Happy Friday!!  To wrap up the week of favorite posts, I thought I would feature Bob's Christmas Cottage.  This is definitely an all-time favorite.  The attention to detail is amazing. 

If you think it looks impressive wait until you hear how he made it. 
He started with ordinary 12×12 chipboard , cut
out a design, hot glued it together, and painted it with white acrylic
paint.  Next, he hot glued the shingles, which are Rips candy, to the
roof.  He whipped up royal icing to use as mortar for the peppermints
that he used as stones for the foundation and chimney.  He also piped
icing on the porch roof and ground to simulate snow.  He made sugar
glass window panes by melting sugar and pouring it out into sheets.  He
used Twizzlers to tie tiny little bows on peppermint wreaths, and to
outline the roof. 

I know, isn't he awesome?!?
 

 And, just a little more eye candy.   Here's one of my favorite Christmas mini albums that I created for a Ustream class last year.

____________________________________

Keeping with the family friendly ornament theme this week, we made this beautiful, simple little ornament that also smells wonderful.  They, along with the glittered pinecones we made earlier in the week, give our tree a fabulous "nature" feel. 

To make, just preheat your oven to 225 degrees (F), and cut 2-3 oranges into approximately 1/4" slices.  Place on a wire cooling rack (not a baking sheet because they will stick!), and bake in the oven for approximately 2 hours or until mostly dry.  Check them after about 1- 1 1/2 hour (and turn -optional).  Cool, and tie with elastic cord to hang.

Happy Holidays from our family to yours!