Re purposed canvas painting

 Found this little painting at D.I.

 Vinyl lettering from Hobby Lobby.

 Paint over everything lightly. Whatever look you like.

While paint is still wet, peel off the vinyl.
I made this for Zoe because she loves all things French, except this painting :) She ended up painting over it and had me write Amore on it in black. Whatever. She knows what she likes.

Christmas plates

Each year the siblings make each other gifts. Lydia chose, this year, to make these customized plates for each of the siblings and for the cousins we had for Christmas. I made one for her so she wouldn't be left out.
I looked up several tutorials online and we re-did them several times. We read that you could do it with Sharpie then cook it and it would become permenant. It didn't work. We finally ended up getting a paint pen and it worked a little better, though they aren't for using everyday and are probably better for hand washing.
I was amazed by the "You aAre Special Today" plate that she made for Samuelsons. She did it completely free hand and by herself. It turned out really great!

Halloween Felt Circles Banner

Nothing like some felt circles to make any spot in the house festive and popping with color!

Painted jar with blossoms

 Take an old jar that you like the shape of.

 Paint the inside your paint color of choice. Let it dry.

 I filled mine with dry beans. I followed Martha Stewarts tutorial to make this stick with paper blossoms on it.

It makes it feel like Spring, even if it doesn't feel like it outside.

Homemade gifts 1: Lydia

 I made this dress for Lydia using MADE's tutorial here. I used a dress shirt that was Travis's.I will have to post another picture later. I think it turned out nice and it fits her perfectly, miraculously!

Liam made a little fairy wand and working together with Zoe on the fairy wings. Zoe made a felt crown with shiny beads at the top (which is probably why it isn't sticking up).
Lydia was so excited about her fairy outfit gift that she decided that she wanted a fairy themed birthday party. I thought it was so cute that they came up with this idea (and executed it{with help}).

Christmas Card Wreath

I can't remember where I saw this idea and then promptly ripped it off. I think it is a fun display for Christmas cards. I love the one's my kids made and the one my Dad printed on his press (blue with temple), and the one my brother printed on his press from a vintage plate (red santa).

Hand made

I hope Melissa doesn't mind me posting, but I wanted to show what we made for Christmas as well. After all, Melissa did help me sew it together, and I am so grateful for her help. When it comes to sewing I am totally lost. (I'm just the concept person, I can't always execute these crazy ideas I come up with by myself.)

We made a cloth book for Ian's kids (--and since we went to all the trouble, for our own kids as well.) We bought these toys and took pictures of them in various places, doing various activities and wrote a story to go along with the pictures. The story is that the toys run away from the store to explore the outside and have adventures, but when it begins to get cold, they decide they need a home. So they get in special boxes and send themselves to two boys they know of who will take care of them and love them, and that way the toys can always be together.

This is the photo that goes on the last page, which personalized it a little for the boys. I think they enjoyed seeing themselves in a book.

We printed it on printable fabric, that works with any inkjet printer, and then sewed it all together. It's even machine washable! (You can find this stuff at Joanne's or even Walmart)

LCB round 3

I didn't take pictures of the things I made and sent but here is what was given to me. This cutest dog from Shawna. I believe she made it from socks. It is super soft and adorable!

From Laura a little potpurri burner with some potpurri she had made with aromatic spices. I love to smell it, because the smell reminds me of the wassail she made and also gave me. It was delectable!

I would love to see what other people made and sent. That was the point wasn't it people?

silk screened grocery bags (not my creation)

My friends, the Searcy's sent us these bags for Christmas. They are so cool and super handy. They have already been used for many things, and will continue to be very useful. I just thought they were so great (and had told some people about them) so wanted to show them off here.

clothespin dolls

After seeing these cutest ornaments on Martha Stewart, I tried to make some. The orange one is a woodland fairy, and the pink one is a ballerina. I thought of many different ways to decorate them, so I will probably have more photos of others soon. There really are endless possibilities. Fun.

Liam saw me making the dolls and wanted to make an Anakin Skywalker doll. I personally love the bead light saber. He is already making plans for the rest of the characters. I usually make an Christmas ornament for the kids each year. I think we will have this be Liam's. What better way to sum up this year for him?