Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Evidence of Giving is better than Receiving

The following pictures are of gifts that I handmade and the people who received them.



My mom with her apron, oven mitt, pot holder, and house-shoes.
Mama's handmade kitchen set matched the colors in her kitchen and, of course, were very well received.

My husband with his Titans fleece hoodie.
 Husband's hoodie was very appreciated and he has only taken it off long enough for it to be washed.

My granny with her new quilt.
 Granny was over joyed at her new quilt and exclaimed, "I was wondering when you were going to make me a quilt!"

Me and Granny with her quilt.


My husband opening his quilt for our anniversary.
 Husband has been wanting me to make him a quilt and had been complaining asking for handmade items for himself as he saw all of these other handmades being created and given away. So, I set to making him a quilt around the time it was just beginning to get chilly outside.
I knew I wanted to make him an Austin Peay State University quilt because he loves AP almost as much as he loves me. We both graduated from there and attend all home basketball games. I created a logo AP pattern out of newspaper and cut out my pieces and appliqued them on. I set it off with two borders and quilted it. I'm pretty pleased with the result.

full view of husband's new quilt


quilting

All ready to cuddle under while watching his favorite team.


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Merry Christmas!

This is my favorite nativity I have ever seen. It was my grandmother's and she gave it to me. Even though it doesn't include the usual wise men, cows, Mary and Joseph the focus it still there. I love it for many reasons but this year I notice that the main focus is the baby Jesus. Attention isn't diverted by elaborately dressed kings bringing gifts or even a cute wooden manger draped with moss. I love this nativity because Jesus is the center of attention. He is the focus.

 Luke 1:26   And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

  Luke 1:27   To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

  Luke 1:28   And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

  Luke 1:29   And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

  Luke 1:30   And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

  Luke 1:31   And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

  Luke 1:32   He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

  Luke 1:33   And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Luke 2:6   And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

  Luke 2:7   And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

  Luke 2:8   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

  Luke 2:9   And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

  Luke 2:10   And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

  Luke 2:11   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

  Luke 2:12   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  Luke 2:13   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

  Luke 2:14   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

  Luke 2:15   And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

  Luke 2:16   And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

  Luke 2:17   And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

  Luke 2:18   And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

  Luke 2:19   But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

  Luke 2:20   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Christmas Card Wreath Display

I found a little blurb in my Martha Stewart Living mag about a "pinup wreath" for one to display Christmas cards. It looked easy enough so I gathered a few items I needed that I didn't already have from the local Dollar General (hot glue gun and clothespins).

A few days later I complied the listed items and began to work.


You can see said blurb in the left corner of the above photo. It is page 78 if you have the magazine. I knew I had a large hoop but I didn't know what size it was. All I knew was that I had one I didn't use and I needed somewhere to put my cards. When I went looking for it I was disappointed it wasn't wooden, was blue, and only 10" but I figured it would look acceptable enough modern. I also didn't have any pretty cotton ribbon so I used what I had and that was white paper cording that I unfolded and used for my bow. The coffee was also necessary for a morning project ;).



Here it is all completed! I think it looks pretty good. It serves the purpose. I put it in the kitchen in the place of a picture I had on the wall. The clothespins are hot glued one and half inch apart alternating in and out. It was very simple to make and although it doesn't look as nice as Martha's, it suits me. 





In other news, I have been a wrapping machine and my ping-pong table sewing table is overrun with bows and various paper.




I wanted to show you this wrapping paper I have. We found some at yard sales and Husband found a huge box of it in the paper recycling bin last year and brought it home. We never have to buy wrapping paper again but what I wanted to show you were some of my favorites. I wish these were fabrics. The kittens are my total fav, followed by the white and silver with red birds. I'm not sure what else I can do with it but wrap gifts but I'd love to hear someones crafty ideas on how to make something with it.

Let me know if you make the card wreath too because I'd love to see a picture of yours! Leave a link in the comments of this entry.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Tour Of Homes

I've been meaning to post this for weeks now but I haven't had the time or energy because of various Christmas activities and one long cold that would not go away. So, here is the Christmas photo tour of my home:

Living Room tree

Tree Skirt I made


My little snowy village


The mantle


Christmas fabric wreath I made


Table topper I made




Dinning Room tree with a theme of birds/penguins
  


 <> The tree skirt I made <>>
The staircase


 Merry Christmas!