11.02.2010

Welcome...

to Day 1 of the Home for the Holidays blog hop!

Presenting today's complimentary holiday-themed pattern...

"Happy Holidays....starring St. Nick"

A quick little punch needle project for a 6" star-shaped Santa. Rusty jingle bells and chenille trim adds additional detail and texture to the piece. I chose to mount my St. Nick on an antique sewing machine oil can purchased on eBay. Piece could also be made into a tree ornament by adding a Christmas tree hook to the top of the hat. How about reducing the pattern down for a sweet lapel pin or enlarged for an accent throw pillow? Just adjust the size of the jingle bells accordingly. Have fun with it and remember we love pictures of finishes!!



you can find the pattern here.

(Remember when printing to set at 100%. Most printer defaults are set at "shrink to fit". You want to select 100% in your print preview. The pattern will print on two 8 1/2" x 11" pieces of paper.)

I collect Santa dolls so it only seemed fitting to share a Santa pattern with you. I received my first Santa in 1988 from my husband, a corn husk Santa. He picked it up on his way home from his first job interview after graduating from college. Upon entering our humbling little student housing apartment, he gave me the Santa and told me his good news...news of being hired. Really no words needed to be said, the twinkle in his eye, dimples in his cheeks & a little corn husk doll in his hands said it all...

My Santa collection has grown over the years, many made myself, some purchased and some received as gifts. The little corn husk Santa still sits on the piano each year...it has a special spot in my heart.

* * * * * * * *

When our children were young, freshly baked Christmas cookies were placed on a plate for Santa, along with carrots for Rudolph, the night before Christmas. The kids would both write Santa a note, explaining to him that they had been good little children (there may have been a white lie or two), before heading to bed. Sadly, kids have a way of growing up and some of these Christmas traditions are just warm fuzzy memories of days past. With the addition of grandson Beckham to our family, things have come full circle. We will once again put out a plate of cookies for Santa and maybe a carrot or two for Rudolph...I can hardly wait, as Santa will be sliding down our chimney once again, filling stockings of good boys & girls.

Christmas cookie baking day is an annual event in my kitchen. It is just a one day event. It is a big day of baking...a marathon baking day, you might say. The house on this day will be filled with the sounds of my favorite Christmas songs, the aroma of cookies baking & a Christmas candle or two burning, and myself dusted from head to toe in flour, colored sugar & frosting. I'll bake Spritz cookies for Erin, Peanut Butter cookies with Hershey Kisses for Matthew, Mrs. Ulrich's Sour Cream Cut Outs for Dave and Raspberry Almond Short Bread Thumb Prints for myself. Today I am sharing with you my personal favorite cookie, enjoy!


"Raspberry Almond Short Bread Thumb Prints"





Click here for a printable version of recipe card.

(Two tips to pass along when making these. Rather then using my thumb for the indention, I use a spent cork from a wine bottle ...makes the cutest, best little holes for the jam. Another trick is to fill a small sandwich zip lock bag with the jam. Zip bag shut and cut a small piece off of the corner of the bag. Jam now squeezes out into holes with no mess. I use the same bag method for applying the glaze.)

We'll be spending Christmas with our kids and their families at our home. We'll feast on the traditional supper of grilled beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes and all the trimmings. Dessert is always Red Velvet Cake...a tradition started by my Mother. After supper Dave will build a fire. We'll sit around the warmth & crackling noise of the fire, and unwrap gifts and enjoy the presence of each other. A few days later we'll go to the farm for Christmas...my Mom & Dads. We'll all meet at our favorite shopping destination and shop for our adopted family. We'll double up in teams of two's and shop for our particular family member. We then head back to the farm and take turns wrapping our gifts in the center of the living room on a small card table. The gifts are then placed into a big sack, simulating Santa's bag, and delivered to the family in time for their Christmas. We'll then enjoy a meal of Mom's homemade chili, various appetizers, ginger reindeer cut-out cookies and Red Velvet cake once again. Christmas doesn't seem complete until that has happened. There really is something to be said about the phrase..."Home for the Holidays".

Wishing you all a blessed & joyous holiday season! Also it is at this time I'd like to say "Thank You" to all my followers & customers. Your comments and patronage are sincerely appreciated...our customers are the best and we enjoy serving you!

Please join the Granola Girl for day 2 of the blog hop.


Kind Regards,

Brenda

71 comments:

Penny said...

Loved hearing about your holiday traditions and memories. They made me feel all warm inside. I can't wait to punch the santa freebie you posted. He is adorable! Thank you for sharing. Let the holiday season begin.

Miss Stacy said...

Brenda,

Your project is just darling... Your recipe sounds delicious and I can't wait to bake a batch up with my girls ~ and your post was so, so, sweet!

It was such a joy to hear about your family traditions and how now you will be leaving out a plate of cookies for Santa... as he will be sliding down the chimney with gifts for the grandchildren! *PS... I hope he leaves a little something for you too!

Thanks for sharing with all of us! We have BIG Santa boots to fill!! :-)
Happy Holidays...Stacy

Anonymous said...

staboloWell I stayed up past midnight to see all the goodies and loved every single thing. I printed out the Santa Claus first.....alas and alack the type didn't print in readable English. It looks like something is wrong with the font so I guess I will have to wing it or write it out longhand. All because I wanted to beat the crowd and an overload on the server. LOL
Thanks it was beautiful.Happy Holidays!!!

Country Prims said...

I was so excited to see your post this morning and soooo enjoyed reading of your family Christmas traditions-I love Christmas time:))

Thank you so much for the lovely pattern, which I am off to download and I can't wait to try your recipe-this is such an exciting 'hop' Stacy came up with:)

Thanks again, for the lovely post,

Shazy x

LibbiesHome said...

Just when I said I would not start another hobby... I might just have to take that back and give punch needle a try - that Santa is too cute to pass up! Thank you so much for sharing the awesome pattern, the delicious cookie recipe, and the beautiful holiday traditions. What a lovely start to the holiday season!

Mary @ Neat and Tidy said...

This is going to be the best blog hop.

Unfortuntately, I don't needle punch. This Santa is really cute.

Siobhán said...

Thanks so much for the santa freebie! I have all the supplies for punch needle, just haven't tried it yet... I am anxious to try my hand at it! I collect santas, too, so I will particularly enjoy this--as I enjoyed hearing about your collection. I loved hearing about your traditions, too! Thanks for the recipe!

bonniequilt said...

Santa is just adorable...cant wait to get punching!! and the cookies too...Thank you again

Vickie said...

I enjoyed reading about your traditions! I can't wait to try the Santa! He is adorable!
Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays!

The Wooden Acorn said...

Absolutely beautiful Brenda...from your family traditions to your incredible Santa project.

Happy Holidays to you and thanks for kicking off the season with this blog hop. Looking forward to all the other designer's blogs too.

Dina said...

Can't wait to get the kids off to school so I can get back home and start this cute little project. Thank you so much for taking the time to put this together for all of us to enjoy!

The cookies look delicious. I'm thinking maybe I should make a "trial" batch (just to be sure they're OK - LOL)!

Thanks for starting my day with this lovely post and inspiring me to embrace this upcoming holiday season with joy, and most importantly the love of family! This blog hop is such an awesome idea!

Crystal said...

OMG!! I'm punching your Christmas in the Country pattern right now. Can't wait to start the new santa. Love it!!!Thank you so much. Love the cookie recipe too. I make cookies for our annual cookie walk/swap. I hope to add this cookie recipe to the list of cookies I will make this year. Thank you for sharing.

Kathy B. said...

The anticipation you built us up with was well worth the wait. This is a beautiful project I can't wait to complete. (I have been sewing and stitching your patterns for many, many years!) Thank you for sharing this special design as well as the heartwarming account of your family's Christmas.

Unknown said...

Your blog looks so festive and cheery.
I love the pattern and am thinking about hooking it into wool to make a pillow.
Of course I will be trying the cookies soon.
Don't we all love family traditions. My granddaughters and I always decorate cut out sugar cookies. Sprinkles and sugar decorations flying every where.

Anonymous said...

Adorable santa, thank you so much for sharing your traditions. Have a beautiful day!

Lizzie Tish said...

Dear, dear Brenda,
I have been waiting patiently and it was well worth it! Thank you SO much for the punch needle santa instructions! NOW I know what to make for my annual staff holiday gifts! They will LOVE it! And the cookies, well I'll make those for ME!
An early Very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the beautiful needlepunch santa project - I'm thinking Christmas ornaments!!
I loved hearing about your family traditions and look forward to trying the cookie recipe!

Maggey and Jim said...

I really enjoyed hearing about your holidays. Yes, the grandchildren make it even more special. I too love Santas and will be making this a more traditional way as I don't needle punch. I love the pattern. Thanks,
Maggey

ohiofarmgirl said...

Wow, i could hear the Christmas music and feel the warmth of the fire in your post...thanks so much for the pattern but really for sharing your traditions...I love the holidays. Dianntha

Carrie P. said...

thanks for sharing your traditons, cookie recipe and the sweet little pattern. I can't wait to make it.
Happy Holidays!

Lisa S said...

What a beautiful post Brenda!! Loved reading about your family traditions! The Santa is adorable! I don't do punch needle but I msy have to give it a try now.
Raspberry Almond anything is my favorite! Thanks so much for the recipe :)

Unknown said...

I'm a new reader and I'm so glad I found you! Thanks for sharing your pattern, recipe and family traditions....I think I'll borrow them all!!!

Vicki said...

I think this blog hop is a great idea! I didn't know I was ready for the Christmas season until I read your blog this morning. Thanks for sharing your traditions, recipe and pattern.

Anonymous said...

Brenda;

Thanks so much for the wonderful St. Nick pattern and ideas! I can't wait to start punching! What a great way to kick off the Home for the Holiday's blog hop. I'm starting to get the Christmas spirit already - thanks!

Sue L in Denmark, WI

WoolenSails said...

With all of the beautiful things you make, I can imagine how wonderful and warm your house must be on the holidays. The free pattern is perfect for a swap I am doing, she loves santas.

Debbie

Stefanie said...

What a precious Santa -- I can't wait to get started! Thank you for sharing such a sweet gift and for the memories and recipes!

Karin E said...

Thanks for creating the wonderful santa. It's going to be fun to make. Your talents are very much appreciated.

Randee said...

Brenda....Thank you so much for sharing. I don't needle punch but I think stitching him up and making him into a tabletopper would be cute also! Can't wait to try the recipe. Wishing you and your family Happy Holidays!

aztel2000 said...

Thanks so much for the adorable little Santa. I am going to use your tips for the cookies also--wine bottle cork! Never even thought to use one. Karen in Breezy Point

Anonymous said...

Brenda, Thank you for sharing about your holidays! Getting in the spirit already reading your blog. The santa star is so sweet - I can't wait to make him. He's actually going to be my second santa punch needle project - I have another almost done - he's going to be a great addition. Thanks so much for sharing - your designs are the best! Happy Holidays!

Jodi

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the adorable Santa and the yummy cookie recipe. Love your blog.

Darlis

Kathy H said...

I am getting the Christmasy feeling after reading your blog. Thanks for sharing your story and the punch needle santa is just adorable. I am hoping I can make him before Christmas. Thanks.

~Laurie~ said...

Thank you so much for a wonderful recipe and pattern. I've never tried punch needle work - but this Santa is so darling I may have to start!! The cookie recipe is familar - one of my son's favorites - one of his memories from "way back" is pushing his thumb into dough. Funny what they remember!!

Beckyjean said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful holiday stories. I loved reading them. The little punch pattern is adorable & I can't wait to try the cookie recipe. Have a wonderful day!!

Becky

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh that santa is absolutely adorable! I never thought about doing something 3D like that with punch needle! And the cookies look delicious!

Jeanne said...

thank you, thank you, thank you....absolutely lovely!! Love the santa and the cookie recipe.
~Jeanne~

Nancy said...

Such a fun and comforting post! And, a free pattern and recipe too. Can't wait to visit the other blogs for all the other fun Holiday times!

Suzanne said...

Brenda,
Your Santa is ADORABLE!! The entire blogpost is so cozy. The cookies look yummy:) Everything is printed and ready to be bakes or punched!
Suzanne

SheilaC said...

Thank you for the delicious recipe and pattern. I have never tried needle punch but that Santa is adorable.

SheilaC

Anonymous said...

I just finished "Keeper of the Crows" for Thanksgiving and I'm ready to start my Christmas. I just love your St. Nick and can't wait to start him. I'm excited to see the rest of the blog hop. You've started the warm fuzzy feelings of Christmas. Now we'll all have time to make personal treasures for those we love. regards, Debby

Bridgidk said...

OMG!!!! How adorable is your Santa!!!! I hope mine turns out half as cute as yours. And the cookies sound soooo yummy. I can't wait to make them. Thank You for all the goodies!!!!

Moonpie primitives said...

Hi Brenda:
What fun I just had reading your blog...Thanks so much for the cookie recipe and the super cute Santa pattern...I love everything you do...
Have a great holiday season and thanks again, Nancy

DianeM said...

What a wonderful post...thanks for sharing all the memories :)
I've printed out both your project & the cookie recipe...can't wait to make both. Enjoy these early November days as the weather turns colder & our thoughts turn toward the Holidays.
Smiles, DianeM

Jeanie said...

Thank you:)

SewLindaAnn said...

Thank you for the Santa Star pattern, I really love it. You have a great blog and I have signed up in GReader to follow. Love your work.

Karen said...

What an adorable project and yummy cookie recipe. This is going to be so much fun to follow. Thanks for sharing your holiday traditions with us. I can feel myself getting into the holiday spirit.

Karen

Sandy said...

Thank you for sharing your family and traditions with us. Great pattern and I am definitely trying the cookie recipe...yummy!

Stina Blomgren said...

Loved your post today.. just perfect for getting in to the mood for Christmas.. and I love the cute Santa.. Will have to try and find out to adept the pattern for another stand of some sort.. those oilcans cant be found in Sweden.. but I wish they were..:O)) Thankyou so much for sharing!! :o)

Mary said...

Thanks for the Star Santa. I love to do needlepunch, so I was hoping for a project from you! Thanks too for doing this hop!

Linda said...

Thanks for sharing your holiday traditions with us all. Love Santas as well. Not sure how to to needle punch. The cookies I will definetly make.

Ellen S said...

What a wonderful project, thank you so much!! Also for sharing your favorite Xmas memories!! Every Xmas I pull out my CS patterns, and sew away!!! Some I've had for many years!! I wouldn't take anything for them!!
Happy Holidays!!

Ellen

A Plain Path said...

Lovely pattern and the raspberry shortbread cookies sound and look delicious...can't wait to try those this year. Thank you for partcipating in the holiday blog hop!!

pinsandneedles said...

Thanks for the adorable santa star pattern and the delicious looking cookies. Two of my favorites - almonds and raspberries! YUM!

DSFinn said...

Thank you so much for the wonderful Santa pattern and the delicious sounding cookie recipe. I can't wait to try both of them. Everything you do is so very delightful. I love all the little details including the pretty recipe card and the blog photos and decorations. I look forward to your new patterns each season. You are an inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for a great post with the pattern and recipe. What fun this will be to read the posts of the other designers too.

Love your blog and your designs - you have great ideas. Plus I enjoy hearing about Beckham and seeing his photos.

Happy Hollydays.
Charlottte S. from CA

Karen said...

Thank you for the wonderful santa pattern and the delicious sounding cookie recipe. St. Nick is adorable and I can't wait to make him. Thank You, Karen M

Wendy said...

I loved reading about your family traditions. Thanks a bunch for the santa and cookie recipe.

SoozeM said...

Thankyou so much for such a gorgeous pattern! I know I have a punchneedle around here somewhere, I will have to send out a search party for it! And thankyou for the recipe, I can't wait to try it out!

kays said...

Love the St. Nick pattern, have it halfway punched already. Thank you for sharing your creative thoughts and family traditions.

patijane's primitives said...

Thank you for sharing your pattern, Brenda. Can't wait to punch it. The cookie recipe sounds yummy too. I am going to include it in my Christmas cookie making this year.

Terri said...

What an adorable Santa! Your presentation and photography is so lovely.

I can't wait to try your cookie recipe. Cookies are my favorites!

Enjoyed reading about your holiday traditions. That's what the holidays are all about. Special moments with those we love. I wish you many of those special moments this holiday season ~ Terri

Anonymous said...

Wonderful post that puts me in the mood for the holidays. Your free project is ADORABLE....blessings!!

Linda said...

Love the Santa! Can't wait to make the cookies!

Carrie ~ Cricketwood Prims said...

Thanks for sharing your family traditons and memories, they are heart-warming!
Love your santa and the recipe too!
This is a wonderful time of year.

Darlene B said...

Thanks for the great cookie recipe. I'd really like to try this. Could I make them soon and freeze them until Christmas? (I can't believe we're even thinking about Christmas already!)

Dandelion Quilts said...

Isn't this fun? Those cookies look too good to pass up. Thanks for the fun blog hop.

Carol said...

Love the punch needle Santa--I've always wanted to try it--maybe this will be the incentive. And, oh my, those cookies look yummy--may just have to make them for my family Thanksgiving cookie tray this month! Thanks for sharing :)

Sue Taylor said...

One of my favorite things to do, along with quilting! I love all of them for the holidays. It would be very hard to choose, but could put away the rest to work on all year long. Thank you for the printables & recipe! Enjoyed reading & exploring your site! Sue T.

bairdmtn said...

Thank you so much for sharing your Santa pattern and your Thumbprint cookie recipe!! Can't wait to make them both! I am already feeling the Christmas spirit and I am so excited about that!!!

Annelein said...

The pattern is great. Thanx!

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