Ornaments that cost a little dough

Dear Readers: What’s a fun project to keep the kids entertained on a Saturday? How about making Christmas ornaments with my dough recipe? Here it is:

2 cups baking soda

1 cup cornstarch

1 1/4 cups water Mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a saucepan, then add the water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Turn it out on a plate, and cover with a damp cloth. Allow it to cool, then knead until smooth, and either use immediately or seal in a bag and refrigerate.

Shape ornaments by hand, or roll flat and use cookie cutters. Use a toothpick to pierce a hole in the top for a hanger. Let the ornaments dry overnight, or heat them in a 250 F oven for 15 minutes.

Once dry, the ornaments can be painted or colored, or you can add food coloring to the dough. You also can add ribbon, sequins or buttons to the design.

Finish with a coat of clear nail polish or spray varnish, thread a ribbon through the hole, and voila!—Heloise

SMALL TOYS Dear Heloise: Please ask your readers: Don’t give small toys to young children at Christmas—or older children with younger siblings!

There is no end to the choking and up-the-nose antics of young children who think toys may be candy.—Donna K., Fort Washington, Md.

PET PAL Dear Readers: Gloria S. in Huber Heights, Ohio, sent a picture of her 10-year-old tabby, Jerry, who supervised the fall decorating! He’s perched on a scarecrow that’s on Gloria’s bench! Gloria reads my column in the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News.

To see Jerry and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a furry holiday helper? Email a picture to: Heloise@Heloise.com.— Heloise

WRAP IT UP? NOT! Dear Heloise: I want to urge everyone to refrain from wrapping handrails on stairways with lights or greenery. This is especially important for outside steps, which may be slippery from rain, snow or ice.

Many people, especially older individuals, need to have the handrails available indoors and outdoors.— Carol, via email

Important safety measure!—Heloise