Oops another unplanned vacation...

So it seems that I have taken an unintentional blog vacation... for the last MONTH!

Holy cow I didn't realize it had been so long since my last post... but here I am back at it, well sort of...

I am so sorry that I haven't been posting but if it makes you any happier I have been writing in my journal somewhat regularly... It seems that when I am writing in my journal I have so much less time for my blog... The blog to me is about sharing my projects and getting my Momma self out there, as well as sorting out my thoughts when it comes to being a Momma. So I keep my journal to sort out my not Momma thoughts like things that happen in my everyday crazy not Momma part of my brain... things that happen with Robyn, things that happen with friends and family that I deem too private to share with... well.... the ENTIRE WORLD!

(I know the entire world isn't reading right now but once its out there you never know who is gonna log on and take a peep into my world through my bloggy windows... )

So once I feel a little down or upset I turn to my journal for comfort and to sort out how I feel... and then the blog suffers a hit because I've used all my writing abilities on my journal or I'm just too drained emotionally, physically or mentally to sit here and write out what is happening in my head that pertains to crafting or Momma-hood.

Another big drain on blog content is as I'm sure is the case with many bloggers is Christmas... between the busyness of the season (Christmas parties, parades, sing alongs, and tree lightings) and the gift making and cookie baking its just such a difficult time to blog. I don't want to spoil the surprise of the wonderful gifts I'm giving to my family and friends or the super cute items I am working on for Robyn and while I don't mind showing off what Im making for the kids, because lets face it at 1 and 4 they aren't exactly logging onto the blogosphere and checking out their gifts, but I don't want to show the whole world until they get it so its a little fun for Delaney to show off what she got from Momma and well its nice for her to brag that her Momma Made It! (it is after all how I named the blog!)

Either way I know its my own fault... I am making excuses I know that I am...

So here I go again thinking about the blog and how I have it laid out and how I want it to be and what I need to change to make it more me or more intriguing not only for those of you lovelies that are here reading whatever may happen to fall out of my head but also for me to want to keep posting and for me to have a nice little place for things to fall out of my head!

Happy Weekend Friends!
See you back here tomorrow... I hope!

Snowflakes

Typically I love snow!

I love the look of a new fallen snow and I love the individuality of each flake...

I hate snow when it has over stayed its welcome, when it gets dirty and grungy from the salt and dirt on the roads and I hate it when it all the snow is melted and you think spring is right around the corner and then you get hit with another storm! But I REALLY hate it when you are out walking and you step off the sidewalk onto the street thinking that you are about to step onto ice and then you are in slushy snow up to your ankles! 

YUCK!

But since its still early in the season and since I am still infatuated with the snow I thought I would share with you these beautiful crochet snowflakes! 

 

 They are from Lucy over at  Attic24!  

I made a whole bunch of these snowflakes over Christmas and they were such a big hit! Not only for gifts but they were big at our house too (meaning I loved them and am in the process of making a bunch for our tree next year.) They take so little time and turn out beautiful every single time! I made them with both white and blue yarns and with different weights as well and honestly they were all amazing! I love the look of them in both the blues and whites and I even did some in shimmer yarn and they were the ones that I gave out to most people because they were just so nice!

Have a look at mine!

For Lucy's pattern from attic 24 click here 

Happy Crocheting!

Easy Christmas Gift tags...

I made these and intended to post them last week but since that didn't happen here we are ready to post today! 

I really like gift tags, and while I know that you can buy a book of the sticky ones at the dollar store around the holidays I rather the look of homemade, unique ones that don't look just like the ones everyone else puts on their gifts. 

So I made these for this year!

They were super simple and I had everything on hand, but you can get it all at the dollar store!

Here is what I used

Printable mailing labels, white glue, glitter glue, and foam shapes... I used snowflakes but I'm sure you could find snowmen, or trees or anything else!

I got them all for other projects so really I already got my money out of them but I'm sure this project wouldn't run you more than a few dollars.

To make them I just put a small dab of white glue on the back of the foam snowflakes and stuck them on the label off to the side leaving space enough to write the name of the sender and recipient. (you could jazz these up with the glitter glue too)

I also did some with just the glitter glue, I just made a pattern with the glue and let them dry, because the glue top is so thin I just used it like a marker or pen... 

 Just starting my glitter snowmen!

Finished sheet waiting to dry!

These can also be done by kids to (if you give them supplies that are appropriate) I'm thinking I may give Delaney a sheet of labels and some metallic markers to make some of her own... 

Super quick kid craft!

These are also great because you aren't stuck with loads more tags than you need and if you need more than you make the first time around they are super quick and easy to make up more!

Do you make your own gift tags? If you'd like to share an idea or two leave it in the comments I'd love to have a few more to make for this year!

Easy Christmas Ornaments...

Since this week is leading up to Christmas in July (not that I am participating in any particular Christmas in July celebrations) I figured that I would post a few of my favorite easy Christmas crafts... 

and one of my favorite things to make for Christmas is ornaments.

I love them because they are small, they are usually thoughtful and evoke a memory or will in later years, and they are something that people are usually happy to receive.

One of our Christmas traditions is to give a decoration of some sort that has the current year on it (we kinda commemorate each year... and I fantasize about a day when my whole tree is covered in ornaments that will remind me of the year it came from... you know someday when I'm old and grey, and I can say to the grand-kids your mom made this when she was your age or this is from the year me and your poppy got married... ). We started this tradition back in 2004 when Robyn and I celebrated our first Christmas, and we have continued every year since. 

So this year I decided that I would make my own. 

I have used Salt dough before for ornaments and I love using it, it's so easy to make it lasts forever in the fridge if you have left over dough, as well you can let it air dry or heat it in the oven, then just paint it and your done! Not to mention that it's cheap to make... if you have flour and salt your ready to go!

So this year my family is receiving salt dough ornaments as their item with the year on it... 

Here is the recipe I use.

2 c. Flour

1 c. Table Salt

1 c. Water

Mix in a large bowl, roll out and cut with cookie cutters then allow to air dry (which can take 24-48 hours) , or bake in the oven at about 100 degrees (which may take 3-4 hours)

These ornaments are great to make with kids of the appropriate ages of course.

Here is a sample of what I have completed so far...

The color is off a bit but it is pink with purple letters and some glitter on the edges...

That is my one tip for making ornaments... Make them sparkle a little, then when the tree lights are on they will catch your eye a little more...

What kind of ornaments do you like to make?? I'd love to have something new to add to my collection of crafts for gift giving... if you'd like to share that is...

Taggie Blankies... Another Christmas Gift!

Have you seen those taggie blankies all over the place? 

I am in love with them! and I love that they are handmade, but as a crafty mom (on a very strict budget) I was unable to justify the 20-30 dollars (or more) they cost... 

So I made my own!

I made two one for Baby Max, and one for a friend who is having a baby a few months from now... Her's will be a shower gift most likely, but Max's will be for his first Christmas! 

 I did Winnie the Pooh and yellow for this one as my friend hasn't found out what she is having yet...

They were super simple to make I just sewed two squares of fabric together (outsides facing each other) with the ribbon tags on the inside, then flipped them right sides out and sewed around them again... easy peasy!

Baby Max's Blue and Cars!

What do ya think?

I love this Cars material and I have a couple other things in mind for whats left over as well...(but more on that later...)

Have you made any Christmas gifts yet? Whats on your to-do list for the holidays??

Another Quick Gift!

Do you have a lot of readers on your gift lists? 

I do I even have a new reader on my list and this is who this gift is for... My niece has just started (well is about to graduate from) kindergarten this year and has started reading on her own... So I figured what better gift for her for her Graduation or Birthday or Christmas than a bookmark! 

Ive made tons of bookmarks in the past, paper or fabric ones but this was my first knit one and I bet it will be one of many!

I knitted this up in about 1 hr last night... and it was super easy and took no planning....

I started by casting on 2 stitches and then adding 2 stitches every second row until I had 8 stitches total. (giving me the triangle look on top)

Then I knit until I felt it was long enough... I knitted it to be 9 and 3/4 inches total. 

Quick easy and in her favorite color too! 

This is a great project for using up scraps too... 

Have you whipped up any good quick gifts lately? I'd love to hear all about them in the comments!

Happy Knitting!

Knit Leggings for Delaney!

I am still crossing things off my Christmas to-do list... I know I know its not even summer yet but it must be done!

So after planning that I would Knit a few gifts I came across this pattern from Smashed Peas and Carrots!

So I thought Id give it a try. 

It is super easy! 

Cast on 34 stitches.  

Knit 10 rows of 1 x 1 ribbing (knit one, purl one) 

Next you will knit one row and purl one row (stockinette stitch) for the next 50 rows.  

The last 10 rows you will do 1 x 1 ribbing again (knit one, purl one)

Cast off loosely in knit stitch

Use your scissors to cut off an 8-10 inch tail.  Then with your tapestry needle, weave in the end of your yarn for a few stitches before cutting off your tail completely.  

 

And here are how Maggie's looked!

When I made mine I chose a yarn that wasn't exactly the same as what the pattern called for I wanted something a bit smoother and a bit more dainty, and because of that I added 10 stitches when I cast on so I started with 44 stitches (I then measured my work and Delaney's leg to be sure it wouldn't be too small... it was just right)

Here are mine!

I also don't have round knitting needles so I just followed the pattern on regular needles and left a longer tail at the end to sew a seam up the back... 

I also preferred the look of having the smooth flat side of the stockinette stitch on the outside rather then the bumpy...but that is personal preference I think.

It took me a bit longer to get them done then it took Maggie over at Smashed Peas and Carrots... Like a week longer.... I did each of the leg warmers in between other projects and as you know if you have a two year old it's not always easy to get a project finished on time.... 

Delaney isn't in Ballet and she can't even start until next year because she is too young but i thought she would love these as all the characters in her favorite show, Strawberry Shortcake, wear them when they dance at Plum Puddings dance studio! Plus I thought to myself... Remember when you were little and you wore a dress to a party or to school or anywhere really and it was even a little cold out.... well in those instances my mom (please let me know if it was only her or if all mom's thought this the best solution) would make me wear pants over my tights so that I wouldn't get cold... Yeah not exactly comfortable... sooo here is my solution to cold legs in the winter!

One more thing to cross off the Christmas List! And one more to add because now I want to add them to my list of all the little girls I have to give gifts to!

Give them a try, if you knit they are fun, easy and I'm sure any little girl would love them!

Cross anything off your to-do list lately? Or did you find a great pattern that you are planning on making? I'd love to see or hear all about it in the comments!

PS. Check out Smashed Peas and Carrots if you haven't already! Maggie has amazing recipes, including one for homemade Twix bars... as well as some great sewing projects and some family/kiddo projects too!

Here fishy fishy fishy......

As you may know I have been making Christmas gifts pretty much since January, I know I'm a little crazy to get started this early, but I am making great progress! This week I wanted to make a stuffed animal for the baby, as I mentioned before I don't think that the baby boy will appreciate the mermaids I made earlier in the winter, but inspired by an under the sea theme I thought I would try my hand at a little fish, ok he's a bit on the big side when it comes to fish... And I thought I would share how I made him with you.

I was very much inspired by the ease and quick work the mermaids were (see them HERE) so I set out in much the same way...

 I free handed the pattern of the fish body and a fin on a sheet of regular piece of paper

 I pinned it to the fabric and cut out two of each, the body and fin as well I cut out two eyes

 I pinned the fin and eye on the body

 then Hand stitched them on, pinned the two pieces together right sides facing each other and sewed around the outside then turned it right sides out and stuffed it a little before hand sewing a smile on his little face... I finished stuffing him till he was full and I hand sewed up the end of the tail!

 

 And here he is.... I haven't figured out just what to call this creature and since I told Delaney that it was a gift for Baby she wont name him...

Please excuse my photography as I was in a rush to take a photo and did this one on the couch at 10:30 last night... I am was so happy with it and so I made another.... now I have two mermaids and two fish in my Christmas gift stash.

Do you have any fun stuffed friends that you've made for you little ones? I am always looking for new ideas so if you have a blog or if you were inspired by another tutorial let me know about it I'd love to see for myself!

Adding to my to do list...

As you well know I have a huge to-do list for Christmas and I am trying to get as much as I can done before the baby comes, I have been adding to it rather than knocking things off of it but things are getting done. 

I thought that since I am not doing a lot of crafting this week due to my cold I would update my list! I now have a total of  5 dish cloths completed, I have one of 8 coffee cup coozies done, I have been getting lots of practice with knitting and have made a hat that was supposed to be for the baby but turned out very small so now Delaney's baby dolls have a nice new hat, so now I have at least 3 more hats to go for Christmas gifts for the baby, plus I want to knit a blanket for the baby too... I have to also make a stuffed something for the baby because I don't think that the mermaid I made earlier this winter will do for our manly little son...

I have a few other things that I have been thinking about making too... 

This "It's not you" ruffle scarf made by Dora over at Show Tell Share... 

I want to make Baby boy pee pee cones from Little birdie secrets  because I have a fear of getting pee in my mouth. (she has some amazing tutorials and projects over there you should check it out)

Do you have anything new on your to-do list? Any new projects you want to share? Leave a comment and let me know... who knows maybe I will add it on to my list...

Cutting down on my to-do list!

I know I've mentioned before that I am working on my Christmas to-do list... many people think I'm crazy even thinking of Christmas, as it is March but to tell the truth I have been planning for Christmas since January. I don't think I'm crazy I think I'm realistic. I know that I want to make the majority of my gifts this year and I know the Baby is due in August, so that means that I will have a 3 month old infant come Christmas... So I say lets do what we can today and limit the time I will need to spend making gifts leading up to Christmas so that I can avoid the "crafters stress" I usually feel in the weeks before Christmas. With that in mind I already have a list of recipes, craft ideas and plans ready to get working on, not to mention the excel worksheet I have ready with the list of people I need to craft for and what I am making for those people! I know I sound so organized, but if you saw my craft stuff you'd disagree.

I posted last week here that on the top of my to-do list was the Mermaid Dolly tutorial found here at If life was like a cupcake. I went ahead and made two of my own! 

I made mine with fabric I had left over from other projects as well as a pair of  blue leopard pajama pants that Ive had forever, to me they looked a little like a mermaids fish scales, I also sewed the face on with tread making the eyes with blue and the smile with red mainly because I don't typically have fabric paint on hand and because when I craft I am over eager and want o see it finished ASAP, and the fastest way was to sew it on.

I am super impressed with them, they are a bit longer and quite a bit skinnier than the ones that Amanda made but I am so happy with them. So happy in fact that I had to take the pictures and then hide them away as they are a gifts for Christmas. Delaney will get one for sure but the other one may not find a home here with us, if the baby is a boy I will likely give it to Delaney's little friend. 

It's been a while since I used my sewing machine, mainly because we got in a fight.... well I yelled and cursed on it repeatedly before last Christmas, so when I took it out to work on the Mermaids I was hopping and praying that it wasn't still made at me. You will be happy to hear that we have made up! And now it's getting more and more use as the days pass! I am taking a major cutting on my gift list this week I have so many plans for gifts. I picked up some very nice Christmas fabric the last time I went to the thrift store, there were two pieces there one a blue with Christmas penguins and one white with Christmas toys and nutcrackers and such. I got each piece for .49 cents! Yup 49 CENTS! I knew I wanted to make something for the baby  for Christmas and over the weekend I got the best idea! I made a template, cut it out and sewed it up! I am so impressed with them!

They are both reversible and have both fabrics on them. I made two because Delaney's little friend is going to be a big sister before Christmas too and I wanted to make something for her baby too..

Have you started work on your Christmas list yet? Or do you have any ideas as to what you will be making? If you do leave a comment you never know who might get a little inspiration from your project!

On my to-do list

Today I'm not feeling very good... again. I had pregnancy congestion on Delaney but never this bad. I haven't been sleeping well I have a lot of referred pain in my ear from the congestion and it makes me feel very crummy on top of that I had a nose bleed today and started feeling dizzy too...  so needless to to say I'm not doing much today, so far Delaney and I have watched Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and now the Little Mermaid. Which reminded me of a blog post I saw a while ago over at If life was like a cupcake.

Amanda is the creative mind behind Patricia Rae Designs she made this beautiful Mermaid Dolly, and posted a tutorial on how to make it and it is defiantly on the top of my to-do list as soon as I feel well enough to get it done...

Have a look at the Mermaid Dolly Tutorial Here. It's super simple and looks fantastic, I am excited to make one for Delaney and maybe one or two extra to have on hand for Christmas.

Have a look at her other post and great creations! She has some great tutorials and some fantastic ideas!

Tis the season!

Well not really...

However I have gotten started on a number of projects that I will be giving as Christmas gifts for this year. I have been trying to simplify my gifts over the last few years and doing the same thing for certain groups of people or couples, last year I did tree ornaments that went over amazingly, so this year I wanted to step it up and do something different but useful. 

I maybe a little ambitious with this but I want to do a "set" for some couples and for some special people. For example I am making a set for my Step Father which will include 4 etched Pint glasses and 4 cork coasters, they will be decorated with a motorcycle theme as he loves motorcycles! So to get started I wanted to try out the coasters. 

Here is how I did them! 

I found a silhouette of a motorcycle that I liked on Google images. 

I printed it out to the size that I need to fit the coaster.

Then I cut it down so that the picture was manageable then I used a pencil to cover the back of the picture completely so when I traced the front of it, it would transfer on to the painters tape I was using as my stencil so that I could cut it out with a utility knife.

I placed it on the cork coaster which I picked up at the dollar store, and I used a stencil brush and a stamp pad that wont run or stain to get the image on the coaster...  

I did 6 of them (which will make two gifts, 4 for my Step Father and 2 for his good friend) and only used one stencil but I would recommend using more than one as the ink started to bleed under the stencil and when I do the etching I will likely make one for each glass...

I will be putting a clear coat over them just to be sure that they wont run or stain a glass if laid on it while wet. I'm not sure which clear coat to use so if you have any advise on which one is best to use leave it in the comments I could defiantly use the advice!