Card Making Day

Inspired by Annabel over on The Bluebirds are Nesting, I put my rubber stamps and card making items to use last weekend. I love a handmade card, so it stands to reason that I want to give them, as well! I tend to make a rather large mess when making cards. I guess it's part…

Gift Cabinet Thrift

Giving to others doesn't need to be expensive. In fact, some of my favorite gifts are ones that were made by my family. A handmade card, sewn item, or photo album is a gift that resonates with our loved ones so much! I keep what I call a gift cabinet. For many years when I…

Simple Sewn Gifts-Pillowcases

This idea of sewing simple things for others seems to resonate with y'all! I'm glad, because as I focus on less large quilts this year, and more small projects, I want to make sure many of the sewn items are for gifting! While I won't be able to show you all the lovely proceeds from…

Gift Cabinet Restock

My gift cabinet stock is low. Inspired by past successful gift giving times and several great blogs, I'm encouraged to restock the gifts I keep on hand. This isn't a new concept. I often bought off season for my younger children, when I could find simple toys that were well made during sales and clearance…

Making an Advent Calendar

Each year I make up an advent calendar. Now, before the idea scares you, it's not too hard to do! It does require that you think ahead a little. But it's a fun little thing to plan, I'll tell ya! I've enjoyed my DIY method of advent calendar more than trying to purchase something that…

Holiday Plan

It's mid September as I write these words, and the Christmas planning bug has hit me hard. When planning for Christmas, I follow a basic framework each year. This helps me stay organized, which is good because during this busy season, I can use all the help I can get! First, I print out a…

Making Vanilla Extract

Now is the time to start your homemade vanilla extract! It's mid-year. The back to school aisles are full of supplies, and the lists are posted for what's needed in a few short weeks. Once school starts, the Christmas holiday will be right around the corner! Making your own vanilla takes a while, in fact,…

Advent Calendar 2016

We decided to do an advent calendar this year! I found a great shelf at Goodwill, then wrapped each gift with kraft paper. I added ribbons and pre-made number stickers, and the calendar is ready! (Your local craft shop should carry these pre-made stickers or tags in the scrapbook aisle!) For the moms out there…

Gift Giving Organization

Are you a planner? =} I could be a planner kind of girl. My husband says to me, "What is it with you and a plan?" He is mostly not a planner! For us, gifting requires some sort of plan. With several dozen gifts on our list, if momma wants to have a good holiday, a plan is just…

Christmas Tree Wall Hanging Tutorial

Christmas Tree Wall Hanging Finished size: 17 by 20 inches   Materials 1 fat quarter for tree 1 fat quarter for background 1 fat quarter for backing 1 fat quarter for binding Batting-18 by 21 inches Buttons (optional) Ornaments (optional) Bows or Ribbon (optional)   CUT (largest to smallest pieces) Background: 2 rectangles, 2 ½…