Friday Photo

There is some Christmas doll making going on over here. This doll is from a fun little book about making dolls from fleece. So very soft and cuddly. She and her sister are soon to be shipped off to my two little nieces. I think they will be well received!

Christmas Sewing

I've been working on my Christmas sewing projects. One has been in the works for a while and others I just started yesterday. For several years now I have given handmade things to everyone in our family, the kids usually find a mix of handmade and store-bought/vintage gifts tucked under the tree. Every year it's the handmade things that bring me the most joy to give. There is really nothing like seeing someone you love open something you produced with your own hands, if they love it and use, all the better. The scarf and hat sets I knitted for the kids two years ago have seen more use as leashes in their favorite game of "Dog and Owner" than for warmth, but at least they use them for something.

A set of potholders with a matching dishtowel are all ready to be packaged up and sent off to my sister along with some fleece dolls for her little ones. My mother's gift is almost done, can't say what that is, she'll find out! A sister of mine who has a birthday today has something that is halfway finished. The fabric for a darling stuffed elephant is waiting to be cut, that's for Sweet Baby Girl. Last night I even squeaked in a handmade treat for myself.

If you are thinking of making some things for people you love this Christmas, give it a try. Choose something simple that uses materials and skills you already possess and you will find more joy than ever before in giving gifts this year!

Bluebird of Happiness

I love this little bird. A few miles from my home there is a glass and pottery studio that makes these blue glass birds. You would be riveted to watch the artist blow the glowing red glass, then shape it with iron tongs. If the area set up for watching wasn't also used to showcase hundreds of blown glass figurines, we would go there more often. "Bull in a china shop" doesn't really describe what it would be like to have my brood milling around the showroom. But once when my second was still in a stroller, we did go see the artists making the birds. It takes them maybe 3 minutes to make each bird. The whole time I was sure a blob of molten glass was going to fall on their arm or foot. Of course, they are experts who are very good at not melting off appendages with molten glass. Such a relief!

The first time I saw one of these birds was in the one room log cabin we stayed in on our honeymoon. It was a very old cabin that the inn-keepers had purchased and moved onto the property. Perched in a small window, high in the wall next to the fireplace were two bright blue glass bird that glowed when the rising sun shone through the window. Eight years later for our anniversary, I found one of the birds at an antique mall and bought it for my husband. Now it sits on my kitchen window to remind me of eight sweet years and a thousand moments that have flown past. It reminds me of how many things are in my life right now to bring me happiness. Things like my sixth child growing in my belly, a wonderful midwife who will help us have our baby at home, a very wonderful chiropractor who made my hip stop hurting (big happiness there), a home filled with laughter and squabbling from siblings who are learning to live together, a husband who loves me, even likes me, days where I can't seem to do anything productive but it's still alright, a bag of really good chocolate chips that the kids don't know about, another bag of pecans cracked and shelled by my dad who is one of my special friends, a beautiful pink journal from the Valentine's package my sweet mom sent me, a brother who turns 16 tomorrow(!!!), really I could go on and on. What a blessing to have blessings that bring happiness! What is bringing you happiness today?

Baby's Book

I must confess, my inspiration for craft projects for the kids leaves something to be desired. Our art usually consists of coloring books for the little ones and sketch books for the older two. They have plenty of creative license (translation: their mom can't think of any good ideas) to draw whatever strikes their fancy. Creative bursts may result in a little painting or the occasional modeling clay frenzy, but day to day we don't get too crafty. Lately we have been making some simple sewing projects for gifts and that is what you see happening here. Please note the "happy mushroom" on the left hand side of his page.

My middle son made a cloth book for Baby's first birthday a few weeks ago. He loves to draw and so we set out with some fabric squares, markers and prayers for patience. That would be me praying for patience. He illustrated each page with drawings of the two of them doing various boy things, fishing, camping, hunting, driving race cars and monster trucks. My part was to write the story on each page and sew it all together.

I must say, it was a hit. Baby carried it around with him and looked at all the pages over and over. The best part was seeing Big Brother's delight in giving the gift. When it comes to gifts and giving, I want each of my kids to know that feeling of giving something you made with your own hands. There's nothing like it!

La Petite Artiste

My three year old daughter has started drawing portraits. On our art line you can see her two latest masterpieces. The portrait on the right is of her mom and baby brother. I am the "one with the big head". What amazes me are the expressions of her people. Her pupil placement especially evokes a certain feeling. Also note the birds, sun and clouds. It just cracks me up. I have a feeling I will have a more difficult time weeding out her artwork than I have had with her big brothers various robot and monster truck drawings. Be still my heart!