The holidays are fast approaching. Don’t panic yet.
There is plenty of time to knit that scarf for Aunt Susie, quilt that stocking for little Johnny, and bake those perfect 144 cookies for your church’s Christmas cookie swap. If you are ready to spend some time creating gifts, memories or goodies, then your Robeson County Public Library is ready to help. Our shelves are full of holiday craft books and cookbooks. Although it was extremely difficult to choose, I am sharing some of my favorites with you today.
— “Ugly Sweater Christmas Party” by Brandy Shay: There is nothing more fun than sporting your own tacky self-designed creation. Wow your workplace, church, or own family with your holiday spirit and creative skills.
— “Kids Make Christmas” by Pia Deges: If your kids are like mine, they want to participate and create holiday decorations and treats. How many of us have carefully saved decorations our children made years ago? I have. And I cherish them. This book is crammed with ideas and will help you make those treasures with your children.
— “Christmas Cookie Swap,” editor Nicole Fisher: Speaking of cookies, have you ever been involved in a Christmas Cookie swap or exchange? Baking dozens of the same cookie, prettily packaging them, and trading with others? This book offers favorite recipes for cookies, brownies, bars and confections. Plus creative packaging suggestions. This is a great way to get a nice variety of holiday cookies. 100 little Christmas gifts to make by various contributors. There is something for everyone in this idea-packed book. As the title states this book brings the best 100 small, easy projects and creative ideas for sewing, stitching, paper craft, knitting gifts and decorations for your friends and home.
— “Country Living Christmas Joys:” This all-in-one book offers decorating ideas and recipes from the editors of Country Living. Make wreaths, snow globes, advent calendars, gourmet-store-worthy cookies and more to make a truly joyful holiday; one-stop for happy crafting.
— “Half-yard Christmas: Easy Sewing Projects Using Leftover Pieces of Fabric” by Debbie Shore: If you’re like me and have tons of smaller pieces of fabric, this book offers 30 simple and stylish ways to use them up. Great for beginners and experts alike.
— “Stitches from the Yuletide” by Kathy Schmitz: Embroidery sometimes seems like a lost art. This new book includes beautiful, simple holiday patterns to create charming embroidered pillows, tea towels, wall art, ornaments and much more.
— “Out of the box holiday baking” by Haley Parker. New twists on flavors and designs to create fun sweet treats for your family and friends. My favorite is the sugar cookie Christmas tree shown on the cover.
I hope I have offered some ideas to encourage you try something new this holiday season. Start your own Ugly Sweater Day at work. Encourage a cookie swap with your friends or family. Plan a holiday craft fair to share your masterpieces with others. Create special memories with your family by making homemade gifts and decorations. But most importantly, make sure you stop by your library for a visit and we will help you get started.
