The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Danville Kentucky is giving a holiday party on December 5th, with storytelling and treats. Theatre professionals Patrick Kagan-Moore, Will Johnston and Sean Cook will bring their skills to family story telling, with the museum decked out for the holidays, including a special exhibit Christmas 1959, a row of six lavishly decorated retro shops. The shops were created by master miniature artisans Jim and Barbara Bohlk. Another special display includes Santas through the ages, and a display of Victorian toys shows what you might have found under the tree in 1890.

The party is Saturday, December 5, 6:30 to 9.00 with storytelling beginning at 7:30. Advance ticket purchase recommended as storytelling seating is limited. Phone reservations with credit card 859.583.8000 or drop in during regular museum hours, Tuesday through Sunday 11 to 5:00. 344 Swope Drive, Danville, Kt.

Photo of Miss Mollie's Dollies by Jim and Barbara Bohlk, Courtesy Great American Dollhouse Museum, Copyright 2009, Used With Permission

Fast and easy to make, these winter trees use clear acetate sheet, and glitter, flourish or scroll stickers, flocking or paint. You can make them elegant and simple, or fanciful and covered with sticker ornaments. They work well up against the buildings of a Christmas village, giving the scene a contemporary air.

Other trees for winter displays, Christmas villages or nativity scenes, include:
- Scale Palm Trees
- Realistic Miniature Evergreen Trees
- Spiral Trees From Wire Trims
- Delicate Cut Paper Snowflake Trees
- Curly Paper Trees

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it today! Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Snowman Ornament
Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.

Recycled Pine Cone Gnome
Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.

CopprClay Pendants
Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.

How to Make Paper
Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Marion Boddy-Evans shows us how.

Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch
Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Mitten Earrings
Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.

Christmas Stocking
This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.

Advent Garland
If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.

Miniature Gift Boxes
Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.

Manga Holiday Card
Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Working on Your Christmas Village or Creche? These tips for backdrops may give you some easy solutions to problems. Backgrounds can do a surprising number of things for a display.

Making effective scenes is often easier if you follow these steps:

• Choose a Theme and Story Line
• Plan a Location and the Size and Scope of Your Display
• Establish Focal Points

Photo copyright 2009 Lesley Shepherd, Licensed to About.com Inc.