Holiday Crafts Preview

I realize that it's early, but I've been busy getting ready for the holidays. I like to be able to enjoy the season, so it takes a lot of planning! So this is what I've been working on for the past few weeks:

Fall Decor

Felt Leaf Garland

Melted Crayon Leaves

Still To Do: Paint Leaves, Fall Pillows

Halloween

Woody Costume. It cost me under $4 to make since I already had a yellow shirt and jeans. The fabric for the vest cost $0.63. The Sheriff star cost $1.99. The bandanna cost $1.00.  I wish he'd wear a hat, but it's not worth the money since he won't.
Still To Do: Treat Bag

Thanksgiving

the inspiration

Thankful Tree. The idea is that each day in November leading up to Thanksgiving you write something that you are thankful for on a slip of paper and put it a leaf pocket on the tree. I got the idea from pottery barn (what's new?). I'm not going to lie, it was a LOT of work. Cutting out all those little leaves, hand stitching the numbers and word, then using the sewing machine to put it all together. I'm so glad it's done. I got the felt at 4 sheets for a dollar. I used 5 sheets of felt and an old pillow case. The "dowel" is really part of a hanger. So it was an extremely cheap project. I just love how it turned out!

Still To Do:  Finger Puppet Favors, Table Runner

Christmas

Pottery Barn Knock of PJ's. I followed this tutorial. I don't have much experience making clothing, so this project took me a few days. Next time I think I will just purchase a real pattern. This one didn't quite line up and since I haven't really dealt with much clothing there was a little more guess work than I would have liked. Overall, they didn't turn out bad. They are a little big, but at the rate he's growing they'll probably fit by Christmas.

I'm excited to share what I've come up with for our Christmas Advent. After I've put it all together I make sure to post it. It's going to be awesome.

Still To Do: Stockings, More PJ's, Update Wreath, Advent Calendar, Update Tree Skirt, Christmas Gifts (you'll have to wait until Christmas to find out what I'm making!).

Preserving and Crafting

I love Fall. This year we've had beautiful weather.  Some people think it's hot, but coming from Southern Cali, it's perfect!  the colors are changing, the nights are cool and the days are under 90 degrees for the most part :) I've been working on a few different projects getting my house all decorated for Fall. I am also realizing that certain measures have to be taken to protect said decorations from the resident toddler...so almost everything is up on high surfaces, but it's still there! 

 I made this adorable little table runner (smaller like a center piece runner). It really turned out great! Thanks to moda bake shop for the great idea!! I love it! I got the charm pack from Joann's. I just love the colors. I'm really loving aqua right now.    

I've always put off canning and preserving thinking that I would get around to it when I had a garden. But I couldn't wait any longer. We have 2 more years of apartment living before we buy a house and I don't get the slightest amount of sun on my patio to grow anything, so I have been scouring craigslist and ksl ads for free or cheap produce from local growers. Today I got all of this for just $5 (minus the toddler)! 

Last week my sister and I made cinnamon plum jam from the plums we got at the Red Barn and it turned out great! I'm playing around with the idea of making a sugar-free batch but am a little nervous.
I still have a ton of plums. I see fruit leather in their future.  I'll be making apple pie filling and dehydrating some apple slices (so much cheaper than buying apple chips!). 
The zucchini has already been shredded up and frozen and bread has been made, the corn is also going in the freezer and the pumpkin will be used promptly. I love making pumpkin pie from fresh pumpkin. It is so much better than canned. Seriously. 


Yep. I love Fall.