Welcome!

Welcome from my new home! I'm looking forward to a new year, a new blog, and many new experiences.

This week I moved back into my parents house. My landlord's other home sold faster than we expected; but I was able to just move home. I think it's going to be good for us all. I learned a lot in those two months. A lot about life and also about myself.

This moving process, however, has revealed something that I'm not OK with. I don't know how I did it, but in 2 months I acquired more stuff than I left with. The amount of meaningless junk I packed into my car is horrifying, Moving all of my clothes twice has shocked my system into a major purge. It is a cut-throat process and nothing is safe!

All of my craft supplies are going to be cut in half. - I just decided that right now, I hope I can stick with it. - And I may, may get rid of some books.

Stay tuned for the embarrassing photographic proof.

Christmas Trees!

I happened to have yards and yards of this mossy green felt.

 

What would you do with this? It has served in some projects, (the back of my fabric flowers, for example) but really? This much green felt is almost impossible to get rid of.

Until I found this pattern and knew I would be making a forest of tiny Christmas trees.

My trees don't look as cute as the colorful ones on Allsorts, but I still love how wonky and "Island of Misfit Toys"-esque they are! They are super easy and take less than a movie to finish, which is great for unwinding and being creative for awhile. I can't wait to use up all my felt and make some for friends and family. I may even need a big one. ;)

Also, I have a fun new photo app on my phone. :)

Over Medium

My brain is pretty fried: which is why I haven't finished a book, creative project, or a complete sentence in awhile.

This week we had a conference at work (which was amazing, God is always faithful) for 3 days, immediately followed by 2 back-to-back meetings, and then staff meeting the next morning. I usually like meetings: I think it's fun, interesting, and insightful to be part of a church staff and learn the behind-the-scenes stuff that goes on to make "church" happen. But I was pretty done this week. :)

My best friend's birthday was Wednesday, so we were given permission to miss youth group and we went out to celebrate! And then we went home early yesterday. I'm making up for it by working today, but seeing as how I fell asleep last night at 6 (woke up at 7 for dinner) and then again at 8, it was totally necessary!

Crochet update:
I haven't ventured past washcloths yet. I like how quick and easy they are to finish and they are great to add to a gift, so having a stack to choose from is convenient.

Here is the most recent one I've finished (which was last week). My sister actually started it while she was visiting and taught me the stitches she used. I finished it when she left. If you look at it in real life, you can almost see the exact row we switched; my stitches are a little too tight and lean a lot more than hers. :)

Crafty Christmas

I've developed a new crafty streak (it's in my blood, I think) and have found that doing crafts really fills up my tank. So, I've been exploring all kinds of crafts and crafty things I can do.

I got a sewing machine this year and am teaching myself how to use it. ;) So, I decided that my Christmas presents to my neighborhood friends would be as close to handmade as possible. So without any delay...here are my creations!

These are kitchen towels that I appliqued (using my sewing machine, which was faster, but very difficult to control!). Each couple will recieve a set of two (they are paired accordingly in the photo).

This next item is a desk calendar that I purchased from littlebrownpen on Etsy. It is super cute and I love it! (visit Etsy.com for many handmade wonders!)

I also found directions for this paper snowflake from Wikihow, and it turned out really festive. I'll use them as decorations on the wrapping.

And here are some photos of the final creations. The gift tags also came from littlebrownpen on Etsy. And the ribbon and tissue paper was on sale!! :)

(do you see little Banjo at the door? so cute!)

(do you also see the Snowflake scheme??)

So, there you have it. I'll be delivering these gifts today since we'll be leaving tomorrow for California.