Well, our 2011 ended with a cough and a wheeze.

I was really hoping to usher in 2012 with renewed strength and ambition, but misfortune seems to have a tight grip on us still.  Pink eye, ear infections, sinus infections, you name it.  Our list of woes reads like a tragic version of “12 Days of Christmas”.  Even the cats are under the weather.

We were so sick that we didn’t even venture out to get a Christmas tree this year. So I’ve decided that next year I’m going to really do it up.  God willing, if I’m not dead I plan on completely over doing it with decorations, baking and craft projects.  I will start listening to Christmas music in July!

In the last week I’ve done a little bit of sewing here and there:

New little baskets.

Lined with the tiniest Japanese flowers.

A hand embroidered little bird.

For three new clutch purses.

Soon to be added to the shop.

Hope your 2012 will be happy and healthy.

Jenn : )

I’ve been in a creative funk lately.  Usually when that happens, I go online, look at blogs and live vicariously through other, more motivated people.  At some point I usually end up at Wee Wonderfuls.  Recently Hillary posted about *this project*; making little cheese cloth ghosts.  I immediately knew I had to make these.  I told people this was a craft project for me to do with my toddler… Ha.  These are about as toddler friendly as weed whacking.  Seriously – a big bowl of glue?  Strips of dripping cloth?  No.  But, like leaving one corner of a house standing, building a new house around it and calling it a “remodel”, the fact that my little one dropped the cheese cloth into the bowl of glue allows me to claim that we did this “together”.  Now, go back to your crayons sweetheart, and let Mama finish her project.

Hillary is correct in her blog post: these DO NOT dry in ten minutes.  No way, no how.  Unless you are Martha Stewart and can dry them through sheer force of will.  If you’re an average jane like me, and can find something to occupy your time for, I don’t know, an hour or so?  Then these will turn out just fine.  I suggest using one ply of the cheese cloth.  That will help alot in the drying time.

I used Aleene’s Fabric Stiffener and Draping Liquid from JoAnn’s.

Halloween is just around the corner – but if you need a last minute project or an idea for next year, give these a try – they’re really cute! : )

Jenn

This is Chummy the Elf.

Chummy is a “people elf”.
Likes: crowds, parties, mixers, flash mobs and coffee shops.
Dislikes: solitude and shoes that don’t fit right.
Chummy is looking for a new gang to hang with!

I found this pretty little Crate and Barrel vase at Goodwill for $2.00.

Jenn

I’ve just started some fun projects for our home.  Crazy.  It’s really like the cobbler’s kids who have no shoes around here.  Except for the sewing machine on the dining room table, you’d never know I’ve sewn anything.  But not anymore – I’m working on stuff for US now.  We are almost finished with our basement redo and I’ve got pillows on the brain.  Also posters, bag keepers and placemats – something for every room.

In the meantime, I’ve finished some new things for the shop:

Japanese Fabric Basket Set

Blinky the Christmas Elf.

A Gnome named Sprinkles.

Hope you’re having a great week!

Jenn

Sometimes, when you’re a little kid and you don’t feel well…

…you just need a lazy day peeling crayons…

…and maybe having a cupcake.

Jenn

This little guy is named Spiffy.

Spiffy was hoping to land a spokesman job for a popular travel company but was beat out by the director’s cousin.

Likes: globes, maps and luggage.
Dislikes: “The Biz”.

Spiffy is looking for a spot where the action is!

This is Spike.

Spike used to make wooden toys for Santa; he’s put in alot of long hours and weekends.

Likes: lumber, coffee and sandpaper.
Dislikes: unreasonable deadlines and glitter.

Spike is looking for a quiet shelf near interesting people.

This is Dreamy.

Dreamy has a really good imagination and likes to think about all sorts of new things.

Likes: people who enjoy reading.
Dislikes: loud music and dogs who snarl at gnomes.

Dreamy is looking for a quiet, cozy nook or big poofy chair, close to books.

Well, this is getting embarrassing.

These critters are all around our property.

No matter how diligently you gnome-proof in the spring, they manage to find nooks and crannies and get into the house.

Now we’ll either have to drive them out to the forest and let them go…

…or find homes for them.

Surprisingly, most of them are house trained.

Jenn