Books I've read in 2012

Normally,  I'll read 50 or more books, but this year I've done 18 craft swaps on Crafster, and made many many personal and crafty gifts, so my free time has been more crafting than reading.  Nevertheless, today I finished my 27th book.

1.  Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
2. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
3. We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee
4. The 7th Month: D.D. Warren Story Especial by Lisa Gardner
5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
6. Catching Fire (reread) by Suzanne Collins
7. Mockingjay (reread) by Suzanne Collins
8. This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury
9. Catch Me by Lisa Gardner
10. Bonnie (#3) by Iris Johansen
11. Eve (#4) by Iris Johansen
12. Blood Memory by Greg Isles
13. Quinn (#2) by Iris Johansen
14. Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult
15. The Pregnancy Project by Gaby Rodriguez
16. Sleepwalker by Karen Robards
17. Fifty Shades of Grey (#1) by E.L. James
18. Fifty Shades of Grey (#2) by E. L.James
19. Fifty Shades of Grey (#3) by E. L. James
20. Silenced by Allison Brennan
21. The Quick and the Thread by Amanda Lee
22. Heartbroken by Lisa Unger
23. Stitch Me Deadly by Amanda Lee
24. No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose
25. Murder in River City by Allison Brennan
26. Charlotte's Web (with my daughter) by E.B. White
27. Waking Up Married by Mira Lynn Kelly

Embroidered minion---unfinished project

Sorry it's sideways! And small---just a quick shot from my phone camera.

And, crayon color tinting was suggested to me, so I added it...even cuter!

 

More Minions!

Christmas Crafting!

I've made LOTS of Christmas presents this year.

Me showing off the shawl I made my mother in law.

Me showing off the infinity scarf I knitted for my niece.

Me showing off the cowl I knitted for my sister in law.

Armchair pincushion my daughter and I embroidered for my husband's grandmother. It has the names of all of her great grandchildren. I think I have another blog post about this from earlier in the year.

Blanket I made for my nephew.  You may remember that I made my niece one for her birthday earlier this year.

Me and all my crafty creations.  There are still a couple of recipients who have yet to receive...once they do, I'll show close ups of those, too!

Time to get started for 2013?? I think so!  Many thanks to my then 6, now 7, year old daughter for many of the pictures!

600 Monsters Strong for Sandy Hook---Count Me In!

I know everyone has taken the CT shooting so difficult. The senseless murder of young children is so hard swallow. It's hit me so much harder than I ever would have imagined, I think, because of how much I relate to these families. Savannah is in 1st grade. I had, just an hour before, been at Savannah's school, dropping off cupcakes, and while she was at recess, I spoke to her teacher who said she was feeling sad and missing me. I left her a note. Then, just after dropping Jarron off at school, I learn of these shootings. It was too much, too soon. And, to top it all off, Savannah was having her birthday over the same weekend. She was turning 7, and I just couldn't stop thinking of these parents whose kids won't be turning 7. I keep thinking of these parents who may have presents under the tree already for their kids. Of these kids who were probably excited for the weekend. I'm sure each of us thinks of the same things. I am grieving so hard over this. I think I feel even some survivor guilt. I think I am too empathetic. But...... I was introduced to the group that is knitting/crocheting "monsters" (so that monsters won't always be scary to these surviving kids), and while I have only made one amigurimi before, I am working on at least one for this cause. Being proactive, and doing something to help this community is helping. And, I'm happy to say, that today, I've completed the ears, and the head! And, while my ami may not be one that is given to one of the surviving children at Sandy Hook, (there's a huge outpour of support!), it will give comfort and joy to a child somewhere. It feels good to do something.

Savannah's Birthday Cake

My daughter turns 7 tomorrow and we celebrated today. Here is the cake I made her. I used the Wilton's whipped frosting box, and it was yumm-o!

Rest In Peace

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, and community of all the precious children and adults who lost their lives today in the senseless killing spree at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut..  I am not a raging Christian, but I know that Jesus has his arms around you, holding you tight, and while your families and loved ones and the rest of our country ache for the senseless loss of your lives, you are safely in paradise with Jesus, and you are now angels looking over us. And I  know from up in Heaven you are giving your mommies and daddy's as many hugs and kisses as you can.  Dear God, please help to ease the pain of this grieving country.

I have never in my life believed in Satan, or that there is a Hell....I may need to reconsider.

Craftster One Tiny Thing (OTT) Winter Edition

One Tiny Thing Swaps are fun....you get a partner, and you craft something for them based on their questionnaire, the only catch being--it has to be less than 4" squared.

I was paired with OllieOrange, and I chose her Sparkle theme. I saw on her Pinterest a wreath made from wooden spools....I put the two ideas together and it translated into this:

OllieOrange chose my Big Bang Theory theme and made me the most amazing Bazinga ornament!

Craftster Secret Santa Swap--Received

Ok, I cannot get the hang of making my blog pretty...this is not where I want this...but, she made me my very own Big Bang Theory Howard Wolowitz inspired name patch....but with my name!!!

I received from the lovely Calabaza. She was the very helpful co-organizer with me when I organized my first swap. She is such a wonderful person, and so sweet.

She sent:

Just like from The Sound of Music "brown paper packages tied up with string"

Cloth napkins, a hoop, a name patch

I didn't realize Calabaza had made one of these for another swapper in another swap, but she saw I had this pinned so she made  me my very own!

Craftster Secret Santa Swap 2012--sent

My friend rubylynns and I hosted the Secret Santa Swap on Craftster this year. We divided the participants up, and then secretly gave out partners. No one received from who they sent to! Secret Swaps are so much fun!

I sent to calixita, and she got:

I embroidered her this beautiful decorative pillow, and sewed it  to a  gorgeous poinsettia fabric. It was hard to give away! I made matching reindeer earrings.

I sent everything out in this fun decorated box.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imagine that, matching reindeer paper! I also sent her a Christmas mug and hot cocoa mix.

Someone's ready for Christmas

My Howard Wollowtiz Big Bang Theory Hat

Nerds, get ready to pin!  My one of a kind Howard Wolowitz astronaut name tag hat!


Many many thanks to R.B. Spinnelli from http://www.etsy.com/people/TrippinBalls for making me the patch I hot glued to my hat from Walmart :) I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on the hat, but I wanted this cool and unique hat. I also didn't want to hand embroider the hand tag, so she graciously came up with this custom order for me. I like easy, and simple, so I just hot glued it to my hat.

Embroidered Big Bang Theory Arm Chair Pincushion

If you look back in my blog, this summer I came across a tutorial for an arm chair pincushion! What a great idea, right? So,I made it for my partner, craftsunderground, in the Craftster Surprise Swap. It was so easy, and such a great idea, I decided to make one for myself, changing it up a bit.

1) I didn't quilt the pincushion
2) I used my favorite theme, Big Bang Theory! Yes, I am obsessed!
3) I added a pocket on both sides instead of just the one side.
4) I read the directions more correctly. :)

And,  without further ado, here it is:

October Birthday Swap 2012

I joined the October Birthday Swap on Crafster and I made two claims.

I claimed  ChevelleZombie for something fluer de lis.This  is what I sent her:

I also claimed jnny_heck for pot holders:

I was claimed by jnny_heck for a Big Bang Theory hoop. She cross-stitched me a pattern I've wanted for a long time and framed it for me.  She also sent me some yummy teryaki beef jerky.

 Close up of stitch work.

I was claimed by Foxy Sam for a pinterest surprise: She sent me a beautiful pinterest inspired art piece, and a Big Bang Theory inspired crochet hook holder. They are both lovely.

A Great-Grandma's Christmas Present

 

This is the template for my husband's grandma's Christmas present. Her 6th great-grandchild was born a month ago,  I am going to have my daughter help me embroider this. I want to make it into an arm chair pincushion, but we'll see what it ends up being.  

I went with an armchair pincushion. I am becoming addicted  to making these!

Howard Wolowitz

I never used to be a fan of Howard Wolowitz on Big Bang Theory. I used to really not enjoy scenes he was in. Until....until he met Bernadette. Until they formed a relationship. So, when he became an astronaut, and went out into space, and I saw this:

I decided absolutely needed someone to make me a patch, and I think I want it as a ball cap. I'm not really a ball cap type of person, but when the sun was in my eyes during my daughter's soccer games, I knew I needed one, and what better than a one-of-a-kind H. Wolowitz astronaut name tag?

I found someone on Etsy that makes patches, and showed her the image, and she said she could make it. I am so excited! 

I'll definitely add a new post when I receive it and make my hat. Can't wait!!

Falling For Autumn Swap Rd 2--What I received

I had the privilege of having kbrison as my swap partner. She was an amazing partner, and I am proud to say she is becoming my friend. After just a few days of being partnered, I felt she knew my Pinterest better than myself!

She's even been working on a few items for my kids which she hasn't quite completed yet, but they were extras anyway. She said she doesn't get much chance to craft for kids, and wanted to.  Besides these things, she also sent me a kit to help me make fabric balls, and some stickers and things for my kiddos, as well as her old Girl Scouts scarves...since I'm now a leader of my daughter's Daisy troop.  Thanks kbrison.You're the best!

I followed the UPS truck home, knowing I was expecting not 1, but two boxes from her. Oh my!

I would have been happy to have received just this amazing purse and cute pumpkin needle book. I can't wait to start using them!

 

 

 

But wait, there's more! And this was directly off my Pinterest, except I deleted that, since I now how THIS super cute Autumn decoration. And, that friends, explains the two boxes.

Savannah's First Embroidery

I've been working on an embroidery project at home, and I thought it would be the perfect time to introduce hand embroidery to my six year old daughter.   So, I got out my 3" hoop, drew a heart, and got her some heavy floss, and showed her the ropes of how to do the back stitch. She immediately caught on, wanted to make another heart.  Then, today (the next day), I drew her a stick figure girl, and a pumpkin on another scrap fabric. Then, we pulled out a fabric with a design, and I traced a daisy and the words, I'm a Girl Scout Daisy. She did about 3 petals, and her hands got tired, but I'm sure she'll pick it back up soon. She's an embroidery fanatic now! It's fun to sit and do needlework with her!  I think I'm going to commission her to help me make Christmas presents! LOL

Anyway, here's a pic of her first two embroidery...prepare to be amazed!

Embroidery like a boss!

Falling For Autumn Swap Rd 2--what I made

I have been organizing Round 2 of the Craftster, Falling for Autumn Swap, and it's been lots of fun.

I was partnered with kbrison, an amazingly fun, and very nice woman. I've very much enjoyed my time being partnered with her!  We had very similar wish lists, and so I decided to make her a wreath and a table runner.

She had a lot of quilted things on her pinterest, but when I came across a VERY extensive pattern for a crocheted doily-type table runner, I went that route instead.  And, while I only did 2 of the 3 motifs, and skipped the frilly border, it came out amazing, and she loves  it. 

And, it only took me 30+ hours to make! Yes, that's oh, 10x or so the minimal requirement for a large item in a craft swap.

The Table Runner in all it's glory!

Up close view

The adorable wreath!--I'm thinking of making myself one!

What I received in the Zoo Swap

All the goodies

A shark wallet for my son, and a manatee purse for my daughter.

A manatee puzzle

A tiger puzzle

Goodies for my daughter. My son ran off with his before I could get a group shot.

I asked for ornaments for the kids.Manatee for Savannah, Turtle for Jarron. Cute hoop for me!

Backs of ornaments and hoops again.

Thanks so much crazyda79!!

Zoo Swap--What I sent!

My partner, crazyda79, finally received her package for the Zoo Swap. I was crafting for both her, and her daughter. Her daughter is 13, and is into art, and stuffies. Crazyda79 wanted anything.

All The Loot!

Manatees weren't on her list of animals, but I had made this as my alternate choice for the last round of the 4x6 swap, and sent something else instead. So, since crazyda79 has been in many of the 4x6 swaps, I thought she'd appreciate it. I framed it with an oceanic decoupaged frame.

I absolutely adore this hoop. One of her favorite animals is the Phillpine Tarsier (I'd never heard of it!) I found this picture which I embroidered  onto this leafy fabric. I love it because it makes him look like he's hiding! I love the strip of blue which states his name and that sadly he's endangered. I printed on the fabric, then heat n bonded it to the leafy fabric.

Another of crazyda79's favorite animal is the narwal. I had originally wanted a nautical themed fabric, but couldn't find what I had in mind at my local JoAnn store, but I found this cute sharky ocean fabric. And, the blue fabric with bubbles is so great. I printed the narwhal out on fabric and colored her in with fabric paint. Then cut her out and heat n bonded her to my bag. This nifty bag has a pocket on the outside, too!

Believe it or not, but I had never made an amigurimi before  these two. And, believe it or not, the smaller one (dolphin) is followed by a pattern and is supposed to look the way it. does. Really.  The elephant is from a Vanna White Critter book which I ordered when I was having trouble sleeping at 2:30 am!

Another view of the ami's

Everything was shipped in this neat-o box! Cheetah/Leopard duct tape and check out that cool scrapbook paper decoupaged onto the lid. Perfect!

I guess I didn't take pictures of the journals up close, but you can see them in the first picture. They match the box! I had such a good time crafting. I can't wait to see what crazyda79 has made me and my kids!