tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42328040968474318862024-03-13T14:11:28.012-07:00Santa's Helper BlogShirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-16629925535323251102012-01-01T12:09:00.000-08:002012-01-01T12:09:43.146-08:00Time to put away the Christmas decorations and start planning ....Christmas 2011 is over. It's now the new year, 2012. Time to put up the old and make ready for the new.<br />
I hope your New Year is full of fun and glorious gifts.<br />
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Now would be a good time to start planning for Christmas 2012--to make it even bigger and better than this last one!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85-SSXbG-BA/TwC9VDYFVtI/AAAAAAAABKs/_n5Ia7YjbOY/s1600/2012.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-85-SSXbG-BA/TwC9VDYFVtI/AAAAAAAABKs/_n5Ia7YjbOY/s320/2012.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-18063443731393230192011-12-24T18:46:00.000-08:002011-12-24T18:46:55.272-08:00Santa's getting ready to fly!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9bILYJd85A/TvaOSTDZlBI/AAAAAAAABKI/MLGBf2BONEU/s1600/santa-278x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p9bILYJd85A/TvaOSTDZlBI/AAAAAAAABKI/MLGBf2BONEU/s1600/santa-278x300.jpg" /></a></div>He's ready, are you? Better be on the "nice" list if you know what's good for you!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Merry Christmas!</b></span></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-15183787277344045372011-12-20T05:17:00.000-08:002011-12-20T05:17:50.492-08:00Icicle Ornaments From Plastic BottlesHere's a really cute way to make icicles for the house or tree this year. Use old plastic bottles!<br />
This tutorial is from <a href="http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/icicle-ornaments-from-plastic-bottles-2?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=december-2011" target="_blank">Cut Out and Keep</a>. Check out the site because there are several other versions of this tutorial there. Maybe one of them will work just for you!<br />
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Make icicle ornaments from plastic bottles<br />
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Materials needed:<br />
-plastic bottle<br />
-candle<br />
-scissors<br />
-knife<br />
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<br />
(I made 36 icicles out of 2 bottles, and I'm not counting those first few that I threw away because they were warped or burned)<br />
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This is so easy, I can't believe there is no instruction on it yet :)<br />
I had this idea last year, when I saw those expensive glass icicles in stores, and wondered if they make plastic ones too (so they'd be catproof =^.^=).<br />
End of the story is, I looked on ebay, found they were either ugly (opaque white plastic with gold glitter, anyone? or maybe yellow glow-in-the-dark???) or expensive (15€ for some cheap cast plastic?!), and decided to make my own :P<br />
You can hang them on a tree, or make a garland out of them. They could look great on a wire chandelier as well, AND they make great hairsticks! I even made some tiny ones as earrings.<br />
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1. remove the top and the bottom of the bottle and get rid of the label.<br />
2. cut the bottle in thin strips (about 1-1.5cm at the wider end) that taper at one end (the shape of most bottles will do that automatically! You'll only have to trim the end so it's really pointy). Don't worry about any patterns and bumps in the plastic, they'll be barely noticable at the end.<br />
3. starting from the tapered end (leave a piece unheated so you can hold it), heat (HEAT not melt or burn) the strips over a candle while moving and twisting them.<br />
You have to pull a bit on both sides so they don't get warped and crooked.<br />
4. when you reach the end, keep pulling it straight until it cools.<br />
5. OPTIONAL: now you can either cut the thin non-twisted spike at the thin end, or leave it there.<br />
you can also cut the top (the wider end) of the icicle to a rounded shape.<br />
6. heat a needle or nail over the candle and poke a hole through the top of the icicle.<br />
7. put a piece of thread or wire through the hole, make a knot, and hang it somewhere :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hT6l49bYyTc/TvCKc6LM_5I/AAAAAAAABJo/IRwey9mOWaQ/s1600/eiszapfen1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hT6l49bYyTc/TvCKc6LM_5I/AAAAAAAABJo/IRwey9mOWaQ/s320/eiszapfen1b.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KPAgGrNmGY/TvCKgRTs0eI/AAAAAAAABJw/0c965iI-eZI/s1600/eiszapfen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6KPAgGrNmGY/TvCKgRTs0eI/AAAAAAAABJw/0c965iI-eZI/s320/eiszapfen2.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><br />
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tips:<br />
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PRACTICE! the first ones I made were so ugly I had to throw them away ^^<br />
You'll soon find out at which temperature the plastic gets soft but doesn't melt and drip yet.<br />
The candle should not smoke or flicker excessively, and there should be no "burned plastic" smell eiter. If the candle produces smoke or soot you should trim the wick.<br />
If you make larger icicles (like, from 2 liter bottles), i suggest that you stop at the middle and let it cool first. Then you can hold it better to start again, so you can twist them in a more controlled way. But this takes practice too, as you have to reheat the plastic evenly.<br />
It helps a lot if you've worked with glass before.<br />
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if you make a lot of them and want to keep the threads from getting tangled while you store them during the rest of the year, you can hold them together with a rubber band.<br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=54a81689-b4d8-4648-a1f0-01da009b9187" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-37930381532464469552011-12-18T18:25:00.000-08:002011-12-18T18:25:46.900-08:00Time to enjoy the Christmas Lights!Here are some videos of wonderful light shows this year for Christmas. I don't recommend trying this yourself, unless you have plenty of money and lots of time to work on it.<br />
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<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mnk0KjWxgMA?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mnk0KjWxgMA?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
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<object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5oS1WvKaqe8?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5oS1WvKaqe8?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
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<object height="315" width="420"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V90cZe18fqw?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V90cZe18fqw?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
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<object height="315" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NF065ckxUIs?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NF065ckxUIs?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="560" height="315" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=47e1ddbe-cd64-4781-b489-6ba628029cc4" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-92152244720359059502011-12-01T08:53:00.000-08:002011-12-01T08:53:01.785-08:00Easy Christmas Snowflake Ornaments to make in minutes! Here's a quick and cute snowflake ornament you could probably make tonight with the kids and have them hanging on the tree. This really is a cute ornament and I think I will get me some supplies and start making these myself.<br />
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I found this on <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=17586.0&utm_medium=Email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=weeklynewsletter" target="_blank">Craftster.com</a> and you should hop over there to see all the other crafts they have for this holiday!<br />
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happy holy-daze!<br />
here's a little something to whip up for your tree (or to give away, or even assemble kits for).<br />
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<img alt="" border="0" height="381" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/amymdelisle/snowflake.jpg" width="350" /><br />
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<b>you will need:</b><br />
<span style="color: red;">beads<br />
beading wire or other fine gauge wire (i used 24 gauge)<br />
wire snips<br />
round nose pliers</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="359" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/amymdelisle/supplies.jpg" width="350" /><br />
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<b>1</b> <span style="color: red;">cut 5 pieces of wire, each about 4-5 inches long.</span><br />
<b>2</b> <span style="color: red;">holding them all together, tie a knot in the middle.</span> <br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="619" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/amymdelisle/knot.jpg" width="350" /><br />
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<b>3</b> <span style="color: red;">spread the wires out evenly around the knot.</span><br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="393" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/amymdelisle/knotspread.jpg" width="350" /><br />
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<b>4</b> <span style="color: red;">slide your beads on one wire "arm", and finish with a spiral to hold the beads in place. repeat with the other arms, then attatch fishing line or wire to hang. how easy was that? </span> <br />
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you could even get really crazy and tie a whole bunch of wires together and spread them out to be a 3-d starburst. or, as you can kind of see below, wrap the wires around something fun, like sea glass. or make really tiny ones for earrings! or make a bunch and hang them on a dead branch, like so:<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="433" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v37/amymdelisle/tree.jpg" width="350" /><br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://artisticdivasworld.blogspot.com/2011/11/working-on-christmas-tree-ornaments.html">Working on Christmas Tree Ornaments this year!</a> (artisticdivasworld.blogspot.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/craft-jingle-bell-ornaments/">Craft Jingle Bell Ornaments</a> (education.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/make-glue-christmas-ornaments/">Make Glue Ornaments for Christmas</a> (education.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com/2011/10/09/creative-snowflakes-fall-art-preview/">Creative Snowflakes Fall Art Preview</a> (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.beadinggem.com/2011/11/how-to-make-bead-wreaths-tutorials.html">How to Make Bead Wreaths Tutorials</a> (beadinggem.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://kristengregory4eva.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/my-christmas-tree/">My Christmas Tree!</a> (kristengregory4eva.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.tfollowers.com/2011/11/christmas-desk-ornament-thought/">Christmas Desk Ornament Thought</a> (tfollowers.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.beadinggem.com/2011/12/make-neck-wires-from-thick-beading-wire.html">Make Neck Wires from Thick Beading Wire</a> (beadinggem.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.frugalupstate.com/crafts-diy/diy-earrings-bracelet-jewelry-set/">DIY Earrings & Bracelet Jewelry Set</a> (frugalupstate.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://postgradautodidact.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/homemade-jewelry/">Homemade Jewelry</a> (postgradautodidact.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=69d01826-4439-4e9a-baa7-7a056758e007" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-90062234379574799322011-11-26T18:38:00.000-08:002011-11-26T18:38:43.211-08:00Christmas Lights: The Ultimate Way to Decorate Your Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged" style="clear: both; float: none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Juletr%C3%A6et.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A Danish Christmas tree illuminated with burni..." height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Juletr%C3%A6et.jpg/300px-Juletr%C3%A6et.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="232" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Juletr%C3%A6et.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span></div><br />
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<span class="zemanta-img separator zemanta-action-dragged"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_lights_trees_and_snowman.jpg" style="clear: left; display: block; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas lights" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Christmas_lights_trees_and_snowman.jpg/300px-Christmas_lights_trees_and_snowman.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="213" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_lights_trees_and_snowman.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span>Christmas lights; we have all seen them and most of us have used them before. When it comes to Christmas lights, we often associate those lights only with Christmas trees. While Christmas lights are most commonly used to decorate Christmas trees, did you know that they can also be used for much more? If you are planning on decorating this year, you should consider using your Christmas lights for decorating your entire home.<br />
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Although many people only put lights on their Christmas tree, there are other uses for them as well. One of those uses is for decorating the outside of your home. You can easily find Christmas lights that are designed for outside use, particular around a home. These type of lights are often referred to as outdoor Christmas lights. One such type of light is the icicle Christmas lights that allow the lights to hang off the side of a house. While it is possible to find multicolored outdoor Christmas lights, you will find that they are most commonly sold in the traditional white color.<br />
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In addition to decorating the outside of the outside of your home with Christmas lights, you can also decorate the trees outside of your home. A number of homeowners, each year, decorate the trees outside their home, often exactly like their indoor Christmas tress. Many times, these trees are relatively small in size; therefore, small outdoor Christmas lights are needed on an outdoor tree. Decorating the small trees in your yard is a great way to bring a touch of Christmas to your neighborhood.<br />
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Some people like to hang Christmas lights along the top of their walls. This is a great way to bring extra Christmas spirit into the home. In fact, you can even use Christmas lights to decorate one of your home’s bedroom windows. This idea is often loved by teenagers and other children; many enjoy the twinkling lights and colors. Decorating your home’s bedroom windows is a great way to bring the Christmas spirit into a room that you may have otherwise not decorated.<br />
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You may also want to decorate your office or your workspace. Unfortunately, not everyone celebrates Christmas. This may pose a problem, when it comes to decorating your office workspace. However, you can still, in many cases, use Christmas lights to decorate your office. In most cases, you will find that it is the decorations that scream Christmas that cause the problems, not the lights themselves. Therefore, if you supervisors approve, you could easily hang Christmas lights around your office walls or along the sides of your work desk.<br />
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Isn’t it amazing all of the different ways that you can use Christmas lights to decorate your home or even your office? It really is amazing how just the addition of those colorful, twinkling lights can add so much spirit to your holiday cheer.<br />
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<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://thinkoutsidethebin.com/2011/11/25/upgrade-christmas-lights-to-led/">Upgrade Christmas Lights to LED</a> (thinkoutsidethebin.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.allhome-improve.com/2011/11/22/making-the-best-use-of-christmas-lights-for-decoration/">Making the Best Use of Christmas Lights for Decoration</a> (allhome-improve.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://homefurnishingstore.wordpress.com/2011/10/21/how-to-create-the-perfect-festive-atmosphere-with-christmas-lights-and-candles/">How to Create the Perfect Festive Atmosphere with Christmas Lights and Candles</a> (homefurnishingstore.wordpress.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=db48b69f-6dfb-40f5-a30c-f51a23548c15" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-52181282750038162162011-11-24T07:50:00.000-08:002011-11-24T07:50:32.478-08:00Black Friday Amazon Deals!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/b/ref=pe_182480_21881630_pe_182480_21881630_htmlintro/?node=384082011&#34;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YGJMmkyLoFw/Ts5m7IgtzJI/AAAAAAAABIc/uMesV4x5_Vw/s640/AMAZON_BLACK_FRIDAY.png" width="571" /> Black Friday Deals</a> </div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-18258060453932877832011-11-24T03:04:00.000-08:002011-11-24T03:04:37.459-08:00Black Friday is here and are you ready?Here in the USA, the day after Thanksgiving is known as "Black Friday" due to all the special sales and the stores opening at midnight for shoppers. It seems pretty silly, but there are many wonderful bargains to be found if you are willing to camp out in line and be one of the first shoppers to get into the store.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I hate crowds, so I prefer to shop all year long--monitoring sales for items that may be appropriate as Christmas presents. I also prefer shopping online to going to stores. This is just my preferences. More and more people are getting into the spirit of Black Friday shopping. For months before this day, you can receive emails and circulars telling you about the wonderful "bargains" and "sales" to be found on this day. What they don't tell you is that there is a very limited quantity of these items and if you are not the lucky few, you will probably end up spending more money buying similar items that are not on sale. This is the ploy of all the commercial sellers on this day.</div><br />
I understand that stores need to make a profit for our economy to improve, but I don't like "bait and switch" tactics very much. I think it is dishonest. So, I choose to shop online during the year and by Black Friday I have all my Christmas done. It is just my way of dealing with this holiday. You are more than welcome to deal with the stress, crowds, etc. I simply don't wish to do so.<br />
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I hope everyone reading this has a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoys the food and family time that this holiday stands for. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">Happy Thanksgiving to you all!</span></span></div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://socyberty.com/holidays/black-friday-why-is-it-black-friday/">Black Friday- Why is It "Black Friday"?</a> (socyberty.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://jack.radio.com/2011/11/23/top-5-shoppers-to-watch-out-for-on-black-friday-photos-2/">Top 5 Shoppers to Watch Out for on Black Friday [Photos]</a> (jack.radio.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://blog.eternalsnow.com/2011/11/stay-out-of-the-mall-on-black-friday/">Stay out of the Mall on Black Friday</a> (eternalsnow.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://buzz103.radio.com/2011/11/24/how-to-survive-and-conquer-black-friday/">How To Survive (And Conquer) Black Friday</a> (buzz103.radio.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.inquisitr.com/162414/extreme-couponer-to-conduct-11-hour-black-friday-shopping-spree-with-13-helpers/">Extreme Couponer To Conduct 11-Hour Black Friday Shopping Spree With 13 Helpers</a> (inquisitr.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://blissybliss.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/black-friday-special-abundance-for-sale/">Black Friday Special: Abundance for Sale</a> (blissybliss.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/story/more-black-friday-shoppers-expected-survey-2011-11-22?siteid=rss">More Black Friday shoppers expected: survey</a> (marketwatch.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2016840650_blackfriday24.html?syndication=rss">The meaning of Black Friday</a> (seattletimes.nwsource.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://thenextweb.com/apps/2011/11/23/this-is-the-only-app-you-need-for-black-friday-and-it-saves-trees/">This is the only app you need for Black Friday, and it saves trees</a> (thenextweb.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.getitfree.us/blog-Getting-The-Most-Out-Of-Black-Friday-Shopping-And-Beyond--10">Getting the Most Out of Black Friday Shopping and Beyond</a> (getitfree.us)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://socyberty.com/issues/black-friday-deals/">Black Friday Deals</a> (socyberty.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://thecustomercollective.com/atfosbrook/69987/black-friday-yes-virginia-there-app">Black Friday? Yes, Virginia. There Is An App for That.</a> (thecustomercollective.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=d3c89d85-2649-45b6-89ca-d596977544c3" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-16228155277067597252011-10-29T05:57:00.000-07:002011-10-29T05:57:41.045-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76qNg4MRc-w/Tqv1BXFnyVI/AAAAAAAABGY/GMawuirT2xo/s1600/christmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-76qNg4MRc-w/Tqv1BXFnyVI/AAAAAAAABGY/GMawuirT2xo/s1600/christmas.png" /></a></div>Here's an article I wrote and published on EzineArticles. I think it is appropriate for this blog and so I am reposting it here. I hope you enjoy this article and I hope it gives you some good ideas for this Christmas season's gift buying.<br />
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At3pwROQMC4/Tqv1uqI9HKI/AAAAAAAABGg/V2LfDKucq7g/s1600/presents_66854a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-At3pwROQMC4/Tqv1uqI9HKI/AAAAAAAABGg/V2LfDKucq7g/s200/presents_66854a.jpg" width="171" /></a><br />
What Are the Hot Gifts for Christmas This Year?<br />
By Shirley K Williams <br />
<br />
This year for Christmas you will need to use care in spending your hard earned money on gifts. It is very important that you choose wisely, ending up with the perfect gift without spending a fortune. Christmas is almost upon us, so now is the time to start thinking about what you want to get for your loved ones. Gift giving is always a challenge, but with the economy the way it is today and so many people out of work, this year proves to be a serious challenge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMnaMGQhinw/Tqv2ZP8ICWI/AAAAAAAABGo/uql5chaF1hU/s1600/ap_black_friday_091119_mn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LMnaMGQhinw/Tqv2ZP8ICWI/AAAAAAAABGo/uql5chaF1hU/s200/ap_black_friday_091119_mn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One thing you can do this year is start early. Waiting until the last minute will be frustrating and cost you more money. There is always the chance that your gift is not quite on target because of the need to get your shopping done in a hurry. There will be many really great sales between now and Christmas and if you are prepared, start early, and have a plan, then your gifts will be really appreciated because of all the thought you put into them.<br />
<br />
I've reviewed quite a few sites online this year all touting the "Hot" gifts for 2011. There are some things that remain constant, such as the allure of the gadgets and our love of technology. Some of the really hot items this year will be the same as last year- iPads, iPods, cell phones, game systems, televisions, etc. You will never go wrong buying these items as gifts, but they usually come with a very large purchase price.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yucqJL3FZ8A/Tqv2d5UPuLI/AAAAAAAABGw/JVjP5dZNlDo/s1600/3kindlefire.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yucqJL3FZ8A/Tqv2d5UPuLI/AAAAAAAABGw/JVjP5dZNlDo/s200/3kindlefire.png" width="200" /></a>Maybe you need to step back a bit and look at other types of gifts. If your gift receiver loves to read and loves books, maybe a Kindle would be a good gift. If your receiver loves photography and video, maybe a hand-held video camera or a digital SLR camera would do. If the receiver drives an older car and gets lost frequently, maybe a GPS system that can be mounted on the dash.<br />
<br />
The easiest way to buy for someone is to learn about what that person enjoys or likes to do in their spare moments. Usually, these activities help to relieve stress and keep them centered. Hobbies have long been an outlet for us as life gets chaotic and stressful. Look to these outlets for clues about what to spend your time and money on. I guarantee you will be glad you did.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bpI5NAi0TY/Tqv3mhvK8uI/AAAAAAAABHA/bP1-N0nVX7g/s1600/The_Burrows.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--bpI5NAi0TY/Tqv3mhvK8uI/AAAAAAAABHA/bP1-N0nVX7g/s200/The_Burrows.png" width="187" /></a>Then there are the old stand-by's that have always been good for gift buying. Jewelry and personal care gifts are always appreciated and used. Children have always enjoyed games and toys.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This year, you should look to video games like Call of Duty: Black Ops and Halo Reach. These games will be coming out soon and many young boys will be excited to receive their own games. My Pillow Pets are still very popular with the younger children and may become hard to find if you wait too long. Lego board games are popular with school age children as are the original Lego's. Action figures will always be popular with young boys, so look at those as an option.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIvgRbHYb24/Tqv2jR-YOSI/AAAAAAAABG4/yFDv2atgL6M/s1600/mw3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIvgRbHYb24/Tqv2jR-YOSI/AAAAAAAABG4/yFDv2atgL6M/s320/mw3.png" width="320" /></a></div>Mom and Dad may enjoy a new espresso coffee machine to make their own fancy coffee at home and save them time and money. Today you can spend quite a bit on the fancy coffee and may drive a distance to get to a coffee store. This gift will be seen as a thoughtful and useful gift, saving both time and money for the receiver.<br />
<br />
Young adults will always enjoy tickets to must-see movies, sporting events, and concerts of favorite bands. This is a gift that will be appreciated and remembered for some time. You will become the best gift giver of the year. Start checking your area now for possible events that you could purchase tickets for.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wx0NEaqdMYg/Tqv4ClBjXPI/AAAAAAAABHI/qtAECQWP5KE/s1600/ASUS_tablet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wx0NEaqdMYg/Tqv4ClBjXPI/AAAAAAAABHI/qtAECQWP5KE/s200/ASUS_tablet.png" width="136" /></a>Tablet computers are all the rage right now and if you can swing such a purchase, I know you will be rewarded with squeals of delight from the receiver. iPads are expensive, but there are several tablet computers on the market now that are just are good and that cost less. Explore these for ideas.<br />
<br />
There are many choices out there this year so you will be on the money if you take your time, start early, and really think about the likes and dislikes of the receiver. With just a little thought and some extra time, this Christmas may turn out to be the best ever. Even with money being tight, you stand a chance of being the best gift-giver this year!<br />
<br />
Christmas is always stressful, and this year will prove to be just the same. You can get a head start if you plan now and start your shopping early. Be sure to check online for ratings and availability of items that are beginning to fly off the shelves. If you start now, you may even get your shopping done online and never have to fight the crowds. <br />
<br />
For more ideas and information about Christmas, please visit <a href="http://santashelper2009.blogspot.com/">my blog</a>. For gift ideas please visit <br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/christmasiscomingtoosoon">Christmas is coming too soon</a>. Here's my wish for you to have a very merry Christmas 2011.<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://boudiuk.wordpress.com/2011/10/29/designer-gifts-for-christmas-2011/">Designer Gifts for Christmas 2011</a> (boudiuk.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://r.zemanta.com/?u=http%3A//money.cnn.com/2011/10/25/pf/tablet_computers/index.htm&a=59782031&rid=f8b2f7bf-74ef-49ac-8b4d-c38de26fdaf3&e=766b04a9ae58be97e25a76961c9bdfb4">Tablet computers: The 'it' gift this Christmas</a> (money.cnn.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://socyberty.com/holidays/top-10-best-christmas-gifts/">Top 10 Best Christmas Gifts</a> (socyberty.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/28/toys-r-us-gets-nostalgic-for-christmas/">Toys 'R' Us Gets Nostalgic for Christmas</a> (mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://lookingcloser.org/2011/10/a-christmas-gift-idea/">A Christmas gift idea</a> (lookingcloser.org)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=f8b2f7bf-74ef-49ac-8b4d-c38de26fdaf3" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-67040962141359714242011-10-28T11:10:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:10:34.416-07:00Black Friday Specials are starting to be announced!<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.daylife.com/image/06KkbZe6KV8MI?utm_source=zemanta&utm_medium=p&utm_content=06KkbZe6KV8MI&utm_campaign=z1" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BURBANK, CA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Cyma Zarghami, ..." height="118" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06KkbZe6KV8MI/150x118.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="150" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 150px;">Image by <a href="http://www.daylife.com/source/Getty_Images">Getty Images</a> via <a href="http://www.daylife.com/">@daylife</a></span></span>Just got this in my email and wanted to share it with you here. <br />
<br />
<h4 style="margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.black-friday.net/bf/kmart-toy-book-black-friday.html?utm_source=netemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kmart_toy_book_2011" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: Georgia,Times New Roman,Times,serif; font-size: 24px; margin-top: 0pt;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319825290_5">Posted: the Kmart Toy Book</span> <br />
</a></h4><div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13197991307151409">It's official...The holiday season is starting! We got our hands on a copy of the <a href="http://www.black-friday.net/bf/kmart-toy-book-black-friday.html?utm_source=netemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kmart_toy_book_2011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319825290_6">Kmart Toy Book</span></a> and posted it on our website right away. There are 64 pages of toys, with sale prices available both in-store and online. The sale begins <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319825290_7">on Sunday, October 30th</span> and continues until <span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319825290_8">Wednesday, November 23rd</span>. The Toy Book is packed with popular toys like Bratz dolls, Transformers action figures, Dora the Explorer, Elmo, and many more.</div>Some of the highlights of the Kmart Toy Book are:<br />
<ul><li>$10 off the LeapFrog Leapster Explorer ($59.99)</li>
<li>$5 off Justin Bieber Singing Doll ($19.99)</li>
<li>Furreal Friends Cookie, My Playful Pup for $44.99 with coupon</li>
<li>Free Nerf Ammo 16-pack with purchase of any Nerf Blaster (in-store only)</li>
</ul><a href="http://www.black-friday.net/bf/kmart-toy-book-black-friday.html?utm_source=netemail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=kmart_toy_book_2011" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319825290_9">View the entire Kmart Toy Book here</span></a>.<br />
We're just getting warmed up. We can't wait to see which ads and sales break next...<br />
Thanks for reading!<br />
<div id="yui_3_2_0_1_13197991307151471"><a href="http://black-friday.net/" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1319825290_10">Black-Friday.net</span></a></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=02b9ef0f-ce4b-48fc-af6a-8dbb07524c2a" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-48843206413937642212011-10-14T01:49:00.000-07:002011-10-14T01:49:00.138-07:00I did find this Carol Duvall show episode about decorating your table for the holiday season, so here it is for your enjoyment.<br />
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<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,124,0" height="263" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://common.scrippsnetworks.com/common/snap/snap-3.2.2-embed.swf?channelurl=http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/channel/xml/0,,6232-VIDEO,00.xml&channel=6232"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/><embed src="http://common.scrippsnetworks.com/common/snap/snap-3.2.2-embed.swf?channelurl=http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/channel/xml/0,,6232-VIDEO,00.xml&channel=6232" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="320" height="263"/></object>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-76928335201021749952011-10-12T05:25:00.000-07:002011-10-12T05:25:00.865-07:00Make a Pyramid BoxCarol Duvall had an episode during Christmas where her guest, Mary O'Neil made beautiful pyramid boxes to use for Christmas gift. These are perfect for small, expensive gifts, especially if you use Acetate Velvet and emboss the box. Mary used double sided sticky interfacing to attach the velvet to her box template and then finished it off with a beautiful organza bow. Almost too pretty to open!<br />
<br />
I found this tutorial for making the pyramid boxes, and I looked but could not find the episode of Carol Duvall anywhere online. This is from <a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box.html">Things to Make and Do</a> and you can use your imagination to design and decorate your own boxes.<br />
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<big>This is an unusual box that can be used for small or large gifts. There are three downloadable templates to choose from, a large template or two small templates that will fit on a sheet of A4 card, and one small template that fits on a sheet of A5 card. <strong>There are two sets of templates for each size, one with the dotted fold lines on (this is great to practice on with a sheet of paper, or if children are making the box), and one with no dotted fold lines (these are harder to use but give a more professional finish).</strong> These boxes are easy to make with no gluing required and can be used for a variety of gift ideas including favours at a wedding or for small gifts hanging from a Christmas tree. The larger pyramid measures nearly 8 cm across the base and 4½ cm high, the small pyramid base is 5¼ cm wide and 3 cm high. </big> <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="center"><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-main.jpg" /></div><br />
<h3>You will need:</h3><br />
<br />
<big> <div align="center">A4 or A5 card<br />
Scissors<br />
Craft knife or bone folder<br />
Ruler<br />
Hole punch<br />
Ribbon <br />
</div></big><br />
<br />
<div class="center"><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-needed.jpg" /></div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"> <script type="text/javascript">
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</script><ins style="border: medium none; display: inline-table; height: 60px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 468px;"><ins id="aswift_1_anchor" style="border: medium none; display: block; height: 60px; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; position: relative; visibility: visible; width: 468px;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="60" hspace="0" id="aswift_1" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="aswift_1" onload="var i=this.id,s=window.google_iframe_oncopy,H=s&&s.handlers,h=H&&H[i],w=this.contentWindow,d;try{d=w.document}catch(e){}if(h&&d&&(!d.body||!d.body.firstChild)){if(h.call){i+='.call';setTimeout(h,0)}else if(h.match){i+='.nav';w.location.replace(h)}s.log&&s.log.push(i)}" scrolling="no" style="left: 0pt; position: absolute; top: 0pt;" vspace="0" width="468"></iframe></ins></ins> </div><br />
<h3>What to do</h3><br />
<br />
<br />
<big>1. Download the template onto card, or onto paper and trace the design onto card. <strong>Remember there are two sets of templates for each size, one with the dotted fold lines (this is great to practice on with a sheet of paper, or if children are making the box), and one with no dotted fold lines (these are harder to use but give a more professional finish).</strong> </big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-1.jpg" /></big></div><big><br />
<br />
</big><div align="center"> <big><a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-template-single-A4.pdf" target="_blank">Download Large Pyramid Box Template</a></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><big><a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-template-single-A4-nodots.pdf" target="_blank">Download Large Pyramid Top Template without dotted lines</a></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><big><a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-template-single-A5.pdf" target="_blank">Download single small Pyramid Box A5 Template</a></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><big><a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-template-single-A5-nodots.pdf" target="_blank">Download single small Pyramid Box A5 Template without dotted lines</a></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><big><a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-template-doubled-A4.pdf" target="_blank">Download two small Pyramid Boxes A4 Template</a></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><big><a href="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-template-doubled-A4-nodots.pdf" target="_blank">Download two small Pyramid Boxes A4 Template without dotted lines</a></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big></div><big>2. Cut out the template.<br />
</big><br />
<div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-2.jpg" /></big></div><big><br />
<br />
</big><big>3. Score the fold lines using either a craft knife or bone folder and ruler, if you are using a craft knife, do not cut through the card. The scoring is just to help the card to fold.<br />
</big><br />
<div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-3.jpg" /></big></div><big><br />
<br />
</big><big>4. Punch a hole where marked near the top of each triangle.<br />
</big><br />
<div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-4.jpg" /></big></div><big><br />
<br />
</big><big>5. Fold over the sides and narrow flaps, pressing with your finger to make crisp folds.<br />
</big><br />
<div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-5.jpg" /></big></div><big><br />
<br />
</big><big>6. Put the small gift into the box and close the top of the pyramid with ribbon. Take a ribbon end and thread it through the punched holes. Start by threading from the front of one hole into the box then through the next hole from inside to outside the box, go into the third hole from the outside and then thread through the last hole from the inside to the outside. Tie the two ribbon ends together with a slip knot and finish with a bow.<br />
</big><br />
<div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-6.jpg" /><br />
<br />
</big><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-6a.jpg" /></big></div><big><br />
<br />
</big><big>7. If you need to make a loop to hang the pyramid up by (Christmas tree decoration) then after threading the ribbon through all four holes and tying the ends together with a slip knot, thread the ribbon back through the box, under the ribbon making a loop, tie another slip knot and finish off with a bow, this can be a little tricky so another pair of hands may come in handy. Or, after tying a bow to close the top, thread a separate piece of ribbon through and tie a knot to make a loop. <br />
</big><br />
<div class="center"><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-7.jpg" /><br />
<br />
</big><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-7a.jpg" /></big><br />
<big><br />
<br />
</big><big><img alt="Things to make and do - pyramid box" src="http://www.things-to-make-and-do.co.uk/paper-and-card-projects/boxes/pyramid-box-how-to-make-7b.jpg" /></big></div><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=56365a2f-cff7-47c3-ba98-d3e0e45e45f4" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-34483384184324713392011-10-10T09:25:00.000-07:002011-10-10T09:25:44.752-07:00Quilled Snowflake OrnamentHere is a spectacularly beautiful handmade Christmas ornament tutorial for you to make this year. This is from <a href="http://www.reesedixon.com/2008/12/quilled-snowflake-ornament.html">Reese Dixon</a>, and I want to thank her for the instructions. I cannot wait to try this out.<br />
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<div class="post-info"><span class="date published time" title="2008-12-10T01:20:00-0700">December 10, 2008</span><br />
<br />
<span class="post-comments"></span> </div>Today I have a big fat tutorial to share with you. It looks really really scary and detailed, but it’s not so bad. Trust me. I’ll hold your hand through the whole thing.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3085200775/" title="Snowflake Ornament on tree by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Snowflake Ornament on tree" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/3085200775_4c9dd0da5e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
I’ve made a ton of these over the years and they never fail to elicit oohs and aahs. This is a perfect application for quilling. Snowflakes are best when they’re all scroll-y and complicated, and that’s when quilling is at its best too. You just need to remember that it’s only rolled up paper, and break it down to each little piece.<br />
Cut a bunch of 1/4″ strips from a piece of 12 x 12 cardstock. I like using an icy blue color, but a true white looks great too. You can make your strips thicker if you want and it will work just great. They’ll look a little more substantial against the tree or on a package and they’ll be a little more sturdy. I happen to like the lacey look of the thinner strips and find them to be sturdy enough.<br />
From those thin strips, here’s what you need to cut<br />
1 – 6″ strip for the center round<br />
8 – 3″ strips for the arms<br />
4 – 6″ strips for the scrolls<br />
4 – 3″ strips for the teardrop<br />
4 – 2″ strips for the marquis<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096113973/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/3096113973_4737d505d1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
You’ll need some kind of a quilling tool, which you can find at Michael’s in the stamping aisle, or you can just make your own by cutting the top off of a needle with a pair of tin snips or wire cutters.<br />
Insert the paper strip into the notch of the quilling tool, bring the tool to the very end of the paper, and begin rolling.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096955516/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3096955516_3bb1eccd2f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Let’s start with the 6″ center round. Once you master making the round, you can make any other shape. And it’s even easier than it sounds. Roll it all the way up, and then let it go so that it relaxes into a more loosely wound circle.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096956052/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/3096956052_4491b820e4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Spread a little glue on the tail end, and glue it down. Typically when you quill, you’d tear the very tip off before you glue down the other end. That feathery torn edge blends into the rest of the shape, where a cut end will form a definite ridge. Here, you won’t notice any ridge so it’s not worth the extra step.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096115621/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/3096115621_d9f7fa695f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The Round shape also provides a basis for the teardrop shape and the marquis.<br />
For the teardrop shape, you’ll take one side of a round made from one of the 3″ strips and pinch it to create a point. Since we haven’t bothered to blend our ends in, I try to line up that ridge with the point at the top of the teardrop to disguise it.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096126311/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/3096126311_ed4895dd77.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
The marquis is made the exact same way. Make a Round out of a 2″ strip, glue the end in place, and pinch both ends to create two points.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096967702/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/3096967702_3f67dca0ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Next let’s make the scrolls. Fold a 6″ strip in half and roll each end up to that halfway point. As is this is a heart shape. Typically a scroll isn’t folded, but it helps to have a measuring point and we’ll be gluing that point down anyway, so it won’t show.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096116067/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/3096116067_91360f05ae.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Sorry about the blurry pictures. I really needed a macro lens for this project.</span><br />
The last piece is for the arms, made out of a 3″ strip. On one end of the strip, roll in about twice. <br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096965692/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/3096965692_f39c161887.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
On the other end, roll in until the piece measures roughly 1″. Measurements are really loose here. The only thing that matters is that they’re all about the same height. Whether that height is a fraction of an inch taller or shorter doesn’t matter at all.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096966158/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/3096966158_5f49966164.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
That’s it. You’ve made all your pieces. The rest is just putting it together. Start by taking 2 of the arms and glue them together back to back. With that step complete you should have:<br />
1 Round<br />
4 Teardrops<br />
4 Marquis<br />
4 Scrolls<br />
4 Arm Pieces<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096968278/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/3096968278_18410f0532.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Start with the Round piece. This will be the center. Next come the arm pieces. Bump the edges of those bottom loops up next to each other, and glue each piece down to the round.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096127999/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3203/3096127999_07e813f16b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Now take a scroll and glue it onto those little loops you bumped together.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096969252/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3096969252_866d4b9e55.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Gently pull the scroll out until it touches the arms, and glue them together where they meet.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096129093/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/3096129093_ff0c8ae535.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Take one of your teardrops and glue it down in the middle of the scroll. Then pull the scrolls over to meet the teardrop, and glue together. Don’t be afraid to unravel the scroll however much you need to. If the arm is bending or it doesn’t want to stick to the teardrop, you just need to give yourself a little more space.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096129655/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/3096129655_540b3f5c23.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Repeat these steps for all sides, and then glue the marquis in the little space between the loops at the top of the arms.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096970894/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3096970894_daa1cfe529.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
For the snowflakes on my tree, I sprayed the finished snowflake with a spray adhesive and doused it in glitter. I tried a liquid glue first, but it tended to make all the loops unwind. Then I threaded a loop of fishing line through one of the marquis to hang the ornament. I liked the idea of using fishing line so it would look like the snowflakes were falling instead of hanging.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/reesedixon/3096130773/" title="Quilled Snowflake Ornament by reesedixon, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilled Snowflake Ornament" height="375" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/3096130773_6ec6633f72.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
These couldn’t be cheaper. You can nearly get 10 ornaments out of one sheet of paper, and they’re incredibly easy to make up in big batches. Last year I needed to make ornaments for 35 teenagers, and these were the ones I went for. A definite budget saver, and still super fancy.<br />
In making this tutorial, I ended up making another ornament that needs a home. Leave me a comment for a chance to win it! Blogger sucks for communication, so make sure you have an active profile, a link to your website, or an email address listed in the comment so I can contact you if you win. I’ll draw a winner randomly at 10pm Pacific Time on Friday December 12th. That’s actually Bear’s birthday, so we’ll call this a celebration of him. Good luck!<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.neatorama.com/2011/07/29/paper-quilled-starry-night/">Paper Quilled Starry Night</a> (neatorama.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/make-glue-christmas-ornaments/">Make Glue Ornaments for Christmas</a> (education.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com/2011/10/09/creative-snowflakes-fall-art-preview/">Creative Snowflakes Fall Art Preview</a> (clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/snowflake-headband/">Make a Snowflake Headband</a> (education.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/create-snowflake-garland/">Create a Snowflake Garland!</a> (education.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=a3712703-9ef6-4f43-b122-12bf6e51bc89" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-59271801357906053462011-10-07T06:32:00.000-07:002011-10-07T19:53:26.769-07:00Possible Christmas 2011 Bestsellers<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_Tree_%281%29.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas Tree (1)" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4a/Christmas_Tree_%281%29.jpg/300px-Christmas_Tree_%281%29.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="300" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 300px;">Image via <a href="http://commons.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christmas_Tree_%281%29.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span>I've been doing some research and I have come up with quite a long list of things that are going to be much in demand this year. Do yourself a favor and get yours soon to avoid scarcity and crowds. I will simply make a list for now, but I plan to make a Squidoo lens for each product to give you more information and when I do, I will update this posting with the link so you can see the product and get yours there.<br />
<br />
<br />
Here is my list for the kids so far:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare">Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 </a>(coming out in November) <br />
Xbox 360 -- this game system in the one of choice with teenagers<br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/ASUS-netbook-computer">ASUS Eee PC Netbook</a> -- everyone can have a computer with them now<br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/neptune-soother">Baby Einstein Neptune Soother</a> <br />
Nintendo 3DS<br />
Beyblade Toys<br />
LeapFrog (anything from this company is in demand)<br />
Fisher-Price Big Action Construction Site -- there are other sets, but this one is trending up<br />
Razor BoGo<br />
Rory's Story Cubes<br />
NERF Vortex Nitron<br />
<a href="http://www.squidoo.com/legos-the-burrows">LEGO Harry Potter The Burrows</a> (like LeapFrog, anything they have will be in demand)<br />
Monster High Dolls -- trending up with the 12-14 yr old girls<br />
Kid-Tough See Yourself Camera<br />
Power Wheels Hot Wheels Dune Racer -- this particular Hot Wheel is trending up, but all are in demand<br />
Let's Rock Elmo<br />
Simon Flash<br />
Raxor eSpark<br />
Barbie 2011 Holiday Doll -- Barbie has been a favorite for 60 years and never will stop being a favorite<br />
FurReal Friends Cookie<br />
Transformers 3 MechTech Bumblebee -- this was a popular Halloween costume this year<br />
vTech InnoTab<br />
LEGO Alien Conquest<br />
Smokey the Fire Truck<br />
Fijit Friends<br />
Kidizoom Twist Digital Camera<br />
Angry Birds: Knock on Wood Game<br />
Loving Family Beach Vacation Mobile Home<br />
LEGO Ninjago<br />
Playskool Poppin' Park Toys<br />
Aquapets<br />
Air Swimmers<br />
Disney Princess Quintessential Castle<br />
Bop It XT<br />
<br />
Soon to post a list of trending gifts for adolescents and adults. I won't forget the pets, either.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/top-toys-for-christmas-2011-2366542.html">Top toys for Christmas 2011</a> (independent.co.uk)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://tagn.wordpress.com/2011/09/25/begun-the-count-down-to-christmas-has/">Begun the Count Down to Christmas Has!</a> (tagn.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.seattlepi.com/business/article/Collectible-toys-and-games-top-toy-list-2190977.php">Collectible toys and games top toy list</a> (seattlepi.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/10/prweb8854193.htm">LeapFrog Interactive Unveils Digital-Out-Of-Home Interactive Marketing Piece</a> (prweb.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://fresnobeehive.com/news/2011/09/hot_holiday_toys_already.html">Hot holiday toys (already)</a> (fresnobeehive.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://geeks.thedailywh.at/2011/10/06/hot-wheels-camera-car-of-the-day/">Hot Wheels Camera Car of the Day</a> (geeks.thedailywh.at)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.shoppingblog.com/blog/9271118">Time to Play Magazine Unveils Holiday Toy List</a> (shoppingblog.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://hedeya.wordpress.com/2011/09/29/top-10-bestselling-netbooks/">Top 10 Bestselling Netbooks</a> (hedeya.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://gimmegimmegames.com/2011/10/official-nintendo-3ds-headset-coming-will-nintendo-ever-embrace-voice-chat/">Official Nintendo 3DS Headset Coming: Will Nintendo ever embrace voice chat?</a> (gimmegimmegames.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/10/prweb8857358.htm">Christmas Central Triples Inventory of Holiday Merchandise, Forecasting Strong Holiday Sales</a> (prweb.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.cleardebt.co.uk/blog/start-saving-now-for-christmas-2011_25092">Start saving now for Christmas 2011</a> (cleardebt.co.uk)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=05a3f24c-1e9e-4bf9-8a0e-e0079a208fc0" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-27225018155860273342011-10-01T01:45:00.000-07:002011-10-01T01:45:00.106-07:00Christmas craft videos!Here is another Carol Duvall video, this one from here holiday series. I like to post these when I find them because I miss Carol very much.<br />
<br />
This one is about making a reindeer from socks:<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
Here's a video for a funky wreath:<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,124,0" height="263" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://common.scrippsnetworks.com/common/snap/snap-3.2.2-embed.swf?channelurl=http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/channel/xml/0,,3900-VIDEO,00.xml&channel=3900"/><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"/><embed src="http://common.scrippsnetworks.com/common/snap/snap-3.2.2-embed.swf?channelurl=http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/channel/xml/0,,3900-VIDEO,00.xml&channel=3900" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="320" height="263"/></object>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-21659709679256627202011-09-29T13:50:00.000-07:002011-09-29T13:50:46.834-07:00Beautiful and easy Snowflake ChandelierFor those last minute party decorations this year, why not try this Anthropologie inspired chandelier. They are super easy and cost very little to make. You could make several and hang them all over the house for a winter, festive air.<br />
<br />
This is from <a href="http://www.casasugar.com/DIY-Easy-Snowflake-Chandeliers-884967">Casasugar.com</a>, which is a site where you will find many other wonderful and easy decorating ideas. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZL5ranLlq8/ToTZh0p3I8I/AAAAAAAABFg/QqhxGfH2EqI/s1600/snowflakechandelier.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZL5ranLlq8/ToTZh0p3I8I/AAAAAAAABFg/QqhxGfH2EqI/s320/snowflakechandelier.png" width="241" /></a></div><strong>Here's What You Need </strong><br />
<ul><li>Magazines, newspapers, or craft paper</li>
<scissors></scissors>
<li>Ribbon, yarn, or thread</li>
<li>An embroidery hoop</li>
<li>A pushpin</li>
<li>Scotch tape</li>
</ul>To find out how to make your snowflake chandelier, just <br />
<!--autogenerated-->read more. <ul><li>Rip out pages from your magazine or newspaper. Fold and cut six to ten snowflakes. (If you can't remember how to fold and cut snowflakes, check out <a href="http://www.kinderart.com/seasons/dec7.shtml" onclick="trackOutboundLink("/outgoing/www.kinderart.com/seasons/dec7.shtml", ""); return true;" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>.)</li>
<li>Cut three pieces of yarn/ribbon to the same length.</li>
<li>Tie the three pieces of ribbon onto the embroidery hoop, equidistant from each other.</li>
<li>Gather the three ends. Tie a very loose knot midway up the three pieces of yarn. With one hand, hold the embroidery hoop down on a flat surface. With the other, gently pull at the knot. This will help to keep the three pieces of yarn the same length. Pull the knot tight.</li>
<li>Hang embroidery hoop from doorway with the pushpin. Makes sure that the hoop is hanging straight. If not, readjust lengths of yarn/ribbon.</li>
<li>Tie six to ten varying lengths of yarn/ribbon around exterior of embroidery hoop. You can also tie one piece from the middle knot.</li>
<li>Scotch tape corner of each snowflake to end of each piece of yarn/ribbon.</li>
<li>Rehang your snowflake chandelier around a light fixture, in your favorite corner, or above your dining room table.</li>
<li>Happy holiday decorating!</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=5dc832c8-f753-4714-aa44-7466c6671bf6" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-22492926052833943982011-09-18T12:42:00.000-07:002011-09-18T12:42:26.241-07:00{Tutorial } How to make a glittered felt christmas treeHere is another tutorial for making a lovely Christmas Tree. This tutorial is quite simple and should be easy enough for small children to participate in making these trees. Why not make a bunch of them in various Christmas colors and arrange them on the dinner table as your center piece this year. Give every child one to have for their own after dinner is over.<br />
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This tutorial is from<a href="http://lorajeansmagazine.blogspot.com/2010/12/blog-post.html%20"> Lorajean's Magazine</a> and I hope you will visit her site and browse her other tutorials. <br />
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<div class="post-body entry-content"><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I am so excited to share with you the EASY instructions on how to make this felt glittered tree. I really am super happy with the way they turned out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TOQKC_TOgkI/AAAAAAAANEg/eSC7niC-XVE/s1600/trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TOQKC_TOgkI/AAAAAAAANEg/eSC7niC-XVE/s640/trees.jpg" width="425" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here is what you need:</div><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Felt (I used white)</li>
<li>Scissors</li>
<li>Glue gun and glue sticks</li>
<li>Craft glue</li>
<li>Clear glitter</li>
<li>Styrofoam cone (or any cone shaped thing)</li>
</ul><div style="text-align: center;">Note: I didn't use a Styrofoam cone I used a cone shaped wire tree from Dollar Tree last year, but I think they aren't there any more. You <i>can </i>find foam cones at Dollar Tree or any craft store.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPlCHmAcJ2I/AAAAAAAANJo/MpCY2UFkpWk/s1600/-0090-0-7890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPlCHmAcJ2I/AAAAAAAANJo/MpCY2UFkpWk/s200/-0090-0-7890.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_jWyo5oI/AAAAAAAANJI/b1Mgyn31cXU/s1600/-0-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_jWyo5oI/AAAAAAAANJI/b1Mgyn31cXU/s320/-0-0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> cut 4 large strips (2 in wide)</div><div style="text-align: center;">cut 4 medium strips (1 1/2 in wide)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPlCToEqTGI/AAAAAAAANJs/EIvPBca0PhI/s1600/-0090-0--0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPlCToEqTGI/AAAAAAAANJs/EIvPBca0PhI/s320/-0090-0--0.jpg" width="320" /></a>cut 2 small strips (1 in wide)</div><div style="text-align: center;">______________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Step Two</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cut deep scallops into each strip</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_mUoLutI/AAAAAAAANJg/hC5i_ilnRSM/s1600/Untitled-5+-+Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="102" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_mUoLutI/AAAAAAAANJg/hC5i_ilnRSM/s320/Untitled-5+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
___________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Step three</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Glue along scalloped edge of each strip and glitter generously.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_mNPeZcI/AAAAAAAANJc/xrH03BE2GK4/s1600/tree-%253D-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_mNPeZcI/AAAAAAAANJc/xrH03BE2GK4/s320/tree-%253D-.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Step four</span><br />
Hot glue each strip onto the cone starting with the large strips at the bottom and ending with the smallest at the top.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_lREpQSI/AAAAAAAANJY/s5HsnT_hq8c/s1600/tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_lREpQSI/AAAAAAAANJY/s5HsnT_hq8c/s320/tree.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
_______________________________________________<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Step five</span><br />
Cut a half flower shape (for tip of tree)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_kbxbhsI/AAAAAAAANJQ/lFP9syNrJXw/s1600/-0090-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_kbxbhsI/AAAAAAAANJQ/lFP9syNrJXw/s200/-0090-.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________ </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_zHODscI/AAAAAAAANJk/0iOXNH2ilGk/s1600/-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u6ptzjU03ac/TPk_zHODscI/AAAAAAAANJk/0iOXNH2ilGk/s200/-009.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/littleloladolls/5203183452/" title="trees by Lorajean G., on Flickr"><img alt="trees" height="640" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5203183452_7459def803_b.jpg" width="425" /></a></div></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=698a9376-d73d-43b6-95a2-7fc925faa306" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-24839692415926554702011-09-08T19:31:00.000-07:002011-09-08T19:31:37.932-07:00Videos to show you how to make a wreath from newspaper<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=artidivaworl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B000YT1UN8&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=artidivaworl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B00065HU8Y&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=artidivaworl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0043SGOKA&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=artidivaworl-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0045S4KO0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>Here are two videos from YouTube that show you how to make a really beautiful Christmas wreath out of plain ordinary newspaper. This is something even your children will enjoy making. The cost is nothing more than some newspapers--and those can be found at recycling stations if you don't have your own paper, or ask your friends to save them for your.<br />
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So here they are. Enjoy making these. Send me a picture if you make yourself one. I think I may have to try this myself this year!<br />
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And:<br />
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</ul><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=d3f6555c-034a-4ba3-b99c-a6bd956816bb" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-4833269184637207302011-09-01T21:01:00.000-07:002011-09-01T21:03:21.874-07:00Another Carol Duval Show video! Making Polymer Clay Tree Ornaments<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47066874@N00/2803598317" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Large Elf Ornament" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2803598317_c301d96e9a_m.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="180" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 180px;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47066874@N00/2803598317">CraftyGoat</a> via Flickr</span></span>Here is a wonderful video from the Carol Duval Show (how I miss that show) that has Donna Kato making a beautiful Christmas tree hanging ornament. I bet if you watch this video, you will soon run to get some polymer clay and begin making your own ornaments. I know I will make these, but first I will watch the video about 100 times because I just love Carol and Donna Kato, but I really loved this show.<br />
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Enjoy the video!<br />
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</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=c568d333-3380-4c6e-b81e-70b8f85f3298" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-86881345469790664212011-08-21T06:14:00.000-07:002011-08-21T06:14:43.006-07:00Shabby Christmas Tree Tutorial -- Easy and inexpensive!<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=artidivaworl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=christmas%20decorations" target="_blank">Search Amazon.com for christmas decorations</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artidivaworl-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Here's a wonderful and quick way to decorate your home for Christmas. You could probably whip up a few of these in no time and set them up on a hallway table to make a festive entrance to your home. I found this tutorial on <a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/2009/12/easy-shabby-christmas-tree-tutorial.html">Creations by Kara</a> and wanted to share it here with you. Please visit the original site and let them know how your trees turn out. There are many other wonderful tutorials just waiting for you there.<br />
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If you do make these, please send pictures so I can see you handywork. I would love to hear any comments you may have, too.<br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/2009/12/easy-shabby-christmas-tree-tutorial.html"><b>Christmas Decoration-Fabric Christmas Tree Tutorial</b></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1-Start with one of these styrofoam trees. They’re everywhere right now; you can even find them at the Dollar Store.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-003.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2747" height="300" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-003-216x300.jpg" title="canvas tree 003" width="216" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2-Decide what fabric you would like to use. I used canvas, but you can use anything you like. Burlap is all the rage right now, and I’m sure it would work perfectly. <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" /> Tear strips of your fabric about 1″ wide.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-002.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2748" height="186" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-002-300x186.jpg" title="canvas tree 002" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3-To cut your strips, stack a set of three or four strips on top of each other. That way you can cut four at a time instead of having to cut each strip one at a time.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/burlap-tree-tutorial.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2749" height="187" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/burlap-tree-tutorial-300x187.jpg" title="burlap tree tutorial" width="300" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4-Cut the strips about 4 inches long.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-006.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2750" height="250" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-006-300x250.jpg" title="canvas tree 006" width="300" /></a></div><br />
5-Take each strip of fabric and glue it together at the top. It only takes a tiny bit of glue. I used hot glue because it is the fastest. Now you will have a little loop of fabric:<br />
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<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-008.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2751" height="233" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-008-300x233.jpg" title="canvas tree 008" width="300" /></a><br />
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6-Attach the first loop to the bottom of the tree form. You want a little bit of fabric to hang below the styrofoam.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-012.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2752" height="231" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-012-300x231.jpg" title="canvas tree 012" width="300" /></a><br />
7-Keep adding on loops of fabric, overlapping them slightly. It doesn’t matter if the tops are even, you just want to make sure the bottoms of the loops are even with each other.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-013.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2753" height="239" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-013-300x239.jpg" title="canvas tree 013" width="300" /></a><br />
8-Keep adding loops till you get all the way around the tree. See how the tops are totally uneven? Doesn’t matter.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-014.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2754" height="271" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-014-300x271.jpg" title="canvas tree 014" width="300" /></a><br />
9-Now you are ready to start the next layer. Attach the first fabric loop so that it lays in between two of the loops on the bottom layer. You want them to be staggered (like bricks), and not just glued on in straight vertical rows. Now keep adding loops just like you did for the first layer.<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-015.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2755" height="280" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-015-300x280.jpg" title="canvas tree 015" width="300" /></a><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">10-Repeat this process till you get to the top of your tree. (If you run out of loops like I did, just tear more fabric and make more.) Make sure the top layer of fabric pokes up above the styrofoam. You don’t want any of that ugly stuff to show. Just take that extra fabric, fold it down, and glue it to the top of the styrofoam. You can trim off some of the fabric if it is too bulky.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-017.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2756" height="200" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-017-300x200.jpg" title="canvas tree 017" width="300" /></a>11- Now your tree should look something like this:<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-019.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2757" height="300" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-019-203x300.jpg" title="canvas tree 019" width="203" /></a></div><br />
12-All you have left to do is fluff up the loops to even out your tree. Then add embellishments. I tore tiny strips of red and green fabric and tied them into bows. I used a piece of gold ribbon for the bow at the top. You could use buttons, ribbon, berries, bells, stars, whatever you like!!<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-024.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2758" height="300" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-024-195x300.jpg" title="canvas tree 024" width="195" /></a><br />
Here is the version of the tree with green fabric:<br />
<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-025.jpg"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-2759" height="300" src="http://www.creationsbykara.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/canvas-tree-025-168x300.jpg" title="canvas tree 025" width="168" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.creationsbykara.com/2009/12/easy-shabby-christmas-tree-tutorial.html">Thanks to Kara</a> for such a wonderful tutorial on making these Christmas trees. <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&tag=artidivaworl-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&search-alias=aps&field-keywords=christmas%20decorations" target="_blank">Search Amazon.com for christmas decorations</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=artidivaworl-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-73740646810670030962011-08-01T12:13:00.000-07:002011-08-01T12:13:45.718-07:00Make Hanging Christmas Stars -- Tutorial from The Magic Onions<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1F2tMRJkzM/Tjb6M3isuLI/AAAAAAAABEM/gKrt2o6u3BM/s1600/christmas+stars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k1F2tMRJkzM/Tjb6M3isuLI/AAAAAAAABEM/gKrt2o6u3BM/s320/christmas+stars.JPG" width="280" /></a>Here is a wonderful tutorial I found on <a href="http://themagiconions.blogspot.com/2009/12/make-hanging-christmas-stars.html">The Magic Onions</a> that I think you will love. These are so beautiful and easy to make. I hope this year to make many of them to hang in the house as Christmas decorations. <br />
Please <a href="http://themagiconions.blogspot.com/2009/12/make-hanging-christmas-stars.html">visit the original blog</a> to see not only this tutorial, but also many other wonderful ideas. Let me know if you make these and send me pictures. My fingers are just itching to get started......<br />
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These are just so creative! I can imagine having these stars everywhere, can't you?<br />
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<div>What you'll need;</div><div>Square paper or card (any size will do... if your paper is not square, cut it into a square before you start.)</div><div>Scissors</div><div>Glue (I find glue dots work the best as there's no drying time)</div><div>Ribbon</div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWfqiPG3I/AAAAAAAADJ4/SkPzmovpbOA/s1600-h/P1230190.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414969966465063794" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWfqiPG3I/AAAAAAAADJ4/SkPzmovpbOA/s400/P1230190.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a><br />
<div>Start by folding your square paper in half, making a rectangle...<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWfMjkYpI/AAAAAAAADJw/ZyAtgoMtnmY/s1600-h/P1230192.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414969958417588882" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWfMjkYpI/AAAAAAAADJw/ZyAtgoMtnmY/s400/P1230192.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Fold this rectangle in half again, making a square...<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWewzQVsI/AAAAAAAADJo/yMQmx-tx1tc/s1600-h/P1230194.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414969950967191234" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWewzQVsI/AAAAAAAADJo/yMQmx-tx1tc/s400/P1230194.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Open your folded square up...<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWeV-OSWI/AAAAAAAADJg/YoxNZh2d1KQ/s1600-h/P1230198.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414969943765436770" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXWeV-OSWI/AAAAAAAADJg/YoxNZh2d1KQ/s400/P1230198.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Now fold you big square diagonally (corner to corner), making a triangle...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUrHBNFiI/AAAAAAAADJQ/Ok_hyNGbjYM/s1600-h/P1230208.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414967964066453026" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUrHBNFiI/AAAAAAAADJQ/Ok_hyNGbjYM/s400/P1230208.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Fold your big triangle in half again, along the middle, making a smaller triangle...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUqhbnEVI/AAAAAAAADJI/xtW_fLTHF_s/s1600-h/P1230211.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414967953976660306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUqhbnEVI/AAAAAAAADJI/xtW_fLTHF_s/s400/P1230211.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></div><div>When you open your paper, this is what your folds look like...</div><div>Use your scissors to cut along the 4 folds on the <b>straight</b> sides of your paper. Cut a little less than half way up the fold...<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUqXemCRI/AAAAAAAADJA/OPkZE6aaCQ0/s1600-h/P1230215.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414967951304821010" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUqXemCRI/AAAAAAAADJA/OPkZE6aaCQ0/s400/P1230215.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Lie your paper flat, upside down. Fold cut paper back, along the diagonals folds (as in photo) making points at the corners of the paper.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUp2RCG0I/AAAAAAAADI4/txrBoCWhv1k/s1600-h/P1230219.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414967942389570370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUp2RCG0I/AAAAAAAADI4/txrBoCWhv1k/s400/P1230219.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>These points will be the points of your star.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUpSHOLOI/AAAAAAAADIw/CrbVUNpCD_c/s1600-h/P1230221.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414967932684741858" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXUpSHOLOI/AAAAAAAADIw/CrbVUNpCD_c/s400/P1230221.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Fold all cuts into points.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSiOldYlI/AAAAAAAADIo/LEhragnFYdg/s1600-h/P1230225.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414965612455486034" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSiOldYlI/AAAAAAAADIo/LEhragnFYdg/s400/P1230225.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Now for the gluing... put a dab of glue (or a glue dot) onto one side of each point of the star...<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSh_t9YiI/AAAAAAAADIg/NmEcHkFfrtk/s1600-h/P1230229.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414965608464605730" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSh_t9YiI/AAAAAAAADIg/NmEcHkFfrtk/s400/P1230229.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a>Pull the other side of the point over the side with the glue and stick... this makes your 3D star point.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXShZnBIjI/AAAAAAAADIY/mRTFP1FascM/s1600-h/P1230231.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414965598234944050" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXShZnBIjI/AAAAAAAADIY/mRTFP1FascM/s400/P1230231.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Repeat for each point...<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSg3MLAjI/AAAAAAAADIQ/imY6L1hcHoQ/s1600-h/P1230233.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414965588995539506" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSg3MLAjI/AAAAAAAADIQ/imY6L1hcHoQ/s400/P1230233.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>One side of your star is ready.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSgWjAdNI/AAAAAAAADII/hLiIDcKNy6w/s1600-h/P1230235.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414965580232946898" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXSgWjAdNI/AAAAAAAADII/hLiIDcKNy6w/s400/P1230235.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Repeat all folding, cutting and sticking steps with your second piece of square paper... you will now have the two sides of your square.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRc4G_iVI/AAAAAAAADIA/_mE3ENzi9og/s1600-h/P1230237.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414964421011147090" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRc4G_iVI/AAAAAAAADIA/_mE3ENzi9og/s400/P1230237.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></div><div>Position them, one on top of the other, with the middle points facing outwards and stick them together using a few dabs of glue or glue dots and...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Voila!<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRceJA3UI/AAAAAAAADH4/f2NtqLpf21s/s1600-h/P1230241.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414964414040300866" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRceJA3UI/AAAAAAAADH4/f2NtqLpf21s/s400/P1230241.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Glue your hanging ribbon onto your star.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRb-MYLSI/AAAAAAAADHw/3rZ4V3Gu0N8/s1600-h/P1230242.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414964405464476962" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRb-MYLSI/AAAAAAAADHw/3rZ4V3Gu0N8/s400/P1230242.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a></div><div>Your star is ready for hanging! </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #447755; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: 23px; line-height: 34px;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319807907524244626" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SdPBGzlL9JI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/RrZsUBwuBiQ/s400/P1090437.JPG" style="border: 1px solid rgb(27, 112, 58); cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 266px; margin: 0px auto 10px; padding: 4px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></span></div><div>They really do look lovely anywhere... so bright and colorful!We have some in our window, some hanging from our beams and even more decorating our cabinets.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRa2RATCI/AAAAAAAADHg/MJBDxON_E84/s1600-h/P1230248.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="text-decoration: none;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414964386156530722" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dpzWlq0_W8Q/SyXRa2RATCI/AAAAAAAADHg/MJBDxON_E84/s400/P1230248.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 266px;" /></a></div><div>And they really are easy to make, I promise! Once you make one and get the hang of the folding and cutting, you will be able to churn these pretty stars out in a matter of minutes. They make very sweet holiday gifts for friends and neighbors too... go on, have a go, make some stars!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Blessings and magic!</div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.kleenexmums.com.au/my-family/christmas/cards/">Fantastic Ideas for Homemade Christmas Cards</a> (kleenexmums.com.au)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/recycle-paper-bags-christmas-stockings/">Recycle Paper Bags into Christmas Stockings</a> (education.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=466ce912-6fec-4930-a944-3476c2cdc269" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-62085485588310849192011-07-12T07:50:00.000-07:002011-07-12T07:50:11.715-07:00Here's a tutorial to make aluminum cans into Christmas cards!I found this on <a href="http://allfreeholidaycrafts.com/">AllFreeHolidayCrafts.com</a> and felt this was really a fun idea that I just had to share. I know that I have lots of empty aluminum cans here, so I will be looking into this card making project.<br />
Let me know if you, too, try this; maybe even post a picture in the comments. I'd love to see any cards made this way.<br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
Green Christmas </h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Up1QJe4QZYU/TOmJCkCZHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/rQvWVuBoN0A/s1600/Picture%2B004.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542111493582560322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Up1QJe4QZYU/TOmJCkCZHEI/AAAAAAAAASg/rQvWVuBoN0A/s400/Picture%2B004.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Up1QJe4QZYU/TOmI29tzZAI/AAAAAAAAASY/0tBcercmPRs/s1600/Picture%2B003.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542111294317093890" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Up1QJe4QZYU/TOmI29tzZAI/AAAAAAAAASY/0tBcercmPRs/s400/Picture%2B003.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a> I love recycling things. My card started by carefully cutting up an aluminum can and running through an embossing folder. I then sanded the sheet to take some of the blue color off the flowers for the silver of the aluminum to show. I trimmed it down to adhere to white cardstock. I trimmed a recycled gift card, rounded the edges and used a silver Sharpie marker to "soften" the edges. The button started as a plain white one that I colored with the silver Sharpie after it dried I used a Sakura White Gelly Roll pen to make the snowflake. Added some ribbon and a bow. Ta da! </div>
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Check out Papercraft Star Challenge 24 Green Holidays here.... <a href="http://papercraftstar.blogspot.com/2010/12/challenge-24-green-holidays.html">http://papercraftstar.blogspot.com/2010/12/challenge-24-green-holidays.html</a></div>
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and check out The Cuttlebug Spot for another challenge here...<br />
<a href="http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-at-spot.html">http://thecuttlebugspot.blogspot.com/2010/12/christmas-at-spot.html</a><br />
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I am thrilled to be featured at All Free Holiday Crafts!!! Check out there site.<br />
<a href="http://www.allfreeholidaycrafts.com/Handcrafted-Christmas-Card-Ideas/Aluminum-Can-Xmas-Card">http://www.allfreeholidaycrafts.com/Handcrafted-Christmas-Card-Ideas/Aluminum-Can-Xmas-Card</a></div>
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<span class="post-author vcard"> Posted by <span class="fn">ferrellgraph-x</span> </span> <span class="post-timestamp"> at <a class="timestamp-link" href="http://ferrellgraph-x.blogspot.com/2010/12/papercraft-star-challenge-24-green.html" rel="bookmark" title="permanent link"><abbr class="published" title="2010-12-08T15:01:00-06:00">3:01 PM</abbr></a> </span> <span class="reaction-buttons"> </span> <span class="star-ratings"> </span> <span class="post-comment-link"> </span> <span class="post-backlinks post-comment-link"> </span> <span class="post-icons"> <span class="item-action"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/email-post.g?blogID=7787759537536463484&postID=3129766426863023860" title="Email Post"> <img alt="" class="icon-action" height="13" src="http://img1.blogblog.com/img/icon18_email.gif" width="18" /> </a> </span> <span class="item-control blog-admin pid-1731232207"> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=7787759537536463484&postID=3129766426863023860&from=pencil" title="Edit Post"> <img alt="" class="icon-action" height="18" src="http://img2.blogblog.com/img/icon18_edit_allbkg.gif" width="18" /> </a> </span> </span> <br />
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Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-6956289118303190932011-07-01T09:53:00.000-07:002011-07-01T09:53:48.752-07:00Santa Christmas Ornament with Photo Frame Tutorial from The Magic Bean Here's a great tutorial for making a wonderful Christmas ornament. If you sew at all, you will want to try this little gentleman. Can't you picture this ornament hanging on your tree this year? Whose picture will you want to showcase with this jolly elf?<br />
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This is from <a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/the_magic_bean/2010/11/santa-christmas-ornament-with-photo-frame-tutorial.html">The Magic Bean</a>, which is a wonderful site full of tutorials of all sorts. Please check it out and tell them I sent you.<br />
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Now, I'm off to sew!!<br />
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<div class="entry-body">The people down at my local hardware store think I'm weird. They think I'm weird because normal people look at curtain rings and think of, well, curtain rings, but I look at curtain rings and I see this:<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896de3a6970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Cloth Doll Santa Photo Christmas Ornament" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896de3a6970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896de3a6970c-320wi" title="Cloth Doll Santa Photo Christmas Ornament" /></a><br />
How I get from curtain rings to a cloth doll santa with a photo frame Christmas ornament is murky, but somehow my mind makes the quantum jump.<br />
Transforming a curtain ring to a very personalised Christmas ornament will not be a quantum jump for you however; you just have to follow the step by step instructions.<br />
<b>What you need:</b><br />
Note: My supply lists tend to be pretty long and scary looking, but I tend to put every little thing on them. Chances are you will have many of these things around the house.<br />
<ul><li>Small scrap skin coloured high quality quilting cotton (look for a high thread count, so that the seams don't come apart when the head is stuffed). I love using a Hoffman watercolour batik fabric in Latte. You can buy it here in the UK from <a href="http://www.cassierafferty.com/Details.asp?ProductID=324" target="_blank">Cassie Rafferty's website</a>. </li>
<li>Small scrap white cotton fabric for the beard and moustache</li>
<li>Small scrap red cotton fabric for body and hat</li>
<li>Small scrap green fabric for hat lining</li>
<li>1” (2.5cm) wide strip green fabric (ripped) for wrapping curtain ring</li>
<li>Curtain ring - mine is 2¼" (5.7cm) at the outside diameter, you can use plastic, but you may want to use wood as it is easier to glue the fabric to it.</li>
<li>Tacky glue</li>
<li>Small scrap green felt for hearts on gloves and for backing the photo frame</li>
<li>2 x size 11 or 12 seed beads in black for the eyes</li>
<li>Small scrap red felt for the gloves</li>
<li>Standard sewing equipment: sewing machine, pins, sewing shears, hand sewing needles (a John James Long Darner #7 needle is especially helpful) etc.</li>
<li>Mechanical pencil</li>
<li>High quality polyester thread (such as Gutermann) to match fabrics</li>
<li>High quality stuffing (I prefer <a href="http://www.poly-fil.com/" target="_blank">Fairfields</a>)</li>
<li>1 x ⅛" (3mm) pom-pom for top of hat</li>
<li>6" (15.2cm) ⅛" (3mm) wide ribbon for loop to hang ornament</li>
<li>Powdered blush make-up (matt variety, not shiny or metallic)</li>
<li>2 x miniature picks of holly (each holly leaf in the picks I used are ¾" or 19mm long x ½" or 13mm wide)</li>
<li>Small piece of cardboard, the weight should be like that found on the back of notebooks</li>
<li>Photograph with an image that will fit inside the ring</li>
<li>Paper scissors</li>
<li>Strong thread such as Gutermann upholstery thread </li>
<li>Optional but helpful: haemostats (American spelling is hemostats) for stuffing</li>
<li>Hot glue or other strong glue such as UHU Power</li>
</ul>You also need to download the pattern page here: <span class="asset asset-generic at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef013489733541970c"><a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/files/santa-christmas-ornament-with-photo-frame-pattern-page.pdf">Download Santa Christmas Ornament with Photo Frame Pattern Page</a></span><br />
<b>General Directions:</b><br />
Read the instructions through before beginning.<br />
Pattern pieces should be copied onto card stock and cut out exactly on the line. Trace the pattern using a mechanical pencil especially for the head pieces. If you prefer, you may use a purple fade-away marker. When the fabric is particularly dark, a gel pen can be used to trace lines, but the lines will not be removable, so be sure the lines cannot be seen if you choose this option!<br />
Note that a solid line on the pattern pieces indicates that you trace and sew directly on this line. Then you cut out around the pattern leaving a 1/8” seam allowance. A solid line with a dotted line indicates that a seam allowance has been included meaning that you cut out the pattern piece directly on the outer solid line. All seam allowances are ⅛” unless otherwise stated.<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef013489733033970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="float: right;"><img alt="Open toe foot for sewing machine" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef013489733033970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef013489733033970c-120wi" style="margin: 0px 0px 5px 5px;" title="Open toe foot for sewing machine" /></a><br />
Change your sewing machine needle before sewing.<br />
I also use an open toe foot on my sewing machine (pictured right).<br />
Your stitch length should be set to 1.5 which is 15 stitches per inch. Remember to back-stitch at the beginning and end of every seam so that your seams don’t come apart.<br />
<b>How to Make it:</b><br />
1. Using a mechanical pencil, trace the head-back & head-front pattern pieces onto the wrong side of the doubled skin coloured fabric, folded with right sides together. Make sure that the arrows on the patterns are aligned with the straight grain of the fabric, so that both head pieces are cut on the bias.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e1b8d970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 001" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e1b8d970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e1b8d970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 001" /></a><br />
2. Sew the curve of the head-back, leaving the tab open. Sew down the front of the face from the forehead to the chin. Cut out both pieces, leaving a ⅛” (3mm) seam allowance along the seams and cutting right on the remaining traced line.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e1ce0970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 004" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e1ce0970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e1ce0970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 004" /></a><br />
4. Turn the head-front right side out. Slide it into the head-back with right sides together. Match the seams at the top and bottom of the head and pin. Baste stitch around the head by hand before machine sewing all the way around the head. Don't be tempted to skip the hand basting. With a head this small, the basting will save you time and frustration. I now hand baste all my heads together before machine sewing and I never have to re-sew a doll head.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fb1a8970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 006" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fb1a8970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fb1a8970b-320wi" title="Santa ornament 006" /></a><br />
5. Turn right side out and fill head firmly with stuffing. Beginner doll makers will be astounded by the amount of stuffing I use to stuff a head. I used the entire piece of stuffing pictured below in this one tiny head.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e219d970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 008" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e219d970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e219d970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 008" /></a><br />
When I stuff , I grab one bit of a large piece of stuffing with my haemostats and push the stuffing through the opening, feeding the stuffing into the head in one continuous piece until the head feels like a ripe kiwi in terms of its firmness. I do not use individual, small pieces of stuffing as that makes the head lumpy.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e2514970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 010" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e2514970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e2514970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 010" /></a><br />
6. When the head is firm enough, use the tip of a John James Long Darner #7 needle to gently scoop stuffing into the nose and chin areas. Just stick the tip of the needle into the fabric near the tip of the nose and dig gently into the stuffing to pull it into the nose area.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e29a7970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 011" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e29a7970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e29a7970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 011" /></a><br />
7. Trace the torso pattern onto the wrong side of a piece of doubled red cotton fabric, folded with right sides together. Sew the torso from one side of the opening at the neck, around the shape, stopping at the other side of the neck opening. Cut out the torso, clipping the corners.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e2eec970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 013" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e2eec970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e2eec970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 013" /></a><br />
8. Turn the torso right side out. Stuff the torso firmly through the neck. The neck itself must be firmly stuffed. With a hand sewing needle and strong thread, sew a gathering stitch around the neck opening. Pull the gathering stitch tightly to close the neck opening and anchor off the thread.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc4d7970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 016" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc4d7970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc4d7970b-320wi" title="Santa ornament 016" /></a><br />
9. Squeeze the neck with your haemostats and stuff into the head opening. Pin in place.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e3295970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 018" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e3295970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e3295970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 018" /></a><br />
10. Ladder stitch the head in place with strong thread.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc825970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Fig. 6 ladder stitch diagram" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc825970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc825970b-320wi" title="Fig. 6 ladder stitch diagram" /></a><br />
If you don’t know how to do the ladder stitch, have a look at the diagram above. <br />
I’ve used red thread so you can see the stitch better. The blue lines indicate where the thread is travelling through the folded edge of the fabric. When you pull the thread taut, the two bits of fabric butt together. You should pull the thread taut as you go, but I have left it loose at the end here so you can see the stitch better.<br />
11. Trace the beard and moustache patterns onto the wrong side of a piece of doubled white cotton fabric, folded with right sides together. Sew the beard and then the moustache leaving the marked opening open on both pieces. Cut out the beard and moustache. There is no need to clip into the curves. Turn both pieces right side out through the openings. Stuff each piece so that the shape is filled, but do NOT stuff them as firmly as you did the head. With a hand sewing needle and regular thread, ladder stitch the openings closed in both pieces.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc947970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 021" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc947970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fc947970b-320wi" title="Santa ornament 021" /></a><br />
12. Make a division between the two halves of the moustache with a hand sewing needle and regular thread. First, anchor the thread in the middle of the moustache piece at the seam and then wrap the thread around the moustache on the outside of the fabric. Pull the thread tightly so that the thread gathers the moustache and appears to divide it in half When you get back to the point where you first anchored your thread, take one small stitch approx. ⅛” (3mm) long and loop the thread around the moustache again, pulling the thread to define the division of the moustache. Repeat the thread loop one more time and anchor off the thread.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fdd1e970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 022" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fdd1e970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fdd1e970b-320wi" title="Santa ornament 022" /></a><br />
13. To finish the face, first prepare some fabric from which to cut the eyelids. Apply a scant amount of tacky glue to the wrong side of a very small scrap of fabric. Fold the fabric in half with the tacky glue sandwiched between the layers with wrong sides together. Place something heavy on top of the glued layers of fabric and leave to dry.<br />
14. While the glue is drying on the eyelid fabric, mark two dots with your mechanical pencil on the head where you will be placing the eyes. The eyes should sit at or just above the halfway point of the head, that is halfway between the crown of the head and the chin. Imagine a horizontal line running across the face at this halfway point. Along the halfway line mark two points, one ½" (1.3cm) to either side of the seam dividing the face in half.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fe829970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 028" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fe829970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fe829970b-120wi" title="Santa ornament 028" /></a><br />
With hand sewing needle (a beading needle or other needle that fits through the bead) sew a size 11 or 12 seed bead to each marked dot.<br />
15. Once the glue on the eyelid fabric is dry, use a mechanical pencil to lightly trace the eyelid template pattern twice onto the fabric with the straight edge of the template resting on the fold. Cut out.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e58da970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 026" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e58da970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e58da970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 026" /></a><br />
16. Run a thin line of tacky glue along the curved top edge of the eyelid making sure to place the glue right to the corners of the eyelid and leaving the lash-line (the fold) glue-free. Place the eyelid so that it partially covers the top of the bead. Press the top curved edge of the eyelid down and hold it in place until the glue dries. Warning: do not pin the eyelids in place or you will get little holes in the fabric of the eyelid that won’t disappear due to the glue used to bond the fabric. Repeat for the second eyelid.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fedec970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 030" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fedec970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64fedec970b-320wi" title="Santa ornament 030" /></a><br />
17. With a small paintbrush, make-up brush or cotton-bud (Q-tip in North America), apply a small amount of powdered blush make-up to the cheeks.<br />
18. Pin the beard to the face leaving a small gap below the nose (to leave room for the moustache) and ladder stitch the beard to the face, along the top curve where it touches the face.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64ff207970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 012" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64ff207970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f64ff207970b-120wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 012" /></a><br />
19. By hand, tack the moustache to the face, just below the nose.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6264970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 015" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6264970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6264970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 015" /></a><br />
20. To make the hat, place a piece of red cotton fabric on top of the fabric for the hat lining with right sides together and trace the hat pattern onto the wrong side of the fabric. Sew along the front of the hat (the solid line on the pattern). Cut out the hat leaving a ⅛” (3mm) seam allowance along the seams and cutting right on the remaining traced line. Turn right sides out.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6726970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 003" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6726970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6726970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 003" /></a><br />
21. Fold the hat in half (so that the ear flaps are together) with right sides together. Fold a piece of ⅛" (3mm) wide ribbon in half to form a loop. Position the ribbon loop so it sits at the pointed top of the hat near the fold with the loop on the right side of the fabric, facing down and with the ends of the ribbon sticking out above the seam allowance. Sew along the back seam of the hat using a ⅛” (3mm) seam allowance. Make sure that the ribbon loop has been sewn into the seam.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6bf4970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 009" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6bf4970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6bf4970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 009" /></a><br />
Turn right side out. Place a small amount of stuffing into the pointed end of the hat and pull the hat onto the doll’s head and pin in place. Fold the flap at the front of the face up. By hand, tack the hat firmly to the head. By hand, tack a ⅛” (3mm) pom-pom to the top of the hat.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6ec5970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 016" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6ec5970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e6ec5970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 016" /></a><br />
22. Trace the mitten pattern twice onto a doubled piece of felt. Sew around the shape of each mitten leaving the wrist open. Cut out leaving a very scant ⅛” (3mm) seam allowance along the seams and cutting right on the remaining traced line. Clip as close to the stitching between the thumb and the finger part of the mitten as you can. Turn the mittens right side out.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e72fe970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 031" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e72fe970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e72fe970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 031" /></a><br />
23. Stuff the mittens with a small amount of stuffing. Do NOT stuff them too much, they must be flexible enough to wrap around the curtain ring. By hand, whip-stitch the mittens closed.<br />
24. Rip a strip of cotton 1” (2.5cm) wide, making sure that there are raw, ripped edges on both sides of the fabric strips. Begin to wrap the curtain ring with the strip by gluing one end to the ring and then continuing to wrap the curtain ring overlapping the fabrics strips so the curtain ring doesn't show beneath. When the ring is completely covered, apply a small amount of tacky glue to the end of the fabric strip and hold it in place until it is dry.<br />
Place the curtain ring on a piece of cardboard and trace around the circle to create a backing for the photograph. Cut out. Trace the cardboard circle onto a piece of felt and cut out the felt circle. Glue the felt circle to one side of the cardboard circle. Once the glue is dry, use the felt covered cardboard circle to trace around the image in your chosen photo and cut the photo out. Glue the photo to the cardboard side of the circle or use double-sided tape to adhere it. Set the photo aside for now.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e7591970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament 033" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e7591970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament 033" /></a><br />
25. Wrap the mittens around the top of the curtain ring so that the bottoms of the mittens can't be seen from the front. By hand, firmly tack the mittens to the fabric covering the curtain ring, making sure to tack at points all around the mittens.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f6501209970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 019" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f6501209970b" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0133f6501209970b-320wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 019" /></a><br />
26. Wrap a miniature pick of holly around the curtain ring at the bottom, gluing the holly pick in place (hot glue might be best for this task).<br />
27. Glue the felt-backed photo circle to the back of the curtain ring along the edges of the photo preferably with hot glue or another strong glue.<br />
Then apply some glue to the top of the felt backing on the circle. Press the glue to the chest of the Santa. By hand, tack the mittens to the Santa's chest with strong thread for added security.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e82cd970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Santa ornament step by step 023" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e82cd970c-320wi" title="Santa ornament step by step 023" /></a><br />
28. Add the finishing touches by tracing the heart template twice onto a piece of contrasting coloured felt and cut out. Glue a heart to the front of each mitten with tacky glue. Then bore a hole into the hat just above the hat flap with a sharp pair of small scissors or with an awl, if you have one. Apply a small amount of tacky glue to the stem of a miniature holly pick and slip it into the hole in the hat. By hand, tack the hat flap in place.<br />
<a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e8656970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="Cloth Doll Santa Photo Christmas Ornament" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e8656970c" src="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834fe9c4653ef0134896e8656970c-320wi" title="Cloth Doll Santa Photo Christmas Ornament" /></a><br />
Jolly well done with this jolly old fellow.<br />
If you want to see <a href="http://themagicbean.typepad.com/the_magic_bean/free-patterns-and-tutorials-from-colleen.html" target="_blank">the rest of my free tutorials</a>, click the link. And to make sure that you don't miss out on any further free tutorials subscribe to my blog, the Magic Bean <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/TheMagicBean" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
If you love Christmas and you love cloth dolls (ooh, pick me!) then you might be interested in two of my patterns which bring together all things festive in the form of a cloth doll. Check out the Christmasy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62665193/pattern-for-give-us-a-kiss-cloth-doll" target="_blank">Give us a Kiss Pattern </a>and the wintry <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54587631/e-pattern-for-snowflake-or-spider-sprite" target="_blank">Snowflake Sprite</a>.</div><div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.brighthub.com/arts/crafts/articles/120611.aspx">Easy Instructions For Christmas Tree Ornaments Made from Felt</a> (brighthub.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.education.com/activity/article/make-glue-christmas-ornaments/">Make Glue Ornaments for Christmas</a> (education.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.mademan.com/mm/how-make-christmas-ornament.html">How To Make A Christmas Ornament</a> (mademan.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.casasugar.com/12th-DIY-Christmas-Paper-Bulb-Ornaments-6769942">The 12th DIY of Christmas: Paper Bulb Ornaments</a> (casasugar.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=5e588d59-f09e-4086-abdb-5e9b940e3117" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-42763807310310138082011-06-29T06:57:00.000-07:002011-06-29T06:57:37.970-07:00Heads up!!Just wanted to remind you that there is officially less than 6 months left before Christmas. Now if you get paid monthly, that is less than 6 opportunities to buy Christmas gifts early. If you get paid every other week, there are less than 12 opportunities. For those lucky enought to get paid weekly, you have less than 24 weeks. <br />
<br />
Christmas is coming--no doubt. You might as well be prepared as not!<br />
<br />
Hope you get ready so you can enjoy the original concept for this hoilday. Christmas is not about hype and shopping. It is about reflection and thankfulness. It is about family time. It is about joy and hope.<br />
<br />
You don't have to be Christian to be able to celebrate this holiday. Every religion is about these things.<br />
<div class="zemanta-related"><h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em; margin: 1em 0pt 0pt;">Related articles</h6><ul class="zemanta-article-ul"><li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://socyberty.com/holidays/give-more-gifts-this-christmas-season-without-spending-too-much/">Give More Gifts This Christmas Season Without Spending Too Much</a> (socyberty.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://caro-interiors.com/2011/06/28/christmas-in-june/">Christmas in June</a> (caro-interiors.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.allhome-improve.com/2011/06/25/crafty-christmas-week-diy-recycled-wreath/">Crafty Christmas Week: DIY Recycled Wreath</a> (allhome-improve.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://money.marksandspencer.com/news/2010/11/home-owners-urged-to-%27take-care%27-over-christmas/7449/">Home owners urged to 'take care' over Christmas</a> (money.marksandspencer.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/06/28/toy-cars-set-to-top-christmas-2011-gift-list-115875-23233006/">Toy cars set to top Christmas 2011 gift list</a> (mirror.co.uk)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://achristmascountdown.wordpress.com/2011/06/25/6-months-till-christmas/">6 months till Christmas!!!</a> (achristmascountdown.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://scmathisen.wordpress.com/2011/06/23/christmas-already/">Christmas? Already?</a> (scmathisen.wordpress.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.cleardebt.co.uk/blog/start-saving-now-for-christmas-2011_25092">Start saving now for Christmas 2011</a> (cleardebt.co.uk)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://socyberty.com/holidays/christmas-gift-for-mother/">Christmas Gift for Mother</a> (socyberty.com)</li>
</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=45f4e2ec-535c-4ca4-b4c5-75627559c896" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4232804096847431886.post-50134261087033818002011-06-07T09:38:00.000-07:002011-06-07T09:38:30.080-07:00The Official Crepe Paper Christmas Tree Tutorial........Here is a wonderful tutorial on making crepe paper Christmas trees that I thought you would enjoy. I found this originally on <a href="http://www.allfreeholidaycrafts.com/Christmas-Craft-Projects/Crepe-Paper-Christmas-Tree">AllFreeHolidayCrafts</a>, but that link forwards you to <a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/creative_chaos/2010/12/my-entry.html">Creative Chaos</a>. So be sure to visit both sites and try out some of their other craft ideas.<br />
<br />
If you make one of these trees, I know that I would love to see it and I know that <a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/creative_chaos/2010/12/my-entry.html">Creative Chaos </a>would also love to get a look.<br />
<br />
__________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e062c6bc970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 033" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e062c6bc970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e062c6bc970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 033" /></a><br />
Woo Hoo....After a back breaking day at Paper Tales (which consisted of eating pumpkin bread, talking with some lovely ladies who read my blog, solving a glitter crisis, eating more pumpkin bread, ringing up crafty customers, inadvertently letting someone know that the special crinkle ribbon that's all the rage at the Tim Holtz 12 days of Tags blog is simply seambinding, eating more pumpkin bread and then finally waving goodbye to everyone), I arrived home to two boys and a Papa who had been waiting anxiously for my arrival so we could all watch Toy Story 3 together. Once my eyes were dry from the ending of the movie, I got right to work on my Snowflake Box kits for tomorrow's class in between five loads of laundry. Why am I telling you this? Because I want everyone to see that I am totally committed to keeping my promise to bring you the tutorial.......even though I really want to sit on the couch and watch a movie......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c39cf970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 028" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c39cf970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c39cf970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 028" /></a><br />
But I must show you how to do this so you can become just as obsessed as I am. Then I won't feel so lonely in my little world of crepe paper and glitter. First, though, I have to tell you how it all happened. <a href="http://cindygilstrap.typepad.com/junqueart/2010/11/christmas-tree-tutorial.html" target="_self">Cindy Gilstrap</a>, a wonderful crafter/artist, had made a crepe paper Christmas tree for the Joli Paquet blog that you can see <a href="http://joli-paquet.blogspot.com/2010/11/merry-bright-crepe-paper-christmas-tree_16.html" target="_self">here</a>. I instantly fell in love with it. However, because I have the patience of a gnat, I decided to use my sewn ruffled crepe instead. And the rest is history......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e062ddfc970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 036" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e062ddfc970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e062ddfc970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 036" /></a><br />
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Now, I did a google search to see if these had ever been done before and didn't find anything. Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? Let me know if you do!<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c4d99970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 005" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c4d99970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c4d99970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 005" /></a><br />
Now, here are a couple things you need to know about this project. Number one....once you start making these trees, you will find yourself unable to stop. Seriously. Ruffled crepe paper will never be the same to you. You will find yourself looking for reasons why you need just one more crepe paper tree in your life.<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c4f07970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 010" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c4f07970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20148c66c4f07970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 010" /></a><br />
Number two....expect to be pulling hot glue strings from your tree, your table, your body and your children for at least the next two months.<br />
Ok....I think we're ready!<br />
First gather your supplies.....<br />
1. Crepe paper......I have no idea how much because I neglected to measure beforehand so let's just say a roll<br />
2. Hot glue gun (this is what I used) or a heavy gel glue like fabri-tac or 3 in 1<br />
3. Piece of paper to make into a cone or paper mache cone<br />
4. Peppermint Bark candy bar (you will get hungry)<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a616a970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 003" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a616a970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a616a970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 003" /></a><br />
I took a 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper and rolled it into a cone. I then glued the end at the top to secure.......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b307970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 004" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b307970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b307970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 004" /></a><br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a627f970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 005" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a627f970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a627f970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 005" /></a><br />
Glue the sides......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b617970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 006" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b617970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b617970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 006" /></a><br />
Cut the bottom of the cone to from the base. Once you cut it set it on the table to see if it's even and stands straight......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b776970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 007" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b776970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b776970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 007" /></a><br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b86b970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 008" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b86b970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b86b970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 008" /></a><br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b90a970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 009" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b90a970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b90a970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 009" /></a><br />
I sew my crepe paper on my sewing machine using a basting stitch and tight tension. It ruffles up just right. On my old machine, I had to pull the one end of the thread to ruffle it. That works also.<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a711d970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 025" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a711d970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a711d970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 025" /></a><br />
Start at the bottom with your first section skirting the bottom of the table. Glue into place......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b9e2970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 014" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b9e2970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6b9e2970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 014" /></a><br />
Continue around the base until you meet up in the back.....<br />
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<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a69d9970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 015" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a69d9970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a69d9970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 015" /></a><br />
Take it a bit above the last bottom skirt and continue around the cone.....<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6bc9a970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 016" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6bc9a970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6bc9a970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 016" /></a><br />
I worked in sections using pieces that were about two feet long. When you get to the end, just match end to end and glue....<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6d80970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 019" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6d80970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6d80970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 019" /></a><br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6eb3970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 020" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6eb3970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6eb3970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 020" /></a><br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6f7e970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 021" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6f7e970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a6f7e970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 021" /></a><br />
Time for a break.....grab your chocolate......<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6c027970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 022" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6c027970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6c027970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 022" /></a><br />
Ok, back to work! We're almost done.......<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a7247970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 026" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a7247970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e05a7247970b-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 026" /></a><br />
Ta Da! You did it! For the very top I use a small section of the ruffled crepe paper and cut it a bit shorter than the other layers and then glue into place........<br />
<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6c2ea970c-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 December Craft 027" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6c2ea970c" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e2013489b6c2ea970c-500wi" title="2010 December Craft 027" /></a><br />
I hope you enjoyed it! Put a bunch of glitter on and you are good to go. I would LOVE to see any of the ones you make. Please send pictures!! Ok....I'm off to bed.....I've got a class to teach tomorrow!<br />
<a href="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e0630008970b-popup" onclick="window.open( this.href, '_blank', 'width=640,height=480,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0' ); return false" style="display: inline;"><img alt="2010 November 038" class="asset asset-image at-xid-6a00d834516cc269e20147e0630008970b" src="http://creativechaos.typepad.com/.a/6a00d834516cc269e20147e0630008970b-500wi" title="2010 November 038" /></a><br />
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</ul></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=10407500-5d2c-4b7e-99b0-f8a6003030ba" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Shirley Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00083078057003488036noreply@blogger.com0