Christmas Crafting

Not all of my Christmas crafting has to be kept in secret.

My SIL doesn't generally read my blog, so I feel safe in showing what I made for her.



Here is another fun look at some of the magnets. I really am having a lot of fun making these and choosing images for various family and friends.



Lastly, instead of wrapping my gifts this year I have made reusable cloth gift bags.



In addition to the "green" aspect, there is a great functional benefit. I have never been able to wrap my presents prior to flying. TSA looks down on that I guess. Well, if they see something they want to take a look at in my gift luggage, they can just open up my gift bags and peek inside. I don't have to rush to wrap all my gifts last minute.



Lest you think this seems like an awful lot of work- let me assure you that this is not the kind of sewing that would make your Grandma proud. I rip the fabric to the appropriate size, fold it in half, a seam up each side. Next, a quick "auto" button hole, then fold down the top and seam the casing closed.



It actually takes me the same time to sew one of these up as it takes to wrap a present. The plan (or hope) is that after doing this for a couple of years I will have enough bags in the appropriate sizes that there will be limited additional bag "wrapping".

Yes, Yes, I'm Still Here

I know I haven't been around a lot as of late. I somehow have three months worth of things that I need to get done (wonder how that happened?)

I can't post knitting because I am working exclusively on a Christmas present. I thought I would show you another project that I have been working on, and having a lot of fun with.


I got this idea from my friend Jessica's blog.



They are magnets, I just love looking at them all in a bunch like that. It reminds me of the symphony warming up- just random snipits of loveliness mingled together.



And as, always, I am being entertained by Little Sir.

A few days ago I was making breakfast and while I had my back turned to him he started laughing hysterically. I turned around and this is what I see. . .

"Look what I found Mama!"


"I'm big and can make my own breakfast!"


Yes, my funny little boy, that is a real life lesson in bitterness.

I've Survived

I've made it through another quarter. I do have one last thing to do, but I will take care of it on Monday and it shouldn't take more than an hour or so.

As a reward I went with some friends to the Phinney Ridge Craft Fair and the Urban Craft Uprising this weekend. It was a fantastic day. I obviously can't show you what I bought, as my acquisitions were gifts, but I CAN share with you a few things that I would have like to have bought, but didn't.

In no particular order, here are are few of the fabulous things I saw.


Sprout Jewlery Interesting and modern jewelry that is unique without being over-the-top.


eight3one I've loved these adorable designs for a while now. "W" was the recipient of the Beetle.


Steel Toe Studios I didn't draw PBTB, my brother-in-law this year for Christmas, but if I had, one of these would have been a great gift.


LuCoo Serious cuteness. I would just love to see Little Sir walking (yes walking!) around with this dude on his chest.


Orange Peel Enamel There isn't a lot in her Etsy shop right now because she has items taken down for the craft shows she is doing, so check out her previous sales to get an good look at this beautiful jewelry-art.


Go Robot I had a hard time choosing just one item to feature here. Unusual and interesting stuff.

There were so many others, we were so captivated that we forgot to eat! Be sure to check out the vendor list from Urban Craft Uprising for other great indie crafters.