Better Homes and Gardens BH&G Farmhouse Christmas Projects 2022

BREAK OUT THE HOT-GLUE GUN and scissors—these are a few of my favorite things! Creating Christmas crafts is a time-honored tradition in our home. The rustic look of handmade ornaments and making our own holiday decor from items found in nature recall the simple joys of a farmhouse Christmas. One of my favorite sets of projects in this issue is “A Walk in the Woods” (page 8), where woodland dioramas and glittered acorns dazzle. If you’d rather skip the glitter and metallic paints, check out the fabric-wrapped ornaments in “Comfort & Joy” (page 16). We all know handmade gifts mean the most to the ones you love. Find inspiration in “Festive Food Gifts” (page 22) for delightfully delicious gifts that are as beautiful as they are delectable. In “Gifts to Grow” (page…

SALT DOUGH ORNAMENTS MATERIALS □ One batch of Salt Dough, either original or cinnamon□ Extra flour□ Rolling pin□ Cookie cutters□ Parchment paper□ Baking sheets□ Thin spatula□ Wooden dowel or narrow straw□ White three-dimensional paint pen□ White crafts glue□ Sprinkles□ Bakers twine□ Vegetable oil (optional) INSTRUCTIONS 1. To make Salt Dough: Combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup salt, and ½ cup water in a bowl. If the mixture feels too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Turn it out onto a floured surface, and knead until the dough is smooth and easy to handle. For cinnamon salt dough, add ₁/₃ cup ground cinnamon with the other ingredients, and proceed as you would with the original salt dough. 2. Sprinkle your work surface with flour, and roll out the…

1 WOOD ORNAMENTS Available in multipacks for a few dollars, laser-cut wood ornaments in holiday motifs can be customized with paint, gold foil, glitter, and more. Besides tree trimmings, they also make great gift toppers and stocking or wreath adornments. 2 FABRIC SCISSORS A quality pair of fabric or dressmaker shears—reserved only for flawlessly cutting fabric and cloth ribbon—will be a reliable companion for years of crafting and sewing. Plan to invest between $25 and $50. 3 POM-POMS Red and white pom-poms in a variety of sizes are surprisingly versatile in a holiday crafter’s toolbox. (Think berry-cute decor and sweet snowballs.) Wool felt balls—their pricier cousin—can elevate the look. 4 HOT-GLUE GUN When it comes to securing bits and baubles, this tool is essential for any crafter. For a few dollars, mini versions have one heat setting.…

As fall fades, nature slowly layers on the winter finery. Take a long look at your landscape or, better yet, visit a local forest or park in early winter. The bold colors of fall are replaced by delicate expressions of the new season of rest. Subtle-hued leaves and tiny remnants of the previous season’s bounty are all bedecked in a shimmery layer of frost or, in some places, snow. The bustle of growing is put to rest under layers of winter. We gleaned from nature’s beauty, creating easy craft projects that bring the peace and calm of winter woodlands indoors. DRESS UP FOUND OBJECTS, SUCH AS ANTLERS, ACORNS, AND PINECONES, WITH METALLIC SPRAY PAINT AND GLITTER. INSTRUCTIONS 1 MERRY MUSHROOMS MATERIALS □ Foam eggs□ ¼ yard silk velvet□ Foam glue□ Crepe paper (white or off-white)□…

Buttermilk Biscuits PREP 15 minutes BAKE 10 minutes at 450°F 3 cups all-purpose flour1 Tbsp. baking powder1 Tbsp. sugar1 tsp. salt¾ tsp. cream of tartar½ cup butter¼ cup shortening1¼ cups buttermilk 1. Preheat oven to 450°F. In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and cream of tartar. Add butter and shortening. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter by repeatedly pushing down through the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (rotate the bowl to cut in uniformly). Use the back of a spoon to make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add buttermilk all at once. Using a fork, stir just until mixture is moistened. 2. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead dough by folding and gently pressing it with your lightly floured hands just…