Reversible apron

I've had this made for ages ever since I went through my crazy for aprons phase. I had made some for Mystic Paper and some as gifts but I kept this one. It is reversible as you can see in the pics and the bottom section is a pocket divided into sections as well. I love it! I will be making a slightly longer version soon and will post a tutorial and pattern. Hopefully I will get it done soon!

Valentine Candy Dish Spoolie

Newest creation! This is a candy "dish" I made out of an empty cardboard ribbon spool. I will post a complete tutorial in the morning. Check back!

Housework burn out!

Okay, so I normally complain that with working I don't have enough time to get all my housework done. Well guess what I am in "let's take a nap" mode already. It could be because I had no sleep last night. One of my dogs was having nightmares and kept waking up yelping and barking. Well he shares his kennel with out other dog Peter who was terrified that he was going to be eaten at any moment. He's just a little dachsund so I don't blame him. So we took him into our room and then Clayton (my son) woke up and then I had to get up at 5:15 to get my older son up and take him to school early for basketball practice. Never the less I did get a lot accomplished already but I am tired now and I don't feel terribly motivated. However the Christmas tree and other decorations are not going to put themselves away and I am so sick of looking at them! Bah Humbug! I've already moved on to Valentine's Day!

Ribbon holder

I have been working like mad to organize my craft room. I have had this ribbon holder on my "to do" list for a while. I love the way it is so easily organizes my ribbon and creates some wall interest at the same time. I simply took a wooden frame and measured the space inside. My frame happened to be 19 1/2 by 15 1/2. I simply measured the diameter of some of my larger spools of ribbon to determine how much clearance each of the wood dowels would need. I needed to space my dowels 4 inches apart. I measured and marked my frame off accordingly. I allowed a top and bottom margin and then marked off every four inches on both sides of the frame. Then I drilled a hole on each of those points and screwed in the hooks. These are just mug hooks with a threaded screw type end. Then I measured and cut down my dowels to fit in the hooks. Lastly I added my ribbon. The dowels easily pull out of the hooks but are still secure even when they are full of ribbon spools. Once I get this room painted I may repaint the frame and dowels but until then it serves its purpose.

Merry Christmas!

My work here is done! It's Christmas Eve, very late and I have wrapped the last present and put it under the tree. I wanted to take a picture to document my efforts and because it seemed so peaceful. Looking at our tree with all of the gifts piled underneath it I felt very blessed. I hope that this Christmas has left everyone else feeling the same and that the coming year is even better. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Retro-Reversible Christmas apron

Here is a picture of my retro style reversible Christmas apron. I'm at work in this picture. I made the apron with the idea that wearing it would help me get into the Christmas spirit. The other side is black with poinsettias. The green with Santa fabric I found at Joann's and it is very cute and cheery. I designed the pattern after I saw some really cute Jessie Steele hostess aprons. Here is a basic instruction: If you already have a apron pattern or one at home that is a typical "work apron" simply trace it on some paper and determine how long you want it to be at the front midpoint. Now with your pattern fold exactly in half you can come up with your own scalloped edge. Cut the apron from two different fabrics and pin together at edges with seam binding that coordinates. You will do this with the right sides of the fabric facing out. Stitching the binding on will sew the two pieces together. Once you have done that choose the 1 inch double fold seam binding to make your neck strap and the waist ties. Determine the length on yourself or a mannequin and stitch those on continuing the seam to stitch the binding closed. If you choose to add pocked do so before you stitch the apron together with the binding. Once completed wear and be cute. I'm sure you'll receive lots of compliments on your cute apron!

Vintage Shiny-brite

Last Christmas I became obsessed with vintage Christmas ball ornaments. I love the artwork on the boxes and the patina that the ornaments have. I was able to amass a small collection but I am always on the hunt. I thought I would share a couple of my favorites...