Thanksgiving 101: Turkey

(Picture from the Reynolds website)

Wanna know my Thanksgiving secret????

Reyonlds oven bags....no fail, yummy turkey every time!

Get the scoop here!

Scissor Cut Fabric Leaves for Your Thanksgiving Table.

Fabric Leaves

These leaves are so easy to make and create an elegant look. {{great for using up scraps of fabric}} Sprinkle them on the table, create garland with them or eyelet them together to make place-card holders.

Instructions Here!

The Countdown to Thanksgiving is on...and for those of us who are hosting that means clean, shop, prep, cook and prepare!  I am busy getting the house ready and the pantry stocked. After Thanksgiving, Steve and I are flying to Dallas to appear live at Michaels.com for Cyber Monday!  It is gonna be a quick November.  Thankful for family, friends and health.

See my Thanksgiving 101 Tips and Tricks!

Happy November....xoxoxo~

Cathie

p.s..... What are YOUR Plans???  Leave a comment to share the holiday spirit.

Thanksgiving Door Plaque

Welcome guests to your home with a quick and simple Thanksgiving themed door plaque.  You can make this design in under 1 hour and it is perfect for using up small scraps of paper.  This was designed for Plaid.  To see more Thanksgiving Craft Ideas we designed for Plaid, just visit this link!

P.S. This is also a great hostess gift!

Materials:

FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Red Velvet
FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Olive Green
Mod Podge Matte
Wood plaque
Foam paintbrush
Scrapbook papers (stripes; dots; checks and floral)
Scissors
Pencil
Paper punches
2 decorative buttons
Wood letters spelling GIVE THANKS
Hot glue and glue gun
Velvet ribbon

Steps:
1. Paint the plaque with two coats of red velvet paint. Allow to dry.

2. Trace around the top of the plaque to make a template of the shape. Cut one shape from a piece of striped scrapbook paper, cut a second one slightly smaller from dotted paper.

3. Coat both sides of the stripe paper with Mod Podge, position on the top of the plaque and topcoat with more Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brush strokes. Allow to dry. Layer the dotted paper over the stripe paper in the same fashion using Mod Podge.

4. Use craft punches to punch out scalloped circles and plain circles from scrapbook paper.

5. Using Mod Podge (step three) attach the circles in a layered pattern on the top and bottom of the plaque. Once dry hot glue a button in the center.

6. Paint the wood letters with Olive Green paint. Once dry, hot glue across the plaque.

7. Add a hanger, by hot gluing a ribbon to the back of the plaque.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks

list it: A week before make a check list of what you will be serving. Then create a shopping list of all your needs. Shop in advance.

no mess: I love to use cooking bags for cooking the turkey, they are a “no brainer” way to cook a moist turkey and the clean up is a snap.

Too many cooks in the kitchen: The meal is ready and you need space to dish it out! Keep guests occupied out of the kitchen, make some funny trivia cards or have a camera on hand and designate a guest to take a fe pre-dinner pictures.

tight spaces: Carve the turkey in the kitchen and platter the meat with an additional side dish like stuffing.

small dishes: I like to use individual ramekins for making mini sweet potato casseroles (one for each guest). I make them the day before and just re-heat on Thanksgiving day. The ramekins can be placed right on to a guest’s plate and you won’t need any additional serving dishes on the table or space on a buffet table.

enlist help: Ask friends or family to bring extra side dishes.
no buffet no problem: You can create a buffet out of almost any piece of furniture. Just drape the furniture with festive fabric of a tablecloth and use protective trivets – and you got yourself a buffet.

cook early: Make as many dishes ahead of time as possible – like cranberry relish, sweet potato casserole rolls, salad & pies.

oven safe: Try to use serving dishes that are oven safe. You can prepare meals in advance and reheat in the serving dish.

pies: If you are not going to bake pies… just pick a few up at your local bakery. Just remember – you might need to pre order.

no table?: Don’t worry if you don’t have a traditional dining table, A low coffee table can be doctored up with a few floor cushions and a table runner. You can pick up folding tables and chairs at any discount store. If you don’t want to buy - most cities have rental shops that will rent additional chairs for $3-$5 each.

The meal is devoured, the dishes are stacked mile high and you have a house filled with family - what to do? Here are a few fun ideas and activities that everyone can do together.

What to do on Thanksgiving Day !

Take a family walk.

Have a family photo swap.

Compete in a scavenger hunt.

Watch football.

Play games - Apples to Apples is really fun!

Have a family dance off.

Have the kids make a youtube video of your family.

Have a family Wii or Guitar Hero competition.

Play flag football.

What to do the Day After Thanksgiving

Tour an art or history museum.

Go on a fall leaf hunt.

Go to the movies.

Ice skate.

Have a family bowling game.

Make mini scrapbooks.

Make salt dough ornaments with the kids.

Have a wrapping paper swap or craft session.

Have a family member who knits give lessons.

And, of course....SHOP!

Salt Dough Ornaments
1 cup of fine salt
1 cup of flour (add a tiny more for softer dough)
/2 cup of water (may add more)
FolkArt acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Paper clips
Clear varnish

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the salt and the flour. Make a well in the salt/flour mixture and add the water. Knead until smooth and shape into a ball. When not in use, wrap in plastic or store in an airtight container.

Ornaments: Form the dough into holiday shapes. (cookies cutters are great tools for this craft) Press a paper clip into the back of the ornament to create a hanger. bake at 150-200 until firm (around 2 hours) Cool. Paint with FolkArt paints and seal with a clear varnish.

Kids Thanksgiving Day Craft

Kids Craft: Stuffed Plushie Turkeys

You must check out the cutest stuffed turkeys my sister made with her students today. They are so adorable and made with inexpensive stretchy gloves ($1.40 for 4 @ Target). They are the perfect "turkey"craft and kids can make them on Thanksgiving day.

Materials:
1 stretch glove
Felt squares
Stuffing material (pillow, tissues, etc.)
Glue (hot w/parents help or tacky)
Scissors
Cardboard
Blank or used CD
Buttons/etc. for eyes

Steps:

Form a base: Trace around a CD and cut a circle from cardboard and a circle from felt. Glue the felt circle to the cardboard.

Stuff the glove. Cut from felt: feathers, wattles or eyes. Glue the felt cutouts and/or buttons to the thumb piece of the glove.

Add a bead of glue around the opening of the glove and glue to the center of the base.

make a glittered cornucopia

Thanksgiving Cornucopia

I love glitter! I especially love extreme glitter because it has such a fine and sophisticated finish. Plus, it traps all the glitter into the glue base so you have no mess. For the cornucopia, I used some really ugly fall fruit from the craft store and a basket that I found on clearance.


Materials:

FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Gold
FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Rose
FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Orange
FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Peridot
FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Black
FolkArt ® Acrylic Paint - Violet Pansy
FolkArt ® Acrylic Paint - Forest Moss
FolkArt ® Acrylic Paint - Country Twill
FolkArt ® Acrylic Paint - Autumn Leaves
FolkArt ® Acrylic Paint - Coffee Bean
Plastic fall fruits and vegetables
Foam paint brushes
Basket cornucopia
Decorative ribbon
Hot glue
Silk flowers

Steps:
1. Paint each of the fruits and vegetables with a base coat of FolkArt craft paint. You can paint two coats if needed. Allow to dry.

2. Cover each of the fruits and vegetables with 2 or 3 coats of Extreme Glitter. Use the color guide as reference. Allow to dry in between coats.

3. Color Guide: Autumn Leaves = Orange Glitter. Forest Moss = Peridot Glitter. Taffy = Gold Glitter. Pansy = Rose Glitter. Coffee Bean = Black Glitter.

4. Using hot glue, attach a ribbon around the outer portion of the cornucopia, glue the fruits and vegetables to the inside of the cornucopia so they are “spilling” out. Fill in any gaps or holes with silk flowers.

Thanksgiving Napkin Rings: Poppy Fall Colors!

Making customized napkin rings with a few wood beads, disks and letters is snap and they will look so festive on a Thanksgiving Table!  For these I used an assortment of poppy fall colors of FolkArt paint.  This project was designed for Plaid!  To see more Thanksgiving ideas go here. 

Materials:
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Red Velvet
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Violet Pansy
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Olive Green
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Buttercup
FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Autumn Leaves
Foam paintbrush
1.5” wood disk; 1 per napkin ring
Wood letter; 1 per napkin ring
1/2” wood beads;9 per napkin ring
CS11301 - Mod Podge ® Matte 
Scrapbook papers in fall colors
Scissors
Elastic cord
Hot glue and glue gun
Small silk leaves

Steps:
1. Paint the wood disks, wood letters and the wood beads with the color of your choice using the selected colors. Use two coats and allow to dry.

2. Cut a circle of paper to fit the wood disk. Working with the circle of paper, coat both sides with Mod Podge, position on the wood disk and topcoat with more Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brush strokes. Continue until all the disks are papered.

3. Thread nine beads onto the elastic cord and tie in a double knot. Trim the ends.

4. Hot glue a silk leaf over the two beads next to the knot. Hot glue a letter in the center of the wood disk and glue the disk to the leaf.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Place-card Holders

Thanksgiving Pumpkin Place-card Holders

These little cuties will look perfect propped up on your table. Customize them with your guests names or with sentimental words of thanks.

This project was designed for Plaid! If you like this idea then you should pop over to my page at Plaid to see lots more ideas and craft projects!


Materials:
FolkArt ® Shiny™ Acrylic Paint - Pure Orange
FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Orange
FolkArt ® Artists Pigments™ - Pure Black
Mod Podge ® Gloss
Mini pumpkins – 1 for each guest
Detail paintbrush
Printed guest names
Foam paintbrush


1. Paint the mini pumpkins with Orange paint. Top coat with two or three layers of Orange Extreme Glitter. Once dry paint the stem with Pure Black paint.

2. Coat both sides of the printed guests names with Mod Podge, position onto the pumpkin and top coat with more Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brush strokes. Allow to dry.

Kids Craft: Table Top Turkeys!

Kids Craft: Table Top Turkeys!
Designed For Plaid
See more of my designs for Plaid here.

Kids love Thanksgiving! The mini break from school, the home cooking, holiday movies, backyard games and of course crafting for the season are all experiences that kids of all ages enjoy.

Let's Make Turkeys!

When I stumbled upon plain wood turkeys in the dollar bin at Jo Ann Fabrics, I knew they would make a perfect kids craft. For these little gobble-gobble pals I used just 1 bottle of Folkart paint, fall printed papers and some Mod Podge.


Materials Needed:
Kids wood turkey from Jo Ann Fabrics
FolkArt Acrylic Paint - Autumn Leaves
Foam paintbrush
Scrapbook paper in fall colors and prints
Scissors
Mod Podge - Matte
1.5” wood disk
Small buttons
Silk leaves
Hot glue and glue gun or craft glue

Steps
1. Paint the entire turkey and wood disk with Autumn Leaves FolkArt paint. Use two coats and allow to dry.

2. Cut three leaf shapes from one print and two leaf shapes from another print. Coat both sides of the leaf shapes with Mod Podge, position on the wood turkey and topcoat with more Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brush strokes. Continue until all the leaves are attached.

3. Cut or punch an oval shape and a circle to fit the wood disk. Attach the oval over the tips of the leaves and the circle to the disk using Mod Podge.

4. Hot glue (parents help) the disk to the center of the turkey. Cut a plume, snood and beak from scrapbook paper and hot glue to the disk. Add two button eyes.

5. Hot glue (parents help) silk leaves to the back of the turkey so they face forward.

Textured Pumpkins

Textured Pumpkins

Have you ever seen those paper pumpkins and wondered what to make with them? They really are quite cool and inexpensive. You have so many different options when it come to making something with them. You can decoupage them with Mod Podge, paint them, dip them in glitter or my favorite, add texture paint to them.

Note: The featured table runner is also a crafted item. To learn how to make one, please visit this post.

Materials:

FolkArt Acrylic Paint - Pumpkin
FolkArt Texture Paint - Sparkle
FolkArt Metallics - Sequin Black
FolkArt Metallics - Copper
FolkArt Metallics - Antique Copper
FolkArt Acrylic Colors - Autumn Leaves
Mod Podge Glitter - Hologram Gold
Paper mache pumpkin
Plastic knife
2 Foam paint brushes
Wax paper

Steps:
1. Add 1 teaspoon of Autumn Leave paint, 1 teaspoon of Pumpkin paint and a squirt of Metallic Antique Copper paint to the texture paint. Mix well with a plastic knife. Working over wax paper, apply one coat of the texture paint to the pumpkin and allow to dry overnight.

2. Add depth to the pumpkin by highlighting the creases in the Paper mache pumpkin with Metallic Sequin Black paint. Using a semi-dry foam brush, paint around the stem and down the creases. Allow to dry 1 hour. If your pumpkin does not have creases, draw your own.

3. Apply a second coat of the texture paint to the pumpkin and allow to dry overnight.

4. Paint the stem and the surrounding area with the Metallic Copper Paint, allow to dry 1 hour.

5. Using a foam brush, coat the entire pumpkin with Glitter Gold Mod Podge.

Fall Leaf Table Runner and Candle Sticks

Adorned Candle Sticks & Velvet leaf Runner

To create the runner, cut a strip of brown felt slightly longer than the length of your table and 15” wide. Hot glue velvet leaves all over the runner in a random pattern.

Jazz up candle holders by tying bundles of faux pumpkins and flowers around the center of the candle holder. Look for velvet leavers and mini pumpkins at your local craft store.

Make it: Rustic Pumpkins and a Modern Table Runner

Rustic Pumpkin Centerpiece & Modern Table Runner

(this project was designed specifically for Plaid)

Paint 3 papier-mâché pumpkins with orange Folkart texture paint. (The pumpkins and paint can be purchased at any craft store) Add depth to the pumpkin by painting the creases with dark brown paint. For extra bling, coat the pumpkins with a layer of gold glitter Mod Podge.

On the table runner the simple and modern shapes were created with low tack painter’s tape and FolkArt fabric paint. By combining the metallic bronze and chocolate brown this project is perfect for fall holidays.

Table Runner Materials
FolkArt Fabric Paint – 4429 Metallic Solid Bronze
Store bought cotton or linen table runner
Scotch painter’s tape corners – 2 rolls
Ruler
Foam paintbrush
Wax paper
Iron and board

Steps:
1. Iron the table runner to remove any wrinkles. Choose a work surface where the runner can sit for the duration of the project. Place the runner with a sheet of wax paper under it on the work surface.


2. Adhere the corner tape pieces to the runner in your desired position. (We made this design in blocks of 4 corners.) Press down on each piece of tape to ensure the edges are firmly against the fabric. If needed, use a ruler to help you center the pieces.


3. Pour a small amount of paint onto a plastic plate or palette, dab the brush into the paint and tap off the excess. You will want a semi-dry brush for this project. For best results, paint in an “up and down” fashion rather then side to side. Paint the entire runner.

4. All the paint to dry and allow to air dry for 24 hours. Heat set with a dry iron and a pressing cloth. Handwash only after 72 hours.

Fall Centerpiece: Natural Bean Spheres

Fall Centerpiece: Natural Bean Spheres

I adore this time of year. The leaves are starting fall and I am beginning to feel the crisp in the air. It is time to switch out the haunted Halloween decor and opt in for cozy fall decorations.

What you'll need:
foam balls
mini glue gun
dried beans (pinto, black, kidney, etc)
craft knife/kitchen knife
candle
marker/pen
piece of felt
tacky glue

Making bean covered spheres:

1. Starting in the middle of the ball, hot-glue beans to the ball, making sure to work in a straight line across the surface.

Making candle-holders:

1. Cut a slice off of a foam ball; this will provide a base for the candle-holder.

2. Set the ball on its newly cut base and check to make sure the base is stable. Hold the candle on top of the ball and trace around the outside of the candle. Cut around traced area until the center pops out. Push the candle into the hole.

3. Remove the candle and glue on beans. Place a piece of felt over the (bean-free) base of the ball. Cut around the felt until it fits over the base of the ball.

4. Using tacky glue, glue the felt down over the base. Felt will prevent the foam from possibly scratching a table surface. Stick pieces of cloves in spaces between beans to add fragrance. Place the candle in the candleholder.

Scissor cut fall leaves

Fall Leaf Place-card Holders
We designed this idea specifically for Plaid!

Fall is in the air and in most parts of the country that means leaves are beginning to fall. This time of year is particularly hard for me as I miss my mid-west seasons. I am in sunny Southern California so we don't get too many falling leaves - just palms! Today it looks like drizzle in LA and I could not be more thrilled. The only problem is that I have to do a "big hair" up-do for my 4:00 meeting and I don't want it to fall. I will have to bust out my big can of hair spray or stiffy!

Have you heard of stiffy? (not that kind - hehe) Stiffy has been around for ages. You may remember the stiffy bows of the 80's. The big chintz bows that were draped onto baskets. Ringing any bells??? or am I just dating myself. This product is so awesome and deserves a spin into 2010. I used stiffy to stiffen the fabric for making the fall leaves that are pictured above.

They are easy to make - make one - make a million! Make this leaf shape with the template below or make your own shape.

Last I checked, Stiffy is available at all the major craft and fabric retailers. A little goes a long way and excess can be funneled back into the bottle and reused.

Happy Fall~
Cathie

Materials:

Stiffy by Plaid
Scraps of fall colored printed fabric
Large old bowl 6 clip hangers or clothesline Leaf template large Leaf template - small
Scissors Eyelet & Setter
Printed-paper nametag
Thin ribbon

Steps:1. Pour the stiffy into a large old bowl and dip the pieces of fabric into the stiffy until they are saturated. Remove the excess stiffy by pressing you're your fingers. Don't wring the pieces! Hang on clip hangers or a clothesline, smooth out the pieces and dry for about 1 hour.
2. Trace around the leaf templates with a pencil onto the dry pieces and cutout.
3. Layer 2 leaves on top of each other and attach with a decorative eyelet.
4. Create a printed-paper nametag by either printing one from a computer or making one with stickers. Attach an eyelet to the top of the tag.
5. Thread the tag and leaves onto a ribbon and tie with a decorative bow.
6. Place one at each place setting.
Optional: Leaf ornaments! Skip the nametags and just add a piece of looped ribbon for a hanger.

Download the picture for the templates

make your own silver storage bags

pacific cloth & anti-tarnish silver storage bags

Every year about 3 weeks before Thanksgiving, I do a check of my serving pieces and silver. What needs to be polished? What has chips? And, do I need any additional serving pieces?

I am actually such a big dork that I place small note cards in the dishes and and on the platters so I know what I am serving in what. I also do a trial table setting. This drives my hubby crazy - but for me, it is peace of mind.

If I need new pieces, I always head to my favorite shops for table-top...Target always has great seasonal serving dishes and accessories. TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls and Home Goods are also great places to "hunt and peck" for finds. It is not always 100% that you will find the perfect piece - but when you get get lucky, you can get really lucky!

When it comes to silver, I try the "preventative medicine approach". I have been lucky to inherit my great aunts silver flatware and a few pieces from my grandmother. I have also collected platters, compotes, small dishes and serving pieces though extensive Christmas wish lists (Thank You Parents) and antique shopping.

Silver tarnishes when it is exposed to air over a period of time. Eventually, severe tarnishing can lead to a weakening of the piece and way more work before big family meals. I have few simple tips and tricks for "preventive silver medicine".

1. After each use, wash pieces in warm soapy water. Make sure the pieces are completely dry.

2. For platters and serving dishes, use silver storage bags made from silver cloth. You can purchase these from department stores, home shops or the container store. If you want to make your own - just follow the simple instructions below. (p.s. They also make nice wedding gifts) For flatware, invest in a good storage box. They are generally wood and lined with silver cloth. They will hold a full set of flatware and serving pieces.

3. Don't wrap pieces in newspaper, cling wrap or wrapping paper. This can cause damage over time.


Make Your Own Bags!

Supplies
Pacific Cloth/Silver Cloth (here is some from amazon)
Tape measure
Tailors chalk
Embroidery hoop
Embroidery floss in light colors
Embroidery needle
Sewing machine

Notes: Pacific cloth or silver cloth is treated to prevent tarnish in silver and other precious metals. Look for this fabric online or at your local fabric shop. Sometimes it has to be ordered.

If you have leftover scraps - use them for making small jewelry storage bags.

Steps:

1. Sew a simple pillow case style bag out of silver cloth by cutting two squares of fabric the same size. (measure your silver trays to obtain the proper size needed – just add an 2" extra for the seam allowances and an extra 3" to the top) Sew around three sides of the bag and hem the opening.

2. To add an embroidered embellishment, Slip on side of the bag into a hoop, use tailors chalk to mark a monogram and embroider. A back stitch works well for this project.

Craft Up Apples and Bake Up Apple Crisp

Altered Rolling Pin

Apples are a favorite fall fruit of mine. I love eating them, baking with them, juicing with them and even crafting with them. With so many varieties of Apples at the grocery store it is hard to choose what apple is best for what.

For snacking I love Red Macintosh. Crisp and sweet - yummy! For baking I use Granny Smith - They have a tart taste that is perfect with sugar and they keep their shape after baking. For juicing, I use red or golden delicious and Fuji apples. I like to add carrots and ginger to my juiced apples. When it comes to crafting....I use any apples that are beginning to look sad.

Apple Stamped Napkins
These we made for Plaid!

Easy DIY - Napkin Apron stamped with Apples
These we made for Plaid!

Apple Crisp from Creative Juice

Ingredients Needed:
6 cups of peeled & cut rome or granny smith apples
Juice of ½ Lemon
1 ¼ cups sugar
1 pinch cinnamon
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch ground ginger
1 cup flower
½ cup butter
9X9 baking dish

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Peel and quarter the apples until you have 6 cups.

3. Place the fruit in a bowl and toss with the lemon juice and ¼ cup sugar. The acid in the lemon juice will slow the oxidation “Turning brown” on cut fruits.

3. In a separate bowl mix together the remaining sugar, flour, and spices. Using a fork mush the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is into small pieces.

4. Place the fruit into a 9X9 glass-baking dish. Sprinkle the butter and flour mixture over the fruit.

5. Bake 40-60 minutes. The top should be browned and the fruit should be bubbly.