Budget Friendly Gift Jars

Hey guys! I know it’s been a while....okay it’s been a long while but I’m finally getting back into the swing of things! :)

With the holidays quickly approaching I’ve been very busy putting together some last minute Christmas gifts. I just finished making these simple Christmas gifts for my son’s teachers.

You will need:

• A glass jar with a lid. (I found mine at Wal-Mart for $2.98. You could also try Goodwill, they usually have LOTS of glass items)
  
• Chalkboard paint. (You can find a small bottle of it in the craft section for about $2)
  
• A small brush or mini roller
  
• Masking tape
  
• A piece of chalk
  
• Twisted jute twine
  
• Gift tag

Directions:

1. Start with a clean jar. Mask off the area you want to paint with masking tape. Make sure you smooth out any bubbles to prevent the paint from bleeding through.
   
2. Paint the area you taped off with chalkboard paint. It may take several coats. I used about 4 coats letting it dry between layers.
   
3. After your paint has completely dried rip off the tape. I found that it works best if you just tear it off quickly like a band-aid.
   
4. Prime the chalkboard area by rubbing chalk over the entire label and then gently wipe off.
   
5. Fill jar with your favorite treat (I filled mine with homemade granola) and label your jar with chalk.
   
6. Wrap twine around the top of the jar and add a gift tag. I made my own gift tags by using plain ol’ printer paper that I dyed with tea bags.

There you have it. Quick, simple, and best of all affordable! Happy Holidays!!

My Granola Recipe:

• 10 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 lb. shredded coconut
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup sesame seeds
• 2 cups sliced almonds
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 1/6 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable or canola oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 molasses
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Dried Cranberries (optional)

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  In a large bowl combine oats, coconut, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and nuts.  Blend well.  In a large saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, oil, honey, molasses, salt, cinnamon and vanilla.  Heat until sugar is dissolved, but do not boil.  Pour syrup over dry ingredients and stir until well-coated.  Spread into 5 13” x 9” baking pans, or cookie sheets with sides.  Bake 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 or 15 minutes.  Bake 15 minutes longer for crunchier texture.  Cool.  Add dried fruit, if desired.  Put in airtight containers.  Store in a cool, dry place.  Use within 6 months.  Makes about 20 cups of Granola Mix.