From Boredom to Ornament Factory (Midwest)

A few weeks ago the girls needed to focus some misguided energy on something productive, so I suggested they start some Christmas projects. They zealously made several assorted felt balls. This was a really good project for them. It involved water and bubbles - always a favorite. I had to cut them off at about 8 felt balls each. They had such pruney hands and water was EVERYWHERE.

Today we strung the balls along with beads and ribbon to make holiday ornaments. I am realizing now that I can probably categorize myself as a true crafter. I had all the materials for this project on hand. I had wool and mohair yarns in my knitting stash, beads in every room of our house, earring pins in my craft box, and ribbons again in the knitting stash. I even own my own needle nose pliers!

All in all this was a successful kid's craft project. It was easy and clean. We will move on to bookmarks next.

Thankful (Midwest)

As I cleaned up the morning dishes while listening to Dave Matthews on the Ipod and Sam accompanying on pots and pans, I decided to think about ALL the things I'm thankful for. First, let me say I think I'm thankful for having and endless list of things to be thankful for. Each time I thought about something I thought of another thing, and another, and another. I'm a lucky person. Here is a short list of a few of my thoughts.

I am thankful for my family and friends (duh), music, books, preschool, public school, truth, having U.S. citizenship (and not growing up in say Iraq or Darfur), technology things (The Internet, my vacuum cleaner, tv, ), nature things (trees, lakes, grass, birds), creativity, parenthesis (I use them a lot), a husband who can engage the kids giving me time to think about being thankful and later type about it on my blog, medicinal things (Advil, birth control), art, knitting, smiles, and the list goes on and on. Mostly though, I'm thankful for the health of my family. Sam has the runniest of noses today, but is playing and running and happy. His behavior reminds me how healthy he truly is.

I wish you all a Healthy, Happy Thanksgiving!

Ornament Swap (West Coast)

Here are the final ornaments getting ready to be packaged up. I have changed my direction with packaging to a little gift. Let me know what you think. I have been having such a great time making these up this week. I am on such a roll, I am excited to start on the next round!

My Mature Seven Year Old (Midwest)

So last year Hannah wrote to Santa asking for the following items for Christmas: An Ipod, a computer, and a swimming pool. He did not come through. This year she said she doesn't know what she wants. Relieved, I said maybe she should just wait to see what she gets. I'm thinking this is a really, really, good idea. Yesterday she handed me the Red Envelope catalog. She circled the items she wants. Maybe Santa needs to give her a Sears catalog with a note that says "Try Again".

I Can't Stop! (Midwest)

I have hundreds of things to do right now. Important stuff. Like sorting through the 6 foot stack of magazines and catalogs we won't ever order from, or maybe cleaning the fish bowl so we can see if Mo is still in there. BUT NO! I'm thinking that the blog needs another photo. And, since no one wants to see a picture of my other housekeeping projects (maybe the stack of magacatalogs - it is impressive), let's have another look at my ornament swap project! These are little flower thingamajigs that I'm making for ??? I'm convinced I can turn them into a little extra something for the other Swappers. What can or will they be? I'm not sure yet. But, they are far more fun to think about then what else I have going on here. I feel better now. I can go sort the laundry.

Laurie, I read your comment that you want to try these. Here's the link for the tutorial.

Ornaments (West Coast)

Here is the latest progress on my ornaments. I have them all cut and pinned. I still need to iron and sew... This also shows my tags (at the bottom). I have not tried to package one to see how it will look finished. That will come later...

Ornament (Midwest)

Ok Laurie, since you've been on me to post a picture of my ornament, I'm cutting into my limited trash tv time to post this. This is a preview of my ornament for the Cake + Pie and Freshly{Blended} ornament swap. I'm doing all the stitching by hand except the wing. I can proudly say I've only poked myself twice. Also, the small amount of machine stitching on the wings has really helped me navigate my new sewing machine functions. I still need to learn how to steer better. Isn't that the key to being a good seamstress? I'm so not there yet. Anyhoo, I'm about 3/4 of the way finished with these buggers and then I move on to the packaging which will be the really fun part for me.

A Purchase (Midwest)

On Saturday I bought this small and wonderful art quilt made by local fiber artist Sally Jerney. Sally happens to be my knitter, crafter, and fellow mother, friend Jackie's mom. I love the cheerful color palette and textural elements in this quilt. Now I need to find the perfect spot for it in my house.


This detail shows a section of the quilt with pieces of kimono fabric.

WIP (West Coast)

Hey Miss Amy, here is my WIP. I am doing the same out here. Twice to my favorite yarn/fabric store. Lots of sketching. The sewing machine is out. Buttons are everywhere. I think I have it. At least a rough "it". Take a look and let me know what you think.

The first photo is my working stash for the project. The second, is my first go round with the ornament. It is doable with both cost and timing of the whole thing. Also, with my level of sewing. I think I can do 10 of these in a reasonable amount of time without my family suffering the consequences.

WIP (Midwest)

This is an overexposed photo of my ornament for the Swap in progress. I'm so excited about this project. I just can't stand it. Joey can't stand me obsessing over it. I've been sketching and thinking. I've been to Jo-Ann Fabrics three times. I've made prototypes. I have several rejects in the Charlie Brown Christmas Tree category. I've burnt a banana bread because of it (we still ate it). I'm am, however, optimistic that I will soon move beyond the development phase, whizz through financing, and into final production.

Miss Laurie, how is the ornament situation on the West Coast? Do we need to set up a conference call???