Christmas cards, gingerbread, and christmas crafting

Still in major Christmas preparation mode, nearly all the cards are made now. Just in time to meet the postal deadlines for New Zealand.  It is so important for me to get non-perisables out of the way early to leave time for sweets and other goodies. http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/how_to_make_a_gingerbread_house/
To start with I wanted to make a carousel but I feel for a first try a sleigh might be wiser, I have also seen a gingerbread AT AT.  There are some very talented people in this world.

Made some delicious mincemeat squares durring the
week and even managed to get some photos before we ate it all.  Something I haven't managed with the scone, apple snickerdoodles or banana bread.  Still there is always next time.

The recipe for mincemeat squares is so easy as its an "all in one".









125grams butter softened

125grams soft brown sugar                              250grams self raising flour
1 level teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
400grams mincemeat

Put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix well
Put into a prepared 28" x 18" shallow cake tin
Bake at reg 3/ 160degrees for one hour or until firm.
Cool slightly, turn out and cut into fifteen squares.

I now have a two thirds done Union Jack cigar box for Etsy.  A set of  Manchester United coasters for my nephew and the mirror I was making for my niece has the modge podge drying.  The worries I had about the mirror have sorted themselves and I am pleased with how it has turned out.

Have justed listed the bronze ribbon bracelet on etsy                                                         http://www.etsy.com/listing/87785083/chunky-bronze-bracelet-upcycled

Bags and Blueberry snickerdoodles

 

Finished the bag I was making - this time I used some stickers instead of stamping images on them. This has given a interesting 3D effect. I will use stickers again as I really liked the result.  My friend loved her bag and is talking about getting me to make some for her grand- daughters.

http://buddingbaketress.blogspot.com/2011/06/blueberry-snickerdoodles.html

Yesterday I made one of the recipes I discovered on Pinterest. It was so yummy. I can recmend them.  I am thinking of doing an apple version over the weekend.        I have put a link to Bakergirls blog in case anyone wants to try making them.  Because it is an American recipe you need to know that ALL PURPOSE FLOUR IS plain flour and a STICK OF BUTTER is 4ounces or 113grams.