Chinese Lantern

An easy art project for the kids
to make for the Chinese New Year!

1 Sheet of Red Construction Paper
About 30" Gold Ribbon
Chinese Symbols, Stickers or Printed Paper Glue Scissors

Fold your sheet of construction paper in half placing the folded edge towards you and the open end at the top.

Taking your scissors; cut the construction paper from the bottom to the top in 1" strips leaving a 1 - 1 1/2" space from the top.

After you have made all the cuts across the paper open up the sheet and glue the ribbon across the bottom and the top of the uncut part of the lantern. Glue the Chinese symbols at the top and the bottom on top of the ribbon.

Taking the glue, run one long line of glue along the left side of the longest part of the sheet to the bottom of the sheet. Fold the left side of the sheet under the right side of the sheet forming a circle. Press down to secure it's position.

Glue or staple to remaining ribbon to the inside of the lantern on the top to hang it.

Make a couple of these lanterns in different colors and string them all together!

Congratulations, your all done!

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

Not only does this Sunday (February 14th) happen to be Valentines Day it also is the celebration of the Chinese New Year. We have all eaten Chinese food (and love it way too much), but what do you know of how the Chinese celebrate the New Year and why does it fall differently from our New Year?

Chinese New Year is based on the Chinese Lunar calendar and is 2,640 years older than our very own calendar and the Chinese New Year never begins on January 1st. Each New Year is based on the date of the New Moon in Aquarius and can begin between January 1st and February 18th. Each year is named after an animal, having twelve in the calendar, which cycles again after 12 years. The Chinese say that the animal ruling the year you were born will influence your life.

Which animal are you?

The Chinese celebrate the New Year in a grand way.

The Chinese also take the time before the festivities begin and do a thorough cleaning of the their homes to "sweep" away any ill-fortune and to bring in the new year clean in hopes of good luck coming their way in the new year and to be forgiving of grudges and seek peace for all.

Traditionally, on New Years Eve, you might find the family celebrating together with a large feast and ending the night in a great show of fireworks and parades.

The Next morning the children will great their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year and in return the children would receive money in red envelopes, representing good luck and fortune.

Much like how the rest of the country celebrates the New Year, the Chinese take special note about centering their new years celebration about forgiveness of others and of wrongs done and to wish only the best for each others lives in the new year.

Happy New Year!

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....

EtsyBABY has the pleasure to introduce
Three NEW members to our team!

Fabulous & functional baby goodies is what Golly Gee Baby is all about! A sister team that offers bright colors and unique styles in their handsewn items. They have a wonderful selection to choose from ~ slippers, boots, blankies, dresses, hats plus more!

Lil Blessings Bowtique offers gifts for babies on the go! She specializes in custom orders and has her signature item...the Change-N-Play(TM) ~ a changing pad/travel wipes case and diaper carrier with a toy attached!

Cinnaberry is a full service embroidery studio that offers one-of-a-kind children's clothing and accessories. They specialize in handmade clothing from 6 mos - 4T. Each design is fully customizable with the click of your mouse! Simply add the "Personlize It" item to your cart and let them know how you want it!

Valentines Day Heart Card Holder

A few pieces of felt, a little time and love and
you can make one of these Valentines Day Card holders.



Here's what you'll need:

2 Full size sheets of felt cut into hearts, both in the same size.
4 Pieces of coordinating ribbon approximately 12" long
Scrap felt (any coordinating colors) cut into heart shapes
DMC floss in a coordinating color
A sewing needle and scissors

Using your scissors; cut the top off one of the hearts.

Arrange your smaller hearts coordinating hearts on top of the front of the cut heart and hand stitch them into place.

Sew a decorative stitch (whip stitch or blanket stitch) across the tops of the front piece.

Place the front heart panel on top of the back, uncut heart panel.

Place the ribbon pieces in between the back and front heart panels just under the front panels embroidered top. Make sure to pin the ribbons in place as well as pinning both panels together so they won't move.

Using the same decorative stitch, sew around the outer edge, making sure to keep the top open.

Add some Valentines Day Cards and Celebrate!

Valentines Days Card Holder Contribution:

Visit Liz here at: Daisy Creek Designs

Super Sweet Valentines Day Card

Candy Cane Valentines Day Card

Here is what you'll need:

Paper Cutter, or ruler for an accurate cut
1 Piece of White Card Stock
1 Piece of Pink or Red Card Stock
2 Large Candy Canes, Paper pealed off
A Black pen
A Hot Glue Gun

Using your paper cutter; cut the white card stock into a finished piece that measures 5 x 7.

Cut the pink/red card stock into a finished piece that measures 8 x 12.

Fold the pink/red card stock in half and set aside.

Tear the edges off each side of the white card stock.

Taking the hot glue gun; glue the candy canes onto the white card stock forming them both into the shape of a heart.

Using your black marker; write the phrase, "Happy Valentines Day - February 2010 around the edge of the candy cane heart.

Glue the white card stock on top of the pink/red card stock.

Viola!

You have a handmade Valentines Day card for someone special that will mean more than any store bought card ever could!

Valentines Day Card Contribution:

Visit Liz here at: Daisy Creek Designs

Team EtsyBABY© Welcomes....

Team EtsyBABY has the pleasure to introduce 2 NEW members!

MyGlamorousBaby is a family owned company that started in 2005. Their clothing is unique and adorable! They love custom orders! They also have a new creation and trademark "Dulce's World"....characters that are fun, sassy, unique and will sure charm everyone from small to big.

Looking for beautiful accessories for babies? Neishasblue is the place to shop! She carries a wide selection of headbands and flower clips. Just the right accessory for your little ones outfits or gifts and they would make the ideal photo prop!

Valentines Day Jell-O Jigglers

Valentines Day Jell-O Jigglers

2 1/2 Cups Boiling Water
2 Packages (8 Serving size) Jell-O Brand Gelatin
1 Cup Cold 2% Reduced Fat Milk
1 package (4 serving size)
Jell-O Brand Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding

Put the gelatin in a large bowl and pour in the boiling water. Stir the mixture for 3 minutes or until it is completely dissolved. Cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.

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In another bowl add the vanilla pudding and milk and beat with a wire whisk for 1 minute. Quickly add in the gelatin mixture and beat with a wire whisk until blended well.

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Pour the mixture into a 13 x 9 inch pan. Refrigerate for 3 hours until firm. When the mixture is set; rinse the bottom of the pan in warm water for about 15 seconds to loosen the mixture away from the pan.

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Use a decorative cookie cutter to cut the jigglers from the pan taking care to cut all the way through the jigglers. Lift the treats from the pan and enjoy!

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Recipe Contribution:

Visit Liz here at: Daisy Creek Designs