Do you remember last year? We did those glass blocks with lights in them. They were a big hit and they all loved them (even the gals that first complained about them being too costly.)

I would like to keep the cost even lower this year, maybe only $5 - $7.

I like to stay away from santa and reigndeer. It also has to be something that doesn't require any talent! LOL

As usual it has to be cheap but look like a million bucks (maybe just short of that!)

So, do you have any ideas?

I looked around at Crafts Direct and just wasn't inspired at all. I feel like my "creative hormones" have died!

OR make up a large batch of hand lotion (I think someone at the KT has a recipe too) and put in glass jars.

Ingredients

(All these ingredients are Dollar General brand)

* 1 petroleum jelly
* 1 aloe vera lotion (green bottle)
* 2 pink baby lotions
* 2 vitamin E creams

Mix with mixer

Then let the seniors decorate the jars. Instructions for the scrapbook papered jar Do a search for joyous jars Day 2 (it's a bit past half way down the page) for instructions.

Just make sure you have a variety of cookie cutters and ribbon and some paints Preferably white for a frosting look

Ingredients:
3/4 - 1 cup (cheap) applesauce
One 4.12oz bottle ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of white glue (the school kind)

Tools needed:
Rolling pin or a glass
Cookie cutters
Straw or toothpick
Wire rack

Method:
Combine the applesauce, cinnamon and glue to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with a cookie cutter. Make a hole for a ribbon with a straw. Place on a wire rack and let dry for several days, turning occasionally.
A Waxed paper lined box can be used to tote home and they keep (dried out) for years and smell good every year.

Bring a small microwave to the meeting place and let everyone take turns doing their own. These are really cute, cost very little to make, in fact everyone could do 6 probably for under $3. And they hold up great, I received one at a ornament party years ago and it was fine, last time I checked it. Super cute on a tree with garland of popcorn and cranberries.

Susie

Are there any tips I need to know about micro-ing the popcorn? Can the balls break? Is ten always enough?

One of our gals is "popcorn crazy!"

This sounds like the project, if I can find the clear balls.

You will need two empty toilet paper rolls, scissors, glue, spray paint and cording for hanging. ( You can use an empty paper towel roll).

Cut each of the tubes into 7 pieces, making the cuts about 1/2 inch wide. Put 7 aside. With each of the other 7, fold in half, then glue folded end inside a point of each of the 7 you have to the side. ( See pictures below) Put glue on the end with the insert of each petal and arrange in a circular shape like a flower. Let dry. Take outside and spray paint the color of your choice. I used metallic gold. These are pretty done in silver, white, red, etc. When paint is dry, add a hanger of cording.

"To make this ornament, remove the cap from a clear glass ball ornament, add in a teaspoon or so of unpopped popcorn, place the ball without the cap in a small paper bag, then pop it in the microwave for a minute or so until the corn pops. Microwave times will vary with different ovens and ornament sizes so experiment until you find the right formula."

I think my friend added some red berries INSIDE the ball after the popcorn was popped and cooled and tied a ribbon on the outside, along with some fake greenery. Oh, and allow for some breakage until you hit on just the combo of kernels and time in the micro!

Also this one-

I sold those balls at a craft show years ago with ones I'd hand painted..PEOPLE "gobbled" up the popcorn balls.. LOL