Wrap It Up!

Today, I hope to "wrap it up," and by that, I don't mean gift wrapping.  A few years ago, I realized that I really did like gift wrapping...if I didn't leave it until the last minute.  So now, I wrap things as soon as they're finished...or bought...

No...For a change, I'd like to be ready for Christmas a few days early.  The shopping (which I'm not overly fond of).  I'm heading out to buy groceries and stocking stuffers later, and I have one more gift to purchase.  Hopefully (though no promises), that's it!

And then I can devote the rest of my time to a few last-minute crafts...and Christmas baking.

Eight days left, people!

Featured on Inspired Mama's Page...

Transformation Thursday: "Snowman Cushion" Guest Post by Cindy Bailey

Snowman Cushion - Creative How-To Project by Cindy Bailey

If you're creative and into recycling, this is a project that will suit you to a tee!

Instead of using canvas or investing in fabric paints, I buy old (but clean) white sheets from a Thrift Store and I've discovered you can paint and make all kinds of neat things.

This project is designed especially for Christmas...

Snowman Cushion

Materials:

A 12" X 12" piece of old white sheet.

2 - 12" X 12" pieces of fabric for front and back of cushion.

Fine black permanent marker.

Acrylic paints.

Recycled hat - preferably a Santa hat, but any winter hat will do nicely.

Polyester fiberfill stuffing.

Sewing machine.

Needle and thread, embroidery cotton, other embellishments of your choice.
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How to:

• Press all materials before getting started.
• From the white sheeting, trace a circle using a dinner plate (or something similar), and cut out circle.
• Draw snowman's coal eyes, coal mouth, and carrot nose, using permanent marker.
• Using orange acrylic paint, paint nose. I also touched up the eyes and mouth with black paint to make them stand out. (You might also choose to use black buttons for the eyes and mouth.)

• If your winter hat is fabric, lay it flat with front facing, and cut in half at the sides.
• If you're using a knit hat, lay it flat with front facing and do not cut or it will unravel.
• Whip stitch the hat to the top of the snowman's head. 

• Machine or hand stitch the snowman's head to your front cushion fabric.
• Placing right sides together, sew front and back of cushion together, leaving an opening for stuffing, and being careful not to catch Mr. Snowman in your sewing.
• Stuff with fiberfill stuffing.
• Stitch closed opening of cushion.

• Embellish the snowman as you choose. I went around the edges of my snowman with light blue embroidery cotton, using a blanket stitch. You could also knit a small scarf and attach it to the snowman's neck. Sky's the limit here. Be creative!

Like I said, this is an ideal "recycled" Christmas project. Recycled sheets, recycled hat!

Other project suggestions: Tote bags/purses, lunch bag

s, decorator cushions. I've also made a denim and plaid quilt - with painting on the denim, curtains... 

If you'd like to find out more about Cindy's projects or see her work, you can find her at the following links:

Blog: http://cyndeebee.blogspot.com/

Email: (please use "crafts" in subject line): CyndeeBee@Hotmail.com

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And Pictures...

Can Only Stay A Minute...

Like most other devoted knitters, I'm into the Christmas rush.  Several projects on the go, most close to completion.  So when I'm actually on the home stretch...or finished...I'll take the time to get pictures and post.

Ta-ta...