In the previous post, I showed how to make fragrant sachets using dried lavender. If you find yourself in a situation where you don’t have dried lavender, you can also use soap or one of those bath bombs that fizzles in the water as a substitute. Just pick out some nice smelling soaps for the project.

Easy Soap Sachets Material:

Fabric scraps

Ribbons

Some scented soaps or bath bomb

Easy Soap Sachets Instructions:

1. Cut fabric scraps big enough to wrap around the soap with
2. Place the soap on top of the fabric scrap
3. Gather the ends of the fabric scrap and tie them up with the ribbon.

Hand Warmer Craft Project Material:

Recycled sweater

Needle and thread

Uncooked rice

Hand Warmer Craft Project Instruction:

1. Cut out two pieces of sweater fabric from the recycled sweater, about the size of your hands.
2. Sew the two pieces of sweater together on three sides, leaving one side open.
3. Turn the sweater inside out to hide the stitches.
4. Fill the hand warmer with uncooked rice. Sew the last edge by hand or with sewing machine.
5. Embroider the finished hand warmer if you want.

To use the hand warmer, toss it in the microwave and heat on high for 1 minute.  Remove from the microwave and get ready to snuggle with the hand warmer.

A family recipe is something to be treasured.  How many recipes do you have that have been passed down through the generations?  During the holidays, it’s a great idea to teach your kids about cooking and tell them about those treasured family recipes.  It’s also a good idea to get them working on a fun craft project – the family recipe collection craft project!  This project will give your kids something to do while you’re busy preparing for the holidays.  Your kids will be introduced to “investigative journalism” while learning more about their extended family members.

Recipe Collection Craft Material:

Index cards or blank recipe cards
Family members, friends & neighbors who are visiting
A decorated recipe box

Recipe Collection Craft Instructions:

1. Have your kids interview family members, friends and neighbors for their favorite recipes.
2. Write down the recipe in as much detail as possible. Include a personal story behind the favorite recipe whenever possible.
3. Along with the recipe, decorate the recipe card with the photo of the person who shared the recipe or a photo of the region where the recipe is from.
4. Collect as many recipes as they can.
5. Put all the recipes in the decorated recipe box

Bonus idea: For a memorable holiday gift, make a recipe box and fill it with family recipes for each member of your family. You can give it a theme – “Family Recipes 2009” or “Holiday Recipes 2009” and add a label to the recipe box.  This gift will be treasured for a long time to come by the recipients.