Our local 4-H club leaders, Loren Stinson and Terra Kimes, are always working on projects for the students to learn life skills and promote better living. Over the holiday, they held a three-day workshop for 50 members to work on these skills by making gifts for their family members. The group measured liquid and dry ingredients correctly to make cookies in jars, and used scissors and rulers to make creative pillows.
They came together to create three small crafts that would include a gingerbread house, snowman door hanger, and a lace-up stocking. Using the help of eight teen leaders, youth enjoyed going from station to station making each craft their very own.
Forty different types of fabrics were assembled for them to choose their favorite to make no-sew pillows. Many members’ creativity came out trying to make the perfect look by mixing and matching two different patterns. They placed the two pieces together and began cutting strips along all four sides. They then tied knots and when three of the four sides were tied, they retrieved pillow forms to stuff in between the pieces; completing the pillow by tying the remaining side.
One member’s comment about the project was, “I never knew sewing could be fun. I wonder if I can make a blanket next.”
On another day, cooking was the hot topic. Teaching 30 4-H member how to properly measure dry and wet ingredients, reading a recipe, and designing their own ornaments were the main projects. Each individual was able to layer and decorate two Mason jars that were filled with different cookie recipes, and make homemade ornaments.
After the flour settled on the final day, all attending were sent off to wrap their presents for gift-giving.
Two recipes that are suitable for gift-giving on any occasion follow:

 M&M Cookie Mix
1-1/4 cups white sugar
1-1/4 cups M&M candies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1.  Mix together flour, baking soda and baking powder in a separate bowl.
2.  Layer ingredients in jar with wide mouth funnel in order given.
     a. white sugar
     b. M&M candy
     c. flour mixture
3. It will be tight fit when you add the flour so be sure to pack firmly.

 Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mix
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
3/4 cup raisins
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

 Mix together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.
 Layer ingredients in jar with wide mouth funnel in order given.
 a.  brown sugar
 b. white sugar
 c.  raisins
 d.  rolled oats
 e.   flour mixture
It will be tight fit when you add the flour so be sure to pack firmly.