Christmas Ball Reveal

In Week 12, I offered up a free pattern for a Christmas ball with a mention that it was inspired by a certain animated character. My roommate absolutely adores the movie this character is in, but I have always been leery about posting the finished products involving inspirations of certain characters. I have read too many horror stories about how companies who trademark suck the fun out of this art. Since this is not up for sale and just an artistic expression for my household only, I am going to show what I crocheted using my Christmas Ball pattern (offered on Week 12). The only addition to the pattern was a little bit more yarn and some puffy paint.

Look how stinkin' adorable that little guy is. Obviously, this is not a true representation of the character as it was inspired. At the end of the day, I know the receiver will enjoy this little ornament. There has been many ideas floating into my mind about how to customize this Christmas ball pattern for whatever receiver you wish. Ella inspired. Mouse inspired. You name it, you can probably create one.

So if you are interested, feel free to experiment. Don't forget to share with me on Ravelry through your projects. I would LOVE to see what you make with my patterns.

A Soapy Preparation

For the last few weeks, my nimble little fingers have been working to the bone to create the gifts that I want to give my family members at our annual holiday party. You have been seeing updates on my blog since I am almost sure that no one from my family reads my blog. I am very thankful that this year my whole family is not going to be in attendance or I would have to spend the next four days running around like a chicken with her head cut off. This year has been wonderful so far. Despite just a few purchased gifts, everything else is homemade. We are making some caramel popcorn and cookie dough for each family that is coming. They will also receive a family sled ornament as seen on my blog.

For my younger nieces, I made them a Barbie dress and a treat bag.

For my older nieces, I made them some chocolate chip cookie dough soap and a bookmark.

For my older nephew, I am buying him some guitar stuff.

For my baby nephew (only 2 months old), I am unsure as of right now. I might buy him something, but he is so little.

Either way, the soap is something I slung together today. It was a melt and pour glycerin soap. I cut up the base for two batches. The first one I melted down and poured the chocolate chip cookie dough scent into. I used the plastic containers I had lying around which happened to be a sour cream container and a yogurt container. Since one of my "older" nieces is just about to turn 10, I made her soap a little smaller.

The second batch of soap I made in death by chocolate. Both of them smelled so heavenly. What I did was let them set for a few hours until they firmed up. Then I pushed and pulled on the plastic until the soap popped out. I was so proud of the results being as it was my first time making soap. I opted out of the alcohol spray as my family didn't care. I was lucky to only have a few bubbles show on the bottom of the soap.

Are you ready to see some pictures? Because I sure am ready to show you.

One small chocolate chip cookie dough and one small death by chocolate

Two death by chocolate

One chocolate chip cookie dough

Here they are together!

The only problem I had was that the yogurt container had a recycle symbol on the bottom, so I had to try to smooth the majority of it away. The large ones came out perfect and look almost professional. LOL! My roommate suggested it was time to start selling soap, which is something I have turned over in my head multiple times.

Happy Crafting,

Sarah

Saturday's Christmas Craft - What Do You Do With Scraps?

When I think about my year as a crafter, I realize that I have untold amount of scraps all over the craft room (and perhaps the house). That includes yarn, ribbon, paper, and sequins. Everything I have used has some sort of scraps. Without being wasteful, I squirrel them away in hopes I can use them in a future project. And sometimes, that "future" doesn't come. So as I was thinking about what I had and what type of things I can make with them, my mind fell on the paper scraps that keep piling up.

Now, I am sure those who exclusively do cards have a larger pile of scraps than I do, but what I have is enough for many of today's craft. Several of them! I realize that I am just getting started. Would you like to see what you can do with your scraps in time for Christmas and able to make many at once?

Yep! Bookmarks! All shapes. All sizes. And in varying patterns. Take a look.

I spent about a hour (including the time it took to search) completing 13 bookmarks with scraps. I only used one new sheet of paper to match the deep purple pattern paper as I didn't have any scraps. This time also included finding my laminating paper and laminator to make these bookmarks last.

Who would have thought? It is one of the most stressful times of the year for crafters and here I found a great way to destash and enjoy a few quick projects.

I do not have any specifications for these bookmarks. It literally depended on the size and shape of the scrap paper. Allow your imagination to soar. If you want to add something else to this, use a hole punch at the top and add some ribbon.

What are you working on this Saturday?

Sarah

Holiday Craft Update - Photo Heavy

If you are like me, you are busy crafting your little fingers off to finish the presents before Christmas. I would love to say in the second week of December that all my gifts and cards are made and packaged neatly for gift giving, but alas, I cannot. My list, fortunately, is not that long; however, I still have a lot of last minute crafting and packaging to do. Along with that, I have tons of cookies to make for a family get together where we plan on sharing cocoa, cookies, and caroling much to the joy of my little nieces.

Why am I writing this then instead of crafting my little fingers off? Well besides the fact that my wrists need a break, I wanted to share some of the things I have accomplished as gifts. I am lucky to know that most of my family members do not know about this blog much less frequent it. So, below you will see some photos of the gifts and how I have them packaged with a small description.

Tea Length Barbie Dresses

I was able to make 3 of these for my nieces this year. All of whom are avid Barbie lovers. It is the first thing in my house that gets fought over.

If you are looking for this pattern, you can find it at the following links:

     

Remember December Deals is going on at Ravelry. 35% off without a coupon code!

Christmas Cards

The following are the cards I have made thus far.

Lastly, the sleds I blogged about previously. These are such fun to make. 

This one is slightly different than the one I blogged about. It has longer sticks as the runners and a small cross bar.

I look forward to sharing more with you. My list is slowly dwindling, but I still have a long way to go.

What have you been working on?

Sarah