Hand made persoanlized gifts can be the best. This jewelry is for a special friend who spends a lot of time on the range. If you look closely, you can see that Remington shotgun shells were used to make the impressions in the clay before it was baked. Just use your imagination and think about the person you are gifting! The thought really is what matters. Meery Christmas!

Layered Gift Jars

These layered gift jars are a real treat. Each jar contains 1 1/4 cup self rising flour, 1/2 cup very firmly packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Attach baking directions with a pretty bow - you are good to go!
Baking directions:
Chocolate Chip Cookies:
2/3 cup softened butter
1 egg
1 tsp. water
2 tsp. vanilla
In large bowl, cream these ingredients together until light and fluffy. Add contents of gift jar and mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Bake at 375*F for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Makes about 3 dozen.

Keepsakes

Ornaments are great for preserving memories. This was made from polymer clay. Just roll the clay and cut it out with an old biscuit cutter or cookie cutter. Bake according to package directions. Paint a picture of the event you want to remember (or you could cut and paste, too). Seal the image and attach a pretty cord. Don't forget to put the date, place and event on the back. This particular keepsake ornament has the theme to a float that a local group built for a parade. Wouldn't it be great to have a Christmas tree full of fond memories?

Here is a different gift idea! Homemade hot sauce. Nothing in the store compares. I am so confident about the taste of my hot sauce, I even gift it to my chef friends! Maybe I will share the recipe one day.

These handpainted gift bags were fun to make and even more fun to give. My daughter and I painted them with quick and simple trees and wreaths before delivering them to a local senior center for Christmas.