Jayna's First Loom Projects

Now that Christmas is over and my shop is on a short break, we are catching up on some personal hobbies and craft projects.  For Christmas, I got Jayna one of these weaving looms, and she has really enjoyed making little "mug rugs" for everyone.  She has made one for about every adult she knows!  She even took one to her teacher at school after the break.  I am happy to feed this little spark of interest in crafts for her!  I hope someone takes after me and shares their creativity with the world.  ;)  Here are a couple of her pieces.

Gingerbread House

Last year one of my friends (knowing I am so interested in crafts and project that hobby onto my children!) gifted me with this awesome blank ceramic gingerbread house.  The kids and I had to miss church yesterday because of the baby having pink eye and my husband being sick, so after our church lesson at home, we sat down together to paint this.  It turned out really great!  Each of my three older kids took a side of the house, and I took the front.  We are not expert painters!  But this was a fun thing to do together and I am glad we made the memories.  We used acrylic paints I already had on hand.  Then I used some clear glue and sprinkled the clear crystal glitter onto the snowy parts of the roof.  It came with a little tea light you place inside that changes colors.  It is a way cool gift!  Thanks, Tia!!

USA Ribbon Flag

My living room is patriotic themed, and when I was sent a pin from a friend that is similar to this ribbon flag, I knew it was on my project list.  I received this pin from her months ago, and finally decided last month to make it.  Sometimes when I am consumed with Etsy shop orders, I crave a creation for myself!   haha  So I bought all of the ribbon at WalMart and the blue fabric came from JoAnn's.  Then I hot glued everything together and tacked it up on the wall. I love it!!!  Thanks for looking!

Updated flag post here:  http://thecozyhousecrafter.blogspot.com/2015/07/updated-us-flag.html

Fall Craft Show

Hello!  The Holidays are here!  And I love FALL!  I have recently immersed myself into a few Christmas projects that I am planning to present as gifts this year.  I know, it seems early, but because my Etsy shop is full of orders, orders, and more orders right now, I am starting early and working a few minutes here and there when I get the chance. 

Last weekend, Carly and I were able to host a table at a craft show that was to benefit the local high school band.  They are raising money to go to D.C.  I was happy to be a part of helping them raise money.  But because things have been so hectic and busy lately, I didn't have a lot to present at my table.  I even re-used décor from Shelby's first birthday party as my "show" table! 

I decided to try and sell some hot pepper jelly that I made and canned a couple of months ago.  I love that stuff!  It's not as hot as it sounds, either.  I also displayed a birthday board sign like I sell on Etsy so I could take orders if someone wanted to get one.  I didn't sell any boards, but I did sell some jars of jelly.  However on Etsy, while I was working the craft show, I did manage to gain a couple of orders.  So, all in all, it wasn't a total waste of my time.  And the best thing was getting to spend a few hours with my Carbie Barbie.

Thanks for looking!

Menu Board - Pinterest Inspired

In February, a group of my friends and I got together to complete a couple of Pinterest-inspired projects that we all agreed we liked.  The one I worked on was a "menu board."  See here:  http://www.cgdickson.com/2012/01/08/the-ultimate-menu-board-2/.  I thought it was an awesome idea and it truly has been helpful the past couple of weeks I've had it up and "running."  My kids enjoy getting to pick dinner on one of the days of the week.  Sundays are almost always "Breakfast for Dinner" and Fridays are almost always "Go Out."  But either way, it helps make cooking for the rest of the week easier.  And at least I don't have to think of what to fix!  ;)

Christmas Bauble Wreath

I've not had a lot of extra time on my hands for crafts with kids being sick, hubby recovering from hip replacement surgery, and the kids home on Christmas break, but I did find time to make this simple wreath for my door.  I got the idea at a homemaking meeting at church in December.  Basically, you take a wire hanger, bend it into a circle, then string on dollar store ball ornaments around the wire.  The whole thing cost me less than $10, and that includes the ribbon, which also came from the dollar store.  It was really easy and  didn't take too much time, except I did have to take some off and re-string them so I didn't have a clump of ornaments all the same.  I wanted it varied.  My friends made red and green ones, red and gold ones, and so on.  I like the gold and silver, and even though I've already put away Christmas at our house, I did leave this wreath on the door as it doesn't scream Christmas altogether. Some of the ornaments have glittered snowflakes printed on them so it's wintry to me!  I think the lady I got the idea from had found a tutorial on Pinterest.  I just realized as I uploaded this picture that it's not a very good picture and it's much better in person on the door.  But...thanks for looking!  PS - My Etsy store is back open on-line now that things have settled back to somewhat normal!

Scrabble Coasters

Hello! Things have slowed down a bit after two vacations in three weeks' time so I can post a few projects.

This one I recently finished for my new sister-in-law.  She had a unique outdoor wedding and reception with ideas from Pinterest, and I asked if I could help...from a few states away.  She assigned me the task of making 62 Scrabble coasters to be used as seating markers and guest favors that I could bring to town with me for the occasion.  She gave me this tutorial to follow:  http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/diy-wedding-ideas-scrabble-coasters-tutorial/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+IntimateWeddings-SmallWeddingBlog+%28Intimate+Weddings+-+Small+Wedding+Blog%29  I followed it with the exception that I used wood stain as the alternative (that she lists) to staining the names and I used wood varnish, but not the specific "marine" one the lady lists on her tutorial.  I also purchased all of my scrabble tiles from one supplier on Etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/XOSupplies?ref=pr_shop_more.  She was terrific to work with and a fast shipper!  I will order from her again, for sure!  I bought 1,570 tiles in multiple orders.  The cork I bought in rolls at Target in the office section, and I also bought my wood glue at Target.  The stain and brushes and all of that I had on hand already from past projects.

I had fun making these, although I had to kind of watch the weather to complete them as I am preggers and wanted to make sure I was in a well-ventilated area, a.k.a., the outdoors.  I also wore this awesome mask I have been using throughout my pregnancy (since I discovered my pregnancy, anyway) for every paint and stain project, along with some protective gloves that go to my elbows, and of course, I had on my apron!  Otherwise, this project was simple and fun.  I was careful not to spell out any bad words in the miscellaneous scrabble pieces, or at least I tried!

I think these would make a great Christmas gift or for other type of parties. Thanks for looking!

Peg Dolls for Fun!

Hi! I've been creating...and one interest has been these peg dolls. I originally saw the idea here: http://tomiannie.blogspot.com/2011/08/peg-doll-family.html and have been in love since August 31st...haha! So I tried to pester Tomi Ann to make me a set cause she is so extraordinarily talented at crafts, but she had faith in me to try...so I did. And I have to say, I am happy with the outcome. :) I did use her suggestion and buy the peg dolls from Etsy dealer GooseGrease and bought the unfinished, naked ones to try my hand at this. I used non-toxic acrylic paints, and I have yet to seal them up with mod podge. I wanted pictures first. My lighting is horrible...but I think you get the idea of my "family." Brent always has WVU gear on; his alma mater. I wear my pearls more than anything with lots of muted shades, and I couldn't leave off my glasses since they never leave my face...sometimes I fall asleep with them on! Carly loves anything with a peace sign, and to look very girly. Adam is a Tiger Scout. I wanted to do his whole uniform top, but there were too many details for a tiny peg doll and I just do not have steady enough hands or patience! And Jayna is our little princess. Her crown is slightly brighter than her hair, but it's the best I could do! And her skirt is actually sparkly pink paint, but again, the lighting....so what do you think? I tried my best and I think they look similar to us!

Train Tickets for "The Polar Express"

Next Saturday will be our church's Christmas Party. I am so excited! First, I have to admit that the first time I watched "The Polar Express," Adam was just 3 months old, Carly was 2.5 years old, and I was 24 years old. I cried through most of the movie just because I thought it was soooo magical! Anyway, it just so happens that the hostess for our church Christmas party picked the "Polar Express" theme, and I immediately "jumped on board" to see how I could help! She asked me to make the train tickets!! :) :) :) I really wanted to make these train tickets special, so I went browsing the web, the local scrapbook stores, and so on. I found this awesome shiny gold paper at Hobby Lobby. However, the price was 1.99 per sheet. :( Quite expensive...especially when you know you have to make 50-75 of them...you want them big enough to be "punched" by the conductor...and you have other parts that need to be purchased to make the tickets. So I settled on making the trains themselves gold instead of the whole ticket. :) Then I had some baker's twine in red and green. I had this idea that the "stamp" on the ticket should say the date of the event, along with "One Round Trip Ticket." I worked for a few days trying to figure out how to make text in the shape of a circle (I know you could probably do it,...I'm just not tech saavy). Finally, I gave up and asked for help from others. I found another lady from church who asked me what I wanted and she had the computer file to me the very next day! Yay! All set to begin my production. :) So here they are! I used my Cricut machine, Gypsy, and various Cricut cartridges to produce the tickets and circles and train cuts. I know they are not fancy...but it was all I could do with a million other things I have going on right now during the holiday season...and my friend who is the hostess of our church party liked them, so that is what counts! Thanks for looking!

School Christmas Crafts

So, I've mentioned before I'm heavily involved as the Volunteer Coordinator at my kids' elementary school, and this month is no exception! It's Christmas-time! And as such, our PTO decided to do away with the typical "Secret Santa Shop" and host our own craft nights so the gifts are more sentimental and handmade. I scoured Pinterest for ideas (of course!), and also received some ideas from friends. Since we live in the great state of OSU territory, some of the crafts are buckeye keychains and necklaces. We are also crafting fleece scarves (the kids are basically just tying the fringe at the ends into knots); making Christmas tree canvases; glitter bulbs; painting porcelain tiles; and decorating picture frames, etc. I am also crafting some snowman face kits with buttons for the kids to use on their real snowmen this winter.

We have a total of 175 kids participating, with a grand total of 580 craft orders placed. We have two nights with the children (approximately 5 hours total) to finish everything! We'll see how it goes. I am sure it will be hectic...but when kids are involved, isn't it fun?!?! I love spending time with my kids and their friends at school. It's heartwarming. However, I do need to learn to say "NO!" sometimes. :) But aren't these cute ideas?!

Please Stay with Me!!!

I have been crafting since September 30 (my last post!), but I haven't taken many pictures. I have crocheted two baby boy hats for gifts; finished Adam's crocheted rag rug; planning and coordinating two craft nights for my kids' school of 400+ students (to take place in December); and I just finished a scrapbook album for a special little girl's baptism. I have forgotten to take pictures of most of the items I've recently made. The ideas for the school craft nights in December I took from my Pinterest account. I love it that people are so crafty and willing to share their ideas and tutorials! THANK YOU if that is you!!! I'm also recovering from having pneumonia in my left lung, so there's just been little blogging,...especially about crafts. I'll pick it back up soon with all of the Christmas plans I have for gifts. Keep an eye out! ;)

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like: HALLOWEEN!

I don't know why, but I am super into Halloween this year. I think the older my kids get, the more enjoyable it is for them...less scary, maybe. So last week I spent a day making my home look more like Fall, but specifically decorating for Halloween. These spiders and the scared cat are cut from vinyl. The patterns came from a magazine. They are pretty large cuts, though. The cat really kind of weirded out all of my kids the first day it was on the wall! ;) The Haunted House was actually built by my son in Kindergarten last year. And the wreath was decorated by me. I bought a cheap grapevine wreath, spray painted it black, and then used some embellishments and ribbon I found at WalMart recently. Thanks for looking!

Crafting Christmas Gifts - Part One

Giving Christmas gifts to friends is always exciting for me! Gifts to friends can be whatever I want to make them...and there is no pressure. For friends it's the thought that really counts because there really was no expectation in the first place...in my own opinion. So I like giving handmade Christmas gifts that are personal and not overly expensive. This year, Carly was able to get in on the crafting magic. We have been friends with a certain church family over the last five years since we moved here, and they have a daughter close in age to Carly. Though the two girls are two years apart in age, they get along well and we try to remember to include Carly's friend when we go on special trips or outings. Such as to the Littlest Pet Shop part at WalMart; snow tubing at the ski park for Carly's birthday; and we always go trick-or-treating together. So I had several pictures of the two of them together and we decided to use one of these new 7Gypsies drawers with individual frames to make her friend a gift. We just chose coordinating patterned scrapbook paper for the backgrounds. I have a mountain of stickers I have collected over the years for scrapbooking (before I got my Cricut!) and used some of those for the flowers. But then we also used the Cricut to make the 3-D flower. Carly inked the edges and adhered all of the bling to the designs. It was a lot of fun and something we could enjoy doing together. And since Carly's friend has a little sister that has a crush on Adam, I had a few pictures of them as well...so I decided to make her some hanging tags so she wouldn't feel left out. Thanks for looking!

Pink Piggy Girl Diaper Cake

Here are some photos of a recent diaper cake I made for my mother-in-law to give away. I used 1 package of size 1 Huggies diapers; nail trimmers; bulb syringe for baby; Desitin cream; Orajel gel; hairbrush and comb for baby; baby spoons, baby rattle; hair clip; and a crocheted piggy bib that I made in the past. I also used my Cricut Expression to make the scallops, flowers, and "It's a Girl!" signs, and some ribbon picked up at WalMart. Thanks for looking!

Burlap Pillow

I followed Tomi Ann's instructions and the video she included here: http://tomiannie.blogspot.com/2010/08/porch-rocker-pillows.html, and I made this pillow for my own porch. I added some lace along the sides when I sewed it up, and I chose a different design, which I created with my Gypsy. It was pretty easy, and I made three of them. Two I gave away as gifts to friends last week when we had our day out to a craft fair in a nearby town. It was a lot of fun! Thanks for taking me out, Tia and Stephenie! I am totally going again next year, no matter what!!! Anyway, back to the burlap pillows, these definitely add a Fall touch to home decor, but since they are rough and burlap has a small odor, I am keeping it outside on the patio. Thanks for looking! :)

Keeping Up Etsy

I have to say that I probably do not post new items often enough for my Etsy shop. But it has to take a backseat to family and church obligations. However, I am trying to get things ready for a Fall season at my Etsy store, so please look for new things all throughout September. I will be adding new scarves in different styles as well as some clothing for little girls. Thanks for checking things out!

Ucreate with Me! August Challenge

At Ucreate this month, Kari issued the challenge for us to create table runners with her. The link is found here: http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2010/08/august-create-with-me.html and the tutorial can be found here: http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/08/table-runner-tutorial.html. I was so ready for this challenge that three days after she issued it, I had my runner done! I love decorating for Fall, and with the season up and coming, I wanted to do a runner in shades of Fall colors. I already had a lot of the fabric scraps laying around, and the rest I picked up at JoAnn's in 1/8 yard cuts. It was just enough! I really enjoyed sewing this and "quilting" it! It wasn't too terribly hard, but I did have to watch a few tutorials on YouTube on how to do the corners and to find out what a "blind stitch" is. It is reversible, and the brown butterflies are on the backside. So here it is! Pumpkins, Fall, leaves, Halloween, etc. - here I come!!!