Here at Chestnut Hollow we have been enjoying a blessed December month. This is one of our favorite months here at the Hollow and we have been enjoying and savoring every moment. We have spent the month decorating and fluffing the house for Christmas, baking favorite Christmas cookies, shopping, and wrapping, and enjoying simple Christmas festivities. Our thoughts have also been on the Savior and his birth into this world in the form of a baby. How he took on human flesh and humbled Himself so that we could know forgiveness of sins and the peace that comes with eternal life. How wonderful our His names: Counsellor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father & Prince of Peace, to name a few.

PAPER CRAFTING THURSDAY

I'm joining in on Kelli's 'paper crafting Thursday' today. As I am sure you are all more than aware, Kelli has a lovely blog "There's No Place Like Home".

Today I would like to share some Christmas gift tags that I have made using cardstock, old Christmas cards, stickers, ribbons etc. These are really addicting to make and once you get started the ideas flow. It is so nice to adorn a gift with a touch of something homemade.

CINNAMON SPICE ORNAMENTS

These oranments are so fun to make and the smell is heavenly! Your house will literally smell of cinnamony goodness!

3/4 c. ground cinnamon
2 tbsp. ground cloves
1 tbsp. ground allspice
1 c. applesauce
1 tbsp. ground nutmeg

Mix all spices together, blending well. Add applesauce and mix well. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness on wax paper. Cut shapes. Gently transfer ornaments to an ungreased cookie sheet and allow to dry at room temperature, 4 to 6 days. Before drying, make a small hole in top of ornament with a large needle and a loop of gold or silver thread or apply a small magnetic strip to back. When ornaments are completely dry, store in sealed plastic bag or air tight container until ready to use.

I strung red gingham ribbon through the holes and tied in a bow



I hung the ornaments on a little table top tree and added red beaded garland. I made mostly star-shaped ornaments but also added smaller hearts and gingerbread men.

An easy Christmas floral arrangement

Two bunches of holly plus creamy white flowers (I used hydrangeas) placed in a wood basket. Simple yet elegant. The white flowers really "pop" against the dark green of the ivy.