Making Christmas Ornaments & A Confession

Paint Stick ornaments.. These were so fun and easy
to make. Last year, I found these on this blog.
http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/11/printable-paintstick-ornaments-tutorial.html?m=1
She  made these free printables to use. And her instructions
are  so easy to follow..  
Keep reading my confession will follow in the end. smile

 I love the  truck/car and Christmas tree stuff. Carolyn at :
http://ourgildedabode.blogspot.com/2016/12/2016-christmas-decor.html

Carolyn, made some of these  mason jar ring ornaments , 
using  paper  from Hobby Lobby.. They were so cute.. I am
not finished with these..[waiting on it to warm up, so 
I can paint my jar rings. eeeeeh]. I also decided to  do
a paint stick one too. Fun and Cute.
ps. Thank you Carolyn for  reminding me  where to find
the  instructions for the paint stick ornaments..  You are 
where I first saw the ornaments.. They were so pretty on
your tree.

Confession time...
In Early December- 2015, I saw these adorable paint stick
ornaments.. I rushed out to Lowes to  buy the sticks and paint
to make them. Came home , was oh so sweet to hubby.. 
and got him to cut the sticks and drill holes in them.. He
got them done really quick [see, he knew I was in a hurry.
 So, I could get them on the tree...Welllllllll.. I procrastinated.
 I painted them. [the first step for me, Kenny had done the
other steps.]  I put them in a basket, out of sight and out
of mind.. Forgot them......... oh no. 
 I pulled them out , determined to  finish them up in 2017..
I couldn't find the blog  of the lady  who gave the 
instructions.. [I had forgotten that Carolyn made them? --
old age for sure].   Then Carolyn emailed me with the blog
sight... [she is so sweet].
And i finally finished them... [A little too late for Christmas
2016...--- But you be looking for them to be shining
on my 2017 Christmas tree..

My prayer is that you all have a very blessed and Merry
Christmas..

Christmas Decor 2016

           It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas at our
                     Little House.... Thought I would share a few
                      snapshots with you.
              NOTE: Click on photo, to see larger view of photos.
    

Red cabinet in Dining Room/Kitchen

Little bench with pillow and Christmas reading
materials.  See the cute  little train set under
the bench..Kenny bought this for me at a flea
market years ago.. Even though, it is mostly 
blue, it  hangs with all the red.. ha

Kitchen Table
I had this wooden box, [picked up at Dirt Cheap,
for 25 cents]. I added some small ornaments and
pine cones. The place mats and candles were all
from last year.

Can you tell , I  REALLY like  the  red truck or car
with the Christmas tree atop it..  Can't resist buying
them, when I see it , in whatever form. The scent
warmer was a wal mart find this year.

Christmas tree...not a good photo, the light
was not right.. Will try to get a better one later.

Kitchen--  the little wall cut out shelving
unit.... All decked for Christmas.

Red cabinet in hallway..

Arched entry way in living room!
Old world santa is sitting on the post, just
a watching to see if your naughty or nice?

You GOTTA  believe in Santa...

I will share the outside decorating soon.
Hope you and your family are enjoying  the
pre-Christmas  fun.. Lots of  goodies [don't
worry about the calories...that will come in
January.smile], Hot Chocolate,  Christmas movies.
and
I know , you want to know? Is Judy using her
early Christmas present [the mixer]. Yes!!!
it is wonderful and TOO many sweets are entering
our  little kitchen..

Santa Claus Made an Early Visit

              Santa Claus  [aka  Kenny]  Came Early

 I have been using a  cheap hand mixer for years... [had a cheap 
stand mixer years ago, but when it died, I never replaced it. Just
used the cheap hand mixer..

 I have been admiring the  Kitchen aid Artisian mixer , for awhile..
  All the pretty colors they come in.. OH my!!!   And of course, 
 the red one .. caught my eye for sure.

Santa decided it was time to  visit... He reasoned that , with all the
Christmas baking I was planning on doing.... He would visit early
and help me out.. now......... wasn't that a sweet Santa..

My new mixer.. I love it.. Cooking and Preparations
for Christmas are under way!!!

PS... Christmas decorations are done.. Will be sharing soon.
Hope you and your family have a blessed and wonderful
Christmas.

I Have a New Cake Plate.. -hints of Fall Decorating is coming!!

 My new Cake Plate..

Remember when , I posted that I wanted a glass
dome cake plate.. I found one on Martha Stewart's
web sight. It was scalloped  [like this one] and had
a clear glass dome.. Well...... Her  cake plate,
was ceramic, and very beautiful, but it also had
a hefty price tag..  I kept looking at thrift stores,
but never found one.. I was at Hobby Lobby last
week.. I found this pretty cake plate.. [It  does not
have a ceramic base, it is metal] . However, the
 price tag was wonderful.. It was $44.95 and
had a 50% off sale.. So my cakeplate
was only $22.50
Read here , about my cake plate wanted plate post.
http://sewblessedmaw.blogspot.com/2016/01/glass-cake-stand-i-want-one.html

Fall is in the air.. Here is a hint of some fall
decor going on at my house.. Will post soon.

Also... I finished the  little dresses for Emily's
 mission for  needed children in USA.. Just
need to get some photos.

Our Life Has Changed.... Sorry for my Lack of Post

We have moved into our "New" old house. We are getting
settled.  There is still lots to get done, such as --- waiting on
the carport  to be brought out [nope , the old house does
not have an attached carport, and I REALLY miss this].
Waiting on the storm shelter to be put in.. 

We moved into a smaller house [2 bedroom].. So . fitting 
everything , has been a challenge. We bought a storage 
unit, so this past week, we took LOTS of stuff , and put
in there..Such as, seasonal clothes,  holiday stuff,etc..This
really helped.

We have been working on the  house for a year . We still need
to finish the new siding on the outside [parts of it or done]. Need
new windows .. All  of this will get done eventually, as 
time permits.

I have done very little sewing. But, hope to get back to it, 
real soon. I did make my grandaughters   a few summer
skirts..[will post photos of them soon]

I will be posting rooms in the house, and show you some
before and after9s..

Hope you all have been doing well.. Missed you.. So sorry, 
I  did not post for such a lengthy time.  Hope your
having a nice summer.

Christmas Tour Part 2

Entry way - view from the kitchen

Entry Way View from the living room

Coffee Table... Wonder who hung them
candy canes on the hurricane lamp?
I bet Judy did, so she can sneak one occasionally.
[it use to be full.lol]

Ceramic plate/platter... my newest find...
from Hobby Lobby..It was 50% off. I just
love it.

Nativity scene and the candy cane story
on my other end table. The house is
smelling alot like Chrismas with the cinnamon
 candle holder burning.

One of my favorite little stools.
Love the plaid pillow.. Made this
pillow cover [just like the  Thanksgiving
one]. and put it on the pillow that
was stuffed with  plastic bags..
The Christmas car/tree print was a free
printable buy Craftberry Bush blog/Lucy.
thank you Lucy. I had an old  picture
frame that I painted .. So a free Christmas item.

I love, love this wood sign.. I found this at
Morning Tuesday. thank you Lisa , for
telling me about this fun store.

Hope you and your family are having a good
time making preparations for Christmas.. May
we all remember what a wonderful Saviour
we have.. And the true meaning of Christmas..

Christmas House Tour... Part 1

Christmas Tree is up... My cabinet is
all filled with my collection of Christmas
music boxes.. A special time for me , to listen and look at them and  remember who gave them to me, And remember the Reason for the Season..Jesus!!!!!!!!! The nativity one on top, was
given to me by my son , 20 yrs ago. It plays
about 10 songs and the  people & animals  go
around and look at Baby Jesus. Beautiful.

Table in its Festive   Time.

This beautiful  Santa Claus Tray,  was
given to me by my daughter, several years
ago.

Ginger bread houses [boxes with tops, from
Dollar Tree]

Christmas Pillows..
I made these from a fabric by Susan Winget.
 I love all the things with the truck/car  loaded
with the Christmas tree..[Which I discovered from Lisa.
Thank you Lisa.].

              Check out her blog.. She has some really cute ideas.

                  http://texasdecor.blogspot.com/2015/11/more-christmas-bargains.html

Table... I added  the little candy cane bucket , full
of candy canes.. [Things are subject to change, I think
it is on a china cabinet now.ha]

Please come by and visit , I will be sharing more  Christmas decorating.  I will be doing a swag for my entry way.
I am working on a Christmas bathroom..........hummmmmm...
wonder will it happen , before Christmas????lol

Pray each of you are having a wonderful week, and enjoying\
the prep work of Christmas.. And most of all remembering
Our Wonderful Lord  on this special Holiday.

Making a Fall Pillow Insert & Pillow Cover Tutorial

Finished Pillow.. So easy
Supplies  used---
Pumpkin ribbon [choose any fall ribbon you like]
Black gingham check from stash [ 1 yard]
 Walmart plastic bags [free] for stuffing.

 I wanted to  make a  pillow insert for a  small pillow,
I made this one 10 in x 10 in. First, I made my pillow
Cover. I cut a long strip  of the gingham fabric that would
go around the pillow and lap over 3-4 inches.I marked
my center and pinned [and then sewed] my pumpkin
ribbon  on.  I hemmed the ends of the  pillow cover. I then,
folded it over the width I needed for my 10 x 10 in pillow
form. [This will be inside out at this time]. I sewed the bottom
and top  all way across. Turned the pillow cover right side
out.  TA-DA----it is finished.

The pillow insert  . I cut  two  10  1/2 in squares .
Sewed all way around it, leaving a space open to
insert my plastic bags. Turn right side out. Iron.
 

Keep stuffing the pillow form , until it gets as firm
as you like it. Ladies, I saw this idea on a blog  last year,
sorry I can't remember who to give credit to.
It took quiet a few bags.. but this worked really well.
I used a needle and thread  and stitched it closed.

NOTE:  I intend to  use the black white  pillow insert
for Christmas also.. All, I will have  to make is the
Envelope pillow cover  with a Christmas ribbon..

Super easy project and fun..

January Garments Finished for my Garment of the month Challenge

Navy Wrap Skirt /Polka Dot Blouse

Polk Dot Blouse
I decided to make the blouse short sleeve, so
I would be able to wear it , during the spring
also. But for now, the red sweater was just
perfect!
[sorry the top is wrinkled, I had worn it
to church and just pulled it off] I  didn't get
a photo of it ,while I had it on.. And wanted you
to see it too..

This is a really comfortable set. I love the top,
 The little button at the top, the
 neck opening,
just all of it. I already have  blouse #2 cut out,
and ready to sew.
It sure is nice to have my January Garments finished.
Now, I  will be able to plan for Feb.'s garment..
Or---Just sew another garment..
Happy sewing to all.

Fall Is In The Air- Craft a Pumpkin with what you Have

Fall is here. Leaves are falling. The air is cool an crisp!
 I  looked at my door, and thought, I need some fall
decor.. Nothing says fall,   like pumpkins!!
[and the blue wreath on the door , did not say fall]

But,
I had no pumpkin,  and honestly, I didn't want
to cut up that messy thing just for this.
So,
I looked around ,and found one of the $1 plastic
pumpkins from the Dollar tree. It has a smiley face.
Oh well. It will be facing the wall, No one will
know but me [and now you!]
 I found some ribbons and hot glued them
around the pumpkin. Added some ribbon on
the handle. Some bows on the side.
Added a few artificial flowers and now
I have a  nice pumpkin to greet my visitors!!

 My  pumpkin sits atop an old candy barrel
that I got at an old country store years ago
and painted country red.

I think my pumpkin made my blue wreath
look kinda fallish too.

Blythe Middie Dolls & Upcoming Doll Room

Blythe Middie  Dolls
Traveled from Hong Kong

Blythe Dolls-Middie's
New Doll Room [In the making]

Miss Blythe needs a pretty /dainty dress!!
Wow...what a tiny pattern, I am drafting!!

Close up

 The Blythe dolls came out in the 60's & 70'S.. The original
ones are very popular  at the moment. The littlest pet
shop came up with some small [4-5 in] ones, in
their play sets. I couldn't find one, so  I searched
ebay and these sweet girls arrived at my house  , all
the way from Hong Kong.

Callie[11 yr old granddaughter] was visiting, when I found these.
She is totally excited about "our  dolls".  We both decided
they need a home, of their own.. I just happened to
have this little curio shelf . So, we are going to paint,
wall paper, add décor and a new home for our girls.
[Just waiting on  my helper to come}. Now, While
waiting on  her, I decided I wanted them to have some
long pretty dresses/hair bows, accessories, etc.. SO,
 I set out to cut a pattern [now, this is a tiny pattern].
 Stay tuned.. for  the Blythe Girls new house and Clothes.

Please check out Shelly's blog
http://shelleysvintagevariety.blogspot.com/2013/03/fun-saturday-post.html
She is the one who told me about the Blythe Middie dolls from
Littlest pet shop.. Thank you Shelly.

Collections..Madame Alexander Dolls

Tiny Madame Alexander Dolls
[Mcdonalds Toys]

Do you ever wonder about the friends you make on blogs? What are
they really like? What do they enjoy doing,other than sewing/crafting?

I was dusting today and  decided to take a quick photo of my dolls.. Now,
you didn't know that this "old Girl"  likes dolls, Did you?

 Over the past few years, Mcdonalds will put out a collection of
Madame Alexander dolls in their happy meals. When I saw my grandkids
playing with them, I just fell in love with them.. They are sooo cute.I
started saving them every time ,they came out. Soon, I had so
many, I had to buy a curio cabinet to hold them..ha

This is just a little of what I collect. I will share more on another day..

Crafting With Callie- Making Keepsake Box

Making  box out of popsickle sticks
[it is about 3-4 inches deep]

The box has dried, and has been painted. Now.
getting ready to modpodge some scrapbooking
paper to the inside.[Doesn't she look very intent
on this job?]

She added beads, sequins and lots of  decorations.
And LOTS of decorations.

Callie..happy with her finished peice.

Of course...after finishing the keepsake box, she had to make
her a necklace out of the left over beads.

Callie, sent me a letter [a real letter in the mail], a couple
weeks ago. I was so shocked to get it.. And really shocked
that she kept the secret , until the mail arrived to deliver it.,ha
She told me, she had found alot of beads and sequins and
that she and I ought to get together and  make something.
She just couldn't think of anything, we could do with
the stuff.. Well, Saturday ,she came and spent the night
with us. And we had so much fun crafting. Such wonderful
memories. [And yes Papa and I , are both missing her today!!]

Thrift Store Finds. Januaray 2013

Fabric -  Even though I know, I don't need to buy fabric..I need
to de-stash.. Girls , this was  a total of 10 yards for $2.00. Cute
prints for the grandkids.

Beautiful milk glass pitcher and plate on left [Already had the bigger
one on the right, found it at the same thrift store]. Aren't they pretty
together? Love this find.

Cute little pictcher.. Just loved the colors in this one..

Fun /sunny but cold day thrifting..1/2013.