Handmade Xmas Goodies and Happy New Year!

I made a bunch of gifts this year. First of all the kids, Mike, and I agreed to each make gifts for the others. That got me thinking of other gifts I could make.

I made these mittens for my mom from an old wool blend sweater lined with polar fleece. I saw ones I liked online, but I didn't see any free patterns. It took about 6 tries to get the pattern and process just right. But I finally got it. In the end, I had so much fun. I couldn't stop. I made a pair each for the ladies at the library, and for each of the kids homeroom teachers. I just forgot to take pics of the others!   :-)

I made this fabric tote for Ethan for, you guessed it, his army men. This was tough! It is ripstop nylon outside with black cotton inside. I used Peltex to keep it stiff enough to stand. OK not a WOW gift but he likes it...and it is filled already!

I made this sketching /art tote for my niece Lizzy. I should have made it a bit taller, it just clears the sketchbook. This is also the brand sketchbook I use. I fill a few a year.
I made Emma a cage cover for her budgie cage. She didn't have a bird yet, but we wanted to be ready. I had grand plans for applique on the felt. I was going to make it into a house, with windows, front door, flower boxes etc... I decided to make it plain felt. Emma is good at sewing little felt softies so I thought she'd like to embellish it herself. We have a stack of felt in tons of colors and coordinating floss. Emma loves the idea of finishing it herself. I did the hard part *grins* 

You can just see in the lower background a  framed card from the

 Etsy seller Smack of Jellyfish. Great animal illustrations, I own 4 of them.  

I can't remember the artist who did the parrot card on the top. Emma has a small collection of framed artist cards. An affordable way for her to add art to her room.

:-D

I don't have a photo, but I made for Mike two photo frames made from CD jewel cases. I've seen tons of cool desk calendars sold this way, but I mounted a selection of photos on coordinating paper so he can change them out. The clever bit was my addition of super strong  rare earth magnets to the back. So the frames can sit on his desk or stick to the edge of his cubicle walls. (Yes he has a cubicle...poor guy)

My sweet Christmas Gift

Why am I talking about a Christmas gift now? I was just too lazy before, but I really wanted to share this one. My Hubby often makes me gifts. Two of my past favorites include a little carved charm and a hammer cozy. In college Ibought a nice planishing hammer. I was afraid the surface would be marred, so he made a cozy with a leather cup on either end and elastic in the middle. It was perfect! This year he and the kids made me a game. I love board games!

It is so nice, especially since they worked on it together. It is a maze or labyrinth type. Each turn you decide to move your pawn or set up a blocking wall. The wood was milled over 50 years ago when my Grandparents were remodeling their house. The kids helped drill the holes and they picked out the pawns (marbles). Emma had sewn the bag for the pieces. This is a keeper!

Xmas Ornaments

This is what I made for my swapmate for the WIST ornament swap. It started as a vintage candle clip. I made a nest from shredded money and added a little red painted bird. The bird originally held a birthday candle, now it holds a sign.

I made for our tree a couple of these little elves. The head/hat is an old red xmas bulb. The body is bumpy chenille. The candy cane is from strand of old plastic candy garland. Kitschy fun!

and onward

The scan is a bit dark, but this is a set of 1inch magnets that will
soon be listed in my shop...... only 4$.
Each is backed with a very strong rare-earth (neodymium) magnet.

I finally thought I was feeling better...finally over this "bug". Guess not! I still feel yucky.

Yesterday wore me out. We had our first and hopefully not the last WIST Trunk Show at Lazy Jane's Cafe in Madison, WI. It was only 5 til 9pm, almost like a gallery show. We had snacks and drinks, very fun. The whole day ended up being an adventure and I just got tuckered out. When we got home the kids just kicked off their shoes and climbed into bed. They held up pretty good though. I've spent today just reading a bit and photographing fun stuff to list on Etsy. Soon, I promise. I have tons of pictures and scans to adjust, crop , and organize!

To everyone who stopped by Lazy Jane's last night.....thanx it was great to meet you!
To my fellow WISTers who set up....I loved seeing everyone and we need to do it again!


good eve,
X

I forgot to take any photos at the show! duh!
*****someone else posted my booth picture on flicker. Thanx Jen!*****

Happy July 4th!!!!

Fourth of July Cherry-Cola Cake from July 2005 Better Homes and Gardens magazine.
I changed it a bit. The frosting on top has cherry jam in it and I tinted the buttercream in the middle blue. YUM!