{In The Shop} :: President Silhouette Cross Stitch Patterns

Presidents Day is upon us and while not a widely celebrated holiday, who says you can't create your own patriotic piece to decorate?  OR... you could just get a head start on your Independence Day crafts!  Either way, I've created two new cross stitch patterns for your enjoyment.  They are beginner level and measure 5" x 5" finished.  Both are designed to be stitched on blue or navy blue 14 ct. aida and only use two colors - that's what I'm talking about!

 President Lincoln Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern

President Washington Silhouette Cross Stitch Pattern

Gift Bag Artwork

Gift-Bag Artwork

This is the easiest and most random craft ever.  I was in Target and fell in love with this extra-large gift bag. So I figured, how great would it be to make it so I can keep it forever?  I bought the bag on sale (only $3.00) and I got the canvas on sale at Michael's (noticing a theme here?).  You can easily substitute wood cut-outs or boards in place of the canvas.

Back at home, I cut down the side of the bag and carefully cut off the bottom so the bag would lie flat.

Next, using an X-acto knife and straight-edge, I cut out the design from the bag.

Working quickly, I applied Mod Podge all over the canvas and to the back of the bag.  Using a roller, I made sure I didn't have any bubbles.  Because the bag is a matte color, I did not apply Mod Podge all over the bag.  If you don't mind or would like the added seal, I would cover the entire picture in Mod Podge.

For extra security, I applied a small dot of Tacky Glue under the sides that were not fully adhered to the canvas.

Amazing Hot Chocolate

Everyone has their own special hot chocolate recipe.  I created mine after discovering the magic of nutmeg.  Next time you're having a chilly day and want a delicious pick-me-up, give this a try.

1 Large Mug & 2 Hot Chocolate Packets OR 1 Small Mug & 1 Hot Chocolate Packet
Water
1/8 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/8 tsp Ground Cinnamon
Marshmallows
Whipped Cream
Chocolate Syrup

• Put water in mug per packet instructions.  I prefer to heat my water in a tea kettle, but microwaves are way more convenient.  
• Add hot chocolate packets.
• Add roughly 1/8 tsp of ground nutmeg.  Stir until fully dissolved. 
• Add marshmallows.
• Cover entire top with whipped cream.  Drizzle on your chocolate syrup.  Top off with 1/8 tsp of ground cinnamon.

Enjoy the delectable hot chocolate you have before you.

Christmas Card Book 2012

I've {finally}finished up the holidays by putting together my Christmas card book.

In the spirit of my 3 Month Crafting Challenge, I scoured my craft room for patriotic supplies.

Thankfully, I found leftover scrapbook paper from the 4th of July

and some foam, glitter stars. 

It came together very nicely, if I must say so myself!

For detailed instructions, check out this fabulous page.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

I hope you all have a wonderful day together.

Thank you for your continued following and support.

I have enjoyed sharing my projects with you more than I had expected 

and look forward to an exciting new year ahead.

Happy Holidays and Best Wishes to you all!

You've Been Elfed!

SPOTTED!

Santa's Little Helper is sneaking around leaving gifts and treats!  

Elf your neighbors and coworkers using the printables below.

But remember!  Don't get caught!

You've Been Elfed

You've Been Elfed - Work Edition

**See the updated You've Been Elfed Printables here.**

Sprinkle Star Candies

To add a little patriotic flare to the holidays and use the candy melts I had leftover from 4th of July, I decided to make these star shaped candies.  I love this star mold but I wanted to add a little something extra to really make these stars pop!  So I experimented - and they turned out great!  All you need are a star mold, candy melts, and sprinkles.

Here's What You Do

1.  Melt candy melts according to package directions.

2.  Fill bottom of the mold with sprinkles.  I used just enough to get the general shape of the star.

3.  While candy melts are still warm, fill molds.  The heat will cause the sprinkles to melt into each other a little.

4.  Put into refrigerator to cool.  Mine took about 15 minutes.

5.  Remove from refrigerator and carefully turn mold upside down on countertop to remove.  There will be some sprinkle casualties but you'll still get the overall effect.

I really ended up liking the red and blue mix sprinkles.  They remind me of fireworks.  So much so that I was annoying my husband by singing "Baby you're a fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiirework!!!" over and over.

Overall, I'm very glad I was able to bring some patriotic spirit to the holidays and I can't wait to make these for our Independence Day party next year!

Hot Chocolate Candy Cane Sticks

Creating these adorable candy cane stirrers is surprisingly quick and easy.  All you need are candy melts, candy canes and sprinkles.  The mix of peppermint and candy flavoring adds a yummy sweet touch to even the cheapest packet of hot chocolate.

Here's What You Do

1.  Melt the candy melts according to instructions.

2.  Dip the ends of the candy canes in the candy melts and lay on wax paper.

3.  While candy melt is still warm, sprinkle with... sprinkles.  :)

4.  Stick in refrigerator to cool.  Mine took about 15 minutes.

5.  Remove and wrap.  Ta-Da!  Package it with some hot chocolate and you have a quick, cute, inexpensive gift for anyone on your list!

Christmas Card Book

If you're as sentimental as I am, you love keeping your Christmas cards.  In fact, you probably have them stored away in a photo box, rubber-banded with a Post-It marking the year on it.  No?  You don't?  Hmmm.  I totally thought that was normal.

Anyway, I kept all of our cards from last Christmas, as it was "Our First Christmas" and I knew one day I would want them or use them for something.  Well, I have the perfect use for them - a Christmas Card Book.

My husband and I decided to do picture cards every year as well as have a theme.  Last year's theme was "Christmas of Yesteryear" (vintage).  We did a 1950's inspired photo-shoot (see: Mess the Dress, September 2012) and we decided to use this theme to build our entire first Christmas around - from wrapping paper to decorations to, of course, our card.  I designed the cover of our book around the "Yesteryear" (vintage) theme and made sure that our card was the first one in the book.  Now, we can look back on Christmases' past and remember how ridiculous we were and all the people we loved.

(For detailed instructions, please refer to the Wedding Card Book post from June 2012.)

DIY Evergreen Accents

Last year, I put together this blog post for some friends and family.  I apologize, I don't have step by step pictures {maybe next year there will be time!}.  Regardless, I wanted to share this idea and how easy it was to achieve!  Stop spending a bundle of money on Christmas decorations you can easily make for yourself.

****************************************************

A chance trip to Hobby Lobby put me smack dab in the middle of a Christmas sale of 50% off everything.  For $30, I made all of the pieces you see here.

I was able to make two of these and hang them above our couch.

Materials:
Evergreen Branches {Used:11 total}
Cranberry Accents
Table-Top Christmas Tree Ornaments
Hot Glue Gun and Glue
Green Floral Wire
Ribbon

Instructions:
1.  To create a your basic shape, use the green floral wire and hot glue to attached the evergreen branches to each other.  I have a tendency to over use floral wire, but I like to be absolutely sure the branches won't separate.  Using the hot glue allows you to create a shape to the evergreens without having to bend the branches (see the walkway accent above).

2.  Next... use your imagination.  Lay out all of your materials and become inspired.  Do a dry-run of material placement to get the look you like and then hot glue your little heart out.  Remember that the hot glue will melt plastic materials, so work quickly but very carefully.

3.  Use floral wire to create a hook on the back of your pieces and hang using a 3M Command Hook {love these!}