2008 Reflection

What a crafty evolution this year has been. It is hard to believe that I bought my sewing machine last January. There are too many projects to post but here are a few of the highlights.

I have learned more than I thought possible in the past 12 months. More than just sewing and melting crayons I have learned about photography, increased my computer skills, ran my own business and started this blog. By far the most important things I learned in 2008 is to put my family first and I believe I can accomplish anything if I put my mind to it.

One more image that somehow got left out. I can't tell you how many name sets I made this year but I hope they were enjoyed by the children who received them.

Tutus, tiaras and tea

Today was very girly. My daughter had her first sewing lesson. We hemmed the two raw edges of this year of pink fabric. All I did for the tutu was fold it over a ribbon and tie it around her waist. Tomorrow it may be a shawl, blanket or who knows. It was very pretty and she is so proud.

She also crafted these princess accessories completely by herself. The girls were given the book Crafts for Little Princesses this Christmas and are finished with 4 of the 15 projects. It comes with recipes too. So much fun.

This is what I did while they were busy. I poured myself a cup of tea in my grandmother's china and curled up with a book, Three Cups of Tea. My husband spent the day skiing with some friends (yes, there is skiing in Tucson). You could say we are all happy things have settled down and the craziness of the holidays have calmed.

One final note about slowing down. I am very grateful for all my success with my Etsy shop but I must admit that I don't miss the busyness of it. I may open it again in the future but for now I'll enjoy my book and tea.

Crafty gifts

Now that the gifts have been opened I can write about the presents I made for my nephews. My little Matt got these three alphabet blocks. Erin wanted to know why I didn't make him the all the letters, whew that might take me until next Christmas. These were just made with play felt (not wool) and polyfil. I think they will be easier to clean and probably tastes better too.

The two, two-year-olds got these play mats. I was trying to think of a design when I had a light bulb moment to use the neighborhood around our family's cabin in the mountains. I would have added more details but December flew by. My feelings won't be hurt if these don't get used, I know how kids are. Toys are either loved or sit and wait to be played with, either way they were fun to make.

Here is one more handmade item, a vest my mom knitted for Ava. The color is a hit! She loves it.

A Merry Christmas

Family + Play = a happy day.

Merry Christmas.

Cookies for Santa

Dear Santa,
Please enjoy these cookies mom made in a baking frenzy yesterday. They include brownies, peanut butter suprise cookies, 6 layer bars, lemon bars (dad's favorite) and oatmeal butterscotch. By the way, we have been really, really, good this year.
xoxo,
Ava and Erin

Oh Christmas Tree

Here is a Christmas craft project for the whole family. I started with a cereal box and a paper towel roll and here is what I came up with. I would write out a more descriptive tutorial but I think it is pretty self explanatory. This would be a great project to save to compare hand sizes as kids grow from year to year. Have fun!

Everyone in our family made a hand print. The kids got to do the coloring and I cut them out.

These are just taped together and attached to the paper towel roll. I could have glued them down but I like the layered effect.

The finished product. Next year I think we'll use markers instead of crayons for a greener tree.

Polka dot palace

Yesterday was a fort day. There is nothing like climbing through tunnels and up and down bunk beds to burn off a little indoor energy. This is the biggest one we've made so far.

Erin's cave was the perfect place for an afternoon snuggle and nap (for the both of us).

I Spy - Christmas Ornaments

Here is an idea for great game to play around the Christmas tree.

I spy:
something with a red nose
a bell
an angel
a heart
a snowman
Santa

What is on your tree?

Pillow for my gift exchange

I made this pillow for a gift Christmas gift exchange at work. I saw one that was similar to it on Etsy and wanted to recreate my own version from materials I had on hand. I'd love to make my self one for Spring covered in an assortment of bright colored flowers and leaves.

Tea Party Cookies

I have been drooling over all the adorable felt cookies and other treats on flickr. I had to make a set of my own (or for my girls that is). They are all hand cut, beaded and stitched using 100% wool. The cookies take a little time but are so much fun to make. These have been one of my early morning projects. As I sew I look up at the beautiful quilt made by grandmother and think of all the handmade doll clothes she made for mom to play with. My mom made me paper dolls, dresses for my Baby Ann and countless other fun things by hand. I hope my girls continue the tradition.

These are just the first few by the way. I hope to get a full dozen made by Christmas. I have a feeling there will be requests for more treats.

Trip to Portland

My husband and I took a little trip to Portland this weekend. In just a few short days we were able to take in the lively downtown, beautiful country side, snow covered mountains and the coast of Cannon Beach. Despite the freezing temperatures we fell in love with the friendly people and opportunities for adventure. Don't be surprised to see more posts about Portland in the near future.

Handmade gifts - for the girls

I hope I don't spoil any gifts here but I don't think my family in Chicago/Wisconsin check in too much. Stop reading now in case you do.


My sister-in-law mentioned that her daughters liked the purse I made her for her birthday. It was identical to one I made for myself. This bag was one of the first things I made when I learned to sew. It has been awhile since I made a bag so I was glad to fulfill the request. The result, 4 fun totes for my nieces. I just love how they came out. I don't have enough fabric for more in this size, but I know I can get crafty and make something with what is left over.

There are more gifts to finish and photograph. Hopefully these will get done sooner than later.

Decorating our tree

We decorated our tree over the weekend. Ava was so excited she had every single ornament unwrapped and on the floor ready to go before we could get the Christmas music on. It was a nice, simple evening that ended with a dance performance under the twinkling little lights.

I think Erin would make a beautiful angel on top of our tree. What a natural. Here are a few more up close. Notice my attempt at a self-portrait.

The Polar Express Train

Over Thanksgiving we decorated this train shaped cake to celebrate the book The Polar Express. The book I check out from the library ending up being in Spanish, but the pictures really tell the story anyway. What a fun and yummy project.

This would look great around our gingerbread house but it just had to be eaten.

Christmas card attempts

These are just of the few out takes from our Christmas card picture attempt so far. As you can see they didn't take it too seriously. Wish me luck.