Paper Oranments

I found a cute How-to on Becky's blog to make paper Christmas oranments.  They are super simple and cute.  All you need is scissors, scrapbook paper, staples, and some string.  Even pre-K kids can enjoy this simple and quick decoration.  Here is what I created:

Post comments and pictures to show me what you have created!

Owl Friends!

After creating OW the Owl for my son.  I practiced my sewing skills a little more and created an owl for my niece.  Below are pictures of the two. 

The Owl!

Yesterday, while surfing for gift ideas I ran across a pattern to make an owl. I was determined to create this item in one afternoon, even with a 21 month old's help. So after about 4 and 1/2 hours I completed the project. I plan to make another this evening to give to my niece for Thanksgiving. It is really a easy project to do one evening.

Cut 2 owl body pieces. I use a template I found on line.

Cut 4 feet, 2 eyes, 2 pupils, 1 beak, 1 belly, and 1 triangle. You can choose whatever colors you like.
Pin the owl together first to determine the layout. This will also help you decide what to sew first.
Once you have sewed all the pieces to the front of the owl. Stitch right sides together and flip and stuff.

Here is Owie. Wyatt really loves his new toy. Have fun making this for a child in your life.

I've FINISHED!!!!

Ok so some weeks ago I mentioned that I had started crochecting a scarf. Well now I have officially finished! It is not a very wide scarf however it is just right for me. I am now working on my next projects for Christmas. Hopefully I can finish them all in time! Below are some pictures of the finished product.

Susan my gracious model shows how easy the scraf is to wear! This was a great first project. Simple stitches made it easy for me to complete. Great beginner project!

Creating gifts

I have finished my first gift of the year. This gift was a selfish one though. I crocheted myself a scarf, for many reasons. The main reason was to make sure I could really complete this project in a timely manner. I have a few more (like 10) to go. I hope to be done with them by the middle of December. Below are pictures of the yarn. I will post finished pictures of the scarf later this week!

The yarn was handspun, hand-dyed local wool. Colleen Hewlett a local fiber artist produced the yarn from her own sheep. I hope to learn how to spin yarn after the first of the year so I too can utilize more local products. Here is the link to Colleen's etsy shop: www.valentinesfarm.esty.com .

Creating Homemade Christmas Gifts

Say goodbye to gift cards and Webkinz...hello love! Homemade Christmas gifts is a great way to save money and give a gift from the heart. Just recently I decided that I was going to make as many of my gifts this year as possible. Now that doesn't mean we are giving our construction paper cards and pompom oranaments. I have done lots of online research and decided on sweet personalized gifts for everyone on our list. My gift ideas range from felt food to scarves and cookies.

This idea came to me as a way to conserve money but to also bring back the true meaning of Christmas. I vividly remember the chapter about Christmas in the book "Little House in the Big Woods," it talked lovingly about creating special gifts for family members. How people took the time and care to make a gift someone else would love. Too often in today's world people get caught up in the chaos surrounding the holidays and forget the reason for our Christmas traditions. I challenge each of you to make at least one gift for someone special this year. This challenge will help you learn a craft and give you a timeline all of which are helpful. Please post pictures of your crafts for all of us to see!

Biscuits!

In the last two weeks I have began making biscuits. Not the kind that come from a can or the freezer section of the store but the kind that begin with love and patiences. Now those of you who know me personally probably are laughing at that last sentences. I have found that mixing and rolling out biscuits is very good therapy. I have also found an awesome biscuit recipe that make fluffy, moist biscuits. Below is the recipe.

ingredients:
1 screaming toddler in a high chair (optional)
3 cups all purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon of salt
3/4 teaspoon cream of tarter
3/4 cup of butter (real butter not that fake stuff)
1 cup of whole milk (fresh milk works best)

Directions:

1. preheat your oven to 450 degrees
2. mix all your dry ingredients together in a large bowl, if clumping sift
3. cut in your butter with a pastry cutter or two knives
4. mix in your milk until the dough as just come together
5. spread a little flour out on a flat surface (I use our kitchen table)
6. turn dough out onto table
7. knead the dough about 6 or 8 times (the less you knead the fluffier your biscuits)
8. roll the dough out to 2/3" thick
9. use a 2" biscuit cutter and cut out biscuits
10. re-roll and cut until all the dough has been used
11. place the biscuits on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes (depending upon your oven)
12. enjoy with jelly, soup, stews and much more!

This is an easy and quick recipe that can be done on a week night. So head to the kitchen and make some biscuits tonight.