Advent Calendar Ideas

Is it really December 1st tomorrow? It came WAY too soon. Let's just say I'm in trouble. My "562 projects" are not going to get done in time. Oh well. There is always next year, birthdays, and other holidays. ☻

Here are some great links to incredibly creative Advent Calendars!

*Martha Stewart had the cutest magnetic Christmas Tree Advent Calendar on her show today- I love it! There isn't a photo yet, but should be soon. I may just start making this now for next year.

*The Activitiy Mom has a really fun Activity Printable Advent Calendar- free to download. I am printing this out right now-my kids are really going to love this!

photo courtesy of Chica and Jo

*Chica and Jo has done it again- with a creative use for wooden clothespins-a wreath advent calendar .I love this and I have a ton of clothespins on hand! (I wanted to make her Thanksgiving version- but ran out of time. It is really cute too.)

* The Crafty Crow has a ton of great ideas from around the web - check out 2008 Advent Round-up  and
the 2009 Advent Round-up.

There are so many great ideas out there for advents- I could spend a whole year making them ;)

 How do you countdown for Christmas?

I think we should countdown for 50 days- not 25..advents are just too much fun!

Framing with Burlap

In case the burlap ornaments weren't your thing, here is another use for it. You have probably seen this out there in blogland. I saw it here, and many other places. It is a really cute idea- perfect- since I have a thing for frames. ☻

The above frame was silver- I had it already, just spray painted it red, and stamped a word on some burlap. You can change it out each season with a new word. So fun!

This is my latest- ABC and burlap. I originally was just going to have the ABC's on glass but I really like it with the added burlap. The ABC idea came from Pottery Barn. (I can't wait to show you the bigger/better version of this!)

Burlap is a rough material with a funny smell and lots of loose little twines- basically it is fabric made from twine. I wasn't a fan of it much, until I started framing it and stamping on it, and now I love it. I am hooked on burlap. ☻ So many things I could make with it....stay tuned ☻

Burlap Word Ornaments {Tutorial}

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and a Happy Black Friday with lots of good finds. I am happy to report, I did not step foot in a store today (well my husband did...) and instead I made lots of little crafty projects. ☻ Here is a fun and simple one that I really am loving...

Around Halloween, I picked up some burlap to make some Halloween crafts, and lo and behold, I never got around to it. So today I had a great idea to make ornaments out of it. Here is a tutorial so you can make some too if you like. And the best part-- no sewing- ☻ super easy!

Burlap Word Ornaments:

You need:

burlap

foam rubber stamps with letters

acrylic paint

sponge brush

twine

Christmas fabric scraps

stich witchery, Wonder Under, or other fusible webbing product

scissors, iron

Decide what words you would like. Simply paint the stamp with the sponge brush and stamp on the burlap. Don't get too much paint on the stamp. ☻

Next, to get the frayed edge on the burlap, just pull some of the threads/twines out. Very easy. When you cut out your word, leave lots of extra on the sides for this. You don't even have to cut it out straight, because when you pull the threads/twines, it will straighten up. Trim off the sides if needed.

Next, you are going to cut a piece of fabric to match the size, and some stitch witchery (like Wonder Under but on a roll-used to hem skirts,etc. without sewing) and cut a piece of twine.

Next you just layer it all together and iron. The important thing here is to put a layer of your fusible webbing, then your twine, the another layer of webbing. Otherwise, the twine will not stay put, but will come out.

Iron it all together. Make sure the twine is in nice and tight.

Hang on your tree and enjoy your simple, easy, super cute, trendy, and thrifty new Christmas ornaments!
I am making lots of these-I think they are so cute! - they would make really cute neighbor gifts--if you are my neighbor and are reading this....oops...maybe you'll get one. ☻

Christmas Wreath Make-over

You have probably seen these ornament style wreaths everywhere. I have seen then at Pottery Barn and Pier One Imports. (I was going to post their photos but then mine really looks ugly still...) ☻ You can make this wreath in 15 minutes and for only 5 dollars.  Well above is my wreath before, that I have had for like 5 years. I like it- plain though.
So I used some wire and ornaments I picked up for 90 % off last year at Wal-mart and Target- so the ornaments cost next to nothing. Here is the after:

Now don't go look at the one at Pottery Barn- well you can look- it is so pretty I mean... it is really really pretty- but  it cost like $80. Yeah, I am not paying that much for a wreath. So my version will have to do. ☻  Happy Holidays!

More Car Cozie and Car Cozy...{oh my!}

When I first started this blog, I never intended any of this to happen. ☻ I can't even keep track of where you can find links and my photos of my car cozie. In fact, I even found it a foreign language, here. (If you know what language it is, let me know. ☻)  I now know about websites I did not know about, because of this- (Have you checked out tipnut.com ? great ideas and links and CraftGossip.com lots of really cool stuff can be found there with links to other sites. I found the little car cozie on there today.

And while it is fun to see this.....I have a family to take care of.

They are my first priority.

So if you see less of me here this holiday season, that is why.

However... I finished some car cozies...and they are going up in the shop. And then I have more...and that will be it for a while.

And if you have a special order- I did not forget about you. I am working on it. ☻ ☻ ☻

And I have a few fabrics left (see below)- if you would like a kit, or just use my tutorial and make your own.  They really are fun- my boys love them and we take them everywhere.

(it was late when I typed this...can you tell?? I am way too tired....)

And now I have more car- oriented Christmas gifts to get to...if I get to them-- I'll have to show you- Right now baby is crying....it isn't quite 1 a.m. so he doesn't want to go to bed yet.... silly little guy!

Finally!

More Car Cozies and Advent Vinyl Kits (everything you need except a magnetic pan or board)  are coming to my etsy...many of you had special requests, and I have a limited number, so if you were someone who contacted me about either of those, can you send me an email- see sidebar for new email- and I'll reserve one for you! Thanks!

2 Months

photo: baby at almost 5 months old now

2 months ago this little guy was only out of surgery one month.

I thought everything would be fine until the next surgery- a few years from then.

2 months ago we were told he had to go back to the hospital for 2 weeks.

2 months ago I wasn't sure what was going to happen with my little boy.

2 months ago I thought everything would be O.K.

Now I worry about every move I make with this sweet little guy.

I don't want him back in the hospital. ☻

2 months ago we did not owe that much in medical bills.

Now we have more co-pays and bills than we ever thought possible.

2 months ago I thought I knew who my friends were.

Now I know- people came from everywhere bringing us food, offering to help watch the kids, etc.

I still have a full heart from that, and cannot thank them enough.

2 months ago I was upset that my house was always a mess.

It still is a mess, but I am grateful to be at home and to have a house to live in.

2 months ago I could not wait to quit nursing. (it isn't my favorite.)

Now I don't know when I'll quit- since this little guy needs me- I'll sacrifice for him.

2 months ago, losing weight and making craft crap was all I thought about.

Now I am thankful for  each day that baby is healthy and  that I am able to be a mommy to my sweet 3 little boys. Perspective is a wonderful thing.

2 months ago, I loved my family. I loved being a mommy.

Now I not only love it, I treasure each moment, and thank my Heavenly Father more each day, for the wonderful opportunity to be called MOM.

yeah, I was having a moment where I just wanted to hug my kids, and husband-if he was home- and just count my blessings. Home + Family = Wonderful.

Napkin Rings- {Indian Corn}

This is a fun craft kids can do with mom, which can help decorate your Thanksgiving table. (I saw something similar in a magazine years ago.)

Indian Corn Napkin Rings:

You need:

felt- small squares

assorted buttons

popsicle/craft sticks

twine

scissors

glue

Instructions:

Lay out 6 popsicle sticks on a felt square. Cut the felt slightly larger. Glue the sticks to the felt. (I used hot glue- which was a little messy- and obviously you would not let a child use.)

Pick out fall colored buttons- yellow, brown, orange, etc.

Lay out the buttons on the sticks in a random order.

Carefully glue the buttons to the sticks.

When dry, attach twine to the back side on both ends, so that it can tie around the napkin. (I glued a button over the twine where it attached to the felt, to help hold it in place.)

Wrap around napkins, tie, and enjoy a pretty little fall napkin ring.

This is a great craft for the little ones to assist with- they can sort the buttons, and use their small motor skills to place the buttons on the sticks. If you use hot glue- don't let the children touch-(obviously). Glue dots would be perfect for putting on the buttons, but might not hold up as well, and you wouldn't want a loose button around your food. ☻

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Treats Kids Can Make

Here are a few ways to use up some of your Halloween Candy (if you still have some around) and make some fun Thanksgiving Treats- that the kids can decorate.

ABOVE: Pumpkin Muffins (we even used a real pumpkin we never carved, for the pumpkin) and decorate like a turkey using toothpicks, candy, marshmallows, raisins, craisins, frosting

Above: Native American Tee pee Treat- using an ice cream cone covered in frosting, and leftover candy

And my son thought it was so much fun to make these, that the next day he made his own his way- candy corns, frosting, and a muffin equals turkey ;)

Car Throw Pillows

I have an obsession with throw pillows. I have them on everything. (It drives my husband crazy.)  Lots of them. And I can't throw my old ones away, because I could recover those things someday. So that is what I did.

Here is what these looked like before:

(Mickey Mouse from my school-teaching days- I had a Disney-themed classroom for several years...)

And now these have been remade to look like these:

Yes, I know it went from 2 pillows to 4, because I recovered some other ones too. I found these perfect duvet covers with cars at Ikea, and had to get them.  And the fabric that matched too- with smaller cars on it. (the backs of the pillows have this fabric on them.) The wood bed will eventually be navy blue, and the walls will eventually be tan or something....it is a work in progress. But I think the bedding looks better already! AAHHH the beauty of throw pillows! LoVe them!
p.s. more car cozies coming soon....and when they are gone, they will be gone for a while. (meaning I will be out of car fabrics for the time being and have other Christmas stuff to work on and make. ☻ ☻ ☻)

Turkey Fun for Kids {from the Archives}

      Coffee Filter Turkeys

Turkey Pancakes

Veggies and Biscuits

Turkey Sticker Art

The Turkey with the Terrible Temper (story)

Homemade Microwave Popcorn

I must say, I was skeptical, when I saw this featured on Make and Takes. So when I was at the grocery store, I bought some regular old popcorn and brought it home. When I told my husband about this, we had to try it that instant.( He likes these experiment type  of things.. ☻) We made homemade microwave popcorn-all by ourselves. This was featured on yummy site called Snack Snoop.

When I taught 6th grade, I learned all about microwave popcorn, and that the bag has a heating element that makes it pop. Well a brown paper bag does not have a heating element in it, so you would think that it wouldn't work. Surprise! It works! (The spots you see on the bag are from the little bit of butter I put in the bag- don't do that...wait until after it is popped.)

Here is what we did:

We put 1/4 cup corn kernels in a brown paper bag and taped it shut.

Next we put it in the microwave- the flatter side down, and put the microwave on popcorn setting.

Almost all the kernels popped!

We next added brown sugar, and some margarine to the bag and shook it up. This made caramel corn-which is in the picture. Snack Snoop mentions all kinds of seasonings you can put on it. Talk about a great and easy healthy affordable treat!

Next microwave experiment: putting a string of Christmas lights in the microwave- sounds dangerous- but I saw it on Rachael Ray and they got all twinkly and lit up...not sure if I'm brave enough to try that though...

Nightstand Makeover

For months I have been searching for my before picture of this nightstand we finished like 6 months ago, and alas, I cannot find the before picture. ugh. So picture this: oak, shiny, brass drawer-pull, dusty, dated, ugly but with potential.
Well my "skilled" husband, used his great-"honey-do-and refinish this for me" skills, and made two of these beauties. These came from my grandparents, and were solid wood. Definitely worth re-finishing.
First sand lightly.
Second use the amazing B-I-N Zisser Shellac Primer . We love this primer and have used it on many things. It is great because it sticks to everything, and you can paint pretty soon afterwards. Plus you don't have to completely strip your furniture beforehand. You do have to get all the loose flakey stuff off first.
Next paint. We used double-coverage-Krylon spray-paint and since last year- I have been loving spray-paint. This stuff covers really well.
We finished it with oil-based polyurethane which is high gloss.
I love them. Now I just need my husband to finish this beauty.

Confessions of a SAHM

Sometimes I read mommy blogs and I think few things:
one- "she sure is a super hero of a mom..." and two- "does she ever sleep?" and three- "how does she do all that?" and four- "she makes the rest of us look lazy..." and "holy cow she is like amazing!"

Well if you think that about me and this little blog here .......I have  a few confessions:
1. I have a craft room that is now just one big mess and I dread walking into that room.
2. I probably have enough projects to last for 3 years... and I wouldn't have to buy anything...and I'm not exaggerating.
3. Sometimes I forget to eat dinner....like tonight I forgot, but I remembered to eat dessert...oops.
4. I feel guilty about the funds I spend at JoAnn's and other various craft places.
5. I really hate clutter, but I seem to have a lot of it.
6. My sink and my counter all covered in dirty dishes right now. But I'm too tired to do them. Instead I am doing this.
7. I really don't like the colors in my house, but I am too frugal and tired to change them. I keep things the same for a long long time.
8. I watch way too much T.V. and I watch a lot of talk shows. And I get a lot of magazines but I never take time to read them. What a waste.
9. I drink too much diet D.P. and diet Coke. My teeth will probably turn brown and fall out.
10. I went 3 days last week with no shower and I never really got dressed. eewww grose. disgusting.
11. I feel guilty all the time about not being a better mother and wife. (don't we all)
12. I always always have a huge pile of laundry to fold, and another huge pile to wash.
13. My best ideas come to me late at night. Which is why I don't sleep much..but I am always, always tired.
14. I don't have much of a social life- except for my husband, and kids, and this one friend I talk to about 30 times a month on the phone.
15. I have way too many interests- so I am no expert in anything- just like to do lots of things but none of them really well....
16. I really love to exercise and work-out but I don't make enough time for it lately.
17. I love jewerly, and make-up and cute shoes, but I never hardly wear any of that stuff anymore.
18. I feel overwhelmed... a lot. Probably because I am so disorganized, but I love to organize.
19. I have really mixed feelings about the whole internet world, blogging, Facebook, all the stuff.
20. I get excited when I see a really cute idea or think of a really cute idea, and I can't sleep or eat until I have the thing made or have all the supplies to make the thing, (but no time) and it is really a bad habit.
 21.  I really want to see New Moon and I probably won't get to until it is on DVD.
22. And in case I forgot... I really really love my kids and husband but I don't think I show them enough.
See... I 'm just as normal as you are...or maybe now you think I am not so normal. Oh well.
So inquiring minds want to know...what are your mommy confessions? ☻

Pudding No-Bake Cookies

My sister-in-law Jill, shared this pudding no-bake-cookie recipe in our family cookbook, and it was an immediate hit at our house. I love butterscotch and chocolate flavors, and oatmeal, and sweets with less calories. So this was a winner! It is a great party cookie for the holidays too. PLUS... I stuck some in my freezer so I wouldn't eat them all...and they froze really well- in a freezer ziplock baggie of course. ☻

Pudding No Bake Cookies

2 1/4 cups sugar

2 TBSP butter (or margarine) yes only 2

6 oz. evaporated milk

4 oz. butterscotch instant pudding (the small box)

3 1/2 cups oats

Chocolate version: use peanut butter instead of butter, and use chocolate pudding instead of butterscotch.

LOW-CAL (ha ha) version: use sugar free-fat-free pudding and fat-free evaporated milk.

Combine sugar, butter, milk, and pudding mix in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat. Stir in oats. Cool for 15 minutes. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.

I put them in the fridge for a few minutes or let them sit on the counter for several minutes until hardened in cookie form.

Enjoy!

Make your own Baby Wrap/Carrier

I meant to post this months ago...the photo is the day before we were in the hospital for 2 weeks...little did I know how awful this little one was feeling at the time.
My friend Lindsay, told me quite a while ago, that I really should make my own baby wrap, as I was looking into buying a Moby wrap. Well, I'm so glad I made my own. I wish I had this style of baby carrier with all my kids. I LOVE it! And it is so comfortable to wear. It is a definite must have for every mommy. There are so many ways you can wear it. Baby loves it. I think it is pretty cute (especially since it hides all the baby rolls that are left on me-don't worry- that is my big project I am working on-losing the weight...☻)
You can also wear it in the car- without the baby in it of course, and put your seat belt on, and then when you get to where you are going, just take the baby out of his/her car seat, and put the baby in the carrier. You can also nurse your baby while wearing this (I don't do that but you can), and your baby can sleep in it, etc. etc.  One thing I don't like about other styles of baby carriers, is the fact that you have to take it off, and put it back on, etc. etc. This one you could really where all day - and take the baby out, and put the baby back in as needed.

OK --HOW TO MAKE A BABYWRAP /CARRIER:

EASY- buy about 5-6 yards of slightly stretchy fabric- I used a jersey knit fabric (runs at about $8) a yard.
You only need about 1/2 the width, so this much fabric will make 2 baby wraps.
Buy about 1/2 a yard of a cotton fabric to coordinate- and sew a piece on right in the very middle. This just helps the fabric not stretch so much where the baby will be,  and helps you easily find the middle which is essential for tying it on and off, plus it looks cute. ☻
NOW FOR THE HARD PART: tying/wearing this thing- which really is not that hard after you learn how to do it. - there are a million YouTube videos on "how to wear or tie a baby wrap" Most are extremely helpful, some you have to watch a few times, and then you just practice tying it with baby. You can wear it several different ways....I just LOVE IT! I have another one just like the one pictured for sale in my shop- since it made two-- anyone want it?I'm selling it very good price...since I don't need two wraps.  I'll give you a list of videos to watch to help you tie it. (wink, wink) I love it- and just love it! Makes life with baby so much better!

Fabric Happy

My son is sick. That makes me sad. I hate it when my kids are sick. But fabric makes me happy! Almost too happy... the problem is I don't have much time to finish anything, unless I don't take a shower and clean my house- which is what has happened....lately.

And now I need some time to finish this- which I bought fabric for LAST YEAR to make....ooops... I'll show you when I'm done-if/when it gets finished...

It has to get finished so I can work on this:

Or maybe I'll just stare at the pretty fabrics all day....aaahhh....Not a chance.
 I better take care of the kids, the house, and me, so I can get sewing.

WINNER of the Christmas Apron

OK people... I know... I really take FoReVeR when I do a give-a-way- sorry about that. Sick kids, sewing, baby crying, husband working, you name it, I have every excuse. ☻ So using random.org, I gave everyone's entries a number and the winner is:

SANDRA NIXON! Number 35, was your number.
Sandra said, "count me in of course!"

Leave a comment with email (won't be published) and I'll contact you and we'll get you a custom-made Christmas apron.

Speaking of Christmas aprons--- every woman needs one. It just puts you in the Christmas mood, and all that. ☻ I have two in my shop - and more car cozies.
THANKS to everyone that entered.. and  HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Fieldtrip to Above All Fabric

For months, I have been trying to get to Melanie's house to see her fabric shop, Above All Fabric, that she runs out of her house. She doesn't live too far from me, she is also the mother of 3 children, and loves fabrics and sewing too. I finally made it to visit her and get some yummy fabrics too! It was really fun to meet another blogger/friend in person, and she how she runs her fabric shop. Melanie is as genuine as they come. She is always offering great online deals too. In fact, I got quite a few Michael Miller fabrics, for 20% off last week! This week she is running a special for FREE SHIPPING- code FREE through November 8th! She really does offer the best prices, sales, and service.  She also offers rewards points, so you can get money back next time you shop. So if you haven't checked out Above All Fabric, you must take a look at her beautiful fabrics and great deals.  I will be back Melanie- just as soon as I sew my 562 projects I just bought fabric for. ☻

p.s. Christmas Apron winner will be announced soon...

Make a Magnetic Advent Calendar

Last year I spent a lot of time making these. I still have a few left- if you would like one or the materials/kits to make one- let me know. ☻  I sold and gave a way many an advent calendar last year and it sort of burned me out. This year I have way too many crafts on the brain to make these again. Besides,  this year these are out there in blog land.  (The circle idea actually was seen in a vinyl lettering catalog but it was a bit different and obviously lots of people saw the same thing I did.☻ )
 A friend and I came up with the tree one- using our incredible brain power. ☻  hee hee-not like we haven't seen a tree advent before.... :)   (two brains are always better than one-right?)
Anyway- Here is the lowdown on how to do this on your very own:
You need a cookie sheet, or magnetic board. I'm not going to tell you to spray paint a cookie sheet- as I did, because it can be a pain. in. the. you know what. BUT you can buy magnetic spray paint and use wood, or purchase a magnetic board or material from a hardware store, and there you go.
Next you need vinyl numbers, or stickers, or some way to put on the lovely numbers to count down.
To go with that, you need a cute Christmas magnet.
AND last, you need a way to display it. I just hot-glued ribbon on the back.
OK there is one little advent calendar you can make pretty fast.

What kind of advents are you using this year? 

Is it really Christmas already?

Creating a Semi-Homemade Christmas

 Do you ever watch Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee?  Well how about a semi-hand and home made Christmas? There is no way I could make everything, and there are some things I need to get for my boys from the blessed store. BUT... I am determined to stay up many late nights, and make many gifts.
SO... I would like to SPOTLIGHT some fun  ETSY shops for this season. So if you have an etsy shop, or know of someone who has one, please leave me a comment and I'll get in touch with you.
Speaking of etsy, I stayed up way too late making things for my little shop. Only two are posted....:)  More coming soon...maybe. Well special orders at least. :)

Happy Holiday-Crazy -Season!! It starts now....

Car Cozie or Car Cozy

Thanks to Kari at UCreate, I have had several requests for Car Cozies. ☻ So here is the status:
I will sell car cozies for 18.95. I will sell the kit to make our own, with designer car fabric, just contact me. Both will be avaliable through my etsy shop  sometime this week.
Please contact me through my etsy shop (convo me) and I will get in touch with you to fulfill your requests.  If you already purchased one, it  is on its way. If you would like one, I will  get more in my shop this week! Please check back soon. Thank you! Thank you!! ☻ ☻ ☻