Colored Corn Autumn Bracelet

As promised, here is a non-turkey craft that my daughter and I made together last week.  We used some tricolor gourmet popcorn that was sitting in the cupboard to create a multi-colored autumn bracelet.  If ever we have a chance to make more corn bracelets or necklaces, I would look for bigger Indian corn kernels.  Even after soaking, the kernels were tricky to poke through with the needle.  About half of the small kernels cracked in the process and had to be discarded.  I would also make sure to find a thimble, since I poked my finger with the needle a couple of times when threading the kernels.

Nevertheless, both my daughter and I thought the results were worth the investment.  The inspiration and instructions for this project came from Goose and Binky.  She recommends doing this with children ages 8 and up.  I think it is a great project for when adults are busy in the kitchen or occupied with watching football over a holiday weekend.

Would you or some children you know would enjoy such a project? 

Or are you wary of crafts that require needles?

Thanksgiving Without the Turkey

This year we get to celebrate Thanksgiving twice! We have so much to be thankful for, including the lives of our children, provision of a new job for my husband, and all the help we received from people before, during, and after our move across the border.

Canadian Thanksgiving (which is celebrated on the second Monday of October) has come and gone.  For that occasion, my husband and I shared the cooking; he did the duck, I made the sides and desserts.  Our American Thanksgiving menu and strategy will be quite similar, including him roasting the duck.

Our Simple Thanksgiving Menu:

Sweet Potato Rolls

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Roast Duck

Green Beans

Wild Rice Dressing

Pumpkin Pie

While I like eating turkey, duck is more delicious.  I've never cooked a turkey in my life and have no plans to break my streak.  The only drawback with duck is that it is tricky to carve and eat, due to the higher bone-to-meat ratio.  But the rich flavor of the duck meat is, as we concluded last month, worth the work.  And duck is more affordable up here in Canada, especially compared to Cornish game hens, our former family tradition.

For our family, Thanksgiving is not only about food, it is about thanking God for everything he gives us.  We also enjoy spending time together and unwinding in front of a video, which will likely be A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving .  Also, my kids like to do crafts, but since turkey is not on our table, I look for craft ideas that go beyond the turkey theme.  Later this week, I will post at least one non-turkey craft project we have done.

What are your Thanksgiving holiday essentials?

Linked to Menu Plan Monday