2. Button Wreath Ornament

Colorful stray buttons can be put to new use as Christmas ornaments. If you don’t have enough loose buttons, or the right colors, don’t worry—stores sell them by the bagful. Kids will enjoy this project because each wreath they make will be unique.

MATERIALS

Needle-nose pliers or wire cutters
16-gauge copper wire, or 22-gauge green floral wire, cut to 9-inch lengths
72 buttons for each wreath
Scissors
Satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide and 6 inches long
Seam binding for decorative bow

1. Using pliers, make a small loop at one end of the wire.
   
   
2. Thread buttons onto the wire until you have enough to form the size of the wreath you want. Our wreaths are 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
   
   
3. Using pliers, bend the plain end of the wire around the looped end. This will form the wreath.
   
   
4. Use the satin ribbon to make a loop for hanging the wreath; tie the ribbon in a knot about 3 inches above the wreath.
   
   
5. Tie a bow of seam binding to decorate the wreath.

SOURCES

16-gauge copper wire
22-gauge silver-plate wire
Available at local craft and hardware-supply stores

22-gauge green floral wire
Available at local floral-supply stores

from MarthaStewart.com

1. Make a Button Necklace

MATERIALS:

Abalone-shell or pink mother-of-pearl buttons
Beading string, cut to 40 inches
Crimp bead
Necklace closure
Needle-nose pliers

1. Fold the string in half, and create an end by tying two slipknots 2 inches down from the fold.
   
   
2. Slip a button on one string. Tie another slipknot 1 inch from the previous knot. Repeat until you have 12 buttons on the string. (Sophie makes five strands for her necklace, but you can make as many or few as you like.) Trim the ends (not the looped end) 2 inches from the last knot.
   
   
3. Gather all the ends together, and crimp in a crimp bead. Attach the necklace closure using a pair of needle-nose pliers.

from MarthaStewart.com,/p>

Yummy Cheesecakes

We've finally found a bakery that bakes and ships cheesecakes that are as good (in our opinion) as those from the famous Cheesecake Factory. They come in a large number of flavors. Our favorite is the pecan truffle cheesecake with the white chocolate pistachio cheesecake running a close second. If you're a single person that doesn't want to eat a whole cheesecake in one setting, there is even a "mini cheesecake assortment". Eat one and freeze the rest.

Have a birthday coming up -- either you or someone you know? This is the time to treat yourself to yum, yum good! And what could be a more unique birthday gift than a Birthday Chesecake? It's an 8 inch New York cheesecake, covered in Chocolate Ganache. Garnished around the edge with Chocolate Sprinkles. "Happy Birthday" is written on top with a border design in White Chocolate. It's as good as it sounds. To see all the mouth-watering flavors you can choose from, check out these cheesecakes.
If it's your birthday, Happy Birthday to you...happy birthday to you...