Gingerbread Advent Calendar

Well thankfully, the cold I had passed rather quickly.  I pretty much feel normal today.  Well, normal for me!  Ha, ha, ha! 

We just had some bad storms go through our area but I think those are done now too.  Strong winds and lots of rain but like I always say, better rain than snow!

I wanted to share something my mom made for a friend.  This labor of love is the most gorgeous Advent Calendar I've ever seen:

Isn't this amazing!  The gingerbread men and the little trees are made out of felt.  The little faux candies came from Hobby Lobby.  Real mini candy canes go in the little pockets.  Mom and I spend a few hours just playing and arranging the candies to make sure it all looked good.  I'm going to see if I can get mom to make one for the shop next year.  I just think this is too cute!

I'll leave you for this evening with a rare photo of Lucy, Wrigley and Cotton all sleeping on the sofa together:

I hope this means that Lucy is starting to warm up more to the babies.  But until I see this happen a few more times, I won't hold my breath!

Little Heart Ornaments

I'm a bit under the weather today.  Bubba had a cold last week and apparently, he gave it to me.  He can take it back!  I don't want it!  But I'm stuck with it until it passes.

I do have some finishes to share today.  I put these together yesterday and just finished photographing them.  These are my Little Heart Ornaments that I made over the weekend:

I hand dyed some cheesecloth to use around the outside instead of lace.  I thought that would give these a soft, cottage style look.  I used vintage crinkled seam binding for the hangers.  I think they came out pretty.  I might make some more.

And here's a new picture of my two little partners in crime:

These 2 little monkeys steal everything they can find!  They don't chew anything up.  But they take my pens, my pony tail holders, my Beanie Babies, crumpled up paper, ribbons, lace....you name it.  They're little thieves!  But they're too cute and so sweet!  Still, Lucy isn't exactly amused with either of them but she is getting more tolerant of Wrigley.

Well, I'm spent.  I'm going to make Bubba something for dinner, put his lunch together, take a shower and go lay on my bed with my cats and IPhone and look around on Etsy.

Have a good night everyone!

Thanksgiving Is Coming!

I have to share this little funny Thanksgiving turkey image with ya'll.  My cousin sent it to me this morning and it made me laugh!

You probably all know that I'm easily amused!  But I just thought this was too cute!

Okay on a more serious note, here's the last of my heart ornaments:

I stitched this up this morning.  After I make out my Thanksgiving cards, I'll put these together.  If all goes well, I have photos of them again tomorrow.

I spoke yesterday of a special treat for this holiday season.  I don't want get into it too much but I'm sure you're all wondering what I have planned.  I'll just say that it will take you back to a time when life was more simple.  When Christmas was more joyful and less rushed.  When it was more child-like and innocent.  More magical.  Sweeter, prettier and more charming!  Be sure to stop by on Thanksgiving and everyday after.  You won't want to miss this!

Stitching Hearts With Vintage Mother Of Pearl Buttons

I've been stitching up some Crazy Quilt Heart Ornaments and decided, since my old mason jar of vintage Mother Of Pearl buttons is filled just about to the top, that I would use some:

Although I already had quite a few of these old buttons, I happened to find a ton more this past Summer in my flea market travels!  So here is what I'm using them on:

I have one more heart to stitch up and then perhaps tomorrow, I'll get them put together.

In other news, I have something really fun and special coming this holiday season.  Something you'll want to to tune in for every day!  For now, it's a secret!  More information coming soon!

Handmade Christmas Door Hangers

Well, I'm finally caught up on all the Handmade Christmas things that we've been making for our store.  Everything is finished, listed and ready to ship!  Here are the newest handmade Christmas items.  All are by mom:

The Santa door hanger is worked in the Crazy Quilt style.  Mom started cross stitching that santa years ago when her vision was better.  She never finished it and can't see well enough to finish it now so she worked it into this pretty little hanging Christmas pillow.

Mom made the Cottage Christmas Stocking from a vintage quilt that I found at a flea market over the Summer.  She still has quite a bit of the quilt left so expect to see something for Valentine's day from the rest of it!

Finally, that gorgeous Winter Snowman Door hanger features a vintage Christmas image.  Oooh, I would love to keep that one for myself but I was a good girl!  I listed it in the shop!

Okay so what's next?  Yes, Valentine's!  I know it seems so early for that but we have to work at least 4 months in advance to get things done for each holiday.  My mom and I love making things for our Etsy shop.  We have a great time getting new ideas and bringing them to life.  And there's so much satisfaction in knowing that our handmade things are enjoyed by others!