Warm All Over

This is my latest "big" project, nearly finished, just need to add the fringe.

This pattern is from a book called,"Blue Ribbon Afghans", and it has to be the quickest, easiest, no think'um afghan I have ever made.

"Lucky" You

Here's a fun, easy to make gift idea. I used the "Lucky Penny Holder" pattern with a larger hook, and made a Lucky Quarter Holder with a quarter minted in the birth year of the recipient. Once completed, it can be added to a chain, worn with a pin back, or add a magnet. It makes a nice keepsake, and a great stocking stuffer.

"Clean Up" for the Holidays

I just have to turn you on to the cutest craft EVER! Look at this adorable "Snow Globe Soap". So cute, so clever, and unbelievably easy to make. Click on over to AlphaMom for a wonderful tutorial for making these totally fun stocking stuffers.

Holiday Pinwheelin'

Here's some quick and easy holiday fun! Use up your holiday fabric scraps whipping up this pinwheel hair barrette. Click on over to Little Jenny Wren to find a picture tutorial for making this totally cute craft. In the tutorial these are added to a bobby pin, I put mine on a snap clip. Either way, you'll love the look.

Krazy Kanzashi

I was surfing the web for new ideas, when I came across several sites with posts about Kanzashi Flower hair accessories. Well, after several bad attempts, I finally managed to make this cute holiday barrette. Honestly, it was tedious, aggravating, and nowhere near as easy as those sites try to make you believe. In the end, I love it! If you want to try it for yourself, just search "Kanzashi tutorial", and you will have a plethora of sites to teach you how.

Gift Card Ornament

Everybody has somebody on their gift list to whom you plan to give a gift card. Why not make something to make the card a little more special? This pattern was in the Fall edition of Scrollworks magazine, and I just love it. A ribbon is threaded through a hole in the top that holds the card inside, plus you can add a hook and hang it on the tree until the big day.

I cheated, a little, because I am really bad at tying bows, and used a pre-made bow on wire. I just threaded the wire through the hole and twisted it on the other side to hold it. Then, if I want to hang it, I can attach the hook to the wire.

"Pin" Me

	I love taking a project and changing it into something else. This pin is one of my favorite examples of that. Originally, I showed you how to make the "JOY" ornament. Then, I miniaturized it and made it into a pin. I think this is a great gift for teachers, co-workers, friends...and don't forget to make one for yourself. PLUS, this project is so easy, the kids can make them, too.
What you need: 1 red pipe cleaner 1 green pipe cleaner 1 1" plastic ring 1 pin back small red bow hot glue gun
	Start by wrapping the green pipe cleaner around the plastic ring. When completely wrapped, adjust to make sure there are no gaps.
Use the red pipe cleaner to form a "J" and a "Y", making sure to adjust the size to match the ring.
Now use hot glue to attach letters to each side of the ring, and add your bow. Hot glue your pin back, watch your placement so it doesn't show from the front. Voila!! A crafty holiday pin!

Mice In Multiples

	For the past few days, I have been in mass production mode. Every year my oldest daughter likes to craft a little something for her co-workers. This year, however, her schedule is so full between college and work, I volunteered.
	I just love these candy cane ornaments. They are quick, easy, and always bring a smile to the recipient's face. HERE is just one of the many places where you can find instructions for how to make them. These adorable mice make great gifts for just about anyone, hang on the tree, attach to packages, and more!

A "JOY" To Make

	Here's a fun, fairly easy to make felt holiday ornament. You can adjust the size, vary the embellishments, add glitter...what ever you like.
WHAT YOU NEED: 1 sheet green felt 1 sheet red felt wooden curtain ring tacky glue sewing supplies embellishments
	Cut 3 pieces of green felt, 1-1/2" wide and the length of the sheet. Fold each strip in half and sew, or glue together, along unfolded edge. Then make 1/2" cuts every 1/8" along folded edge. (See pic.)
Glue one end of a strip to the ring and begin wrapping, hiding glued edge under cut edge as you go around. Continue with more strips until entire ring is fully covered.
	Now, cut two J's and Y's from red felt. Sew around outer edge, and lightly stuff both letters.
Finally, glue each letter to sides of ring and add your chosen embellishments.

I think this is a really adorable ornament. Very easy, and sure to be a big hit.

Send A Little Love

Thanks to One Pretty Thing, I learned about a site called, My Baby's Bling, which is owned by Chanda Brady and is dedicated to helping preemie babies and their families feel that someone cares, and give them a little bit extra love.

I would love for my reader's to take just a few minutes and whip up a few of these absolutely adorable baby eye masks to help babies who are in NICU. Click on over and read Chanda's story, get the pattern, and then send a little home-made love to help with her cause.

Then, enlarge the pattern and make a few for the day-sleepers on your holiday list. Maybe, even, one for yourself, for those occasional stolen afternoon naps.