Fun Stuff

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.

Have a wonderful evening.
~Karen

Making Clay Birds

Unpainted birds

More unpainted birds...with some painted ones

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.

Happy boy!

Happy girl!

Hope everyone is having a great week! ~Karen

Is it Christmas yet?

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

Quote of the Day

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?

~Fred Rogers

Good Friends & Making Things

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!
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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?
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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.
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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!
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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.

I hope everyone has a great week!~Karen

Playing & Holiday Aftermath

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!
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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.

Have a great week! ~Karen