I HAVE BEEN BUSY....

I just haven't posted about it.
I bought a new camera with a giftcard I won, and until 10 minutes ago hadn't worked out how to download the pictures onto the computer ..... problem solved however, I've done it:-)


I made my deer ornaments for Novembers leg of our YOE Swap - I wont share those just yet though, as I haven't had confirmation that my partner has recieved her package yet. This year long swap wraps up next month - the time sure has flown!!! It's been a wonderful swap and I've "met" some great ladies. The cherry on the top - I have a whole lot of handmade, enchanted ornaments that will grace an enchanted tree - it's going to be beautiful!!!


Every enchanted tree needs an enchanted tree skirt - well that's my thought anyway. So here it is.... It came together as I worked on it, no definate plan in mind when I started it .......... I love it!!!

All of the images (besides the owl) I either drew or got from kids coloring books. The owl is an adaption of the scissor keep I've posted about before.



Next .... an apron for a friends birthday. I love this pattern - quick, easy and very cocktailish!!!
Her birthday also marks the beginning of Key Lime Bark making season for me - she loves it, so I always try to include some in her birthday gift. It gets included in every candy and cookie tin I give out over Christmas ........ so yummy!!!

I played with some styrofoam balls and paper clay today ..... that was so much fun!!! It's now drying, so hopefully within the next few days I can show you the results of that little adventure!!!

To all our American friends - Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

BIRTHDAY CAKE BONANZA

Boy Child, and his two closest friends (who happen to be twins) have birthdays that are two days apart. All three are passionate little soccer players, so this year they shared a combined soccer themed birthday party.

As the moms, it was one of the easiest (if not, the easiest) parties either of us have ever hosted. 17 boys on a soccer field playing soccer. 2 dads playing goal keepers (and referees!!!). Pizza delivery. Birthday cake.

The cakes were my responsibility..... and I was very happy with how they turned out:-)

Each of the boys got to choose the flavor cake they wanted - Red Velvet, Vanilla and Strawberry!!! Then I did the rest.

They ended the party with a marshmallow war!!! Their party favors were marshmallow guns (made using plumbing supplies), and a bag of mini marshmallows:-)

Happy Birthday Boys!!!

OH SO PRETTY ....

Ok, looks like we're back in action!!!

There is something about the cooler weather - we can't call it cold here in Texas yet, and by the way I am very jealous of those of you who have snow already ...... I so wish it was us:-) - that makes me want to curl up on the couch with some knitting needles and soft, chunky yarn!!! A yummy Cinnamon Dolche Latte steaming beside me, and we're pretty close to Utopia!!!
That's exactly what I did the other day, and this was the result...

A chunky, cabled scarflette. The pattern (The Breckenridge Cowl) is from French Press Knits (that girl is one VERY talented designer). It used size 15 needles and only 1 ball of super chunky yarn. It only took me a couple of hours to make. It is so snuggly and warm, and looks really cute when worn with a jacket. I love that you can use any big buttons you like - the possibilities are endless.

There will most definately be more of these under some Christmas trees this year:-}
Off to Friday morning movies with the girls now.

Happy Crafting...

THE COMPUTER IS SICK .... VERY SICK!!!

Hi everyone .....
The title says it all ...... ugghhh. As soon as I am able to download pictures onto hubby's computer, I'll be back in the land of blog:-)
I have some things of the yarnny, fabricy variety to share with you.
It really hasn't been our year for computers!!!

Until then - I hope your getting some Christmas crafting done.

HAUNTED HALLOWEEN HOUSE...

On my last visit to Hobby Lobby .... to get school project goodies for Girl Child .... I walked past the last few, lonely looking, greatly reduced in price, Halloween craft leftovers. There, right at the back I found one of those plywood, spooky looking houses. I also found some painted, plywood Halloween stickers. The house's price tag - $3-99 less 60%, and the stickers were $1-99, less 60% - you can't pass up a deal that good!!!!

I brought it home, and over the past 2 days have turned it into this ...

I painted it, then glittered the entire house with some very coarse glitter. I gave it 3 coats of spray on sealant to stop that glitter going everywhere!!! I backed the windows and doors with scrapbook paper and glued on the plywood figures I wanted to use. I'm excited about how it turned out .... even if it'll only be on display for a few more days before it's packed away until next year.

Until next time.....

ANOTHER QUICK HALLOWEEN IDEA...

This idea would make a really quick and cute Halloween Class Handout. I may make some for Boy Child to hand out to his classmates on Friday. I saw the box idea on a blog, but just decided to expand on the idea.

I made them by cutting a piece of green cardstock 81/2" x 41/2". I then scored the long sides 1" in from each side. Along the short side, I scored at 33/4" and 43/4". You'll see that the box then folds together quite easily. You'll need to snip both sides where the side and middle score lines cross (It really is easy, when it's in front of you). Glue the sides together and there you have it. Using my circle punches, I made his facial features and glued them in place. To make his hair, I cut a piece of black cardstock 3" x 21/2". Score at the 1" and 2" marks. Cut his jaggardy fringe along the front edge. I then punched 2 holes through the top and threaded some ribbon for the handle. Glue the back of the hair to the back of the box. Once I'd filled a cellophane bag with candy, I popped it into the box and attached the fringe side of the hair with 2 glue dots. There you have it - super easy and super cute!!!

This week I'll be preparing for a Pumpkin Carving and Pizza Party, that we're hosting for our Cub Scout Den and their families on Friday ..... what could be more fun - 18+ kids and masses of pumpkin guts!!! I'm planning on making the dessert table a dessert buffet .... think dead finger cookies, frankie pops, chocolate bones and skulls - yum, yum, yum!!!!

Have a fun week everyone.

A BIT OF THIS, A BIT OF THAT....

I thought I'd pop in with a few random items I've made over the past week. They've all been made for swaps I'm taking part in.

First - there have been many variations of these apothecary jars popping up all over blogland. I love the way they look, and decided that I had everything I'd need on hand, so why not give it a try .... This is the result ...

I really like the shape of this jar - it was a jar that had fruit in it, once upon a time. I so wish that I could find more of them. By only putting the Halloween rub on, on the one side of the jar, I thought that, once Halloween was over, the jar could just be turned around, and it would be clear glass. Add some ribbon, or perhaps some charms, and it could fit any occasion.

Remember the owl scissors keep? I begun thinking and wondering if it would be possible to somehow combine it with a pouch and/or needlecase, so that you could have an all in one, to take with you for any stitching you wanted to do while on the move. Ta Da .... this is what I came up with, and it certainly seems very functional.

This is the front of it - the owl scissor keep. Now, untie the ribbon ties, and this is what you'll find inside...

A pouch for storing your threads, or what ever you wish, and a needle book to keep all your pins and needles handy. I think I may make a few of these as Christmas gifts - maybe even think up some different scissor keeps for the front ..... Hmm, we'll have to see ....

Have a lovely weekend everyone. My boys (hubby and Boychild) are away camping this weekend with Scouts. Girlchild, her best friend and I will be getting down to some serious tye dying tomorrow - her choice, when I asked her if there was anything special she wanted to do!!!