them with the jewelry wire. Use the top of the wire to for a loop for hanging the ornament. You can be creative with the patterns you make with the wire.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

It's December in Alabama and it is COLD! For the past week highs have been in the 40s and it's normally much warmer. We've had snow in the southern part of the state, SNOW! The worst part is that it is not expected to get any warmer till after Christmas.

This doesn't work so well for me. I like my holidays with a temperature warm enough to wear shorts and tees. Right now, I'm looking at sweats, two pairs of socks and a long sleeve shirt inside the house. It's just not right.