May the Force Be With You...

My little guy is Star Wars crazy!  Thanks to all you pinners out there I was able to compile a set of tree ornaments out of felt for him.  I was going to have Santa give them to him but he will know it was me that made them.  Apparently Santa's elves can sew much better than me!

Old Dog - New Tricks

Yesterday I learned something new - how to make a traditional dream catcher but with a Christmas flair.  We used 3" hoops as the base and added jingles bells, ribbon and charms.  They are a perfect size to hang on the tree.  I have to admit they look better in the picture than in person but not bad for my first try. 

The Countdown is On!

I did up a traditional advent calendar for my kids (they have to share - it was too much work to make one for each of 'em!)  After filling it with bubble gum, star wars and muppet bandaids, fimo clay, bubble bath, lip balm, nail polish and lego ($100 later)  I am thinking maybe this is not the tradition I want to go with!!!!  Nicholas doesn't quite understand either why he only got 12 pieces of the lego kit either - he wants to make the whole thing NOW...

Now for the twist on my advent calendar that makes it truly unique.  I used a frame from Kaiser Craft to decorate and I went with a large one so the boxes were big enough to actually put something in (next year it is just going to be chocolate - lol).  So it was a bit of an investment so I had a LIGHT BULB moment.  I adhered magnetic strips to the front of all the little boxes and to the back side of the paper panels (lining them up of course).  So now I can change out my fronts for whatever season or occasion that is coming up. I am for sure doing Halloween and Easter.  Maybe a birthday countdown.  I really thought a Disney one would be great if we ever take our kids and it is not a surprise...

Making My List - Checking it Twice

I have been busy preparing for my Christmas Card Extravaganza Class that I held last Saturday.  I had a few "no shows" so on the positive side I have a few cards ready for myself this holiday season. Now I have to figure out who I send a homemade masterpiece to as I have found some of my recipients don't appreciate all that I put into each card and, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT, actually toss my card out after the holidays!!!!

 

An Alphabet Book - Part 1

My cousin had a baby boy so I started making a little memory book for him.  One where pictures can be added, different textures to feel and of course get familiar with his ABC's as he grows.  And since I am making one I could just as well make two so will have one for sale at the end too!

Hooray for Teachers!

Especially my son's kindergarten teacher.  I applaud her for all the patience she has - I would have to go into her classroom armed with duct tape (not sure about the other kids but specifically for mine!) He is a boy with an abundance of energy, no volume switch and little concern for the rules although we have tried).  For Christmas I have made her a set of reward/encouragement cards to hand out to her students when they have done an extraordinary job or need that little bit extra.  I hope she likes them and can use them - I sure had fun stamping and coloring them.  It was also a great way to use up a bunch of my little scraps of coloured card stock.

In Remembrance

A pretty field of poppies done with water color crayons on water color paper .  Then I sprayed some shimmer mist over the entire panel.  Thank you to all the soldiers past and present.