Holiday Projects

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AUTUMN ADVENTURES

Even the youngest of children enjoy collecting mementos on a nature walk. Make a bracelet by wrapping a strip of masking tape loosely around your wrist with the sticky side out. Press pebbles, bark, and lichen onto the tape. Create a mosaic of textures as you walk.

Capture autumn's rich hues in a delicate tapestry of leaf imprints. Place a piece of unbleached muslin or linen on top of a few sheets of newsprint. Collect leaves and place them face down on the fabric. Cover with wax paper. Pound them with a hammer or mallet to transfer the patterns and colors to the fabric. Choose the freshest materials available because dry leaves do not have enough pigment to make a clear print. Experiment with different leaves. To set the colors, combine 1/2 cup of salt with 3 gallons of warm water. Soak the fabric for 15 minutes.

RECIPE

Ingredients
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
2 cups applesauce
Cooking spray

Directions
 
1. Preheat oven to warm, 200 degrees.
 
2. In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the lemon juice and the honey.
 
3. Stir in the applesauce.
 
4. Coat a 13 X 9-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray. Pour in the mixture and spread evenly.
 
5. Place the baking dish in the warm oven. Cook for 12 hours, or until the fruit leather is pliable but not brittle.
 
6. Cut the fruit leather into strips and store it in
an airtight container.

Rediscover the joys of childhood. Beautifully photographed, Together: Creating Family Traditions is a journal of family traditions, seasonal projects and recipes. We invite you to experience a book that turns your attention away from the commercial aspects of the holidays, to a more personal expression of the seasons.