Fantastic giveaway over at retro mummy....

I've entered a FANTASTIC giveaway and encourage you to as well.... It's being hosted by Corrie of retro mummy.... She's a lovely lady from Australia who is happily married and has 4 children under the age of 5! You can read about her, her family and check out her wonderful crafts on her blog, retro mummy....

Corrie is giving away 20 fat quarters! This is an AMAZING winning opportunity! I could make soooo many pretty little things, the possibilities are endless!

Doesn't this look as yummy as a bowl full of candy?! Check her out!

Happy sunday all ;)

Christmas wishes....

I've never been one to ask for or expect lavish gifts.... I'm happy with whatever comes my way (or doesn't, for that matter).... and so this year my wishes are simple and heartfelt....

I wish for my children to have the happiest Christmas ever....

I wish for my husband to know that we understand his job sometimes keeps him from us on special calendar days; but to know that they are just days , and that we can make any day special as long as we're together....

I wish for my family and friends to enjoy love and happiness in their lives this holiday season, and always....

And, my number one wish this year.... for my girl, Becky.... you deserve to have the weight lifted off of your strong and tired shoulders.... I wish for your happiness, to hear your laughter, and more than anything.... the cure.... xo ;)

picture courtesy of microsoft office

Holiday tutorial links - ENJOY!

Ok people.... here are a few links to get you in the festive mood... try one or more for yourself and lets see what we end up with....

Here's a FANTASTIC tutorial for Christmas Crackers by Rachel of PaperCraftsByRach. I'm very sure you'll be able to pick up the cracker snaps at Michael's Craft Store here in Canada... or even Wally-Mart.... I will be trying this myself....


beautiful photo courtesy of Rachel at PaperCraftsByRach....

This is an AMAZING tutorial for some really cool glass hanging tree ornaments over at Pridestampers blog.... this has made it to my "to-do" list for next year....


happy snowman picture courtesy of Pridestampers blog....

Here's a SUPER EASY tree skirt tutorial over at Chickpea Sewing Studio, that can be easily embellished in any way you want.... the wonder of felt is that it doesn't require hemming; just cut and sew (or glue, if you're so inclined.... a-hem, you know I'm talking to you T, lol!).... also, the beautiful thing is that you can buy yards of extra wide felt so your tree skirt can be very large for even greater holiday impact....


picture courtesy of Chickpea Sewing Studio....

And... to TOP it off.... Kristen over at Kristen's Creations has a really POUFFY tutorial for a non-traditional bow tree topper....check this out!


photo courtesy of Kristen's Creations....

Just four ideas to share today.... these are some really simple projects for any crafty skill level.... I always feel better at Christmas knowing that we've created something with our own hands to hang or display or gift.... it really seems to be a holiday tradition that gets lost in the commercialism of the season.... lets bring back a little handmade Christmas, you'll be proud of what you've made and I guarantee it'll make you see the season in a whole new light....

More to come.... is there anything else you might like to see me post for the holidays? Leave me a comment or drop me an e-mail.... I'll see what I can do.... Have a wonderful day friends ;)

**EDIT** Just a little note to remind everyone, that if you click on the highlighted words throughout the blog posts, you will be directed to the links and their respective pages/posts.... so sorry if I didn't clarify this sooner, some of you have asked how to get to the links.... so here you have it! Happy linking :D

Christmas sewing....

It's here!!!! It's December, and I'm sure you're all feeling the crunch too.... trying to get to your last minute stops, thinking of all of those presents that need wrapping, making sure you haven't forgotten anyone.... sound about right?

This year, true to my word, I have NOT gotten carried away with the gifting.... in a bid to keep things a little less commercial, I've made some presents for the kids, and limited what we did purchase. It's not about the presents, right? Something I've been drilling into my guys (and gal's) heads since they were just little monkey-bubs.... I know they still only see it as a get-a-gift holiday, I'm not that naive to believe that my valiant efforts are actually being heeded at this point in their young lives.... but, no harm in starting early with teaching the real meaning of the season.... right?

Aaaanyway.... I always buy jammies for the monkeys for Christmas; I know, I know, every kids dream gift.... but, a necessity nonetheless.... Well, while perusing the fabric store, I came across some fun-fun-fun flannel fabric (ha! an alliteration!) that I thought all of my bubs would love.... so out came the sewing machine, and 2 sleep pants, 2 sleep shorts and 1 jammie set later....

Here's the girl-babes set. I love these two prints together, they're so sweet and not so overly in-your-face-I'm-a-girl....


I followed this tutorial from Habitual for the top and just used a pair of sleep pants we had for the bottoms.... easy peasy weezy!

I will not be showing the boy pants and shorts as there are usually 2 sets of spying-prying eyes lurking around the house at any given moment....

I still have a few more things to whip up.... or not.... that still remains to be seen....

Have a fantastically fun flurry filled day.... Ha! another alliteration! I know, Mr. Monkey tells me all. the. time. that I'm a word-nerd.... I don't care, without words we'd all be pretty boring....

great day all ;)

Girl's night fun....

Last night I attended a little crafty night, held at my good friend Becky's house... we made these little beauties....


These are the four cards that I made. I'd give credit to the teacher; unfortunately, I arrived a little late.... not my fault, there was a dog outside near where I parked that was growling and barking at me, I had to return to the safety of my car and find a parking spot somewhere away from the mean ol' doggie.... Aaaaanyway, I was late and didn't catch the name of the girl who was instructing us.... but she was great, and I'm truly amazed that she didn't clobber me because I'm sure my slowness and questions were annoying, to say the least....

It was lots of fun.... I'd never tried card-making before last night.... and have to say, I. LOVE. IT. When I got home and showed Mr. Monkey, he was impressed but very quick to add that I didn't need a new craft. He's right, I know, but I enjoyed it sooo much.... I just may be able to sneak some little crafty card-making into my crafty repertoire without him really noticing.... is that wrong?

These cards were made with Stampin' Up products, you can check them out here, and tell me if you could resist getting hooked too....

Special thanks to Becky for hosting.... I love you lady and with everything you've been dealt and are still being dealt, you are an ever gracious hostess.... I have nothing but admiration for you sweetie, xxoo....

Have a great day all ;)