In November, we held our Thanksgiving ~ Christmas Craft Day for the sisters in our ward. Our meeting was from 9:30 to 1:00. They had their choice of 3 classes:
1. Piecrusts 101 along with a demonstration of how to make English Toffee.
In the piecrust class they each made a double crust and filled it with cherry pie filling then wrapped them to take home to bake.

2. Painting characters on brick pavers.
For the painting class sisters had their choice of painting a turkey face with a pilgrim hat, a snowman with earmuffs, a ladybug and a Santa. Several sisters liked this so much they bought extra pavers to take home and paint.

3. Fleece hats and more.
In the fleece class everyone made a hat with fringe at the top. They learned numerous ways to tie fringe. They learned the steps to making a ‘Rag Quilt, they were shown ways to use a single layer of fleece, double layers in several different ways, a cap with a brim, a reversible cap with brim, 2 different scarves, a baby blanket and jacket with crochet edging, whimsical fleece flowers to adorn caps, blankets, etc.

Classes were 1 1/2 hours. After the classes we had everyone gather and then had demonstrations on how to make a quick and easy layered felt turkey, how to paint an Advent Scripture Candle, how to make a cute stuffed pumpkin in 15 minutes or less and finally hints, helps and ideas for gift wrapping. We had handouts of instructions for each class. We give out patterns for the felt turkey, a felt cinnamon stick lamb that could be used for a package topper or ornament with buttons for wool, directions for painting the candle and a list of scriptures to be read each day from Dec. 1 to Dec. 25 as they burned the candle to the next dot and finally directions for making the stuffed pumpkin. Many packages in different forms were on display and each was explained along with how to save on materials for wrapping. Comparing gift wraps for quality, what to look for when buying ribbons and how to use them.
Basic instruction on how to wrap a simple package and lots of ideas of different ways package gifts.

The sisters were asked to bring a batch of their favorite holiday cookie along with the recipe and while classes were being held copies of the recipes were make and assembled into a booklet for each sister to take home. The sisters also brought their own sandwich and the Relief Society did the rest including having a large crock-pot with hot water available for hot chocolate or cider. For nibbling fresh vegetables and dip were on the same table.

The sisters had a wonderful time and were still talking about it in church the next day. They visited, laughed and enjoyed learning new skills and just being together. They said they didn’t feel rushed and had plenty of time to complete their projects which I feel is always important because we know if we don’t finish it there it probably won’t ever be. I hope this day of ideas inspires you to try it in your wards. You’ll love it and your sisters will too.

Grace Gilmore, Stockton CA

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We are doing a Super Sat in Oct and these are a few of the ideas that we are kicking around.

Toothbrush rugs, on a piece of glass stencil or silk screen the nativity and it will set in a wooden , slotted stand and you stain the stand the color to match you home.

The Cotton press temples in a frame with dried flowers (I have taught this class about 20 times, in different wards and stakes)..
Maybe the gold leaf on a clear film with a picture

The garden stakes that you put in your yard,

Pumpkins , made with dryer hose, painted and put leaves on top of them.

Maybe a cookie exchange with the recipes.

-Launa

Our Super Saturday for November is themed…Trading Spaces.

We are planning some crafts but in the midst of everything (times are listed) we will be having demonstrations on…

Faux finishing, texturing walls etc.
How to refinish furniture.
Decorating on a Budget ideas

For crafts we are making…

Decorative Bulletin boards
Eye spy bottles
light up decorated paint can (with holes punched in it)
Decorative pillows
cards

I think I am supposed to pretend I am Paige Davis while introducing our Decorators but then again I may not…???

We have had a lot of interest from the young women for this activity.

-Stefni Ritcher