So.  The Christmas bug has hit me.  My husband took me to the craft store on the weekend (actually we went to the hardware store and then he said we should go to Michaels across the parking lot).  I think he is nervous about my lack of crafting.  He knows how happy it makes me and I can't seem to get my self motivated.

It was the perfect medicine.  Just looking at stuff in the aisles got my juices flowing.  And of course the store was all decked out for Christmas.  Normally I don't do Christmas this early but the last months have just flown by so I am ready to savor this one.

This of course got me thinking of all the handmade things I could create for Christmas.  So I thought I would share as I go along this month making goodies for Christmas.  Some might be decorations, some might be cards, some might be gifts.  Basically whatever strikes me!  Want to play along?  I will post directions for everything I make so you can download and print and then make at your leisure. :)

I have always dreamed of having a Christmas tree decorated exclusively with handmade ornaments.  Nothing store bought. 

I have seen kits for these types of paper balls but have never bought one since I figured they had to be easy to make.  Guess what - they are super easy!

I made up a tutorial for you - download here - page 1 - page 2

The main thing you will need is a paper punch. I recommend 1" (makes a 2" ball) or 1.5" (makes a 3" ball) but any size will work.

Once you make up your balls you can decorate them.  I sprayed mine with glimmer mist to give it some sparkle.  (You can't see it in the photo but in real life it looks amazing!)

Try edging them in paint or ink. Or some glitter - that would amazing.

Then add some bling in clear or red/green.

In the tutorial there is also instuctions for this smaller ball (red one).

And thought you might want to know what kind of glue I used.  This is my fave white glue - nothing fancy - it just holds!

I used this paper pad from MAMBI.  It is 8x8 and perfect for making paper Christmas crafts.  You get a nice variety with a pad, the small size makes it practical and the price is great when you buy in bulk like this.

Hope you have fun crafting for the upcoming holidays.  Start now before it gets to crazy busy!

Yesterday, I mentioned I was participating in a chat with the wonderful folks at Fiskars. I also mentioned being really tired. Put those two things together and I wrote down the wrong date. The chat is actually on Saturday like I mentioned but the date is the 8th not the 9th. Told you I am tired. So here is the info you need to know to come and chat with me (with a chance for some prizes and a copy of my book). CHAT INFO - Saturday Nov 8th - 6pm pacific / 8pm central / 9pm eastern You do not need to sign up or create an account. You just need to go here - http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/prechat.aspx Come and join me along with the fun Fiskateers. Should be fun!

Hey everyone!  I am still here.  Just tired is all.  All that we have been through as a family lately has finally caught up with me and I feel like I am walking through a cloud.  I had hoped to be scrapping by now but I don't have the energy.  I'm taking the pressure off myself and letting it wait until next week. :)

But I do have an online chat scheduled this weekend with the Fisk-A-Teers.  Don't know what a Fisk-A-Teer is?  Then read here - might it explain a few things. ;) We will be chatting about all things crafty and my book - Cut Loose!  There will be some fun prizes and a chance to win a copy of the book. 

The chat is scheduled for 9pm EST on Sat the 9th. 

I will post more details later when I have the links. :)

It's official.  My hubby is now employed! :)

 

Shelter.  Check.

Job. Check.

Moving. Next week....

 

So officially our lives are back in order.  I have to say I never want to go through something like this again and hope that no one I know has to go through it either.  I know that many people are going through difficult times and I send them my best.  You CAN do it.

So the packing continues and we get ready to start moving next Wed.  A day of cleaning the new place (always have to clean every corner of a new place!) then we start moving all the boxes.  After that all the heavy furniture, etc comes on Saturday.  I am hoping by Sunday it feels like home! :)

Oh and then my husband needs to go out of town for a week for training for the new job!  I will be in that monster of a house with the kidlets all by myself.  Guess I will find out if there are any ghosts living there by myself...:)

  

I have a surprise brewing for anyone who is local to me (Toronto, ON Canada area) I need to figure out something first but I am pretty excited and didn't want to wait to mention it.

I hate when people do this sort of thing.  Give you a hint and leave it hanging.  Of course I have no problem when it is me teasing you. ;)

Just mark your calendar I tell ya.  Mark it!

C :)