R.Brian Rueby August, 2010

Reborn Baby Dolls

I always thought the Reborn baby dolls brought out the maternal instinct in a woman, but the other day I listened to a couple of women talking and began to wonder. “Wash the baby with an alcohol swab until she is nice and clean then hold her with a steady hand as you trace the veins so they stand out nice and blue. Once you’re done, lay the baby carefully on a towel in a cake or pie pan, depending on size of infant and place them on the center rack in the oven. I like to bake my babies at 250 degrees for about 10 minutes.” Words like that didn’t bring the maternal issues that I envisioned to forefront of my imagination.

Reborn dolls started out as a way to reclaim, rejuvenate and modernize existing silicone and vinyl based dolls. It is an amazing transformation of the old to the newer more realistic baby like standards of today. Chemical and mechanical formulations have been created that rejuvenate the vinyl along with instruction videos bring many new crafters into the fold. To hold and show a finished piece that was brought back from the world of obsolescence is an amazing accomplishment.

There are new Vinyl blanks available from a number of artists on line and in certain hobby shops that are made just for this art form. They even cater to beginners by pre-painting the vinyl blanks and inserting the eyes so all that is needed is putting on the eyelashes and wigs. Then stuff the body and attaching the limbs presto, you have your new reborn baby to have and hold.

Now, just like all other hobbies there are varying levels of how far you take the craft. The pre-painted and eyes inserted is the easiest. Then there is the wig selection and eyelashes. These can be painted, pre-made wigs, or needle felted, where individual hair strands are placed using a felting needle. The wigs themselves are available in varying grades, from a simple cap to the clear cap that is nearly invisible.

Taking a clean vinyl blank and painting the five to seven coats of heat set paints to bring the most lifelike color and texture into the baby or infant reborn doll is another step up the craft ladder. The painting style of the crafter also shows the quality and pains put forth in the presentation. This would include the extra fine veins, and eyebrows, or the clear gloss around the nose and tips of the lips. Then there is the paint inside the head, which gives tonal variances inside the nose, for when you drill nasal passages.

The care of Reborn Babies after they are completed is also very important. Great Britain and the United States have run many articles on police responding to and breaking into cars that have non-responsive children in vehicles. If you are going to take a Reborn with you do not lock her in the car without a large sign stating Reborn baby is not real. In other words always treat your Reborn baby as you would a real baby.

Remember always safety first, when you bake your babies at 250 degrees use pot holders when you pull them out of the pan. As with anything else, good tools make good product, and practice improves everything. To see more of Kimberly’s Dolls, visit us at www.kskritters.com or Google Reborn dolls for more information.

Tags: babydolls, Crafts, reborn

• Art , Articles

R.Brian Rueby July, 2010

The magician pulls out his wand his magic wand and starts to say those famous words, Ala-kazam or Hocus Pocus, as he waves the wand. Poof goes the well timed smoke pellet and out of the empty box he pulls a rabbit. Wood working magic is an illusive illusion that occurs when someone with limited talent, creates something that they can use and are proud enough to use it.

There are so many forms of woodworking, from the intricate lathe, and saber saw work to the more traditional small tools that most people have. These house hold tools are sneered at by many, but they can produce amazing things that you should be proud of. No, I am not talking about hanging pictures or using the screwdriver to change the batteries in a favorite toy. These items I am talking about are time consuming and very relaxing for me.

Magic is a hobby of mine so it makes using the wood working craft that much more interesting. If I can create something the others don’t have, like my very own wand then it makes mine different than the plastic store bought ones. All I had to do is go out and ask the trees to donate one of its branches. Then if you asked properly you may find that the tree had dropped the perfect piece and all you have to do is pick it up and say thank you.

The wand shown was then stripped of bark, and sanded smooth. It even has a notch that my finger can lay across and give more control to the wave. Once you’re happy a bit of stain and a sealer like oil, varnish or polyurethane and you have a finished piece. All you need is some time, patience, a knife, sand paper and some kind of sealer. Items most households have or a trip to the corner store and minimal amount of money would remedy.

The illusions I create are not true magic, but the wood working to create them is. Like the Golden Egg a simple illusion where 2 pieces of rope are pulled through a solid golden egg. Or the Dragon Pagoda, where an empty space inside allows an object to materialize as you stare at the space. The Dragon Box is one of my favorites. For Halloween night I will swing it open showing that it is empty and than close it up again. I make the children say the magic words, Trick or Treat and then reaching into the box I start pulling pieces of candy enough for all of them. One of my more intricate pieces because it is a hinged box that is pegged and glued together with the only screws in it acts as hinges. These allow the magician to swing it open showing that it is an empty box. I did have to buy some wood, dole sticks, and glue, but it was worth it to see the kids’ faces.

A craft is a skill, art or dexterity. Wood working and magic are both crafts because you use all three to create a finished piece. Fortunately there are different levels obtainable in all crafts and each is equally enjoyable. Now watch me pull a rubber chicken out of my wood pile. For more information about magicians contact the Society of American Magicians at www.magicsam.com or the International Brotherhood of Magicians at www.magician.org . For more information on wood working, check out your local hobby or hardware store.

Tags: Art, Crafts

• Crafts

R.Brian Rueby June, 2010

The dragons of olde dream the dreams of times gone by. Of when their wings would spread wide to catch the air that would lift them on high. The armor plated scales of their chest still shone bright. Fore the fires that burned deep within heated those so hot that when their flames burst forth, they would light up the night sky, telling all that dragons ruled. Now the elders lay upon their horded treasures, which remind them of the days of olde.

There are still dragons within the world today that are growing old as they fly among the mountain tops. They have no fear of man, but also have no place in the world of man. They are not needed to sway wars, or bring the wrath of gods down upon them, for man has learned to do that upon themselves. So now they fly high among the mountain tops, where man so seldom comes. They grow old in their own time as they find treasures to be hidden away for their day of dreams.

Today there are so few young dragons born, who will play with the fairy of the wood. The need to keep them alive in this world of science is even more important now then ever before. So let me tell you of a woman that still knows how to make dragons live. Her dragons and fairies start out as a craft that combines with others, only to excel to an art form of needle felted sculpturing.

Though let us first go back for Felting is one of the oldest textile fabrics dating back to 6300 BC when dragons still roamed the world. Wet felting is a combination of loose wool, water, detergent with motion and pressure. The use of needles to create the felt didn’t come about until the industrial era, when the need to remove water and detergent from the process became apparent. Then in the 1980’s it went another step from the two dimensional textile to a three dimensional art form. Through the use of a single or multiple hand controlled barbed needle a crafter could create wonderful things from loose fiber wool.

Wall hangings, appliqués and patches are some of the popular uses for the process, but it is the three dimensional art form that has always caught my eye. The ability to mold the loose fibers with almost as much precision as one might mold clay amazes me. Yes, it takes that special eye to make a masterpiece, although some very beautiful pieces are made by people with very little natural ability also.

There are instructions all over the internet for finding materials, and how to do wet felting and needle felting, so I will not go into depth in the particulars. The ability to find working needles have finally reached the different hobby, craft and fabric stores around the country. If they do not carry any near you, ask, or look on the internet for a small starter kit. All that is needed is a needle and colored wool. To save money a fiber fill for stuffed animals is available in all craft stores and works wonderfully for practice and finished pieces, and very inexpensive at the same time.

Do not get me wrong needle felting is not for the feint at heart. The needles are very sharp and it is being thrust into a roll of loose material that rests between your fingers, so please be careful. One artist teases that she charges per needle prick instead of hours worked for the price of an object. Rarely does it draw blood, but the faint at heart need be very careful.

With that said, if you take a look at the picture of assorted needle types and you will see that they are very sharp and can come in many shapes and styles. Select one that works for you and make sure it is comfortable. Everyone has their own technique and they vary slightly although most involve starting with a roll and punching the needle into it. By changing the angle and the depth and needle style different effects are created. With each thrust of the needle more fibers are captured and dragged deeper into the roll changing the surface and firming your roll. A firmly packed piece is preferred, although not an absolute necessity and not needed from the beginning.

Get a feeling for the needle and concentrate on what you wish to create. With practice and learned technique almost anything is possible. A wired frame of florist wire is helpful for creating a base outline to follow, but again is not a necessity. It is only an outline for consistency to size.

Remember that only one thing matters when creating any kind of craft. Practice improves your ability, and if it does not make you happy, it is not worth doing. So enjoy your selected craft, or let someone else enjoy it and marvel at what they can create. When you see a crafter that has taken it to the next level and made an art form, remember the hours that must have been involved in the creation and a kind word is always appreciated. Patronage of a starving artist is also often appreciated, but I hope you will find your own craft and become the creator.

All photos copyrighted property of Kimberly Rueby

of www.kskritters.com

Tags: Crafts, dragon, needle felt

• Articles

R.Brian Rueby May, 2010

Painting Stained Glass

As the sun rises over the horizon the marvel of the mornings glory rises with it. The light radiates in a multitude of colors from the predawn grays to the blazing yellows as the sun pulls itself away from Mother Earth’s horizon. The molten mass of the sun climbs higher and higher. The morning light reaches out and strikes the sun catcher in your window throwing its colors into the kitchen.

That radiating piece of glass can be bought in many shapes and sizes, from the beautiful to the inexpensive looks nice. The only problem is that the design you want is never on the shelf, and unless you can pay for a specialized piece you will never get that perfect one. Stained glass is beautiful, but impractical for a person of mediocre art abilities to create. Stained Glass Paint, in easy applicator bottles are made by a couple of different manufactures and is very affordable for creative people of all ages.

With very little practice a decent piece of art can be created, and with thousands of free patterns on the internet, it makes it even more affordable. From small pieces of plastic, or glass blanks that can be found in craft stores, you create your own experience. As you become more comfortable with the art form you can go on to larger endeavors such as your bathroom window, a personalized decoration to your privacy fence, or your front windows. You’re only limited by your desire to try.

I will not recommend one supplier over another, but if you wish to go on to the more permanent pieces. Please test a finished piece to the heat and light of your summer sun before committing the hours or work to find that it will fade. Check out your local craft store for a brand they carry, if they don’t, check out the internet, but stay with one brand throughout a single project.

The premise is simplicity in itself. A line drawing of the finished art is placed under the glass to be painted. I recommend a small amount of tape to the underside of piece that will allow easy removal when the piece is finished. The pattern can be a captured (non-copyrighted) logo or piece of art, a free pattern such as available through the internet, or a piece of art that you have created.

Once it is securely in place the black bottle tip is clipped off at the angle you prefer and start to squeeze the glue like substance out. Trace the outline of the pattern, leaving a continuous line of black which is the equivalent of the leading in a stained glass window. This is the framework for your piece. It also gives you a point of reference in case the pattern moves later.

Following the black or some prefer gray leading; the colors of the piece are added. There are many tricks of blending and patterning of the colors, but they can be learned through experimentation and personal color mixing experience. The only thing that really matters is that the full area is covered and like a coloring book, don’t go out side of the lines.

Some people call this crafting, but others take their craft beyond the edge to become an amazing art form. Have fun enjoy the relaxing affect of creativity and the satisfaction of knowing you created a one of a kind piece of art. Then as the light strikes the piece allowing it to capture and change the rays of light into a kaleidoscope of colors cascading over your room. Lean back and say, “I made that”

Copyright 4/1/2010 R.B.Rueby

Tags: Crafts, stained glass

• Articles

Sarah Watson November, 2009

Festival time is around once again, and with it comes all the excitement and wonder of browsing the shops, playing games, and finally getting that turkey leg. I can’t help you with getting the turkey, but I can help you save money by offering advice to get those old-fashioned goodies cheap- or even help you on how to make them yourself.

The first piece of advice is to shop wholesale, or find deals on sites like ebay.com or etsy.com. Ebay has pretty much anything you could ever need, and if you see something, you have the option to haggle or bid as low as you think the product is worth. On sites like etsy, you can find supplies to make your own products, such as hand-mulled soap, homemade candles, hair accessories, jewelry, or whatever else you would want to make. And like ebay, you have the option to haggle or buy wholesale through certain shops.

Second, sniff out and pounce on sales- this can be garage sales, thrift stores, or even throw-aways that aren’t wanted. You can find things to build up on, like an awesome shirt that you can use to rip up or add to. By building your supplies or, say, a custom outfit for faire, you are saving money in the long run. Also, by building from the bottom up, you have all the options of customization without paying for something you don’t need- you can simply find someone who can customize it for less if you can’t do it yourself.

Last but not least, do NOT discard any remnants of old materials or scraps, such as melted candle wax, old buttons, ragged shirts, floral bits, etc. Put them aside- there might be a day and time for those remains. You can use the castaways to make something quick and easy that might alter the way something looks or feels. Also, you can use them to barter or trade with people- either for a cash return or for a service or product that they might offer. Remember, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

By doing just these little steps, you save time, money, and effort. In the long run, you might be able to go get that turkey leg- or even two- and not have to worry about spending the money in shops when you can make things yourself, or find them cheaper.

I save money as often as I can, and find new recipes or skills to dabble with. One powder that I make on hot days at faire is great on skin and helps with the heat. I do not remember how I heard about it, or when- but I call it “Faire Days Heat Helper:”

Faire Days Heat Helper

Mix together equal parts of ground cinnamon, powdered         cardamon, and cornstarch. Rub onto skin and leave on as a perfumed powder.

Also, I have an enormous stash of buttons and other oddities. I make quick and easy buttons that go great with dancer outfits or tribal getups. Collect a few buttons- about 7 per ear ring. You also need wire, hemp cord, fishing line- or another type of thread or cord- and ear ring posts.  Depending on the desired look,some jewelry links might prove to be useful. Attach the cord to the ear ring posts, and then attach the buttons to the cord or wire (wire works best) through the button holes. Loop the wire around, which secures these to the cord. Add more buttons to make any desired effect you might want to try. At the end, add a knot or two and then trim the excess. Photos follow, in order, illustrating good materials to work with, and the steps in order to create these ear rings:

Stay tuned next time to read about how to make your own hair wreath or crown and bath soak that will make you look- and feel- like a million bucks, as well as give a lesson on chakra importance and how it applies to making you look and feel beautiful.

Tags: buttons, Crafts, herbs, natural

• Crafts

Administrator July, 2009

James M. Sutter (Jimmy)

52 years old, born in Queens, NY

Living in the DFW Metroplex of Texas

Twice married and divorced, currently in a serious relationship.

Children: 5 (Four girls and a boy)

Grandchildren: 5 (Four boys and a girl)

Two ancient pine trees watch the path to the clearing where the next full moon will bring ritual and celebration.

In 2006, when I turned 50, I started seriously examining my life and my beliefs. As a “recovering catholic”, I had serious doubts about the dogma I had been fed over the years, and through research and curiosity I started exploring the pagan path.

I joined a coven, and began my year and a day study. Although asked to initiate after that time, personal reasons precluded that happening. I am grateful for the experience though, and at times really miss my sisters from the coven.

This was done for a friend’s new house. He was just going through a relationship breakup, and starting out new. The scarab signifies his rebirth, and the tools to help him on the journey are all included, with the Eye of Horus watching over him for protection and all the knowlege hidden in the ancient pyramids at his disposal.

During that year of intense growth and introspection, I began some meditation that really began to almost overflow into waking dreams. Symbols and colors seemed to overwhelm me at times. Almost by accident one day, after painting the walls in my living room I needed to clean my brush. Since I was planning on painting the bathroom next, I went in and simply started wiping the brush on the wall, and there in front of me I saw the beginnings of what was to become my first “painting”. It was the symbol of the Goddess, and it started a whole project. At the urging of my girlfriend, Kathy, I continued going with what she called “spirit painting”, and melded meditation and painting into one. The results were the compilation of several meditative journeys, and allowed me to create a very personal “ritual room”, where daily I can reflect and think about where I stand in the big picture, while I get ready to face the outside world. Having never painted before, it was quite an experience.

This is one of my favorites, and influenced by my girlfriend, Kathy, who is of Native American descent. It reflects where I see us, as a planet, in the big picture of the cosmos. Where just a jewel in the middle of the dreamcatcher of the Gods.

From there, I was urged by my girlfriend to express myself further by exploring painting, and I gave it a go. My first attempt was a small canvas rendition of a cottage in the woods, and served to whet my appetite for painting in oils. Now, I almost always have a painting in some stage of completion on the easel. I don’t have a specific form or style. I just let my mind take the painting wherever it has to go.

Tags: crafter, Crafts, painter, paintings

• Articles

Amy Jung May, 2009

It’s been a busy month for me getting my herb gardens in. With the smell of Spring in the air I felt the need to share some of my favorite spring recipes. Lavender rolls are a yearly treat at Beltane in our house, hope you enjoy them as much as we do. Hope your celebrations are the best, lets make this is the first day of a Blessed Spring for all!
Lavender Herb Rolls

1 pk Active dry yeast
1/4 cup Warm water
1 Teaspoon white sugar
a dash of salt
3/4 cup cream cheese
¼ cup milk
1/4 cup Honey
2 Tablespoon sweet Butter
1 Teaspoon Dried lavender buds
1 Tablespoon Fresh lemon thyme
1/2 Tablespoon Fresh basil (finely chopped)
1/4 teaspoon Baking soda
2 Eggs
1 ¼ cup Unbleached flour
1 ¼ cup whole wheat flour

In a small bowl, add sugar to water, dissolve yeast in water mix (put this aside till it begins to foam). In a larger bowl, mix together the cream cheese, milk, honey, butter, herbs, baking soda and eggs. Add the yeast mixture. Gradually add flour to form a stiff dough, beating well after each addition. Cover and let rise about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. Punch the dough down. Place in a well-greased muffin tin. (you can use paper muffin cups if you wish) Let rise 30 to 40 minutes, or until doubled in bulk. Bake at 350 F. 20 to 30 minutes or untill golden brown.

Makes 10 rolls

ROSE WATER

(for skincare, not to be eaten)

2 cups of dried rose petals
1/4 cup vodka
1 cup witchhazel
1 cup distilled water
1 tsp glycerin
10 drops rose oil

Pour vodka, witchhazel and water over rose petals.
Put in a crockpot on low setting for at least 3 days.
Strain liquid into a jar (preferably not a clear jar), discard the rose petals.
Add glycerine & rose oil.

Tags: Crafts, herbs, lavender, rose water

• Herbal

Amy Jung March, 2009

Crafty Natural Dyed Eggs and Herb Salad with Champagne Dressing

Crafty Natural Dyed Eggs

With Ostara just around the corner, everyone in my house is preparing for the coming spring.  Our yearly routine, after cleaning and clearing is the preparation for the celebration at Ostara.  I decided for this month’s column I’d add my families method of creating Ostara eggs and the herb salad that we serve with lamb.  I always use herb and vegetable dyes for eggs, as I am not about to eat or serve boiled eggs coated in chemicals.  Doing the herb dyes takes quite a lot longer than it does with the variety you buy in the local store. I personally don’t mind the extra time it takes, as I know they’re safe to eat, without any mysterious additives.  I hope you’ll all forgive me for adding some veggies to the dye list, as sadly the eggs can’t be done with herbs alone.  This method requires a bit of preparation and a lot of experimentation, but it’s all great fun.  You’ll need a pan big enough to allow the eggs to roll around in the boiling herb/veggie and water mix.  I always add my herbs first, then the eggs, cover them with enough water to leave about 2 ½ inches above them so they can roll around well.  For each quart of water you add, add about a teaspoon of white vinegar (the vinegar makes the color more bold).  Allow the eggs to come to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.   Remove the eggs, and allow them to sit in an egg carton long enough to dry, then decorate with glued-on dried herbs, markers, or similar things.

How to get the color: (Of the list below, you can add a single item or any combination you wish, it’s all experimentation to get the result you desire).

Purple:  crushed violets, purple pansy, geranium, grape juice (frozen concentrate seems to work well), blueberries or blackberries

Yellow: Chamomile tea, goldenrod, dandelion tops, daffodil blossoms, orange or lemon peels, carrot tops (yes I mean the green part), green tea, celery seed, cumin

Red: Hibiscus flowers (I use the tea), red onion skin (you’ll need a good quantity of these, ask in the produce department if they’ll save them for you), pomegranate juice, cranberries, raspberries, fresh beets (cut up, sometimes this produces a more pink color)

Blue: Red Cabbage leaves, liquid grape juice

Green: Spinach leaves (these may take a bit longer than 30 minutes, use your own judgment on the color)

Brown/Tan: I use discarded coffee grounds (about 3 pots worth), black walnut shells and black tea (used tea bags)

Herb Salad with Champagne Dressing
Herb Salad

4 cups baby spinach leaves

1-cup fresh mint leaves

¼ cup fresh parsley

¼ cup fresh basil leaves

Goat cheese (to your personal flavor)

Champagne Dressing for Herb Salad

1 cup of extra virgin olive oil (the best quality mild flavored oil you can get)

¼ cup champagne vinegar

½ cup champagne

A dash of sea salt (to taste)

A dash of freshly ground pepper (to taste)

½ teaspoon of white sugar

Blend all of the above in a blender, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tags: cooking, Crafts, crafty, dying, eggs, Ostara, Recipes, salad

• Crafts

Amy Jung February, 2009

I had this fantastic idea this month to post a great craft, something really intense to get some interest going in this new column; however life and its strangeness sort of bit me.  I have a very emotional and sensitive four year old son.  Over the past week or so, he’s been having horrid nightmares (night-terrors his doctor called them) but this diagnosis carried with it no solution.  This isn’t the first time this has happened to him, and I suspect it won’t be the last.  Being the crafty Hedgewitch type I am, I wanted to find a creative solution that he could help to make.  I decided to help him make a dream pillow.

Dream pillows can be as intricate or simple as you want them to be, but with him being only 4, I will go through the way I’ve done it with him.  (I tend to try to be as environmentally conscious as I can, as well, so we’re using recycled fabric on this pillow).

First things first, we need to grab all the things we need.  I opted to use a pair of pants that he’s worn out. I am only doing a simple one layer pillow, since it’s too much for him to be involved too long and the fabric is thick for an inner and outer layer (The inner pocket I normally use is muslin or something similar, its simply filled with the herbs and sewn on all 4 sides).  My adult dream pillows tend to be a bit larger, but he’s only got a small head so for this project his size pants leg works great and even better, I don’t have to hand sew 4 sides of fabric (my new sewing machine hasn’t arrived yet, and the old one, well its as useless as it gets).

For a child’s pillow I try to keep the shape and size simple, for this project I want a 4 inch by 4 inch square.  For adults I’d tend to go 6-8 inches by 4-5 inches (rectangle not square).  I do adult pillows in an envelope style, this one will be a plain square (mostly because I often change the herbs in my own to suit my particular needs at any given time, but I am honestly making an excuse to have another craft to do with him in the months to come )

Now that the fabric is chosen lets grab our herbs).  Lavender for him is an obvious first choice as he loves the smell and it calms him, as it does for most people.  If it doesn’t work for you or you’d like additional herbs; you can try Cedar as it helps to rid you of bad dreams, Anise does the same, Bay Laurel (the bay leaf you cook with) rids you of negativity, St John’s Wort is thought to banish spirits (I personally haven’t tried this).

Ok, now you need your needle and thread or sewing machine, whichever you prefer.

Sew 3 sides of the fabric all the way, and the 4^th side part of the way down, with the wrong side of the fabric facing out.  Flip the fabric so the seams are inside.  Now we’ll add our herbs.  I am using about ¾ of a cup of lavender for this pillow, you can use as much or as little as you want, but remember if the pillow is too thick it will make sleep uncomfortable.  Once you have added your herbs, sew the open edge closed.

Now that you’ve finished your dream pillow, slide it inside your pillowcase and enjoy an herb filled restful nights sleep.

Help Me Sleep Tisane

Tisane is an herbal tea style drink.  The difference between tisane and herbal tea, is that there are no tea leaves in tisane.  So we’re creating an all natural herb based hot drink.

You’ll need the following:

1 cup chamomile (the herb, chamomile tea will not work for this)

3 tablespoons lavender flowers

Mix together and store in a sealed container.  Use what fills your brewing method of choice (a tea ball for instance) pour boiling water over, and steep like normal tea for 3-6 minutes (the longer you steep, the stronger the flavor) add a bit of honey to sweeten and you’re all set. Enjoy

Tags: Crafts, dream pillow, herbs, infusion, tea

• Articles

Hearthkeeper December, 2008

Merry Meet and Blessed Yule and Litha… I have been remiss in remembering that these pages may not only be seen in the Northern Hemisphere.. so as of the next issue I will be adding information for the opposing Sabbat so that those of you in the Southern Hemisphere will not feel abandoned. Sometimes you do not always remember that WWW really is The WORLD WIDE web..

I have decided that this will be a cookie column…

I will try to include as many yummy mixes as I can

COOKIES IN A JAR (10 recipes)

Layer ingredients as listed in a quart jar, attach directions shown below.

CRUNCHY TOFFEE COOKIES

2/3 cup toffee chips
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHOCOLATE LOVER’S COOKIES

1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
1/3 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

HUSTLE-BUSTLE BUTTERSCOTCH-OATMEAL COOKIES

1/2 cup butterscotch chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

OUTRAGEOUS OATMEAL-RAISIN COOKIES

1/3 cup raisins
1/3 cup chopped walnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

WONDERFUL WHITE CHOCOLATE-MACADAMIA NUT COOKIES
1/2 cup chopped macadamia nuts
1/2 cup white chocolate or vanilla milk chips
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHUNKY CHOCOLATE COOKIES

1 cup chocolate chunks
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

HOLIDAY HAZELNUT COOKIES

1 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CRAZY FOR CRAISINS COOKIES

2/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHOCOLATE-COVERED RAISIN COOKIES

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
2/3 cup chocolate-covered raisins
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

CHEWY COCONUT-ALMOND COOKIES

1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted and cooled completely
1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup buttermilk biscuit and baking mix

Instructions for layering ingredients:
In 1-quart wide-mouth glass jar, gently layer and pack ingredients in the order listed. If there is any space left after adding the last ingredient, add more baking chips, dried fruits or nuts to fill the jar

Place lid on top. Cut an 8-inch circle of fabric to cover lid. Place fabric over lid; secure in place with a rubber band, then ribbon or raffia. Decorate as desired.

Note: When measuring brown sugar, crumble it between your fingers for uniform texture. Be sure to pack the brown sugar firmly in the jar to prevent the baking mix from sifting down through it.

Make a gift card to attach as follows: “Empty contents of jar into medium bowl. Stir in 1 stick of butter or margarine, melted; 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until well combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375 degrees for 1! 0 to 12 minutes or until cookies are light golden brown.

Makes 16 bar cookies.”

Top of the Stove Cookies

2 cups Sugar

1/2 cup Milk
1/2 cup (1 cube) Margarine
6 tbsp. Baking Cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 cup Chunky Peanut Butter
3 1/2 to 4 cups Quick Oats

Add all ingredients to a large sauce pan, except for the Vanilla, Peanut Butter, and Oats. Bring to a boil. When melted turn to med. heat and add the Vanilla and Peanut Butter. Remove from heat and add Oats. Be careful not to add too many and make the mixture too dry. But you don’t want it runny either.
Drop by tbsp. on waxed paper or aluminum foil. Let cool and set before eating.
Makes about 2 dozen.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies in a Jar
Makes about 30

3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
8 peanut butter cup candies (eg. Reese’s) cut into 1/2 inch pieces

Mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside. Layer ingredients in order given in a 1 quart “wide mouth” canning jar.
Press each layer firmly in place. It will be a tight fit. Add chopped peanut butter cups last.

Attach these directions to jar:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

1. Remove peanut butter cups from jar. Set aside.
2. Empty remaining cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to throughly blend mix.
3. Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened at room temperature. DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE. Add in 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
4. Mix until completely blended. You will need to finish mixing with your hands.
5. Mix in peanut butter cups.
6. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on greased cookie sheets.
7. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 12 to 14 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

Chocolate Covered Raisin Cookies in a Jar

Makes about 30
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup chocolate covered raisins
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
1 3/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Mix together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Layer ingredients in order given in a quart size wide mouth canning jar. Press each layer firmly in place making sure you really pack it down before you add the flour mixture, it will be a tight fit but it will work.

Attach instructions to the jar:
Chocolate Covered Raisin Cookies

1. Empty cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly blend mix.
2. Add 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened at room temperature. DO NOT USE DIET MARGARINE. Add 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
3. Mix until completly blended. You may need to finish mixing with your hands.
4. Shape into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on a parchment lined cookie sheet. DO NOT USE WAXED PAPER.
5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) 13 to 15 minutes until tops are very lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to racks to finish cooling.

Makes 2 1/2 dozen

Gingerbread Cookies in a Jar

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 gingerbread boy-shaped cookie cutter  Use a clean 1 quart jar and press each layer down firmly. Put in half of the flour along with the baking powder and baking soda. Add the spices and the remaining flour. Add the brown sugar last. Tie a ribbon around the top of the jar and attach the cookie cutter and the directions below.

Attach these directions to the jar:
Gingerbread Cookies
Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Mix in 1/2 cup softened butter, 3/4 cup molasses and 1 or 2 eggs. Mix until completely blended. Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface. Cut into shapes. Place cookies on lightly greased cookie sheet about 2″ apart. Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Decorate with icing.

Snickerdoodles in a Jar
by AllHomemadeCookies.com

This old-time favorite can be a warming gift to grandparents and elderly neighbors who still enjoy baking.  Why not bake them up a batch of these delicious cookies to go along with your mix in a jar gift, they’ll be delighted! In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cream of tarter
1 1/2 c. sugar

Place the mixture in a pretty jar or airtight container and include the following gift tag:

Snickerdoodles

1 package Snickerdoodle Mix
1 c. butter, softened
2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 T. cinnamon

Preheat oven to 355 degrees.  In a large mixing bowl on low speed, cream together butter and eggs until smooth, adding one egg at a time.  Add the snickerdoodle mix and continue to beat mixture until a dough is formed.  Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.  Arrange on ungreased cookie sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 16-18 minutes.  Cool on wire racks.

Candy Coated Chocolates Gift Jar Cookie Mix

This cookie jar makes a colorful homemade gift for any
occasion. You can use regular sized candies instead of the
mini’s if you like. Prep Time: approx. 15 Minutes. Cook

Time: approx. 12 Minutes.

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup mini candy-coated chocolate pieces
1/2 cup raisins
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/4 cups quick cooking oats

1 In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, salt and
cinnamon. In a 1 quart glass jar, layer the ingredients in the
following order: Flour mixture, walnuts, 1/2 cup of the mini candy
coated chocolates, oats, remaining candies, and brown sugar. pack
down well after each addition and attach a tag with the instructions.

2 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

3 In a large bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of butter, 1 egg and 3/4
teaspoon of vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir int he contents of
the jar until well blended. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place
them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.

4 Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to
cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to
cool completely.

Makes 4 dozen ( 48 servings).

The above can be put together as gifts to give at any time of year.. of just put together so you always have a cookie mix available

Alabama Chocolate-Pecan Jumbo Christmas Fudge

Yield: 8 Servings

Ingredients

1 1/4 c  chocolate wafer crumbs

1/3 c  butter; melted

1/2 c  butter; softened

3/4 c  sugar, brown

3    egg

12 oz semisweet chocolate morsels;

- melted

2 ts coffee, instant

1 ts vanilla extract

1/2 c  flour

1 c  pecans; coarsely chopped

1    whipped cream, sweetened

1    chocolate syrup

1    maraschino cherries with

-stems

1    mint sprigs

Instructions

Combine chocolate wafer crumbs and 1/3 cup melted butter; firmly

press on bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan or pieplate. Bake at

350F for 6 to 8 minutes.

Cream 1/2 cup softened butter; gradually add brown sugar with

the electric mixer at medium speed until blended. Add the eggs, one

at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the melted chocolate,

instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, flour and chopped pecans.

Pour into the prepared crust. Bake at 375F for 25 minutes. Remove

from oven and cool completely on a rack.

Before serving, pipe sweetened whipped cream on each piece and

drizzle with chocolate syrup. Garnish with cherries and/or mint if

desired.

Espresso Thumbprint Cookies (Cookie Exchange Quantity)

Make your mark with coffee-flavored cookies. The shape is classic.

1 cup packed brown sugar

3/4 cup shortening

3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 tablespoon instant espresso coffee (dry)

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 egg yolks

2 1/4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup whipping (heavy) cream

2 tablespoons instant espresso coffee (dry)

1 bag (11 1/2 oz) milk chocolate chips (2 cups)

1 tablespoon coffee-flavored liqueur, if desired

About 1/3 cup crushed peppermint candies, if desired

1.  Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, beat brown sugar, shortening, butter,

cocoa, 1 tablespoon dry espresso, the vanilla and egg yolks with electric

mixer on medium speed, or mix with spoon, until creamy. Stir in flour and salt.

2.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Place about 2 inches apart on ungreased

cookie sheet. Press thumb into center of each cookie to make indentation, but

do not press all the way to the cookie sheet.

3.  Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are firm. Quickly remake indentations

with end of wooden spoon if necessary. Immediately remove from cookie

sheet to wire rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.

4.  Meanwwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream and 2

tablespoons dry espresso over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until

steaming and espresso is dissolved. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate

chips until melted. Stir in liqueur. Cool until thickened, about 10 minutes.

5.  Spoon rounded 1/2 teaspoon filling into indentation in each cookie. Top

each cookie with 1/4 teaspoon crushed candies.

Thick Sugar Cookies

2 cups margarine or butter

2 1/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

6 cups flour

3/4 tsp. salt

4 Tbsp. milk

Divide dough in half (or sixths). Chill 1 hour. Roll out half of dough 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Use greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit/190 degress Celsius for 12 minutes. These can be frosted. Makes about 5-6 dozen standard-sized cookie cutter shapes.

Peanut Butter Blossoms (Cookie Exchange Quantity)

Watch for smiles and plenty of hugs when you pass a tray of favorite

chocolate and peanut butter cookies.

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup butter or margarine, softened

2 eggs

3 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

Additional granulated sugar (about 2 tablespoons)

About 7 dozen Hershey®’s Kisses® milk chocolates

1.  Heat oven to 375°F. In large bowl, beat 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the

brown sugar, peanut butter, butter and eggs with electric mixer on medium

speed, or mix with spoon. Stir in flour, baking soda and baking powder.

2.  Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in additional granulated sugar. Place

about 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

3.  Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until edges are light brown. Immediately press 1

chocolate candy in center of each cookie. Remove from cookie sheet to wire

rack.

Coconut Chews

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup brown sugar, packed

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

2 eggs

1/2 tsp. salt

2 Tbs. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup flaked coconut

General Info:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Instructions:

Mix together butter and confectioners sugar until smooth.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups flour. Press this mixture into an ungreased oblong baking pan (13X9X2). Flatten evenly.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.

In the meantime, combine remaining ingreadients; mix well.

Spread over baked crust in pan, and bake for 20 minutes.

Cool and cut into bars.

I know that this is a large list.. but it is actually been pared down some.. please feel free to share and have a cookie for me..

Merry Cooking and Blessed Eating

The Hearthkeeper

Tags: cookies, cooking, Crafts, home, Recipes

• Recipes