tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57867916966801113502024-03-19T05:05:42.436-07:00Birchwood & AlmondElizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-63357436224756827352012-12-16T14:13:00.000-08:002012-12-16T14:13:46.696-08:00advent calendar: the result<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A couple of weeks ago we did an advent calendar inspiration round up. You can find it <a href="http://birchwoodandalmond.blogspot.com/2012/12/round-up-at-advent-corral.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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These were my goals for the advent calendar:</div>
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One unwrapped box for each day; inside each you find:<br />
an activity (printed on the inside of the box)<br />
a small treat (Maybe a peanut M&M?)<br />
a figure for the nativity scene.<br />
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What I actually did:<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiI3Vrp4nTOWFXcMqO4h8Ce9P5zy7wiezgyrNYXxxloBFAfalYZZjDf6YdAben5gsvXSzadIcVLdtwbd6jaw_Ps4_4WVV14us_-B9KtBF4yRb3ydks7wzIyxMThuQTG3V7qntMkQsQIAz/s640/2012.12.12+%2869%29.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></div>
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One unwrapped box for each day, arranged in a random (but horizontally and vertically straight) manner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuYwclzUWXowfs7ABmkrK-TN3acd1riUGPlbq_xV6V1c22k13B1FK4SAEvysjqoglplvmFzL9uaubjExwGReYFXGtn0o2Ze4QDQC65Ob7gePrDravkBYG9PAxl86kqr6l5m40t2suC5NY/s1600/2012.12.12+(70).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpuYwclzUWXowfs7ABmkrK-TN3acd1riUGPlbq_xV6V1c22k13B1FK4SAEvysjqoglplvmFzL9uaubjExwGReYFXGtn0o2Ze4QDQC65Ob7gePrDravkBYG9PAxl86kqr6l5m40t2suC5NY/s640/2012.12.12+(70).JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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I used boxes that I had on hand (free from my Mother-in-law! Thank you!) A <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/Lumber-Composites/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1vZbqpg/R-202089069/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=MDF&storeId=10051#.UMl8x3cuua4" target="_blank">1/4 inch MDF board</a> cut to size by the friendly guys at Home Depot. Paper left over from our wedding invitations, and green paint left over from another project.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M6C4bRPb5EJhgUuiqXcjDJlo-dNKdkz0RrnjV0XxBXHU6bNs6UogIF-2nOlP9HJ9AIeCiWGCo17uE5l-WSviSzhy8AfLKZ0vndR88fdZcaWiGucoHVODubRHusnHpv09K0IwyY05FpUn/s1600/2012.12.12+(71).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M6C4bRPb5EJhgUuiqXcjDJlo-dNKdkz0RrnjV0XxBXHU6bNs6UogIF-2nOlP9HJ9AIeCiWGCo17uE5l-WSviSzhy8AfLKZ0vndR88fdZcaWiGucoHVODubRHusnHpv09K0IwyY05FpUn/s640/2012.12.12+(71).JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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Inside each box you will find: 3 peanut butter M&Ms (one for each person in the family) and a figure for the nativity scene. I am going to save the activities for next year when the boy has a better understanding of things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2aSWbBgcATnyL8QM_G5ZeONJBYbeF478vwmkI4rCoUIjcvziObtO5RSKPsd6gZrYuwHDRomXquT9LzuLAvXYoy1CSPaSL3GNhIpR9nWy6586LtR_JH_SlNZytk_YYB87oBGA-e-VzFw0/s1600/2012.12.12+(72).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2aSWbBgcATnyL8QM_G5ZeONJBYbeF478vwmkI4rCoUIjcvziObtO5RSKPsd6gZrYuwHDRomXquT9LzuLAvXYoy1CSPaSL3GNhIpR9nWy6586LtR_JH_SlNZytk_YYB87oBGA-e-VzFw0/s640/2012.12.12+(72).JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I went with the Playmobil Nativity. I loved Playmobil as a little girl, but we did not have many of them. They still seem like fancy toys to me because they sold them at <a href="http://www.grtoys.com/" target="_blank">Grand Rabbit's</a> the fancy toy store near my childhood home in Louisville, CO. I loved to go there and drool over the toys. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5YgOaIHwjvAhW1LO_dxvzvNjeE-IBRYH0FsoXhpIv98Go0U0QaC3lghe5ydIPUhLYxhJ_Jd2EUT9WiwNSvPpUC3lTLpJESYHOyAlzpOzgo7L9DMk8tv5PePycLrauz9EfmfB1qigWW24/s1600/2012.12.12+(73).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA5YgOaIHwjvAhW1LO_dxvzvNjeE-IBRYH0FsoXhpIv98Go0U0QaC3lghe5ydIPUhLYxhJ_Jd2EUT9WiwNSvPpUC3lTLpJESYHOyAlzpOzgo7L9DMk8tv5PePycLrauz9EfmfB1qigWW24/s640/2012.12.12+(73).JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are a little late beginning the advent count down, so we are opening 2-3 boxes each day to try to catch up. It took about half a day to condition the boy to salivate when you say the word "box." Apparently an advent calendar with an M&M in it is a veritable Pavlov's bell.<br />
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Since the boy is still pretty young and the pieces are rather small we play with the nativity scene together. In between it is stored on the mantle. This may be partly because I don't want to loose pieces to the nativity scene, well, actually that is the whole reason.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW_QLfAUJY5YdJ4UirtlfD2KfcxUzB4PX6gITRswWyO-YRZvmcE-CBt8WOOYIJlKpmmkMErC6KrOn88KlYYBa81MF8T_9IVeRDycNoa-FRiczD_lFdbmYozL_mHZm4fUfAD0C4XYjlJJF/s1600/2012.12.12+(75).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQW_QLfAUJY5YdJ4UirtlfD2KfcxUzB4PX6gITRswWyO-YRZvmcE-CBt8WOOYIJlKpmmkMErC6KrOn88KlYYBa81MF8T_9IVeRDycNoa-FRiczD_lFdbmYozL_mHZm4fUfAD0C4XYjlJJF/s640/2012.12.12+(75).JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hung up on the wall. <br />
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Feeding the donkey.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrIJ4_Rw_K5Tz2O_cjWcFAirdVi55u-7G8mcwpWmYw3HNmh-SlAvjbfXoJH2GS2QEUVHx1lmHdH66EsUImrn0IIkImPrhBdApxQsl_HHCldj4_MSGlKgPTml6k3TxnJPkAqCFvcANcaIF/s1600/2012.12.12+(87).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrIJ4_Rw_K5Tz2O_cjWcFAirdVi55u-7G8mcwpWmYw3HNmh-SlAvjbfXoJH2GS2QEUVHx1lmHdH66EsUImrn0IIkImPrhBdApxQsl_HHCldj4_MSGlKgPTml6k3TxnJPkAqCFvcANcaIF/s640/2012.12.12+(87).JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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I did not hang it up high enough. Well, live and learn!Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-79748204505496786912012-12-12T22:33:00.001-08:002012-12-12T22:33:52.476-08:00felted wool teether<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">I would say that lately I have been experimenting with felting wool, but as the photos show...I was experimenting with felting wool when there were leaves on the trees. March, to be specific. I don't know if that qualifies as lately.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">I purchased a host of colors of wool roving on Etsy from a woman in Estonia. </span><span style="color: black;">The wool smells delicious. Good enough to eat; it is a teether after all. Is that wrong to think that wool smells tasty? I know that wool on the hoof does not smell great, but this wool has been washed, brushed, and dyed using natural dyes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"> </span><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fGiYU7NY0o1BDHyLaWM7Ag1PhYygraJHW6upgpDcUo5VXmaNBKGDm_nhZYtOobcaGX6AhqWdgfknC3uzotDX2RYHlNmMwhXKl3_8NmBGr8RrInDW_HO8XH3ZDzvzgEEYQsqT3reD8SN6/s640/DSC_0029.JPG" width="424" /></div>
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Felting wool...here is the low down:<br />
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Start with wool roving.<br />
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check.<br />
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Pull off a small bunch.<br />
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check.<br />
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Submerse it in warm/hot soapy water and roll it between your palms.<br />
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check.<br />
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Roll it until all the ends have tied themselves into the ball.<br />
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check.<br />
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Rinse the soap out. <br />
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check.<br />
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Set the ball out to dry.<br />
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Is anybody else hearing Monica from Friends saying "check" after each item?<br />
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<strong> Rachel: Who are you saying
"check" too?</strong><br />
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<strong> Monica: Myself. Y'know, for
remembering to pack a thing. </strong><br />
<strong> Yeah, you do a good thing, you get a
check! </strong><br />
<strong> (pause) </strong><br />
<strong> My mom does it, I never realized it was weird.</strong><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBeS7Vx5vSjhdd7nVgC17X20pVpFZqccqgcblxt7bDQh5wpcR0EFWVWS4gZJI_t54lESjozqQP48etZmULvPI8VijaZJFD9QmcqR2LiOT9bXZ4-K-MF9d23mXd104ncZxso0fZ9Cers-V/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioBeS7Vx5vSjhdd7nVgC17X20pVpFZqccqgcblxt7bDQh5wpcR0EFWVWS4gZJI_t54lESjozqQP48etZmULvPI8VijaZJFD9QmcqR2LiOT9bXZ4-K-MF9d23mXd104ncZxso0fZ9Cers-V/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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According to Wikipedia (shudder...I know, not a reliable source), the heat and moisture used in wet felting causes the scales in the wool fibers to hook together. The comparison of different fibers below shows why cotton does not felt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoXTyA-bF3uDBWfvKj2OqRmvMiowgdQl9Gfcucx1_uh2WAVQ_5F5EYBPhPbgXDXZ7rN0hBJxdc-MWC2AlALUgNhm5jupXr5fA3SjrAlv6xADeR1QJr_Khq05mZwhIN87Wm5KAxRG03Nn3/s1600/wool_fibers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoXTyA-bF3uDBWfvKj2OqRmvMiowgdQl9Gfcucx1_uh2WAVQ_5F5EYBPhPbgXDXZ7rN0hBJxdc-MWC2AlALUgNhm5jupXr5fA3SjrAlv6xADeR1QJr_Khq05mZwhIN87Wm5KAxRG03Nn3/s640/wool_fibers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.nau.com/2012/01/10/the-ins-and-out-of-wool/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-44486893700749302092012-12-01T09:18:00.000-08:002012-12-01T09:18:12.759-08:00round up at the advent corral<br />
Advent. The countdown to Christmas. Anticipating present day. Contemplating Christ's birth. <br />
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When I was a little girl we had a paper pop-out advent calendar similar to the one below. I would look forward to opening each little door every day to see a part of the Christmas story hiding behind it. <br />
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<a href="http://www.christmasgiftgallery.com/three-d-advents.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUlO3Ut66SgqfBqlCVgSrVey7oNCT6B4fcxOECjz4VLUn7vJnJm6Ibl5hM56dXr2mAq0Yd9dX1LyNtCakgmsVjFpSwGjQjqCrMWATZRMn5VNNMUKKX9UoO-OmvFZpgmFj5RCmNYH9CZHt9/s1600/wja+2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.christmasgiftgallery.com/three-d-advents.htm" target="_blank">Source</a></span></div>
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I have not thought about advent calendars very much since I was ten or twelve, but things are changing now. My babe is almost a year and a half. The anticipation of Christmas is still lost on him, but if I start to make an advent calendar now he has a better chance of getting to enjoy it before he turns eight. Sometimes decisions are hard to make. Sometimes I procrastinate...just a little bit. Please tell me that I am not the only one!<br />
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Elizabeth and I have been looking for advent calendar inspiration. The challenge is not in finding inspiration but rather narrowing down the contenders to a manageable number. (Thank you Pinterest!)<br />
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Here are some of our favorites: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQE3p10hUPhuyXgb7NPJIJvJM64y5qFdzg7FKTzWbSmN7C5dCuLxa2SN7U67NRk58-0riXSndwxlKDqjnIsX5aN5KeANCo3xQObVvU-zYTmj5HyGsLRb6uKZ62HhWlnKqnbcwy25RDnfB/s1600/nativity+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQE3p10hUPhuyXgb7NPJIJvJM64y5qFdzg7FKTzWbSmN7C5dCuLxa2SN7U67NRk58-0riXSndwxlKDqjnIsX5aN5KeANCo3xQObVvU-zYTmj5HyGsLRb6uKZ62HhWlnKqnbcwy25RDnfB/s1600/nativity+collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>Sources: <a href="http://cutesycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/12/nativity-advent.htm" target="_blank">L<span style="font-size: xx-small;">e</span>ft - J<span style="font-size: xx-small;">e</span>ssica from Cutesy Crafts</a>; <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108968890/felt-religious-advent-calendar-nativity?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Right - K<span style="font-size: xx-small;">e</span>nna's E<span style="font-size: xx-small;">tsy shop, Kenna's Felt Forest.</span></a></span> <br />
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I love the advent calendars that incorporate the story of Christ's birth. So many times I believe that the real meaning gets easily lost in the shuffle of present wrapping and cookie decoration. These two calendars above would be a sweet reminder of the real reason for our celebration. I love the little sheep in the calendar from Jessica (above left) at <a href="http://cutesycrafts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cutesy Crafts</a>, and the detail in the figures in Kenna's nativity advent (above right) is fantastic! (This advent calendar is for sale on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108968890/felt-religious-advent-calendar-nativity?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_source=Pinterest" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.) <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.anthologymag-digital.com/anthologymag/2011wintergiftguide#" target="_blank">Top, Anthology Magazine</a>; <a href="http://shimandsons.typepad.com/shimandsons/2010/12/our-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">Bottom, Sally from Shim & Sons</a>.</span></div>
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Another trend that I see in advent calendars is little boxes or packages that you can put small presents or treats in. As a big fan of candy and presents, I really like this idea. The two examples above are both elegant but they accomplish that by two different routes. The wooden shelf and round tags on <a href="http://www.anthologymag-digital.com/anthologymag/2011wintergiftguide#pg1" target="_blank">Anthology's</a> advent calendar give it a rustic feel. I particularly like the nostalgic tags; my mom had a small box of them in her desk drawer and I remember playing with them. They seemed like money to a little girl. In contrast to the color and texture, the advent calendar from <a href="http://shimandsons.typepad.com/shimandsons/2010/12/our-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">SHIM&SONS</a> is elegant in it's simplicity and uniformity. The rows of tidy little boxes appeal to my sense of order in a very big way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKArEAyaFAizq3fGpjWoAEhrHhi-SbpzKfbiQNiCHYTsSX4HmUEXb_zY2Wi-SyxtBM07_zBy4GDdDglEpDEJVICJ1B_YX5sgvvn-kncguMWEnOB6espXaqKrKYhuZ0ttdnZmkj_bS0nFvz/s1600/flat+advent+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKArEAyaFAizq3fGpjWoAEhrHhi-SbpzKfbiQNiCHYTsSX4HmUEXb_zY2Wi-SyxtBM07_zBy4GDdDglEpDEJVICJ1B_YX5sgvvn-kncguMWEnOB6espXaqKrKYhuZ0ttdnZmkj_bS0nFvz/s1600/flat+advent+collage.jpg" height="640" width="563" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/949678/easy-advent-calendar" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's card calendar</a>; <a href="http://leightheo.blogspot.com/2011/11/another-new-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">Leigh from It's All Small Stuff's advent book</a>; <a href="http://asimplenest.typepad.com/a-simple-nest/2010/11/tree-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">A simple Nest's tree advent</a>; <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2010/12/simple-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">Danyelle from Dandee Designs' advent wreath</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many "traditional" Christmas activities. Some of these things that always bring the holidays to mind for me are hot cocoa, reading by the fire, looking at Christmas lights, baking cookies, and Christmas caroling. Some advent calendars have a small activity for each day that incorporates fun seasonal activities to do as a family. I love the stylized trees in the advent calendar from <a href="http://asimplenest.typepad.com/a-simple-nest/2010/11/tree-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">A Simple Nest</a>. She used paint chips to make those adorable trees. You could include the kids in making both the tree advent calendar and the book advent calendar from <a href="http://leightheo.blogspot.com/2011/11/another-new-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">Leigh at It's All Small Stuff</a>. The simplicity of the advent wreath from <a href="http://www.dandee-designs.com/2010/12/simple-advent-calendar.html" target="_blank">Danyelle at Dandee Designs</a> as well as <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/949678/easy-advent-calendar" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a>'s card advent calendar will be a nice contrast in a room of twinkly lights and shining ornaments.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6p89GIvfIw5QgttGads3BUA8AEMAQACAkMmgm5bRveAa60jRf6uo_hnEnyAoo6KlUdYut3XNJh6jIZ_VmX5JNZuMxudzBWMl2l9Ghl_IpofOXe2HIwk_Xi-kGOqGiR_gNoAaTMaXg73I/s1600/countdown+advent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6p89GIvfIw5QgttGads3BUA8AEMAQACAkMmgm5bRveAa60jRf6uo_hnEnyAoo6KlUdYut3XNJh6jIZ_VmX5JNZuMxudzBWMl2l9Ghl_IpofOXe2HIwk_Xi-kGOqGiR_gNoAaTMaXg73I/s1600/countdown+advent.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sources: <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/moms/fun/christmas_craft_these_cute_elves_will_help_you_count_down_to_christmas.php" target="_blank">Elves from Nadine Reeves via Canadian Living</a>; <a href="http://pinksuedeshoe.com/2010/11/29/christmas-tree-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">Trees from Pink Suede Shoes</a></span></div>
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Another kind of advent calendar is a simple countdown. You start with 25 objects (elves or trees or something completely different) and take one away each day until you arrive. This could be especially useful for children that are anticipating Christmas and want to know how many "sleeps" they have until that morning dawns. Both the elves from Nadine Reeves (in an article on <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/moms/fun/christmas_craft_these_cute_elves_will_help_you_count_down_to_christmas.php" target="_blank">Canadian Living</a>) and the little trees from <a href="http://pinksuedeshoe.com/2010/11/29/christmas-tree-advent-calendar/" target="_blank">Pink Suede Shoes</a> are are projects that you could do with children. I rather like the idea of making an advent countdown that includes both elves and trees, though you might need to make the trees a little bigger.<br />
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I think it is important for an advent calendar to "re-set" easily from year to year so that it does not take too much planning to put together after it is initially made.<br />
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Here is my idea:<br />
One non-wrapped box for each day (a la SHIM&SONS).<br />
Inside each you find<br />
an activity (printed on the inside of the box)<br />
a small treat (Maybe a peanut M&M?)<br />
a figure for the nativity scene.<br />
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I am torn between making felt figures or just buying the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playmobil-Nativity-Manager-with-Stable/dp/B003AQBWOO/ref=lh_ni_t" target="_blank">Play</a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/PLAYMOBIL%C2%AE-4886-Playmobil-Three-Kings/dp/B003AQBWP8/ref=lh_ni_t" target="_blank">mobil</a> nativity and dividing up the pieces into the boxes. The greedy sleeper in me is voting for Playmobil, while the crafter lobbies for felt. It is an ongoing battle. You understand, right?Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-34097890297201402542012-10-22T00:00:00.000-07:002012-10-23T12:40:33.260-07:00Wall Art: Dandelion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I enjoy making art with what I have on hand. Christina and I have both agreed that we tend to be the most creative when we set limits when crafting, whether it is money or time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I wanted something unique to hang on my wall and I already had an empty frame/shadowbox. Burlap has awesome texture, but I honestly don't remember why I decided to try painting on it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTNrYkz2cKmkVFoF7WpdqgYGuP8D08AFFrzlnaD41BBQ2M016HXxvH3Djrdzj0YGm3NsbilzQCUoijHrg8mRt1nMa-ia2rR-pB2MK2ZGYLAAyAiLpOUkUkEldsQyhvPsKdbNkjjZ8Oebs/s1600/Finished+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTNrYkz2cKmkVFoF7WpdqgYGuP8D08AFFrzlnaD41BBQ2M016HXxvH3Djrdzj0YGm3NsbilzQCUoijHrg8mRt1nMa-ia2rR-pB2MK2ZGYLAAyAiLpOUkUkEldsQyhvPsKdbNkjjZ8Oebs/s640/Finished+product.jpg" width="587" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is not a perfect piece of art by any means, but every time I look at it it makes me happy, and (<i>wistful?</i>). I saw this dandelion design on a quilt over at V and Co. and fell in love with it, seriously when I start quilting I really really really want to make <a href="http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2010/11/for-bloggers-quilt-festival.html" target="_blank">this one</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">My artwork was <i>a lot</i> faster than quilting and because it was practically free I won't feel bad when I someday get sick of it and throw it away (I just almost erased "throw it away" because living in the pacific northwest you are bred to redu<span style="font-size: large;">ce</span> reuse recycle! :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is my little tutorial on how to paint quickly and easily without a brush! Enjoy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Looking back I am not sure that this project was worth the full-on tutorial, but it was good practice. Taking decent pictures is HARD and using picture editing programs can really take hours. My appreciation for quality blogs goes up every time I got through this process. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTNrYkz2cKmkVFoF7WpdqgYGuP8D08AFFrzlnaD41BBQ2M016HXxvH3Djrdzj0YGm3NsbilzQCUoijHrg8mRt1nMa-ia2rR-pB2MK2ZGYLAAyAiLpOUkUkEldsQyhvPsKdbNkjjZ8Oebs/s1600/Finished+product.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTNrYkz2cKmkVFoF7WpdqgYGuP8D08AFFrzlnaD41BBQ2M016HXxvH3Djrdzj0YGm3NsbilzQCUoijHrg8mRt1nMa-ia2rR-pB2MK2ZGYLAAyAiLpOUkUkEldsQyhvPsKdbNkjjZ8Oebs/s400/Finished+product.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Tuesday!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Elizabeth</span></span></span><br />
<span id="goog_2059391259"></span><span id="goog_2059391260"></span>Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-83459225298244412992012-10-17T23:24:00.000-07:002012-10-18T22:18:42.681-07:00In love with fall: jute pumpkin<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This morning I was blessed with a few quiet minutes to brew tea. Delicious smells wafted through the kitchen (I was roasting sweet potatoes). Topping it off was a beautiful view out my kitchen window; a misty fall morning and my sweet little tree with fire red leaves. I am not alone in loving fall, but boy do I <i>love</i> it! The weather, the scenery, the smells... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I don't do a lot of seasonal decorating, but I did create something recently that I liked and wanted to share.</span> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x903X1bCU4vY9x5nFJhjn4Y8m0rXGStdSPuqPect8iqq0H0fhfLko51W-H8iLOfbHbQyGNXMf5FsdYWI8U-Hop3hOAZCOdQz-rSzOkUpUhhyphenhyphenhPb1HVZvWjOUAPHZKhAVrpbzoVajl15K/s1600/IMG_4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x903X1bCU4vY9x5nFJhjn4Y8m0rXGStdSPuqPect8iqq0H0fhfLko51W-H8iLOfbHbQyGNXMf5FsdYWI8U-Hop3hOAZCOdQz-rSzOkUpUhhyphenhyphenhPb1HVZvWjOUAPHZKhAVrpbzoVajl15K/s640/IMG_4269.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This is a CHEAP craft which is awesome if you ask me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Here are the ingredients :)</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/21197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://www.dollartree.com/assets/product_images/styles/large/21197.jpg" width="210" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Carvable Foam Pumpkin $1 from Dollar Tree</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.elmers.com/images/products/medium/E422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://www.elmers.com/images/products/medium/E422.jpg" width="230" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.createforless.com/p-images/3/2007/1116/133775-3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.createforless.com/p-images/3/2007/1116/133775-3-1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">3-ply Jute</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">If your smart (unlike me) and don't want to feel like a troll with hairy fingers at the end of the project, I suggest wearing gloves :) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I suggest following the safety precautions on the spray adhesive and doing this project in a ventilated area. Protect your work-surface with something you can throw away (newspaper, cardboard...) and don't wear nice clothes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I started by spraying the stem of the pumpkin with the adhesive and then wrapped the jute around. Little by little I sprayed and wrapped, until Voila it was done. I should say it took me close to a half hour, but I really liked it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I added a few burlap rosettes, made by a lovely lady in my MOPS group.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x903X1bCU4vY9x5nFJhjn4Y8m0rXGStdSPuqPect8iqq0H0fhfLko51W-H8iLOfbHbQyGNXMf5FsdYWI8U-Hop3hOAZCOdQz-rSzOkUpUhhyphenhyphenhPb1HVZvWjOUAPHZKhAVrpbzoVajl15K/s640/IMG_4269.JPG" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy this season. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I am often tempted to let my mind be overwhelmed by what I don't have or what is going wrong. This morning I was reminded to take deep breaths of the crisp air, drink tea, and give thanks for all of the blessings in my life.</span> <br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: x-large;">Elizabeth</span><br />
<br />Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-6156864702082971522012-07-10T08:14:00.001-07:002012-10-18T22:17:25.959-07:00flowers in her hairThe biggest problem with crafting in the evening hours while the babe sleeps is that you tend to finish projects when there is little natural daylight to be had. That is my sad excuse for the two month delay in taking these photos. All excuses aside, flowers are always lovely in your hair, both when the sun is high in the sky and when the twinkles in your eyes are only lit by the glow of a campfire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw8hVE2xv4gcQjRRvBOcaJWSen2vdfdGHVopAClAVn2Cw1WBZIWDC5ZK1Ob2XfX-5buEF46yRYRMt9UYyWl1y7QwIpHhizVZURRFq-erqNLF7RwRO1mmQiZ5BVa9qfANYwtnMWOusNi1h/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyw8hVE2xv4gcQjRRvBOcaJWSen2vdfdGHVopAClAVn2Cw1WBZIWDC5ZK1Ob2XfX-5buEF46yRYRMt9UYyWl1y7QwIpHhizVZURRFq-erqNLF7RwRO1mmQiZ5BVa9qfANYwtnMWOusNi1h/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This particular project is perfect for when you need a quick accessory or a speedy outlet for your creative juices.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9QgLToEOTv83pkDZ7gYsrH3qRLHN1l0Xn62vFZxrK9UTosgcm5M1rmE8iexfl0uUHEuKdfS3BCioD96_B6BcfMuAbIstVKwpnXR-5YmpFqcTMrK-vtMa5H0VPiUDUZme5cjH0oqXCrgI/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9QgLToEOTv83pkDZ7gYsrH3qRLHN1l0Xn62vFZxrK9UTosgcm5M1rmE8iexfl0uUHEuKdfS3BCioD96_B6BcfMuAbIstVKwpnXR-5YmpFqcTMrK-vtMa5H0VPiUDUZme5cjH0oqXCrgI/s640/DSC_0023.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Materials needed:<br />
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hot glue gun<br />
spare glue sticks<br />
alligator two-prong metal hair clips<br />
felt or 1 cm ribbon<br />
cardboard cereal box<br />
silk flowers or other decorations<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQR0at_e1xq7HjGncahhTECxNlkABHyqLay9Iq6nYacIAUtVXPH6nZLfizN_FTZywL_eRLLkbDP75j8BWvwa63JUYumpkS1i_IH_PGckr9AwYqyvKcXK-KzqWgK_7HSM_LQML4JMlMm5me/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQR0at_e1xq7HjGncahhTECxNlkABHyqLay9Iq6nYacIAUtVXPH6nZLfizN_FTZywL_eRLLkbDP75j8BWvwa63JUYumpkS1i_IH_PGckr9AwYqyvKcXK-KzqWgK_7HSM_LQML4JMlMm5me/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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1: Place the hair clips around the cardboard to protect the bottom from the hot glue.<br />
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2: Trim a piece of felt (or ribbon) to the width of the hair clip and glue it to the top of the hair clip. Start with the end of the clip (where you grip it) wrapping the felt around the edge.<br />
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3. Trim the excess felt off.<br />
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4. Arrange your decorations, being sure to angle the flower so that it will point the right direction when it is in your hair.<br />
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5. Glue your decorations to the felt-covered side of the hair clip. <br />
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6. Let cool, peel the cardboard off, and add to your hair.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3tyojFH5OrehzsHPKIFV-8P7uPBCEPhUss2xAHikyKT2wgnHnYYlWvpENcza7SkiGMC7eiQZDCY-fCwcLmKPORo-6oa7us40lYqwRe17HfV0aSL8mok4UAl-Rf7AzShhYNjChBVUOMQH/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3tyojFH5OrehzsHPKIFV-8P7uPBCEPhUss2xAHikyKT2wgnHnYYlWvpENcza7SkiGMC7eiQZDCY-fCwcLmKPORo-6oa7us40lYqwRe17HfV0aSL8mok4UAl-Rf7AzShhYNjChBVUOMQH/s640/DSC_0022.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Between all the laundry, fabric store drooling, grocery shopping, and Pinterest pinning that we spend our time doing, sometimes we need to stop planning a future project and just do something today. If you find yourself in that boat, let this be your project!Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-56048416363260691732012-06-21T20:44:00.000-07:002012-06-26T21:33:53.493-07:00Beautiful Things<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Hiking with my family doesn't happen often enough. This last weekend we drove out of town and went exploring a new area. The hike was challenging although it was only 1 and 1/2 miles up to the top. We are out of shape...boo. However, the area we hiked was so stunningly gorgeous it felt more than worth it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvO2G2t2AMws0vU1-S7rG0CiWLlh_b_4yiVCLtS3sQRA29C8FBZPP_NVIBBRvnSPNA9Sv1rqkoeK2dlPZrYZ0myFOXPcaoR8qVmbuf5dKiMh_Hk31boBzQGjj9aFERSxxfilAOwXUo8tq/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvO2G2t2AMws0vU1-S7rG0CiWLlh_b_4yiVCLtS3sQRA29C8FBZPP_NVIBBRvnSPNA9Sv1rqkoeK2dlPZrYZ0myFOXPcaoR8qVmbuf5dKiMh_Hk31boBzQGjj9aFERSxxfilAOwXUo8tq/s400/IMG_3594.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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As you know by now this is a craft blog, and lately I've been really struck with the question, why do I do this? Why am I compelled to create things? There are quite a few reasons I can come up with, and I don't want to scare anyone off by sounding a little philosophical here, but I truly believe that the joy I get from creating is a gift from my creator.</div>
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The one who created this </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGzXFiMRTFq3h2D8RHeFgyJemcuq9YGpxXtnZdC53scEG08uxqMn3s9xxR_R5ybGUdUqRZo7ep0c6lNI35ty9Fyg67eEce6AlJqEQiMTymGNKQjB-JyVooD8hPIrUAUhm-Zar8XNJcKuE/s1600/IMG_3602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGzXFiMRTFq3h2D8RHeFgyJemcuq9YGpxXtnZdC53scEG08uxqMn3s9xxR_R5ybGUdUqRZo7ep0c6lNI35ty9Fyg67eEce6AlJqEQiMTymGNKQjB-JyVooD8hPIrUAUhm-Zar8XNJcKuE/s400/IMG_3602.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And this </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA60cEo1pYWBeBKjQyxXokz93VSsDc8EeGmMc0QDHdvig8RWn3JIYoE06v_yR-_WglMrP9ANpTcklGVHpIQn82duDb1ErQXLTnmnHRKeXp5_rQ6rVTZAYdAUUe6Tw28yUSZ18__wQkEujj/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA60cEo1pYWBeBKjQyxXokz93VSsDc8EeGmMc0QDHdvig8RWn3JIYoE06v_yR-_WglMrP9ANpTcklGVHpIQn82duDb1ErQXLTnmnHRKeXp5_rQ6rVTZAYdAUUe6Tw28yUSZ18__wQkEujj/s400/IMG_3608.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And this</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEylqMhyphenhyphenys6CjLC2_hi2zeLb0R4ke02GMDtx2Lb1koGLJxXkvKCogL5sJm3yZdLCyc2jeYqJKyhc349WMviAf-OCC-1_iemvcT5CHRfNm8r72oYzfXcZCQC3DrrhT-BrxcAoBuWKK4kbY/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUEylqMhyphenhyphenys6CjLC2_hi2zeLb0R4ke02GMDtx2Lb1koGLJxXkvKCogL5sJm3yZdLCyc2jeYqJKyhc349WMviAf-OCC-1_iemvcT5CHRfNm8r72oYzfXcZCQC3DrrhT-BrxcAoBuWKK4kbY/s640/IMG_3617.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am thankful for the gift of creating and even more thankful for the beautiful things in my life that put my creations to shame. And I am most thankful for the beautiful thing that is being made of my life when what is often in my heart is so, not, beautiful. </div>
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This song has been running through my head today and you will not be sorry if you listen to it :)</div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-size: large;">Elizabeth</span></div>
<br />Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-29171767710987956832012-06-14T23:36:00.001-07:002012-06-16T08:43:13.142-07:00Money in the Bank<br />
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My little guy and I were given homework after his last Dr.'s appointment. Since he is not even a year old you may wonder if my son is freakishly smart. Although I think he <i>is</i> very smart, we are not memorizing U.S. Presidents or anything <i>that</i> outstanding. His doctor actually gave us a list of problem-solving activities to do which includes playing "Money in the Bank". The form suggested cutting a slit in the top of an empty container and giving him juice can tops to put into it. Booooring, and we don't drink that much juice. The last time I made him a home-made toy I literally stabbed a couple of holes into a wipes dispenser, and threaded some yarn through the holes. He loved it! But this time I wanted to come up with something a little bit cuter...</div>
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A rice cereal canister works well. I saved them knowing that they would be handy for something. I put together a little tutorial in case you would like to make one too.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Materials:</u></span></div>
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Canister with removable lid (any that you have)</div>
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Felt (white for the backing) (various colors for the money)</div>
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Fabric</div>
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Coordinating thread</div>
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Hot glue</div>
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Stitch Witchery</div>
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Embroidery Needle & Decorative thread (optional)</div>
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Cardboard (e.g. cereal box....)<br />
Exact-o knife </div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Directions:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Using pieces of string, yarn, or a flexible measuring tape, measure the height as well as the circumference. Measure the height of the canister with the lid on in order to allow for the lid to close! Cut a piece of felt to your measurements. Then cut a piece of fabric slightly larger (I added 1 in. to the height and 1/2 in. to the circumference measurement).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Next, cut a length of stitch witchery the same length as the fabric. Cut the stitch witchery in half lengthwise. Center the felt on the wrong side of the fabric. Place a piece of the stitch witchery along one edge of the felt and fold the fabric over. Making sure that the fabric is completely covering the stitch witchery, follow the instructions on the stitch witchery package to set the seam. Repeat with the other side. </span><br />
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When both edges are finished flip the piece over and iron it flat. </div>
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Cut letters out of your coordinating colored felt. It helps to cut rectangles that are the basic size you will want your letters to be, and then cut the letters from those rectangles.</div>
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Attach the letters with hot glue. Watch the fingers! </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Get creative if you'd like and embroider the letters!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Make a line on the canister where the lid ends. Then remove the lid. You will use this line to guide your fabric placement. If you let your fabric go above the line, your canister will not close (and that would be sad!). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Hot glue straight up the side</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Press the left unfinished end of the fabric onto the hot glue</span>.<br />
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Use more hot glue on the canister to attach the rest of the fabric. Turn under the other unfinished end and carefully hot glue it to create a nice finished edge. I chose to take a few extra minutes to slip stitch the edge as well, since my little guy is very tough on toys.</div>
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Using an exact-o knife cut a slot into the lid.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You can't have the bank without coins. Cut 20 same size circles from a cereal box with some heavy duty scissors. Make your circles about a half inch in diameter less than the length of the slot to allow room for the felt covering. To make it go faster I accordion folded the cardboard and cut out several at a time. Don't worry about being too precise. </span></div>
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Hot glue a stack of 4 circles together then cut out a rectangle of felt, large enough that it can be doubled over the circles and have plenty of room around it for sewing. </div>
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Using your sewing machine, zig-zag stitch or regular stitch around the edge of the cardboard circles. Cut off the excess felt.</div>
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Make 4 more!</div>
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If you want, cut out numbers 1 through 5 and hot glue them to the "coins". </div>
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My son loves his bank and has gotten so fast at putting the coins in I need to make more! Happy playing!</div>
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<span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-size: large;">Elizabeth</span></div>
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<br />Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-21532620031718441182012-06-05T23:01:00.001-07:002012-06-05T23:02:41.011-07:00Shower Favors - potted flowers There are a lot of shower favor ideas out there, but I wanted to share one of my favorites.<br />
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My mom and I put these little zinnia pots together for a baby shower I co-hosted. We found the plants at our local hardware store along with the little pots that you can plant right in the ground. At the craft store we picked up the ribbon and labels. Lucky for me, my mom is great at calligraphy and labeled all the tags for me! (I don't have the best handwriting) <br />
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I am also a fan of little silver tins! </div>
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Ah, beauty!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b4a7d6; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Elizabeth</span></span></div>Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-33759632620808775392012-05-14T12:18:00.000-07:002012-10-18T22:19:37.030-07:00monkey-ing aroundIsn't Pinterest great? For those of you who are not yet pin-makers, Pinterest is an online pinboard where you can create a virtual collage of all things beautiful and noteworthy. (If you would like an invitation, shoot us an email.)<br />
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A few Saturdays ago my <a href="http://amyebaxter.wordpress.com/">sister</a> pinned a photo of a particularly cute sock monkey (found <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/how-to-sew-sock-monkey.html/2">here</a>) and gave it the caption, "Stuff my sister should make for me." Later that morning, the boy and I went to Goodwill to look for treasures and they had a sale on (new!) socks: 4 pairs for a dollar. My head said, "Cha Ching!" I bought four pairs, and considered it a dollar well spent. (I actually bought more things then just that, but I will save the other projects for later posts.)<br />
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When we got home, the boy took a nap and I whipped up this little mono.<br />
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The tutorial (found <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/how-to-sew-sock-monkey.html/2">here</a>) was fantastic, especially the tips for stuffing the tail of the monkey.<br />
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I popped her into a shoebox and she flew up to Washington for my sister. She was surprised.<br />
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Unfortunately in all my excitement, I forgot to take any pictures. Amy was very kind and took several shots. Her pictures are way better then any I would have been able to take. Photography is one of the skills where I have lots of room for improvement. I would mail her all my projects so that she could photograph them, but that could be expensive, especially if I made a 7-foot still life titled, "A study in lead."<br />
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My nephew loves the "Kitty" and likes to swing her around by her tail. She also is a cheerful Attack Monkey, flying across the room with style.<br />
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It was an afternoon well spent.Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-24270266244297120592012-04-26T11:35:00.006-07:002012-04-26T11:38:09.125-07:00Toddler Art SmockI recently whipped up an art smock for a little family member turning two. Lately I had been looking for a use for this great oilcloth fabric by Amy Butler. My mom had given me a few scrap pieces leftover from a highchair cover that she had made. In theory oilcloth should make art clean-up a breeze, only requiring a simple wipe down, but I can only imagine the kind of mess that can result from a kid with paint!<br />
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I based my art smock off of a pattern in "One Yard Wonders", but had to alter it to make it work with the amount of fabric I had. I also changed the pocket in the front, and made my own bias tape out of a different Amy Butler fabric I had on hand. <br />
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Working with oilcloth turned out to be a bit of a challenge. I had heard that your sewing foot can stick to certain fabrics, and boy did that turn out to be true! I didn't have too much time to fuss with getting the stitching just right, but I do have another project to work on - learning how to sew with oilcloth! Maybe another topic for Sewing Tips? <br />
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth</span>Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-12742972917750028912012-04-17T14:54:00.000-07:002012-04-26T11:10:41.982-07:00Sewing Tips: Cutting FabricCutting fabric can be such a pain! Recently I have been working on a project that involved a lot of cutting. . I actually had been avoiding the project for several months because the amount of fabric I had to cut felt daunting. By the end I had improved my technique and realized it had been excellent practice. The process also took way less time than I had imagined.<br />
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Everyone has their own way, but I am always a fan of using my rotary cutter when I can. Here are some cutting tips to hopefully inspire you to start on that new project <i>you've</i> been avoiding. <br />
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<u>Step 1: Turn on some jams!</u><br />
Nothing inspires me to get working more than some fun music. What does your mood tell you? Calming Bach, jazzy Ella? Thanks to my childhood, one of my favorite "pump-up" musicians has to be blues rocker Stevie Ray Vaughan. <u> </u><br />
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<u>Step 2: Press the fabric</u><br />
When I cut fabric, especially large pieces, it is a good idea to press your fabric before cutting. This is especially true when working with cotton. Too many wrinkles can really hinder an accurate cut, and just making the job plain annoying. So do yourself a favor - break out your iron - you'll be happy you did.<br />
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<u>Step 3: Assemble your tools</u><br />
A cutting mat, a ruler, a rotary cutter, fabric weights, and fabric scissors are all great items to have available.<br />
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<u>Step 4: Line up your fabric</u><br />
Use the grid-lines on your cutting mat and your fabric weights to keep your fabric in place!<br />
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<u>Step 5: Measure twice - Cut once!</u><br />
I don't know where I heard this old saying, but it is so true! Better to take a little extra time lining up your ruler and double checking the measurement, than to waste money and time by making mistakes.<br />
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<u>Step 6: Enjoy a job well-done :)</u><br />
What is more satisfying than freshly cut stacks of fabric bursting with potential! Time to create!<br />
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Improvise your own fabric weights using large metal washers wrapped with fabric or glass jars filled with something fun!<br />
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Share your cutting tips with us! </div>
<br />Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-86578468585853173882012-03-27T17:34:00.001-07:002012-04-26T11:11:21.741-07:00fabric dye and paintI dyed my first onesies when I was pregnant with the small boy. It took me quite awhile to work up the courage to try it, but it was much easier then I had anticipated. Dana, over at <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/">Made</a>, has a fantastic <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-easy-fabric-dyeing.html">tutorial</a> for fabric dyeing that I highly recommend. When I dyed the onesies, I used a bucket filled with hot water and Rit liquid dye. I stirred the mix every 10-15 minutes for an hour, rinsed the garments in the sink until no more color came out, and then washed everything in the washing machine. It was very simple, not nearly the messy monster that I had expected.<br />
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My neighbor will become a grandmother for the first time next month, and so I wanted to make something for her new grandson. I took some of the onesies that I had previously dyed and added a little paint.<br />
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This was the result:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf3IyG5WTcJe9Y0F5k8nW6UTVYxufR7rVsB4rxt_cve1zfgKbXzxfurImCBq2IHEWI0BICwXshuJHySIfcDdVEPmZkiE91kFeaniLAqgqncwuqdOmm489fdcUQTtACueMTF3YL2_U6rsB/s1600/2012.02+%28194%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlf3IyG5WTcJe9Y0F5k8nW6UTVYxufR7rVsB4rxt_cve1zfgKbXzxfurImCBq2IHEWI0BICwXshuJHySIfcDdVEPmZkiE91kFeaniLAqgqncwuqdOmm489fdcUQTtACueMTF3YL2_U6rsB/s640/2012.02+%28194%29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love stronger colors on baby boys, and the orange and blue dye turned out very well. It makes a simple white onesie look less like an undershirt. <br />
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On the blue shirt I used a moon stencil and silver glitter paint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8YeLKFKbj0eHpuwBa-_r3NOMMYZiv68SKzBIG4dLqI3NjKEaq_lGl0lhoUHI5FBMt5Ap6rHQPUMuTu8Zzhw-vliERHhgBlg3q0cJ-GyUUVhHTiTD46_HDsiIvQAyqf5BByJx-o1DiIbU/s1600/2012.02+%28197%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8YeLKFKbj0eHpuwBa-_r3NOMMYZiv68SKzBIG4dLqI3NjKEaq_lGl0lhoUHI5FBMt5Ap6rHQPUMuTu8Zzhw-vliERHhgBlg3q0cJ-GyUUVhHTiTD46_HDsiIvQAyqf5BByJx-o1DiIbU/s640/2012.02+%28197%29.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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And for the orange shirt I made an iron-on stencil out of freezer paper. (The shiny side of freezer paper will adhere to clothing when you iron it. Then, when you have finished painting and your design has dried, you can peel the stencil right off! There is a more complete tutorial by Dana <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-freezer-paper-stencil-makenna-loves-goldfish.html">here</a> at Made)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v7rMUYdaLfH5UZ9aIkSIM1TvU6M4aLqD4ZNzh55OhEhz-CJE1DZpUDaWWpJuR9VHw0WcFkQ7-sgydJyP2BoUDI8kwbSinyXDB1UALdU5cmYgQ1e3mgx6wFMDxgmJ0EuiHDmcl49yr8bf/s1600/2012.02+%28198%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v7rMUYdaLfH5UZ9aIkSIM1TvU6M4aLqD4ZNzh55OhEhz-CJE1DZpUDaWWpJuR9VHw0WcFkQ7-sgydJyP2BoUDI8kwbSinyXDB1UALdU5cmYgQ1e3mgx6wFMDxgmJ0EuiHDmcl49yr8bf/s640/2012.02+%28198%29.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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For both shirts, I used a stamp set to make the lettering.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoh_n-IzbwV2bkbWh0KcEeaygtHG9Fkn1vJl-RG2qHCZ7l_5hKiHp8qHx5wTApZhKOw_YrIXc6n4t87A5tpisKD-qg6K7ztTyBPZIUQPmS6-3hbxGvQKIHhDUW7j349g8qNsrDAhhII8F/s1600/blog.onesies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaoh_n-IzbwV2bkbWh0KcEeaygtHG9Fkn1vJl-RG2qHCZ7l_5hKiHp8qHx5wTApZhKOw_YrIXc6n4t87A5tpisKD-qg6K7ztTyBPZIUQPmS6-3hbxGvQKIHhDUW7j349g8qNsrDAhhII8F/s640/blog.onesies.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Because I had already dyed the shirts, the whole project took less then 30 minutes. This is perfect when you are trying to sneak in crafts while a certain small boy is seeping.Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-56043107238270679542012-03-23T18:39:00.001-07:002012-04-26T11:11:41.250-07:00Vintage Thread Spools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Antiquing would be really fun if I had some serious funds available.
At this point though, I mostly window shop. Every once in awhile I do
find something inexpensive and fun to buy at an antique shop. Like
these wooden thread spools.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfIxw4XWFUhikSaUla6hlOXjgO2s2G0JMXh7zB9SJT-Z0477bdH9AaNFGL9K8eecCbDE6OJ0ftnhikSdqXiIfxzPl3hx60xFuz20-35tv73ZPgNV9VuDv0gEoD9LY-FnE7zlZ_pekyHAr/s1600/Vintage+Spools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXfIxw4XWFUhikSaUla6hlOXjgO2s2G0JMXh7zB9SJT-Z0477bdH9AaNFGL9K8eecCbDE6OJ0ftnhikSdqXiIfxzPl3hx60xFuz20-35tv73ZPgNV9VuDv0gEoD9LY-FnE7zlZ_pekyHAr/s400/Vintage+Spools.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My grandma recently gave me a whole bunch more that she didn't want any more (Score!). Hers actually had thread on them still. To display them I have filled several jars with the threaded spools and I also use the jars for fabric weights.</div>
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I'm keeping my eyes out for more ideas on how to display or use these great spools!</div>
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<b>And on another note... </b></div>
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If you've read our blog at all you're probably, "Really you took two months off? Where have you been?" I could go on an on about what Christina and I have been doing during this time. However, instead of boring you with the details *although we're pretty exciting :) I'll just say that we learned a lot during our month of blogging and our time off, and we're now ready to move forward with more blogging! </div>
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I am so excited for Birchwood & Almond this year! We have been experimenting with different crafting techniques and materials, and can't wait to share that with you!</div>
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<span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: large;">Elizabeth</span></div>
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</div>Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-9609683658907559692012-01-31T20:45:00.000-08:002012-01-31T20:45:24.119-08:00Here's How Much I Love You!I am blessed with amazing friends and family. Creating things for them gives me time to think of what they mean to me and how I am thankful for them. When I create something I think about the reaction they will have when they receive it, will what they have received communicate to them how much I love them. That I am thinking about them and care for them?<br />
<br />
Its a wonderful aspiration... but...<br />
<br />
A little friend of mine was about two years old, and I wanted to create something that he would enjoy and would make him think of me. I decided on a Monkey Bag in the Amy Butler book "Little Stitches for Little One's".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtW7ytt6LU37bwV1CV1yzcNd24kS-SLRQmSK6ODuLEb1papPGhmdrHz8DbT9C8w31oNcxYxpTw1nK0McVS9BpsdL2b6YHgen969_ZDT9dtPpiXtn2SYEAqHbyOQ_r9eZXyUNSVR3GXeM8/s1600/IMG_0853+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtW7ytt6LU37bwV1CV1yzcNd24kS-SLRQmSK6ODuLEb1papPGhmdrHz8DbT9C8w31oNcxYxpTw1nK0McVS9BpsdL2b6YHgen969_ZDT9dtPpiXtn2SYEAqHbyOQ_r9eZXyUNSVR3GXeM8/s400/IMG_0853+%281%29.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I couldn't believe how cute it was! And it was useful, could hold laundry or toys. Unfortunately about halfway through I realized, the boy HATES monkeys! I had definitely witnessed him acting truly terrified of them, yet here I was, making a monkey bag to hang in his room! Hey kid, want some nightmares :)<br />
<br />
But I pressed on...I was sure that because this monkey was soooo cute he would get over his monkey fear and would rip off the velcroed on monkey head and tote it all around. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWN_ODFkbXHo0wfRKZq1DeB1YNb-ECXulJLNDl-9u-p937B2XRed6Um9YE5eVqfI3aLCcmbXOvwL9rTE8NLar2L_wp1ufQZmyhl8IKlnVu7F_OCECmFFjJKkFVVT3XbPE4ppZHuVLQe6z/s1600/IMG_0856+%281%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbWN_ODFkbXHo0wfRKZq1DeB1YNb-ECXulJLNDl-9u-p937B2XRed6Um9YE5eVqfI3aLCcmbXOvwL9rTE8NLar2L_wp1ufQZmyhl8IKlnVu7F_OCECmFFjJKkFVVT3XbPE4ppZHuVLQe6z/s320/IMG_0856+%281%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was finally time to present the gift. I was pretty sure that if I presented it in the right mood and with an attitude of fun it would be happily received. What I hadn't planned on was my husband :)<br />
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The monkey bag had been opened and the recipient looked curious but so far unafraid. My husband however, never missing the chance to have a little fun, ripped off the head of the money, screamed in mock horror and tossed it at the poor kid.<br />
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The monkey bag never stood a chance...<br />
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<br />Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-54530192061006841392012-01-27T11:26:00.000-08:002012-01-27T11:26:22.958-08:00wannabe Birkin bagAbout a year and a half ago, I bought half a cow's worth of blue leather at the <a href="http://www.tandyleatherfactory.com/en-usd/home/home.aspx">Tandy Leather Factory</a> in Portland. I was inspired by <a href="http://melissaesplin.com/2009/05/diaper-wipes-case-poopy-clutch-tutorial/">this</a> tutorial for a leather diaper clutch at Melissa Esplin's blog, <a href="http://melissaesplin.com/">I Still Love You</a>. I made four different diaper clutches for various baby shower gifts
following Melissa's directions, but I only managed to take photos of the
first one. (Hopefully any additional children that we have do not
suffer the same fate.) <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n6qtVTYpHeROQDuwBN3JD6zJop7Nv6VFK-IOZHa7RYefL6o4KVsepJndjCAlFItEJv7WoX9cBcKlv9GqnTCwGRF5zZ8wThZDsrOrSAX_tkEqfoRU5FBCgtXDzEGvNBqgAlccrkNFlR8E/s1600/2012.01+%2528201%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8n6qtVTYpHeROQDuwBN3JD6zJop7Nv6VFK-IOZHa7RYefL6o4KVsepJndjCAlFItEJv7WoX9cBcKlv9GqnTCwGRF5zZ8wThZDsrOrSAX_tkEqfoRU5FBCgtXDzEGvNBqgAlccrkNFlR8E/s400/2012.01+%2528201%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love the simplicity of her design and the feminine scallops<br />
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When you purchase leather they do not sell it using the typical fabric dimensions because, well, it doesn't grow in yards. Instead (in my limited experience) they sell it by the side, and it is priced based on the size (in square feet), the quality (no holes, the dye job, etc.) and the type of leather. The leather type is determined by the tanning process but bottom line, some is thick and supple, some is thin and hard, some is shiny, some is knobbly; there is quite a variety. <br />
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If you love to look at fabric, I highly recommend stopping by a leather store sometime. I could have spent several hours there enjoying the variety of textures and colors, and the clean smell of leather. I wandered about touching everything for awhile, but I finally settled on the bin of leather priced at $2 a yard. The piece I purchased was 21 square feet, $42 total; I lucked out in finding a color that I loved for such a good price.<br />
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I made four of the little scalloped diaper clutches, and then I was ready to try something else. It only took me a year to muster up the courage to cut the leather and make something of my own design.<br />
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Guess what I made? A bag! I love purses and bags of all kinds, so this was not the most surprising development. I was inspired by the design of the Birkin bags, not because of the status symbol or the desire to be glamorous, but because of the simplicity of the style. It is a pretty straightforward design. And by that I mean square. With no zippers. And no pockets. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGsDf6DgwsJildZmAAGRATeg4uR1vtbZDkqvE6Uhqr2r91Qpbm2c2F0ZysVhPIIn_GoKU_pd-JtEIQW_mAJBO10Y7Hm815taN11OpGY1zbDSWVu2PMrZNlUjrz649momVUXrSMZG6DN38/s1600/2012.01+%2528169%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGsDf6DgwsJildZmAAGRATeg4uR1vtbZDkqvE6Uhqr2r91Qpbm2c2F0ZysVhPIIn_GoKU_pd-JtEIQW_mAJBO10Y7Hm815taN11OpGY1zbDSWVu2PMrZNlUjrz649momVUXrSMZG6DN38/s400/2012.01+%2528169%2529.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those Hermes guys have nothing to worry about though. It took me a year
to cut the leather and make a rustic version of their bag. I am not
exactly leaping into production mode.Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-4718503481748066342012-01-25T18:38:00.000-08:002012-01-25T20:44:30.378-08:00nerding out with jeweleryI'll be honest with you. I love science. Biology, chemistry, microbiology...completely fascinating! Unfortunately so many of the textbooks are as dry as the sand in Death Valley. (Although I did have a Pathogenic Microbiology text that had hints of sarcasm which always made the reading more enjoyable, but I digress.)<br />
<br />
I love any chance to nerd out a little bit, whether it is reading the comic strip <a href="http://xkcd.com/896/">XKCD</a>, making up songs about the immune system (That was for a class assignment, don't worry I am not <i>that</i> nerdy.), or making DNA earrings. One of my coworkers was moving back to Montana, and we wanted to send her off with something that would remind her of her <a href="http://www.cafepress.com/+team_awesome_dark_tshirt,40252901">Awesome</a> (and modest) coworkers.<br />
<br />
I started with <a href="http://www.indiana.edu/%7Eensiweb/connections/genetics/beadproject/tpage.html">this</a> tutorial, and <a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=161423.msg1629892#msg1629892">this</a> image.<br />
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I followed the tutorial to the letter, and my first attempt looked like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExICmyisfnJBRByj0L6gXDkbW1A9dg5pTaBJFY1k1l0QZaTqwNBoxWXd1RwhACRpVlNpAUWdVvACti1jG20Zc0Mq0hetQ6FQEFocxk_uKFvM-_iDFgY2MGxHIhYwL0j7jo4E-6lthuL0H/s1600/2012.01+%2528194%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExICmyisfnJBRByj0L6gXDkbW1A9dg5pTaBJFY1k1l0QZaTqwNBoxWXd1RwhACRpVlNpAUWdVvACti1jG20Zc0Mq0hetQ6FQEFocxk_uKFvM-_iDFgY2MGxHIhYwL0j7jo4E-6lthuL0H/s400/2012.01+%2528194%2529.JPG" width="206" /></a></div>
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It seemed a little big. For round two I modified it a bit, both simplifying the design and adding a bit of polish. I had to sacrifice the molecular accuracy, but I am pretty sure that most people don't expect their nerd-jewelery to be a perfect molecular model.<br />
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The finished product turned out like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVdC2oJq15BK3DVNmhVB6DW-seZwvXzKPYsRtskAo9_7mKQR47TMIdDrZcgAfc2Z3wcG2WMBnegvunr5ga62fm31jiG_82glsNj23-W_f4frzlHPRjwBYJMJv4oQ63Qk36zQHdaM5nyqN/s1600/2012.01+%252880%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEVdC2oJq15BK3DVNmhVB6DW-seZwvXzKPYsRtskAo9_7mKQR47TMIdDrZcgAfc2Z3wcG2WMBnegvunr5ga62fm31jiG_82glsNj23-W_f4frzlHPRjwBYJMJv4oQ63Qk36zQHdaM5nyqN/s320/2012.01+%252880%2529.JPG" width="283" /></a></div>
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I wrapped it up and it was ready to go!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvp2tuT-MD7XIQ-Imw-heNQ2QhWOIvmpmoRm8uEXJSbWZWRqIXTHvL9kbAoq-ImKFL4EO0cgjBH43yvycOL9iNiRopPLbSVAeqe-XGOR8GxE8z5z8mDqWbVniHyXfgqdZzUO8cBprX6V6/s1600/2012.01+%252887%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvp2tuT-MD7XIQ-Imw-heNQ2QhWOIvmpmoRm8uEXJSbWZWRqIXTHvL9kbAoq-ImKFL4EO0cgjBH43yvycOL9iNiRopPLbSVAeqe-XGOR8GxE8z5z8mDqWbVniHyXfgqdZzUO8cBprX6V6/s320/2012.01+%252887%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Crafting project finished! Hooray!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Now in celebration, I will sing you my immunology song. It is about the body's reaction to poison oak, entitled "A Tale of Type
IV Hypersensitivity."</div>
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I am singing it to the tune of Yankee Doodle.<br />
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One, Two.. A One, Two, Three, Four...<br />
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<div style="color: orange;">
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Penta∙deca∙chate∙chol has landed on the body</div>
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It binds up to an APC which migrates to a lymph node</div>
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This will be so sen∙si∙ti∙zing, this will be sen∙sa∙tion∙al</div>
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Once T-cells have seen the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hapten">hapten</a> they can make effectors!</div>
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Caller: Ready for Phase two!</div>
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Once again you’re in the woods enjoying a nice picnic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">
The birds are singing, sun is shining, food is now digested.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #3d85c6;">
You pick a spot to make a pit-stop; doom is lying just ahead</div>
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E∙li∙ci∙ta∙tion, here it comes; Whoops! That was Poison Ivy!</div>
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Caller: Leaves of three…let them be!</div>
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Haptens have arrived again, it’s déjà vu to T-cells.</div>
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When memory’s triggered, they come back and inflame your poor skin</div>
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Oh, you must resist the itching; scratching, scratching is not wise</div>
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It will signal there’s more danger, which makes your blisters bigger!</div>
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Caller: How much longer must we wait?!</div>
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Don’t you worry it will clear up once the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigen">antigen</a> is gone</div>
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Now just you watch out when you’re out there ‘cause haptens lurk and wait
for you!</div>
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If you meet them for a third time they will not be kind to you</div>
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So…make your skin pleased and avoid these contact sensitivities!</div>
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If you made it through that, I applaud you. Normal people tend to zone out after the first line. I hope you have a fantastic day. Later on if you find yourself thinking about your beautiful DNA, while humming Yankee Doodle...well, I am sorry. But you did choose to read the whole thing.</div>Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-36473896927323792422012-01-22T20:48:00.000-08:002012-01-23T19:56:30.295-08:00Gift Idea: Cupcake Kit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx4o5AhUFTtiCpvZeH6GXHHYTvfAnF-DSKfKfOAxryymxkVpHiDXtGIbccq8QnA7Iu-Qdwcfc2ncZ5hKge77Wk7h0Vt28pUNnp8werZzQbnDCkgZchMCAaTgwqy4zcq2ysadSPhwk8WHu/s1600/Cupcake+Photo+%25233.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBx4o5AhUFTtiCpvZeH6GXHHYTvfAnF-DSKfKfOAxryymxkVpHiDXtGIbccq8QnA7Iu-Qdwcfc2ncZ5hKge77Wk7h0Vt28pUNnp8werZzQbnDCkgZchMCAaTgwqy4zcq2ysadSPhwk8WHu/s640/Cupcake+Photo+%25233.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I <i>love</i> giving gifts! Isn't it funny then that I still haven't given Christina her birthday/Christmas presents? The explanation of course is my own personal blend of procrastination and perfectionism! I said that I would bring up the subject of perfectionism again - but, back to gift-giving... <br />
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My favorite gifts to give or receive are unexpected. That is why I am not a big fan of Christmas lists. Don't get me wrong, I do like getting what I ask for, but there is something extra special about a surprise. Whether small or big, hand-made or store-bought my favorite gifts have always been surprises. <br />
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I recently attended a friends' bridal shower. Combined with something on her registry, I hoped this Cupcake Kit that I put together was a fun surprise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs1lkoE3b3UgPEz43bqmBFSQ0lL_e-SBmknilOR-G-kQTO_qKs-ayDLtrDBXhO5VAyCa9XgOOc1CzCSEzpRUk0-9GQWuInUBCZ7PibHcujbqkdU5kUQV_EH95JREel_-3JEE-JlqEOLOD/s1600/Cupcake+Photo+%25235.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjs1lkoE3b3UgPEz43bqmBFSQ0lL_e-SBmknilOR-G-kQTO_qKs-ayDLtrDBXhO5VAyCa9XgOOc1CzCSEzpRUk0-9GQWuInUBCZ7PibHcujbqkdU5kUQV_EH95JREel_-3JEE-JlqEOLOD/s640/Cupcake+Photo+%25235.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lPuVwSPYvq-0pW88CE4kZUlATFX7z1KMeOPySonXm5cpgwiS7xi_Rw6hmJEqyjw5GUAWZGLej2CEV2giU0Y-qRYjNqTKnAa4fWDpRMe3DBLjbWsRYvVLBduJST4vaen2DHJZtVapTcR0/s1600/Cupcake+Photo+%25234.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4lPuVwSPYvq-0pW88CE4kZUlATFX7z1KMeOPySonXm5cpgwiS7xi_Rw6hmJEqyjw5GUAWZGLej2CEV2giU0Y-qRYjNqTKnAa4fWDpRMe3DBLjbWsRYvVLBduJST4vaen2DHJZtVapTcR0/s640/Cupcake+Photo+%25234.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I got the idea from a great blog the <a href="http://www.giverslog.com/" target="_blank">Giver's Log</a>. To put my kit together I bought a silver tin from a craft store along with <i>The Cupcake Deck</i> which fit great alongside a bunch of different cupcake paper liners. I also included some edible cake sparkles and fun cupcake tattoos. To dress up the silver tin I cut out some craft paper and used double-sided tape to adhere it to the lid. This could work well for a birthday, Christmas, hostess gift, or just for fun!<br />
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Here are some ideas when putting yours together:<br />
<ul>
<li>Silver Tin, Small Vintage Suitcase, Large <i>new</i> Take-out Container</li>
<li>Small Cupcake Recipe Book, Handwritten Cupcake Recipes on Cute Cards (of course!)</li>
<li>Cupcake Liners (unwrapped and stacked is fun!)</li>
<li>Sprinkles, Edible Glitter</li>
<li>Cupcake toppers</li>
<li>Any great ideas out there???</li>
</ul>
Please let us know if you have any other great ideas for gift kits! Happy Gifting!<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">ELIZABETH</span></span><br />
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<br />Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-34563780687284636482012-01-17T23:10:00.000-08:002012-01-18T23:15:38.710-08:00Beginnings are difficult…which is why I waited so long to write my first blog post. I am finally jumping in! The first project I am excited to share about is a Cozy Car Caddy. I like the idea of creating toys that are easy when you are out and about. Using a great tutorial that I found here on <a href="http://homemadebyjill.blogspot.com/2009/12/cozy-car-caddy-tutorial.html">homemadebyjill</a>, (one of our favorite blogs!), I made this car caddy with few creative touches of my own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCXoaMCfrQW6xNficJkp_AO62PG4EuG-dAJsw8e57ljw4JEFsGI7odUYCE_QO8v5WmHbRrCkrE9a4YFNolzXnswO1GgTLj4oqq6GMFgjDwDulPnAeD6R75aY3HnoAc0N-eAT9uZ4CnJZe/s1600/Cozy+Car+Caddy+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDCXoaMCfrQW6xNficJkp_AO62PG4EuG-dAJsw8e57ljw4JEFsGI7odUYCE_QO8v5WmHbRrCkrE9a4YFNolzXnswO1GgTLj4oqq6GMFgjDwDulPnAeD6R75aY3HnoAc0N-eAT9uZ4CnJZe/s640/Cozy+Car+Caddy+%25231.jpg" width="529" /> </a></div>
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I found
a super cute felt truck created by Allisa Jacobs at <a href="http://quiltish.blogspot.com/">Quiltish</a>.
Although Allisa designed the truck as an ornament, I thought it would
work great as a decoration on the front of the car caddy. I eyeballed
her design, then cut and sewed the felt together to create this<br />
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As soon as my son is old enough I will whip one up for him, with a few changes of course! I like the challenge of improving something and learning something new. A new sewing technique or working with new material. Some would call it perfectionism...is that a crime?! But we'll save that conversation for another day :)<br />
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And for a little clarification before I leave you. As some of you may have figured out, Christina is VERY modest about her own abilities, talents, and good qualities. She is a dear friend and anyone that has ever seen or received one of her projects knows how talented she is! Humble, incredibly sweet, and one of the most entertaining writers I have ever known, I look forward to sharing this blog with her and reading what are bound to be very funny and inspiring posts. <br />
<span style="background-color: #8e7cc3;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Elizabeth</span></span>Elizabeth P.http://www.blogger.com/profile/09192841871581273582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5786791696680111350.post-27622429928378524392012-01-03T09:40:00.000-08:002012-01-09T22:58:20.153-08:00about the authors...When my sister was little she was a prolific author of short stories. They were rather unremarkable stories, sometimes only two or three sentences long, but they were always followed by a long and detailed "about the author" postscript. Birchwood and Almond is intended to be a craft blog, so I feel like I am following in my 6-year-old sister's footsteps when our first post is about ourselves.<br />
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We are two friends, Christina H. (me) and Elizabeth P. (Whom I usually call Lizzie.) We met in Organic Chemistry class in school. However, we did not really get to know each other very well until 3 years later when my husband and I made our first post-college move and Lizzie and I found ourselves attending the same church. <br />
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One thing that I really admire about Lizzie is that she is a project-finisher. I, on the other hand, am a project-starter-and-sometimes-finisher. As an example, a couple of years ago, I had a grand idea that we should run a marathon together. Yippee! I bought new shoes. That was easy <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> fun! When we went on training runs together, Lizzie carried on most of the conversation, and occasionally I added a panting "Uh Huh!" or "Yup." The training runs were not so easy, but because of Lizzie they were fun. When marathon time rolled around Lizzie ran the marathon...and I cheered her on from the sidelines. (I <span style="font-style: italic;">know</span>...what a dud friend! Although in my defense, I did have poison oak and a bum knee.) The cheering was easy, but I know that the marathon was not.<br />
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Lizzie makes homemade toys and gifts for children's birthdays. She follows patterns; she tries new recipes. As a result, she is a fantastic cook and seamstress. In addition (but not necessarily related) to that, she is a wonderful friend, tender hearted, and funny as heaven. She sees projects through, which, for the author of a craft blog is a very good quality. It would not be so interesting to read a craft blog that only consisted of half-finished projects. (How would you like to try a recipe for Minestrone-Soup-but-I-got-bored-half-way-through-so-I-made-a-chicken-pot-pie-instead? No? Perhaps you might like my pattern for baby boy's pants? They only have fronts...but think how easy that will make it to change diapers!) I promise, sometimes I do finish projects. But I am not sure what strengths I bring to the table other then the ability to run off at the mouth.<br />
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But back to the "about the authors." Lizzie and I have many similarities. We went to the same University. Our fathers have the same birthday. We both married men named Jon/John in the same summer. We have sons who were born 8 days apart. We both have brown dogs. We both drive Camrys. We like camping, buying fabric, running, sewing, talking, and crafting. <br />
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In my humble opinion, I think you should read this blog. I hope it will be entertaining. Even if it is not entertaining, you might come away with some neat craft ideas, and maybe the strange desire to buy a Toyota Camry. Just in case I scared you off earlier, there will not be any patterns posted here for baby loincloths. Seriously, who needs a pattern for that? It is just a square of fabric attached to a belt!<br />
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<br />Christina Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00508853052466012277noreply@blogger.com3