Heads 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. 

Christmas is coming--no doubt.  You might as well be prepared as not!

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.

You don't have to be Christian to be able to celebrate this holiday.  Every religion is about these things.

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The 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 AllFreeHolidayCrafts, but that link forwards you to Creative Chaos.  So be sure to visit both sites and try out some of their other craft ideas.

If you make one of these trees, I know that I would love to see it and I know that Creative Chaos would also love to get a look.

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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......

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.  Cindy Gilstrap, a wonderful crafter/artist, had made a crepe paper Christmas tree for the Joli Paquet blog that you can see here.   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......


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!

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.

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.
Ok....I think we're ready!
First gather your supplies.....
1. Crepe paper......I have no idea how much because I neglected to measure beforehand so let's just say a roll
2. Hot glue gun (this is what I used) or a heavy gel glue like fabri-tac or 3 in 1
3. Piece of paper to make into a cone or paper mache cone
4. Peppermint Bark candy bar (you will get hungry)

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.......


Glue the sides......

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......



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.

Start at the bottom with your first section skirting the bottom of the table.   Glue into place......

Continue around the base until you meet up in the back.....


Take it a bit above the last bottom skirt and continue around the cone.....

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....



 Time for a break.....grab your chocolate......

 Ok, back to work!    We're almost done.......


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........


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!

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Memorial Day 2011

This holiday is for remembering and reflecting.  Please don't let me stop you from doing just that.

I'd also like to remind you that we are already 6 months into this year and Christmas is fast approaching. 

Maybe this year you might try to send gifts to some of the soldiers we have in the Middle East.  I know that there are many fine young men and women that would love to receive a present from a secret Santa.  Maybe you could spearhead such an event at your church or community center this year.  Let's make a habit of remembering our soldiers while they live not just when they die.  These young people really do give up everything for us and live with fear and constant danger.  They deserve to be thanked. 

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Give a hoot for the holidays--an owl ornament tutorial

This is just too cute to pass on.  I found this originally on TipJunkie.com, but the original post is on 
juicy-bits.typepad.com.  The blogger, Jessica Levitt, has a wonderful blog with many wonderful craft items.  This one, with the owl ornaments, fits well here on my Christmas blog.

If you make any of these from Jessica's instructions, please send me a picture so I can post it here.  Send one to Jessica, too!  I love working with felt to make tree ornaments.  It is so easy and forgiving.  It comes in a wealth of colors and thicknesses.  You can sew, embroider, glue everything together.  All in all, a great craft supply.

Here is the owl ornament tutorial:
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But I did do a little felt hand sewing.  I made the little gnome from the last post and a few other things for my tree.  I’m doing a woodland theme this year.  Hopefully it will be all set up soon for you to see.

Anyway, these are the little owl ornaments I made.  And it’s a simple tutorial, just for you!

Download Owl ornament and all you do is cut it out from felt and sew however you’d like.

I love ‘em.

 

And if you make it bigger it would make a cute softie.  I was sewing one on the bus with my daughter’s field trip and a couple of the little girls were begging me for one of their own.  So they could make a cute gift or stocking stuffer.  (Of course, I’d stay away from buttons with real little ones for safety’s sake.)

Enjoy!

JT

*****NOTE: I forgot to mention on the pattern about ric rac.  That's what I used to make the "feathers" on the belly....

Cover of Gifts for the FamilyHere's an interesting article I found on About.com that gives you numerous ideas for your holiday gift giving this year.  Check it out and maybe something on one of these lists will be just what you have been looking for. 

This particular list is from the Fatherhood category on About.com.  There are more categories and many other lists to check out.
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Great Gifts for Moms

Irresistable Mom Gifts
About.com's Working Moms Guide Apryl Duncan has this great list of gift ideas that will warm any mother's heart. For that special gift for your favorite mother, check this list out. Ideas for Surefire Working Mother Gifts
This list of gift ideas for working mothers, including pokcet camcorders and a day at the spa, will give any dad a set of good ideas for the working mom in his life.
Top Gifts for Crafters
If the mom in your life is crafty (meaning that she enjoys doing craft projects--not that she is sneaky), then this list from About.com's Family Craft Guide Sherri Osborn is one you will want to check out. Focused specifically on crafts a mom can do with her kids, this list is sure to please any mom who enjoys craft work.
Gifts that Moms of Multiples Will Love
If that special mom in your life has twins, triplets or more, this list from About.com Multiples Guide Pamela Fierro will help you find just the right idea for her. From jewelry to books to items that will pamper this special mom, it is all here.

Gift Ideas for Preschoolers

Classic Toys for Today's Kids
If you remember some of the classic toys from your childhood like Etch a Sketch and Lite Brite and wanted to find them for your kids, then this list will be a great source. Check out all the old favorites and find out how to bring them home for your little ones. DVD Gifts for Kids
Carey Bryson, the About.com Guide to KIds Movies, has prepared this list of the top DVD's that will appeal to your preschoolers. The list also includes links to Carey's own reviews of these popular movies.
Top Toys for Preschoolers
About.com Preschooler Guide Amanda Rock has a great list of toys for your favorite preschool kids. An incredible puppet theater, a dollhouse, puzzles and Tinkertoys are among the gifts that my grandkids just adore. Any one of these gifts will help you be a savvy and popular gift giver this holiday season.

Gifts for Tweens

Tween Gifts That Rock
Sometimes buying a gift for that in-between age - not quite a teenager but too old for the school aged kid stuff - can be the toughest of all gifts. About.com Tween Guide Jennifer O'Donnell has put together a list of gift ideas for the tween crowd. Electronics Make a Great Tween Gift
Jennifer has also assembled a great list of electronic devices that appeal to the tween in any family. If your tween is into MP3s, digital cameras and cell phones, this list will give you some super ideas.

Gift Ideas for Teenagers

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teens
Teenagers are also a challenging group to buy for. They are so varied in their interests and often a bit moody and unpredictable. Denise Witmer, the About.com Guide to Parenting Teens, has put together an idea list of 50 gift ideas for your teens. This list is sure to include something for your teen, or perhaps will generate an idea or two beyond the list. Gift Ideas for Teen Boys
Specifically for teenaged boys, this gift idea list is spot on for them. Having two teen boys at home right now, I can tell you that their gift list would certainly include many of the ideas on this list. Magazine subscription, a watch or a DVD would be on any teen guy's favorites list.
Gift Ideas for Teen Girls
If you have a teenaged girl at home, Denise's list for teen girls gifts will certainly make you a popular dad this holiday season. Jewelry, perfume and makeup top the list.
Coupon Books
One of my favorite gift ideas for teenagers is the gift of time. I put together these printable coupon books, one for teenaged boys and one for teenaged girls, that you can print out, assemble and staple together and give to your teen. They keep on giving throughout the year as the kids redeem them with you.

Christmas Gift Ideas for College Kids

Stocking Stuffers for College Kids
College kids are usually into gifts that meet their needs but also create conversation among their peers. This list from About.com Guide to Young Adults, Jackie Burrell, has something for just about everyone. Thumb drives, beanies, and an iTunes gift card, among many other ideas, can be found on this list. [link urlhttp://youngadults.about.com/od/familylife/tp/Twilightgifts.htm]Gifts for Twilight Fans
College aged girls (and some guys) are dedicated followers of the Twilight series of books and movies. This gift guide for the Twilight fan has ideas that will delight anyone who is a committed fan of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight work.

Gifts for the Whole Family

Nice But Cheap Gifts This Holiday Season
Looking this year for some inexpensive gift ideas for your whole family? Katherine Lewis, the About.com Guide for Working Mothers, has prepared this list of great cheap gifts for the family. And who doesn't need money-saving ideas this Christmas season? Family Board Games for Dads and Kids
Every dad wants quality time with his family and playing board games can be a great way to interact. Here are some board games that I recommend for a fun evening at home with the kids.

Gifts for Dads

Finally, I have assembled a list of gifts for dads at each stage of life and for each special interest. If you have a dad with any of these interests, or are a dad described here, then check out the list to buy a gift or leave a gentle hint for your gift giving family members.

Top 7 Gifts for the Do It Yourself Dad
Top Gifts for the Gadget-Hungry Dad
Top Ten Creative Gifts for Dads for Christmas
Top Ten Gifts for the History Buff Father
Top Ten Gifts for the Golfing Father
Gift Ideas for the Cookout King Dad
Gifts for Dads Who Travel
Gifts for Grandfathers
Gifts For Dads Who Love Cars
Top Gifts for a Single Dad]
Movies for Fathers
Top Digital Cameras for Dads

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~ Swedish Dala Horse Stocking

Best of Christmas Ideas (Better Homes & Gardens Crafts)The Farm Chicks Christmas: Merry Ideas for the Holidays (Country Living)Lake City Craft Quilling Kit - 6PK/Christmas AngelsOne-Hour Christmas Crafts (Leisure Arts #15851)Christmas Gifts and CraftsWith just a little over 6 months of this year left, it really is time to begin to get ready for those end of year holidays.  You know, the ones that creep up on you and beat you up; yeah, I mean Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's! 

Thanksgiving is all about food, and this blog is not about food, so I'll leave you to your own devices unless I happen upon something scrumptious I want to share.

Christmas--well that's another story!  Christmas is what we are all about here.  So......in the honor of the fast approaching Christmas holiday, I have a wonderful tutorial for a stocking to hang on your mantel.  I found this tutorial on Allsorts and I hope you will hop over there and check out her site.  There are so many wonderful things there that I cannot even begin to talk about here!

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Happy Friday! I'm just about to scoot out the door for a tour of homes decorated for the holidays, and I wanted to get this pattern up for you before I left. You might have seen this project already in Amy's Inspired Ideas e-zine, but I thought it would be good to document it here as well, in case anyone missed it, and also for future reference.
I made mine in red and white, but I imagine it would look great in other colors, too. You can download the pdf pattern by clicking here, and this is what it will look like when you open it. This design is for a 12” long stocking, but you can enlarge the pattern if desired. Please note this pattern is for personal use only.

You will need:

• sharp fabric scissors
• regular needle
• embroidery needle
• pins
• white and red felt (wool or wool-blend works best)
• red sewing thread
• white and red pearl embroidery floss

INSTRUCTIONS
Using the pattern, Cut out all shapes from felt in the colors and amounts as noted. Refer to photograph for positioning of shapes.
Assemble front of stocking:
Pin the Dala horse and heart shapes onto the front panel of the stocking. Pin one of the cuff, heel and toe pieces to the front panel of stocking. Attach all by whip-stitching around edge with red sewing thread. Note - do not stitch along edges of stocking panel.
With red pearl floss, attach the white “plus” shapes to each of the hearts with a french knot in the center. Sew red french knots around the horse’s saddle and below each heart.
With white pearl floss, stitch a french knot for the Dala horse’s eye, and sew white french knots along the edge of the toe, heel and top band of stocking.

Assemble back of stocking:
Pin remaining cuff, toe and heel sections onto the back panel of the stocking. Pin hanging loop in place between top band and back panel.
Assemble stocking:
Pin front panel to back panel with wrong sides together, leaving top open. Using white pearl floss on the red portions, and red pearl floss on the white portions, whip stitch all around edge of stocking, leaving top open.
With white pearl floss, whip stitch around top opening, catching hanging loop in stitches to secure.
Hang your stocking and enjoy! I hope you have as much fun stitching this stocking as I did!
Cheers,
Jenny

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Ultimate Christmas Countdown Checklist

Here's a great article from Real Simple that gives you a way to stay organized yet prepared for the upcoming holidays.  I just realized that we are about to begin May!  That is almost 1/2 of the year gone by already.  Don't wait until the last minute.  Try to get an early start this year and see if you can't enjoy the holidays more!

Another great place to get help organizing for the holidays is here.  You can get a wonderful start with planning and keeping track of your progress using this Christmas Countdown method.  Please check it out.

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Getting organized is the best way to ensure you’ll have more holiday cheer, less holiday stress. This timeline will help you keep track of the big tasks.

Three to Six Months Before (Before Mid-October)

• Make a family plan. Are you heading to your in-laws’ house? Hosting everyone at yours? Sit down with family members and decide where you’ll be spending the holidays.
• Buy plane tickets. If you’ll be flying somewhere, get your plane tickets as soon as possible.

Two Months Before (Mid-October)

• Put activities on a calendar. As you find out when parties and school pageants are scheduled, write them on a master calendar. Keep it next to the phone, so if someone calls to ask if you’re free for an event, you’ll know the answer immediately.
• Start baking things you can freeze. Un-iced cookies, bars, and nut breads are good bets to make ahead. All will keep in the freezer if they are well wrapped, and you can have a few extra things on hand for the friend who stops by unexpectedly with a gift. Related: Make-Ahead Holiday Cookies
  
• Update your holiday card list. Determine how many cards you need, and make sure you have updated addresses.
• Shop for cards and wrapping paper. Some stores put holiday goods out by Halloween. You’ll get the best selection if you start early. And if you’re ordering cards online, you’ll want to have plenty of time for them to arrive.
• Make plans for overnight guests. Think about who will be showing up and spending the night. Do you need to replace some old sheets? Buy more towels? Now’s the time to get your house in shape for visitors.

Six Weeks Before (Beginning of November)

• Make a master gift list. You may not have every detail filled in, but at least make sure you list everyone you’ll need to buy for, and think about what they’d like. That way you can pick up things as you see them, rather than running to the mall at the last minute. Have your children give you their wish lists.
• Make a budget. Set a ballpark figure for how much you can spend on gifts—it will help you stay grounded when the shopping gets frenzied. Related: 4-Week Holiday Savings Plan
  
• Start shopping in earnest. Yes, you may already be picking things up here and there, but the more you buy ahead, the better—especially if you’ll be mailing gifts. If you have big-ticket items (like electronics) that go on sale the day after Thanksgiving, you may want to brave the crowds on Black Friday—you could save substantially.

One Month Before (Directly After Thanksgiving)

• Do any online shopping. Order gifts now so you have lots of time to wrap them once they arrive.
• Wrap gifts as you buy them. Not only will this keep little eyes from finding out what Santa is bringing, it will save you time on Christmas Eve.
• Take stock of your decorations. Get out your lights, ornaments, wreaths, and lawn ornaments. See if anything is broken and needs to be replaced.
• Take stock of dishes and glasses. Make sure you have the serving platters and wineglasses you’ll need for parties or special meals, in time to buy more, if necessary.
• Start addressing holiday cards. It can take a while, depending on how long your list is.

Three Weeks Before (First Week of December)

• Mail cards. If you’re too busy to get them addressed and mailed during the first week of December, consider putting them off until after the holiday rush. People generally enjoy getting a card a few days late, when things have slowed down and they actually notice the mail.
• Buy a live tree. This is a good time to get your tree, if you want it to stay fresh and retain its needles through Christmas. Same goes for fresh greenery or garlands. Related: How to Choose a Christmas Tree
  
• Decorate! You may be one who decks the halls as soon as the Thanksgiving turkey carcass has been tossed. That’s fine, too, but by the first week of December, it’s time to get the house looking festive.
• Finalize menus. If you’ll be serving the holiday meal make sure you know what you’ll be cooking and what family members will be bringing. Start a master grocery list.
• Order a turkey or ham. Or whatever else is the centerpeice of your holiday meal—you don’t want to get caught short.

Two Weeks Before (Second Week of December)

• Make sure out-of-town presents are mailed. Try to have gifts in the mail by December 10. Related: How to Ship Gifts of All Shapes and Sizes
  
• Shop for nonperishable items. Buy alcohol and any canned goods or pantry staples you’ll need.

One Week Before

• Deep clean your house. You’ll enjoy those decorations even more if the floors are clean and the kitchen is organized. One important task: Clear out your refrigerator. Toss old leftovers to make room for big dishes and ingredients that’ll be piling up closer to the holiday.
• Buy batteries for children’s toys. If you haven’t stocked up while shopping, make sure you have all the accoutrements necessary for that handheld video game or remote-controlled car.

Three Days Before

• Shop for fresh ingredients. Hit the store for the last-minute vegetables or fruit you need for meals.
• Set the table. So you use those gold-rimmed goblets only once a year? Enjoy them! Go ahead and set the table. Make it even easier on the big day by putting a sticky note on each platter that states what dish you plan to serve on it. (That also allows people to help you without asking 12 times.)

Two Days Before

• Start cooking. You’ve probably socked away some things in the freezer already, but now’s the time to prep main courses and make anything that can sit for a couple of days.
• Buy fresh flowers. Whether they are for a party or a family meal, fresh flowers should always be purchased two days in advance. Blooms have time to open up, and they’ll still be lush and fragrant.

The Day Before

• Recharge the batteries on your camera or video recorder. You don’t want to miss the reaction on a little one’s face because the battery ran out during the school pageant the week before.
• Finish last-minute wrapping. And assemble toys that will be surprises from Santa.
• Finish cooking, and make a timeline for the next day. Decide when you’ll be feasting, then count backward to determine when to put the turkey (or ham or roast beef) in the oven and what else needs to be cooked.
• Sit back and relax. Enjoy your family and friends and relish the traditions you share.