6 Holiday Crafts & Gift ideas with Jars

With so many magical moments, the holiday season always seem to surprise us. Make this holiday count with your own crafty DIY art, craft and food projects. 
We have picked a few of our favorite crafts and recipes to share with you - enjoy!

From all of us at Parkway, have a happy holiday season!

1. How to Make a Snow Globe with a Jar 

YOU NEED:

#1. Clear Jars and Lid, (picture above uses glass jars but you can definitely try our plastic jars and check if they work.)

#2.  Artificial Snow ( Insta-Powder or similar)

#3.  Scene Materials (fake trees, figurines, anything you want.)

#4.  Water

IDEAS FOR YOUR SNOW GLOBE SCENE:

Modeling clay

Spray adhesive

Twigs

Model houses

Lego figurines

Ornaments

Toys

Directions: Remember that you are building the scene on the bottom of your lid. It's good to use modeling clay because it is waterproof.  After the scene is built, its time to add snow. Fill the jar with 100% water to avoid bubbles. Before you fill all the way to the top stop at about 95% to add your snow, then continue filling with water. A spoonful artificial snow should be enough to make your snow globe magical.

2. How To Make Homemade Pancake Mix in a Jar

For your special someone who loves pancakes, this Jar of Pancake Mix may be the perfect gift this Holiday. A jar of pancake mix can come in handy when you want to make pancakes on the go,  without much hassle and big messes. A ready batch of pancake mix will make pancakes possible even on busy Mondays! 

How do I make these jars of Pancake Mix? 

Mix together all the ingredients and Store them in a Jar of your choice.

Ingredients

4 cups quick-cooking oats

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups whole wheat flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup nonfat dry milk powder

3 tablespoons baking powder

2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

3 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

- now you have a jar of pancake mix ready to be stored or given away-

How To Make the Pancakes:

 Beat 2 eggs in a bowl. Gradually beat in 1/3 cup of vegetable oil. Add 2 cups of the pancake mix together with 1 cup of water and mix well. Now the batter is done. Pour the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto a lightly greased hot griddle on medium low-heat; turn after 2 minutes.

- Don't forget to write down how to make the pancakes on the jar before you give if away!

Have you heard of pancakes in a jar? Cook your pancakes in a jar with this next method>>  Pancakes In A Jar

3. How to Make Chai Tea Mix in a Jar

Masala Chai, or Chai Tea has been around for centuries. Chai Tea is a such a nice and warm drink, perfect for the chilly winter days. Make it a perfect Christmas gift this holiday.

How do I make these jars of Chai Tea Mix?

Mix the first 12 ingredients in a bowl. In a blender, cover and process tea mixture in batches until powdery. Store in an airtight jar or container in a cool dry place for up to 6 months. 

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

2 cups unsweetened instant tea 

1-1/2 cups powdered French vanilla nondairy creamer 

1-1/4 cups powdered nondairy creamer 

1-1/4 cups packed brown sugar 

3/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder 

2-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 

1-1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg 

1-1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom 

1-1/4 teaspoons ground cloves 

1 teaspoon ground allspice 

1/4 teaspoon white pepper EACH SERVING: 

1 cup hot 2% milk

How To Prepare the Chai Tea: 

 Place 1/4 cup mix in a mug. Add hot milk; stir until combined. 

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4. How to Make Cranberry Honey Butter in a Jar

 * Cranberry Honey Butter *
This is an easy to whip up treat! 

How do I make these Cranberry Honey Butter Jars?

Beat all ingredients in a small bowl until blended. Pour into a Jar. Tighten. Decorate. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 3 months.

Ingredients:

1 Cup butter, softened

1/3 cup finely chopped cranberries

1/4 Cup Honey (try blueberry honey or buckwheat honey for extra flavor)

2 Teaspoons grated orange peel

1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

5. How to Make a Jar of Brownie Mix 

Brownie Mix in a Jar! Store some of these Jars in your pantry so you are ready for a batch of chocolaty sweets at any time! Set Yourself up for Success - Make delicious home-made brownies in a few minutes with these Brownie Mix Jars!

How do I Make the Brownie Mix Jar?

Combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. In your style of clear jar, layer the flour mixture, brown sugar, sugar, cocoa, chips and pecans. 

Ingredients

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

2/3 cup packed brown sugar

2/3 cup sugar

1/3 cup baking cocoa

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup vanilla or white chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

3 eggs

2/3 cup canola oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Bake the Brownies:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk 3 eggs, 2/3  cup canola oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a bowl. Add the jar of brownie mix to the bowl and stir until blended completely. Spread onto a greased 9"x 9" pan & bake 25-30 min.

6. How to Make a Jar of Cranberry-Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix

Cranberries, Chocolate Chips, Cookies.. together. YUM!

How do I make these Cookie Mix Jars? 

Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon in a bowl. Layer the flour mixture, brown Sugar, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, cranberries walnuts, oats and remaining chips. Cover the jar with a lid and store in a cool place up to 6 months. 

Ingredients
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

2/3 cup butter, softened

1 egg

3 /4 teaspoon vanilla extract 

How To Bake the Cookies:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat butter, egg and vanilla until blended. Add cookie mix and mix well.  Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove to wire racks.


- Enjoy the Holiday!