My ugly bowl contest contender

If I use a new soup recipe only to be disappointed with the taste, I usually figure if I add some more salt, it will be OK. Nope! Maybe some ketchup- that improves everything. NOPE. Being one who does not throw away food (it's leftovers to the last crumb for me), I'll then put the stuff into containers and hide it in the back of the freezer to deal with at a later date. Well, the bowl posted above followed that scenario. The image in a magazine looked like a really good idea. But once I started creating it, I knew it wasn't going to work out. Not wanting to give up on it, I tried adding an embellishment (the decorating equivalent to ketchup). NOPE, NOPE, NOPE. Ugly, ugly, ugly. If there's ever an ugly fabric-coiled bowl contest, I definitely have a contender.

Leftover magic

These two to three inch disks, made from fabric and cord leftover from projects,

really tempt your creativity. Sam and Giddy had a great time decorating them, making them into ornaments or brooches. There's a lucky teacher out there or aunty who will be the recipient of these treasures. Sam opted for the "skull" and, with the hot glue gun, attached pearls and crystals. Two even looks like a lollypop.

My pie plate holders sold out at the recent Salem Covenant Church Arts and Crafts sale. I am now taking custom orders for Christmas. What a great present that you can personalize. Think of the welcome you will receive when you arrive at a holiday party with a pie in hand, a plate of cookies or an appetizer held in this hand-crafted item? Or, write up or print out your favorite pie or hors d' oeuvres recipe and include it with this plate holder. A great gift. Suggestion: If you would like to personalize it even more, I can create it from fabric of, let's say, an old apron which you have sentimental ties, or even a shirt..... as long as the fabric is 100 percent cotton it will work. I put a light coating on the inside of the fabric to protect it, making it easier to spot clean. I make the plates in traditional Christmas colors: however, you can pick your own color scheme. Just give me a photo.

My favorite holiday cookie recipe -Starlight Mint Surprises

My mom still makes these for Christmas. She says it is getting harder,however, to find the mint/chocolate wafers that the recipe calls for. Got any ideas where to find them? Starlight Mint Surprise

Sift together 3 cups of four, 1 tsp. soda, 1/2 tsp. salt. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup of butter (could use 1/2 cup butter and 1/2 cup shortening or margarine. Add 1 cup white sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar and blend together. Then blend in 2 eggs; 2 Tbls. water and 1 tsp. vanilla. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Chill the dough. After chilled, take about one tablespoon of dough, and encase a chocolate mint wafer inside the dough. Form into a ball and place on a greased sheet. Press a walnut half into the top of the ball. Bake at 375 degrees for about 10-12 minutes. Recipe makes about 4 1/2 dozen.