Christmas Show-Off

A few of my favorite Christmas gifts! Just pretend these are good photos and not bad iPhone pics.

John got this for me and I thought I was going to be all Bad A and dominate this game. I was sorely mistaken and was swiftly taken down several notches. It's wicked haaard. (But I'll still beat you.)

Pretty, pretty vintage locket from Beth with pics of my sistas. I pretty much wear this every day.

A wee little 1930s copy of A Christmas Carol from my brother, Trev. It's amazing and sweet.

Anthro earrings from Ruth. I had been wanting these forever. I never want to take them off.

Adorable bag made by my Mama. She made all of the girls bags like this with different fabrics. Mine is now my official knitting bag and it's so perfect.

I'm sooooo excited about this cookbook! It's so beautiful. I love just looking through it and smelling it and dreaming of cooking all of the lovely, rustic, delicious things. This was also from John, cause he is the best!

The Fam

These portraits were John's Christmas gift to my mom. He did all the photography, printing, framing and surprised my mom on Christmas Eve with them all hung up in the family room (special thanks to Trev for hanging them). I think she was pretty excited and happy. Especially since before these, everyones' photos were about 8 years out-of-date.

Mom & Dad
Greg
Trevor & Christi
Bethany
Ivan
Alexa
Ryan

Also, a little photo shoot of Greg and his girlfriend Erin and her son Griffin. Aren't they the most adorable little family you've ever seen? I love these kids.

Paper cuts

Yet another Angry Chicken project -- this one from her Mailorder #10 -- for a couple of friends. I'm sooo hooked on paper cutting now. It's so like, meditative, slicing through the paper with precision. I love it. I wish I could draw so that I could design my own -- I have so many ideas in my head -- but I'm thinking there are probably a lot online that I just have to look for to find.

Isn't the laundry line so adorably perfect for a laundry room? I wish I had a cute laundry room to decorate! I'm planning on doing another "Hello" for our entry, along with the two others that are in the Mailorder set -- a quilt and a kooky little house. Can't wait!

Two Simple Totes for Two Little Girls

These little book bags were made for two little girls I know who love books. They seemed so tiny when I made them, but after seeing them on little ones, they were just the right size.

The pattern came from Amy Karol's (aka The Angry Chicken) Bend-the-Rules Sewing, which I've made several projects from now. The directions were soooo confusing for me, but once I actually just followed them -- instead of trying to think ahead -- it was easy and it worked!

This project uses so little fabric, is so quick and it's so fun to mix and match fabrics. I'm definitely going to make one for Will and probably will make a larger one for myself. Heaven knows I need yet another bag in my life.

Cozy x 3

I just finished my first commissioned order! My good friend Erin asked me to make a couple of these drink cozies/sleeves to give as Christmas gifts. I was so excited! These little guys are really fun to make. Erin only asked for two, but I just had to throw in one for her, as well.


While driving a few days ago I was struck with a new idea to do a crocheted ripple along the edge. I was so excited to get home and try it that I could barely drive! I'm so happy with the way it looks. Punching the holes, and crocheting with the world's smallest crochet hook takes a bit more time but I think it's so worth it.


I have another project in my head using felt and this crocheted edge that I'm soooo eager to make. It'll be my reward after I finish the Christmas gift I'm currently working on. Can't wait!!!

Overwhelmed? Me?

I just finished making a list of the projects that I'm currently working on and ones that need to be started and finished. The number is 30. 30 projects. Sewing, knitting, crocheting, designing, printing, assembling. And those are just for Christmas! There is an entirely different list of projects that need to get done in the not-too-distant future: Norway Trip blog, printing, framing, painting, photo albums, hanging, thrifting. Phew.

Today is going to be all-projects all-day. I'm not even going to bother getting dressed. I think it's going to be a very good day.

Here is my favorite song right now. It's officially my new running song -- the one I switch to when I need a burst of energy to keep me going. Enjoy!

Gift Horse

Several months ago I found this rocking horse over at Warm Biscuit and instantly fell in love. Hello, it's perfect.


William's Uncle Tim was kind enough to get it for him for Christmas, but it ended up being back ordered for nearly 4 months!

Luckily, the horse finally showed up and William is nuts over it. And already is trying to do stunts like stand upon its back no hands.



Love!