Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
----Supplies Needed----
   3      jars          Ball -- (12 oz)
   8                    new lids - don't use old ones
   8      rings         okay to use old ones
----Batter----
   1      cup           unbleached flour
   1      cup           granulated sugar
     1/2  Teaspoon      baking soda
     1/4  Teaspoon      cinnamon
     1/3  cup           margarine -- at room temperature
     1/4  cup           water
   3      Tablespoons   cocoa powder -- sifted
     1/4  cup           buttermilk* -- at room temperature
   1                    egg -- whipped
     1/2  Teaspoon      vanilla

Preparation:

Preheat oven at 325. Place a baking sheet onto middle rack and remove top rack from oven. Before starting batter, wash jars, lids, and rings in hot soapy water and let drain, dry, and cool to room temperature. Generously prepare inside of jars with margarine To prepare batter, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. In another mixing bowl, combine margarine, water, cocoa powder, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Divide batter among 3 jars (should be slightly less than half full). Carefully wipe rims clean, then place jars on baking sheet (or they'll tip over) in the center of oven. Bake 40 minutes. Keep lids in hot water until they're used. When cakes are done, remove jars which are HOT from oven one at a time. If rims need cleaning, use moistened paper towel. Carefully put lids and rings in place, then screw tops on tightly shut. Place jars on a wire rack; they will seal as they cool. Once jars are cool, decorate with round pieces of cloth and then glue on flowers, ribbons, etc. on lid, ring and side of jar. Unscrew the ring (the lid should be sealed by now) and place a few cotton balls on top of the lid (makes it poofy on top), then a piece of cloth (about 3" larger than the lid) on top and screw the ring back on. Decorate as desired (example pinking shea