Yes, this is a crocheted deer head mounted to a nice stained piece of wood. We plan on making a huge production when we give this gift....Something about Kevin going hunting, and it just getting back from the taxidermist....And then we will go to the car to get it! :) Good stuff, huh? The felt tongue cracks me up!
This "guuunderbrood" (as pronounced by Moe) house has never really looked much better, but today it finally fully collapsed killing 3 gingerbread men. We grieved over them and then ate them.
The legs are cheap, easily bendable craft wire. These can be ornaments or they can be used year round. I have several scattered about the house..hanging on nails, hanging on pegs...You get the idea....After I paint them I apply several layers of glaze. You can use Mod Podge too.
This is the clay I use. You can get it at any craft store and is around $12. It is a pretty good sized box...10lbs is a lot o' clay! I let the birds dry for a minimum of 3 days....sometimes longer. I think it depends on your climate. Humid climates may require more time.
My hands hurt. Have I told you that yet? They ache from the constant crocheting. At least I am getting things made. Here is a peak....
Dishrags....and some tote bags
Hot pads for hot pots....and a blabbie (a/k/a blanket) for Grandpa more hot pads....Kevin, who is a big picture kind of thinker, reminded me to mention the fabric is all cotton, and that a nylon fabric may not be a good choice for a hot pan to rest. The pattern was simple: chain 4 slip stitch, chain 3 11 double crochets in center (12 total including chain 3) slip stitch 24 double crochets (2 in between each of the twelve) slip stitch
Getting used to crocheting fabric is another story...and cutting it into strips wasn't fun either, but I do like the primitive look and they are useful!
Finally a little something for me.... A couple birds...They are quite simple to make...The pattern is from Spool and is free.
Sorry about the poor quality pics...I am far to lazy to retake. I am ready for next week to be here and over. I am exhausted! I have some fear these homemade goodies will not be liked. I hope that is not the case.
Tomorrow I will post the clay goods I have been making. Have a great Wednesday! I am off to crochet some more! ~Karen
What do you think it is that drives people to want far more than they could ever use or need? I frankly think it's insecurity. How do we let the world know that the trappings of this life are not the things that are ultimately important for being accepted?
Look what our talented carpenter friend Derek made us! It's for all our homeschool stuff. It is so nice to have everything available. Before the shelf, it was all in boxes. I promise it is hung straight. For some reason, almost every picture I take looks like I am drunk! THANKS AGAIN DEREK & MELISSA! ***
This is Mimi's most recent drawing of our family. I love how Kevin's shirt has buttons on it! :) I still can't believe my baby is 4 yrs old. How did that happen? ***
Here is something I made for a sweet baby! I like the look, but I hated cutting out all the leaves! I think I will make some more though. People seem to like them, and I have had a couple requests....It is a great way to use up scraps of paper or random buttons. ***
Doesn't this heavy metal dude rock? I love how the entire drum set and the man are made of things we all have in our garage! ***
What? It is December...already??? Yes, it is...It snuck up on me, and I need to catch up fast. I have so much more to make...And such little time.
Mimi and Moe were laughing so hard this morning while I started laundry. I had to see what was so funny. The mom is driving over her husband and kids!!!!!!! I was a little horrified!
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After a mass homicide, they decided to work on puzzles. I am amazed Moe can do this puzzle. It is for 5 year olds. It is hard! ***
Alas, a final resting spot for my paint! I have been using a Big Lots tub for the last several years. Then I found this wooden gem at Goodwill. It is making crafting easier.
I hope everyone had a great T-day! We did. We went to my folks first, and then to Kevin's grandfather's house for dinner. We ate so much good food!!! And the kids loved seeing everyone. Moe has a crush on his Aunt Lacy! It was so cute to see him around her! He knows how to flirt already!!
I must go crochet. I am making all of our gifts this year. My fingers are going to fall off ! I seriously worry about damaging the nerves. Last night my fingers were tingling as I crocheted. I am pretty sure that is not good.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with laughter, love, and good food. :)
Tomorrow is Buy Nothing Day! Instead of fighting crowds, spending money, and bumping into people, we will be at home relaxing and spending some time together!
Have a wonderful holiday...And don't forget...BUY NOTHING! ~Karen
Here is what I am calling a "scarflet." I hacked it together the other evening. I love the vintage button on it. I didn't follow a pattern. I think I will make one for me.
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The drums are reproducing. The small set has suddenly grown and it is encroaching on my territory! I think Kevin waits until I am asleep or out of the house, and then he brings in more instruments! He denies this. ;)
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Last night we watched "the other Boleyn girl." It was a good film, although it is historically inaccurate, and deviates from the book bearing the same title. I think the acting was good. And now I will skip the book. I have far too many on my plate as is. Here are the books I am currently reading:
And I am skipping around in this book to help learn more on crocheting. The cover boasts that is has solutions to every problem you'll ever face while crocheting...We'll see. So far it has helped. And the images used to demonstrate different stitches are easier for me to understand.
Please go here and look at the amazing book deals! We usually get our books from the public library, but there are always books a person wants to own....This site is addictive. I spent hours looking up books. Kevin got several math and physics books. I got the kids lots of books.
Oh, for everyone who recommended a book or books: THANKS! I will try to post the list soon. And I did send out some bookmarks to all of you! Thanks for the input! All of them look like good reads!
Have a great week! Eat lots of yummy foods and have good family fun!
I painted this canvas and two wall plaques. The canvas took a long time. These are for a little boy about to get his own room! I hope he likes them. If he doesn't, I think Moe will like them. I am pleased with how they turned out.
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Mimi got some dress up clothes. This look is more of an everyday outfit now. She tried to sleep with the crown on. Later she told me it didn't work out.
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We got Moe a new chimp. He initially named it "Boots", but decided he liked "Diego" better. Notice how sad the old one looks! He looks like he needs medical attention! Maybe he has the mange! LOL :)
Have a great weekend! Hope you get time to relax and enjoy one another! ~Karen
This sweet angel put neon orange play-doh in his ear this morning. I removed the play-doh I could see, and then we packed up and headed to the pediatrician's office to get it looked at. Of course, there had to be more...I know my son! The nurse pulled out about a dime size blob......He promises never to do it again. He said that when he put the neon crayon chunk up his nose!
We have been watching some School House Rock! Come on now! You remember "Conjunction junction, what's your function?" :)
Anyway, there is a song titled "Tyrannosaurus Debt"
Watch:
Here are the lyrics:
TOUR GUIDE: To your left, folks, is the Washington Monument, to your right, the White House. And over there, just beyond the Capitol, is the National Debt!
TOURISTS: Oooo! Wow!
There's something huge Red, white, and blue That's grazing in D.C. It's gobbling up the taxes That are paid by you and me It doesn't seem to notice We really can't afford The billions that it's costing us To pay its room and board
It doesn't roam But seems content To dwell on Capitol Hill As long as trucks keep pulling up With tons of green-back bills We've got to feed the big guy We really can't forget It has an awesome appetite Tyrannosaurus Debt
TOUR GUIDE: The debt was born in 1790 when our new government took over 75 million the colonies spent in the Revolutionary War.
We've got to feed the monster So it doesn't get upset It's got an awesome appetite Tyrannosaurus Debt
TOUR GUIDE: Alexander Hamilton, our first Secretary of the Treasury (he's on the 10, you know), wanted a federal debt to provide a reason to establish taxes to support our new nation.
The debt was young, they kept it small They didn't know back then In 1812 another war would make it grow again By '66 the Civil War had cost the nation millions The government in Washington now had a debt of billions
TOUR GUIDE: The Civil War ran up a debt of almost three billion dollars that still wasn't paid off by World War One.
We're spending money we don't have Or so it would appear The deficit is that amount we overspend each year Though congressmen and senators Make vows to cut its size Despite their honest efforts The debt just seems to rise
TOUR GUIDE: Now the debt's over 4 trillion dollars and still growing...
A balanced budget would be great To spend within our means To stop the monster in its tracks Before we bust our seams It feeds on just the interest Its appetite is whet It never, ever stops to rest Tyrannosaurus Debt
TOUR GUIDE: And this is the U.S. Treasury. It sells Treasury Bonds, bills, and notes, and savings bonds to finance the debt. The U.S. government promises to pay the owner interest plus the value of each bond at a future date.
We've got to try to tame the debt And bring it down to size To let it grow unchecked like this Is certainly unwise The debt's a monster problem That we really can't ignore I guess we should be grateful That it's not a carnivore We've got to keep on servicing Our trillion dollar pet It's got a monster appetite Tyrannosaurus Debt
A fiscal misadventure With trillion dollar dentures Tyrannosaurus Debt
This is for a sweet little girl about to get her very own big girl bedroom! How exciting! It is a shadow box from Dollar Tree! I painted it, and glued in a flower! It even came with the hardware to hang up! You can make all sorts of fun things with these cheap-o boxes...Perhaps a handprint or footprint....or a little felted bird...oh, the possibilities!
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A scarf for Kevin! It sat unfinished for months, and Mr. Observant never even noticed! ;) I hope it keeps him warm!
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More dishrags...They are easy to make, and they eliminate the need to waste paper towels and napkins.
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Bookmarks for all bibliophiles. Does anyone read anymore??? Recommend a great book and I will send you a bookmark!
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I made these little houses from scrap wood my friend Melissa gave me. They were fun to make, and they bring a smile to my face. Thanks Melissa!
Have a great weekend! Hope everyone is staying warm!
Today's post is about thanking my dear husband Kevin. He volunteered for the Obama campaign. He went door to door talking to people, helping register them, and encouraging them to vote. Thankfully, we live in a country where we can vote, and we can voice our agreement or disagreement with the state of affairs.
Moe wants to fly upside down. He says it is "more funner."
He particularly likes the crashing part.
Diego, our family pet, was a big part of the weekend. He was diapered, breastfed, and even offered food at mealtime. I think the dress highlights his rosy cheeks! He is a Fur Real pet chimp. I think he was worth all $12 spent on him. Even though he takes batteries, he rarely has working ones in him. The chimp is hard to find. I think I ended up getting him off Amazon.
I made these magnets and a pendant out of vintage wood poker chips. I got them at a yard sale. I altered them. I hope the recipients will enjoy them. I think I have 40 or so left, so I hope to make more for the holidays.
This is Mimi's drawing of Ernie and Bert (from Sesame Street). I am very impressed! I am proud of her. She was sitting on the couch with Moe. He asked her to draw them, and she did.
****In other news****
We are making progress in the garage. Those of you who know me personally know that its' state is a source of frustration. Since cleaning it all in one day seems like more work than either Kevin and I are willing to put in, we decided to get rid of one thing a week. So far we have made progress. Shoes were donated to Goodwill, a stroller has found a new home, and several unused holiday decorations went to a friend.
My parents were supposed to visit today, but canceled instead. They claimed they had too much yard work left. It kind of hurt my feelings, but I guess it is their loss. I am glad I am married to man that values family and spending time together over material things or the state of the lawn! And to be honest, I hope we pass on those values to our kids. I guess it all comes down to balance.
Have a great week! And don't forget to vote! OBAMA!!! ~Karen
Miles is "going to work" here. He announces this, and then gives us all kisses and hugs before he takes off to his sister's room. His job must be interesting since it requires several bags, an apron, and a hat!
*** Here are the bookmarks I have been working on. This is a great project for anyone who struggles with their sewing machine. If you know me, or have been reading this blog for awhile, you know I have problems with my machine. I am sure they are all user problems....Although I would never tell my machine that! Anyway, making these allowed me to build some confidence in my sewing abilities....
This weekend I made some pillow shams to go with our duvet. Nothing quite matches perfectly, but I love that. I am really proud of these. The lines may not be perfect, but they look okay!
I made the little brown pillows out of place mats! I didn't spend a dime on this project. It was all made from things we have used at one time or another!
I'm smiling now. It's been a looong morning. Mimi wanted me to fix tortellini for breakfast. I said "no" and she melted down. She can throw some doozy fits. I ignored her. Then I discovered I have a bag of WHOLE coffee beans, and NO way of grinding the boogers up. I attempted with a knife, but it was futile. So, I loaded the kids up and went to Starbucks. They gladly ground them up, and we got a pumpkin muffin for the road. In a few minutes I will be caffeineted. :)Then I guess I will be boiling some water for the tortellini.
I am lazy. I was tagged so long ago, and I never answered any of the questions. I am not sure my answers are interesting, but I will answer anyway!
What was I doing 10 years ago? I was in college finishing up my BS in Sociology.
What is on my TO DO list today? I don't have day-to-day lists. I tend to make longer lists with no time frame in mind, and I mark things off as I go. On my list: -figure out how to get my bobbin loaded with thread -get rid of all clothing that doesn't fit the kiddos -give the dog a bath before it gets tooo cold -finish making bookmarks and maybe do a post on it
What is my favorite snack? Hmmmm. I don't know. I LOVE butternut squash. If I could eat it every day I would. And I load it with curry powder when I cook it!! Also, I love brown sugar pop tarts.
If I was millionaire what would I do? Not much really. I would pay off a couple bills and add on a bathroom, but that is about it. I think the temptation to spend would be there, but I would try to resist it, since I really think having a life revolving around things and the acquisition of things leads to unhappiness. I would save it. And I would make a hefty donation to Heifer.
5 Places I have lived? Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Nebraska...and many more. I have lived in lots of cities....scattered about.
Alright..mission accomplished! I can mark this off my list! :)
This is next to my little desk. This is half the actual drum set. Kevin is a good drummer, so I don't mind it much. The kids have treated the set with much respect, so I guess it will stay. :) The only room without an instrument is the bathroom. Sometimes they can get rather loud on the set, but that is okay. I would much rather hear random piano keys being played or drum being banged than noise from the TV.
We are all better. Whatever we had was horrible, but passed by quickly.
No new crafting for me going on...I am working on making some bookmarks. I may post a little tutorial on it. I am in the process of making a lot of things for X-mas. I figured I will let people pick and choose what they want from a box of things I made. It is a lazy way to gift! The pressure will be off of me....I would like to make a pledge to give all handmade gifts, but I don't think it is possible. My dad is an avid reader, so I am sure he will get some books from us.
Last night Kevin and I watched a documentary on Darfur . Please go to your local library and check it out: The Devil Came on Horseback
The genocide in Darfur has claimed 400,000 lives and displaced over 2,500,000 people. More than one hundred people continue to die each day; five thousand die every month.
Go here and see what our elected government officials are doing about this. And tell them this is important to you and your family. Remind them we promised "Never again" after the Holocaust.
My Momma's group met at a local orchard today! We had a lot of fun. I am so grateful for the mommas in our playgroup. It is lovely having a group of friends for the kids and me! It is nice to have such wise friends around when it comes to kids and parenting. Sometimes when I am at my wits end, I get some of the best advice from them.
In less than a month we will be electing Barack Obama! (Had to get that in there!)
Looove this time of year! Have a great weekend! ~Karen
Yes, this is a crocheted deer head mounted to a nice stained piece of wood. We plan on making a huge production when we give this gift....Something about Kevin going hunting, and it just getting back from the taxidermist....And then we will go to the car to get it! :) Good stuff, huh? The felt tongue cracks me up!
This "guuunderbrood" (as pronounced by Moe) house has never really looked much better, but today it finally fully collapsed killing 3 gingerbread men. We grieved over them and then ate them.
