It's beginning to look like Christmas

Thanksgiving was good, so good that I could go for some leftovers.  It goes by so fast, but it was nice to get together with family.  We have been getting ready for Christmas and also my open studio (Monday).  I keep thinking of new things that I should make.  I'm giving myself to the end of today to get any sewing done, otherwise I'd work myself crazy.  Tomorrow , I'll make the desserts and clean the house.  I'm lucky to have the help of three children and one awesome husband.  It's snowing and blowing here.  We went into our woods yesterday and tagged our tree, before we got the snow.  I love this time of year, it's so magical!

Sale!

The holidays are just around the corner, so I decided to have a little sale in the shop.  All my items that are ready to ship (all except the "create your own items") will be 20% off until Monday@ 6 p.m. eastern time.  Why until that exact time?  Well, I'm actually having an open studio at my house that evening and I'll need to close the shop for a couple hours.  Really, really bad timing with Cyber Monday and all.  That needs to be put on the calendar next year!  Oh well, it will all work out.  I'm excited to have friends and family over.  Yes, a bit nervous too!  I hope to give some updates as the week goes on.  If you see something in the shop, the coupon code to use at checkout is THANKSGIVING20.  Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Operation Christmas Child

We spent last Sunday night packing up boxes for "Operation Christmas Child".  This year we decided to send three boxes.  Each of the girls got to do one.  We prepare for this all year long, picking up things along the way.  When school supplies go on sale, we pick up extra.  So much care and thought goes into packing these.  Their little hands examining each item and wondering if it will be liked.  I dare you to watch the video at http://www.samaritanspurse.org/.  The fastforward like clips of the family carving a turkey in America and then the little one eating what appears to be garbage breaks my heart.  The things we send aren't expensive, just items my kids would normally play with a few minutes and then forget about.  They each drew a picture then closed up the box.  Done for another year.  We are already talking about next year.  Hoping this brings joy to a few children this Christmas.

The Lady Bugs Have Landed

I'm really not digging this fall weather, the temperature is warm (70's again).  Lady bugs have flown in as they do each fall when it warms up like today.  It's hard for the kids to play outside with lady bugs landing on them every second.  I'm ready for the cooler temps., sweaters, hot drinks, and the fireplace.  Here's a glimpse at what I got done today.  Look out for these in the shop in the next day or two.  I'm thinking they would make nice broaches.  What do you think?

Getting there

My table is over run with little pieces of fabric needing to be sewn together into balsam pillows,sachets,flower pillows,etc.  Good news is, I got the "home" ornaments done and they will be listed in the shop soon.  Hope I can get a little time to do a bit more sewing, but the warm weather is calling my name.  We're in the 70's today.

Shop Update

It's was a busy weekend here.  Halloween costumes were made and etsy orders were packed and sent out.   I am now trying to restock the shop and get ready for a craft fair that is in less than two weeks-yikes!  I've got so many ideas swirling in my head, I'm hoping to get to most of them.  Today I spent most of the day cutting out fabric, burlap and making flowers.  We'll see how much I'll get sewn tonight.  I'm planning on a shop update sometime tomorrow.  Until then, here's what my ironing board looks like.  I love all the scraps of fabric.  There will be a total of six 'home" ornament/door hangers in the update tomorrow along with a few other items.    

Corners in my home

We have a lot of solid pine and cherry walls in our home.  I really can't bring myself to paint them.  If I did, it would change the whole look of the house and what if I hated it?  It's not worth taking the chance so instead, color is added in other ways.  This wall came together the other day with very little money spent.  My kind of project.  Here's a run down:

Old church pew-free
Mirror-was in the family
Chair-$1, spray paint$1, fabric $4, batting $2.
Canvas-pack of 10 for $15 at Michaels (still have 3 left), acrylic paint $3.
Pillows-I made from fabric scraps, linen.
Baskets-Repurposed from another room, love that.

This wall makes me happy for so many reasons.  It only cost me $26 out of pocket.  The art work was done by two of my three daughters, this personalizes our space .  We store libray books and crocheting in the baskets under the pew.  What corner in your house makes you happy?