Getting Ready for Advent and Kraut and More! - WIP Wednesday, November 30th, 2016

-

Creating is my passion, my sanity, my sense of being "up to something", my way of contributing a little bit. I always have a few projects going, many left to the side for months or even years before I pick up the best and carry on. Here's some of what I'm working on this week:

A year ago I posted about our lovely pocket Advent Calendar. This year it's getting some updates! I wrote out some mini gift tags with the dates which I'll attach to each pocket. 

New Etsy Shop items in time for the Holidays

-

I figured if I'm really going to give this Etsy Shop thing a try, I should put some of the little things  I enjoy making in there.

There's a new spot here on the sidebar (if you're reading this in an email or feed reader you'll have to click through) with a few items. 

As I make and photograph new items I'd be happy to make lots of, I'll add them as I go.

Some things will be familiar (as I've done posts on them) and others are either brand new, or haven't been seen in years! 

I'm looking forward to making treasures for anyone stopping by!

-

Felt Ball Garland - SaturDIY, November 4th, 2016

-

If you're on Pinterest, you've seen all the crafting beauty - seemingly impossible DIY things that no one with any real level of ability or time (never mind children) can actually accomplish.

Here's one that looks amazing and is incredibly easy.

Felt Ball Garland

Materials and Tools:

Felt Balls (I purchased these.)

Yarn or string.

Large eyed needle (sharp helps but isn't necessary)

Directions: 

1.) Sew yarn directly through the middle of the ball and do a slight backstitch to hold the ball in position on the yarn.

2.) Repeat. 

I chose to alternate colors and size. I am immensely thrilled about how it came out and am excited to see it on our Christmas tree! 

Apologies for the night photos - when the intended recipients are only distracted long enough while sleeping, night is the only time for such endeavors.

-

Extra Together-days.

-

Last week my husband took a few days off. *GASP* Apparently, he can actually survive a bit of downtime. Because of all the extra hours he's put in over the past months, he only had to take one day of leave for us to have the whole week together. That means he'll HAVE to take more time off soon. Oh darn. 

We definitely didn't just lay around.

We designed, built, stained, and hung a new mantle.

For Halloween: The Teal Pumpkin Project

-

We moved into our new home last year, in the week before Halloween.

Almost a year later, we are thick in the daydreaming and planning for halloween costumes at our house. 

Halloween is lauded as being one of the most inclusive "holidays" we celebrate here in the states. Kids of all faiths and non-faiths can join together. Unless they have food allergies or other medical conditions that prevent them from participating. 

Navigating halloween treats, trick-or-treating candy, and even activities can be a minefield waiting to explode, at best. Food allergies, medical conditions, and more, prevent many kids from being able to enjoy this holiday.

Did you know that small sized versions of many popular candies actually have different ingredients than their well-marked larger counterparts? This makes it very difficult to navigate what a child can and cannot enjoy. 

 The Teal Pumpkin Project. 

From their own website:

Flowers Flower Flowers - Smith College Bulb Show

-

Instead of our usual WIP Wednesday, we took a break today to step into spring for a few moments.

Every year I look forward to going to the Smith College Bulb Show. It is rooms full of blooming bulbs, forced to all bloom in time for the show.

The greenhouses themselves are impressive for the rest of the year, and we always tour them as well.

There's something so inspiring, recharging, invigorating, about it and feeds my soul on a cellular level

If you're anywhere near the area, the show extends through this coming weekend. 

Perhaps I'll sneak away to go again and just sit.

-

Happy Candlemas/Imbolc - and floating Walnut Candle Boats tutorial

-

Happy Imbolc/Candlemas. 

According to Wikipedia: "Imbolc or Imbolg (pronounced i-molg), also called (Saint) Brigid's Day ... is a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring. Most commonly it is held on 1 February, or about halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.

...Imbolc is mentioned in some of the earliest Irish literature and there is evidence it has been an important date since ancient times. ...The holiday was a festival of the hearth and home, and a celebration of the lengthening days and the early signs of spring. Celebrations often involved hearthfires, special foods, divination or watching for omens, candles or a bonfire if the weather permitted.^[1][17] Fire and purification were an important part of the festival. The lighting of candles and fires represented the return of warmth and the increasing power of the Sun over the coming months.^[4] A spring cleaning was also customary.^[18]"

One after noon last week when both girls napped and inspired by the book All Year Round

 

I made Walnut Candle Boats. Here is how I did it.

Crack walnuts in half and pick out the nutmeat and papery bits from inside.