Christmas is coming

Lately I have been spending a little more time on a fabulous hobby of mine, making soap. Actually it began over a year ago as making whipped body butter for my family.

During the dry winter months my little ones’ eczema gets so bad and my hands start aging before my very eyes. I had wanted to try to make my own lotion for a while and after looking around at some Kindle books on Amazon found a recipe I liked. I did not really think too much about it but we all loved how it felt and smelled, so this year as our homeschool craft fair came around my children wanted to make some more to sell. I supervised and helped them label the various tubs (we made 4 kinds) and they actually sold pretty well.

I kind of thought it would be really wonderful if one day I could bring in some money to help hubby not be so stressed since he is out of work. So naturally I asked God to take that silly thought out of my head because hubby had a perfect job opportunity. We were going through the formalities  because we all knew how perfect it was. Uh huh, you guessed it, poof that job fizzled out. Instead God put it in my heart to try making soap, so I thought well at least it will save us money and gave it a go. I ended up loving it and mentioned it to a few friends and had planned on making some nice Christmas gifts for family since we are not getting any money in. Well those few friends all wanted some and they loved them so much they wanted more so I have been pretty busy crafting soap for Christmas.

I gotta say I am in awe of how God works and while this is something so small and not ever on my radar I know he has a plan for all of us and it is always perfect! So how is God moving you this Christmas?
Mandy

Child’s Apron from an Old Towel

I had seen this idea somewhere online before and thought “Oh, that’s looks easy!”  Ummm…yeah if you have a sewing machine that is not possessed and locks up every fifth stitch for no strange reason. I did finally finish my project tonight however and have decided to post pictures so you can try this easy-peasey project for your little one.

Materials:

1 Hand towel or terry cloth material about 16 in X 24 in

1 piece of 10in X 7in

2 yards of double fold bias tape

Quick Instructions:

• First measure your child against one short end of the towel and pin where you would like the ties to be placed for the neck.
  
• Next measure and pin the long sides where you would like the ties to be at the waist.

Not measured here, just illustrating where to pin and cut.

• Now take your towel and lay face down on your table. Fold each top corner in toward the center from the pinned top and side this will be your 1/4 inch hem on each side. after sewing trim the extra off.
  
• To make the pockets sew your coordinating material with a 1/4in hem all the around, or if you want to save some time sew the long edge that will be the top off the pocket with a 1/4in hem, fold and press the other 3 sides with 1/4in under, center on towel and sew around two sides and the bottom making sure to catch the hem in your stitches. Sewing a straight line down the middle of your pocket will give you 2 pockets.

• Cut the bias tape into 4 pieces at the length you would like for your ties adding 1 in to each piece. You will turn in the each end of each piece of bias tape 1/4in and sew to give a clean edge to each.
  
• Pin your ties to the top and sides 1/2in in from the edge of your towel and sew a square at the end of the tape to attach your ties.

I would suggest stopping and measuring on your child as often as you need to to ensure fit.

Enjoy your new little one’s joy as they help out around the home in their new apron.

I would love to see your finished aprons!

Mandy

Elmer’s and Xacto-BZZ Agent Review

A few month’s ago I signed up to be a Buzz Agent. It’s basically a word of mouth campaign for various products. I have been using the newest kit set to me, which includes the Elmer’s and Xacto products pictured below.
It really is no surprise that this crafty momma loved doing this Buzz Campaign. I think my favorite item was the corner punch, so smooth and easy for even my kiddos to use. I also really like the Craft Bond Glue Pen. Only the right amount right where you want it. Working with my boys to make birthday cards this worked out so well.

Pay It Forward: First Five Commenter's Win!

 

Sister Tipster has posted a cool new giveaway on her blog. I love scrapbooking, crafting anything, and art so this is really my cup of tea!!! Basically it is a crafting pay it forward. Just by being one of the first 5 commenter's you win. There are just a few rules:

1. Blog about this giveaway and link back to me.

2. Post your own giveaway from something you have crafted (or make something special just for the giveaway).

3. Create your gift and mail it to your first five comment leaver’s who follow these same rules :)

Now I just have to decide what I’d like to make and giveaway. It’s a make & give instead of a make & take, haha. Enjoy the gift of giving!