Christmas crafts

Posted on December 22, 2007 by Barbara Harper

We had an…interesting anniversary. Jim was going to try to get home at 5 and we were going to go eat at Steak and Ale, which is one of those places we usually only go for anniversaries. But he didn’t get home til after 7. When we got to Steak and Ale, they couldn’t get us in til 8:15. We drove to Outback — and the parking lot was overflowing so we didn’t even go in. We tried a new nice restaurant — and they couldn’t get us in for 45 minutes to an hour. Being both a Friday night and close to Christmas, a lot of people were eating out! At one point Jim jokingly said, “We could go to Wendy’s,” but I was seriously thinking of suggesting it! I hadn’t eaten much during the day and was starting to get a headache: my desire to eat something soon won out over my desire to eat at a nicer restaurant. So we ended up at Ryan’s, a buffet place that serves steak. Not that Ryan’s isn’t a good restaurant — it’s just not where people would normally got to celebrate anniversaries, I don’t think. 🙂 But I had been wanting to try this one out as it was new, and the food was good, and we had time to spend with each other, which was the main point.

I have been bookmarking some really neat crafty posts from various blogs. I don’t know about you, but I don’t usually have time during December to do anything crafty. A couple of my favorite ornaments and decorations were made last year after Christmas. So I am going to do the same this year: it might just become a tradition. 🙂 The week or two after Christmas everyone’s usually off and our regular schedule (school, homework, etc.) is still pared down, and I am still feeling Christmasy, and many of the supplies are still available (and even marked down!)

These are some things that caught my eye. I hope to do some of them in the weeks ahead.

Sew, Mama, Sew! has been hosting a Handmade Holiday series for many weeks with tutorials from different bloggers featured every day. You can peruse the various craft items by topic.

Melissa Goodsell at One Crafty Mumma or Day to Day (not sure which is the actual blog name. I think I discovered it from Sew, Mama, Sew! but I can’t remember) posted some tutorials for cute denim Christmas tree ornaments, table setting mini bags, and Christmas mittens (tutorial for the last at disdressed.)

Through Kisses of Sunshine’s Homemade With Love event I saw these cute gingerbread man ornaments at I Have to Say.

One of the things I made after Christmas last year was the button wreath shaped like a heart and a button ornament that I’ve shown many times: shimandsons posted a tutorial of how to make button wreaths here. Hers is in a square shape, but you can make it any shape you want. I found a heart shaped template last year just by searching for “heart shape” in Google images.

While we’re talking about buttons, there are some adorable button trees here at inspire.com and Gingham World showed another tree covered in felt and buttons.

There is another set of adorable mitten oranments at A Feathered Nest.

Kelli at There’s No Place Like Home showed ways to make beautiful tags out of old Christmas cards.

Artsy-crafty babe showed how to make a neat potholder from a dishtowel — nice for gifts — or for yourself. 🙂

And, these are more for fall, but whip up has some cute multimedia leaves.

Such inspiration — I love to see what people come up with! This ought to feed that creative urge for a little while.

Christmas Craft Fair

Posted on November 23, 2007 by Barbara Harper

I don’t know about you, but I pretty much don’t leave my home the two days after Thanksgiving. I don’t like crowds and crowdedness — I’ll wait to do my shopping til weekdays when a lot of people are back at work and school. 🙂

But I love a good craft show, and I discovered an online Christmas craft fair via Karla’s Cottage and Yapping Cat Studio, two of the craft/decorating blogs I read regularly. The craft fair is being hosted by Phyllis at Shabby in the City, someone new to me. Various online crafters are offering up some of their products for the craft fair this weekend, and there is some beautiful stuff out there! Click on the button below to get to the craft fair.

Homemade With Love 2007: Personalized Scripture

Posted on November 12, 2007 by Barbara Harper

Gibee at Kisses of Sunshine is hosting a Homemade With Love Holiday Gift Idea Exchange today. If there is a gift that you could make for the holidays, make up a sample, post a picture and instructions, then link to Gibee’s.

This is an idea I have used for our “Secret Sister” program at church, but it could be used for anyone. The idea is to personalize the Word of God, to remind ourselves that it really does apply to us.

This is for a friend named Cheryl (who doesn’t have a computer so hopefully won’t hear about this yet). I look for Scriptures that apply to what I know of her needs, usually promises, and insert her name; for example,

For God so loved Cheryl, that he gave his only begotten Son, that is she believeth in him she should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Fear thou not, Cheryl; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

It’s at this point, though, that I want to urge great caution. The Word of God is not just inspirational: it is the very Word of God, and we want to handle it carefully. Be careful not to distort it and not to use a verse that was spoken to a specific person for a specific time and purpose and is not generally applicable, and not to wrench a verse from its context so it misconstrues the meaning. It is best to keep to verses or promises that would apply to anyone and can simply have a name added just as a way to help the person remember that it is for them as well.

I print out a page of these verses with a font that is a little fancy but not so much so that it is hard to read. This one is Kayleigh.

Then I cut the individual verses into strips. I’ve done it before with just a paper cutter, but decorative scissors can be used.

Then I wrap the individual verses around a pencil with the beginning of the verse on the outside (so that when she unwraps it she sees the first of the verse first rather than the end). It won’t stay this tightly wound, but that’s okay.

When all the verses have been wound like that, put them into something decorative. I like using metal tins — I like that it is decorative in itself and has a lid to keep things contained and dust out. But you could use a basket or pretty box as well.

Before I gave this, of course, I’d have it full.

You could put a ribbon with a gift tag around the top, if you’d like, or a note explaining to her what is inside..

You could use a Christmas tin or box, of course, but that will only come out at Christmas. Something that goes with her decor can be kept out year round.

You could also do the same thing with a small scrapbook and the verses cut in shapes to fit the page rather than in strips and decorative scrapbooking paper behind it. You would likely use fewer verses that way, but you could use verses on a certain theme — verses to encourage a new mother as a baby gift, verses promising God’s help and strength for a rough time, etc.

Be sure to check out Gibbe’s post on her blog, Kisses of Sunshine, and all the ideas included on Mr. Linky.

Also, other carnivals going on this week are Christmas Shopping Carnival at Don’t Try This at Home and the month of sewing and craft tutorials (some absolutely darling stuff!) at Sew, Mama, Sew. There is also a week of Thanksgiving poems, decorating ideas, etc. at There’s No Place Like Home.

Show and Tell Friday: Grandpa’s cabins

Posted on November 9, 2007 by Barbara Harper

My husband’s father was partially disabled the last several years of his life after a fall from a ladder resulting in a torn hamstring. Later heart health issues further drained his energy. He had always been an active man and it was very hard for him to sit back and take it easy for very long.

At one point, just for something creative to do, he began making small log cabins. If I remember correctly, he gave several away. My husband gave him the idea of selling some on ebay. He didn’t have a computer, so he shipped some to us and my husband took the pictures and set it all up, explaining that he was a WWII vet in his retirement years. To his dad’s surprise and delight, they sold. He was excited and made several more and shipped them to us. They sold very well for a time, and then interest dropped off. But it was amazing to see the joy and energy that came about just as a result of having something useful and profitable to do.

We had enough leftover cabins to keep a couple on display and to keep one in the attic for each of the boys to take with them, if they want to, to remember Grandpa by. He passed away several years ago, and now these cabins are a remembrance of him.

We keep our two at the top of the bookcases that came with this house.

I took one down to get some close-up pictures.

I always especially liked the chimney. I am not sure what kind of rocks these are.

I’ve wished that the roof came off or the back could be removed and I could place some small furniture and rugs and such in there, but it is all very firmly attached. I’ve thought about placing a rocking chair on the little front porch, a welcome mat. etc. Where we have them now those kinds of things wouldn’t be seen. But maybe some day I’ll do that. But they are nice just as they are in all their rustic simplicity.

Kelli at There’s No Place Like Home hosts “Show and Tell Friday” asking “Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, an antique find. Your show and tell can be old or new. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there’s a story behind your special something, that’s even better! If you would like to join in, all you have to do is post your “Show and Tell” on your blog, copy the post link, come over here and add it to Mr. Linky. Guidelines are here.“

Show and Tell Friday: Felt Books

Posted on October 12, 2007 by Barbara Harper

When my older sons were small, I discovered these small felt books from Betty Lukens. Some of you may be familiar with their beautiful flannel Bible story sets. We used them to look at at home or to take with us in situations where the kids needed to sit still and quietly (church, doctor’s offices).

The one in the bottom left hand corner was our first one. You can tell it is a little more worn than the rest. The other three were purchased years later when my youngest came along. It didn’t occur to me til the fourth book to make a protective cover like the one on the bottom left corner.

These came in kit form. All the flannel pieces were on a length of fabric that had to be cut out. There was a little cutting and gluing to be done, then the pages were put in order and tied with yarn. Little pockets were glued on backs of pages to keep the pieces in.

Two of the books are Bible stories, one is a farm book, and the last has various means of transportation.

This one of the story of baby Moses shows the little basket with the baby, a flap where the bush is that was hiding him, Pharaoh’s daughter discovering him, and his sister Miriam watching from behind another bush. For her hiding place cuts were made along the branches of the bush and a pocket was glued to the back so she could be tucked into the bushes without falling through to the other side.

This one shows Moses leading the children of Israel through the Red Sea. Flaps pull back to show the parting of the waters.

Jesus’ disciples fishing with a net:

Grandpa’s barn:

Hot air balloons:

My children enjoyed these a lot when they were younger. Now they are in a box in the closet awaiting grandchildren.

Someone asked if they were still being sold. Yes, Betty Luken’s site has all but the transportation one plus several more than what they had when I was buying mine here. I originally got mine at a home school conference fair — I hadn’t attended the conference and wasn’t home schooling yet, but they opened up the sales booths to the public.

Show and Tell Friday: Lampshade

Posted on October 5, 2007 by Barbara Harper

I’ve mentioned that I don’t have many of the things I have made, except things for our boys’ room made when I was expecting. Most other things I’ve made have been for gifts. But this caught my eye (it should — it’s right beside my bed!! But sometimes we get so used to our things we don’t really “see” them any more) and I thought it would make for a fun show and tell.

I made this lampshade some 20 years ago at a little adult ed class at a Christian college.

This is a “cut and pierced” design. The teacher taught us how to cut out an arc out of special paper (I don’t remember what it was called. It’s firm but pliable), then center and trace a pattern onto the back side. Then we took Exacto knives and cut around the outer edges of the leaves and flower petals, then bent them back just a little so the light would show through. We had a little instrument with a wooden handle and what looked like a big needle on the end to pierce little holes in various places in the design. The we attached the arc to a top and bottom circle and glued — and we had a lampshade!

Here’s a closer look:

I’ve seen some where the designs are painted. I like those, too, but I like the simplicity of this one as well.

At the time this kind of craft was going around and we could find all the supplies at a local craft or hobby shop. I don’t know if that would be the case now, but I just did an Internet search and found kits and patterns available.

I did go on to make a couple of other lampshades as a result of this class, but this was the only cut and pierced one. I’m glad I kept it and I am enjoying it all over again.

Interesting things seen around the blogosphere

Posted on August 23, 2007 by Barbara Harper

Charity at Vintage Threads made a wonderful collage of fall decorations and links.

Rabbit at The Hutch has a wonderful post about the Name of God regarding whether God cares what He is called.

Katrina at Callapidder Days has a two-part post about how injustices are perceived and handled and right and wrong ways to react.

Grafted Branch at Restoring the Years has a great post on children’s interruptions.

Dr. Jim Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Havard School for Theological Studies – Southwestern’s Houston campus, had a very thought-provoking interview on the topic of writing books reviews. (HT to Jason Button).

Chris Anderson references an excellent, thought-provoking article titled What You Can Learn from Calvin and Hobbes about the Message and the Medium, asking “If chintzy merchandise cheapens a comic strip, what in the world does it do to the gospel of Jesus Christ??!”

Odds and Ends

Posted on August 9, 2007 by Barbara Harper

If you’ve ever seen del.icio.us referred to and wondered what it was all about, Jeremy found a video that explains it in very simple terms for non-technical people like me. 🙂

Kelli at There’s No Place Like Home showed the cutest little Keepsake Envelope Folders. They’re just perfect for small but meaningful gifts for a friend or even a “secret sister” if your church ladies’ group has that kind of program.

I am having a blast looking through the Artful Blogger party contributions, graciously hostessed by ArtsyMama. I’m maybe about halfway through. Even though I might not do some of the specific crafts shown, it’s inspiring creatively and mentally just to see what people come up with. Such imagination out there! I’ve bookmarked several, but one of my favorites is cards made from hankie designs by Yapping Cat Studio (this was what I meant when I said some of these folks are light years ahead of me, but, hey, ya gotta start somewhere. This was so inspiring and just plain lovely!) Some of my other favorites are tutorials about making decorative bows by Sugar Bear, making crepe paper ruffles by Natasha Burns, and sewing on paper by Julie. I’ll be spending free time over the next couple of days checking out the rest of them!

I don’t mind the verifications codes that some blog hosts require when you post a comment — well, not too much most days. 🙂 I know it’s a necessary step to block robotic spamming. But I do get frustrated when Blogger shoves letters all together so you can’t make them out easily like this:

Which is a v and which is a w and how can you tell what is a w and what are two vs stuck together? Whatever this was, I didn’t get it right and another (longer!) code came up. If I could send a plea to the powers that be at Blogger — please spread the letters out a bit! 😀

Artful Blogger Party

Posted on August 8, 2007 by Barbara Harper

ArtsyMama is having an Artful Blogging Party today, partly to celebrate the new Artful Blogging Magazine by Stampington & Company (in which she is featured!) and also “to applaud artful bloggers everywhere.” She encourages participants from all over the world to post anything “artsy,” from tutorials, instructions for a project, “pictures of how you display your own art or vignettes of art you’ve received from others. Anything goes… whatever artful blogging means to you.” Then go to this post and put up the information about your post as per her instructions, and she will create a link to your post. Whether or not you want to add a post of your own, I am sure you’ll be inspired and delighted by all the neat information and artsy, crafty eye candy.

I wasn’t going to post anything of my mine because I’m way out of my league here, having just ventured back into crafting after a long absence. But…I just wanted to! So here are a few of my offerings.

I’ve really enjoyed the new (to me) art form of various paper crafts that I have seen around, and I’ve just started making cards, bookmarks, and a few other things.

Here are some tools of the trade:

These are some leftover hearts from our ladies luncheon several weeks ago.

Here is a little plaque I made:

Here are a few cards and bookmarks:

The last picture came from some bookmarks we made for missionaries our church supports to use in their ministry.

I used to do a lot of stitchery and would like to start back up (after getting my eyes checked. 🙂 ) This is one of my favorite pieces, made 23 years ago when expecting my firstborn.

I loved the detail, the little raised cookies and french knot cupcakes and fringe on the blanket:

Paper crafts are definitely a lot faster!

One other craft I’ve dabbled in a little recently has been button crafts. These are my favorite products of that:

I didn’t make the plaque underneath, though I have thought of making similar ones.

For the button wreath, basically you just glue buttons on to whatever shape you want. The base can be cut our of lightweight cardboard (for something small like ornaments you could use probably use heavy cardstock). I found the heart shape just by searching for “heart shape” online and finding a coloring-book style heart. I started with flat, plain buttons and added the shaped and decorative ones on top as I filled in spaces. I used a small hot glue gun. I imagine craft glue or tacky glue would work, but would take longer to dry and work with. I glued a ribbon for hanging it on the back, then backed it with white felt (I read that some other used decorative paper for backing).

I was going to also post some favorite art around the house, but this post is way long already! I have posted some of it on my Show and Tell Friday posts.

Show and Tell Friday: Bear

Posted on August 3, 2007 by Barbara Harper

I made this little bear some years ago, I think before we even had children. I don’t remember where I got the pattern – -I think perhaps from a local program that used to be on years ago with a lady who did the kinds of things you find on HGTV now, only in one half-hour local show. 🙂

I did learn enough from doing this to realize I don’t want to make stuffed toys for a living. It was kind of tedious. But I’ve enjoyed having him around.