A couple weeks ago I shared the Map I made as part of a Christmas gift for Chloe. I had originally planned to give you step-by-step instructions for the Backpack but I ended up assembling it in more of a trial-and-error sort of way so it didn’t work out. I still want to share the final product with you though. It’s far from professional-looking but I don’t think she’ll care.

Here’s some basic info about it~

• I used fleece for the outer part (remember this fleece?). The lining is a light-purple cotton.
• There is an elasticized pocket on each side.
• The straps in the back were purchased (by the yard) for $1.25.
• The facial features are made from craft felt, just like the Map.
• The top flap stays closed with Velcro.
• What I wish I’d done: attached interfacing to stiffen it up.

Why I do what I do ~ I’ve found myself feeling sentimental lately. As I unpacked our Christmas decorations and began pulling out ornaments my eyes got misty. I pulled out “Our First Christmas 2002,” “Parents-to-be” and an ornament that Chloe ‘made’ with a picture of her at 18 months old. My Christmas tree is like a timeline of our little family. As I sit on the couch and look at the mismatched ornaments I can’t help but think it’s all going by too fast and feel overwhelmed by how blessed I am. I haven’t been posting as much lately – it’s because I’m soaking in every moment of this season. I hope you’re doing the same.

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Christmas Day isn’t expensive, it’s the month leading up to it that consumes all the money. Here are a few little things I’m doing right now to keep my head in the frugal game without sacrificing fun and festivities.

1. CHEAP wrapping paper. Ordinarily, I’m not a fan of buying things I throw away – it’s something I’ve been trying to get away from. However, when I came across a roll of Christmas wrapping paper that was very large (I don’t remember how many yards and I’m cozy on the couch right now), so large that I’m positive I’ll have some left over for next year and only $1.99, I picked it up.  I’ll still sew some gift bags but friends, I’m not going to pass up something cheap that’s going to make my life MUCH easier.

2. Tiny pieces of tape. This is going to sound over the top to you I’m sure but I use a LOT of tape this time of year. When wrapping gifts I use very small pieces of tape and only as many pieces as necessary to hold the paper closed. For small gifts I use 3 small pieces of tape. For larger gifts I use 5. Go ahead, laugh.

3. Taking advantage of free events. Tonight we have an event going on in our town called “Old Tyme Christmas.” There was a write-up in the paper about it listing all the different things that would be going on. I cut out the article and underlined everything that was free. Tonight we’ll see: Frosty the Snowman, Monty The Moose and Santa Claus. We’ll have free apple crisp (and other refreshments – who knows what those will be) and go on a free carriage ride with Santa. I am not even going to go into a place that will charge something ($5 for Chloe to do a craft – no).

4. Don’t leave the Christmas lights on. This one is tricky. Chloe gets very sad if I turn the lights off. She loves them. So, I turn them off at night and during nap times. I also sneak around and unplug them when she isn’t looking. An outlet timer is a great idea but I don’t have one at the moment.

5. Making ornaments instead of buying them. This is an easy thing when you have kids but even if you don’t you can make some really nice ones out of things you may already have. We made some out of pine cones, ribbon and glitter.

6. Watching TV specials. There are all sorts of great things on TV on the low channels (we have basic cable) this time of year. I’ve been making it an event with Chloe and she has LOVED it. She gets all ready for bed and then we snuggle in my bed and watch Christmas specials in our pj’s.

What little frugal things have you been doing?

Why I do what I do ~ Every now and then I get a little misty and wish I could stall time – just for a little bit. For as long as she’s know who he is, Chloe has called Clifford the Big Red Dog, “Clippord.” Today I heard her correct herself and say, “Oops, I mean CliFFord.” I want her to know the correct way to say it, but I’m going to miss the way she used to say it.

photo credit: gesika22

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This post was first published on December 8, 2008. It has a good message though and I thought it could use repeating. ~Nicki

photo credit: djfoobarmatt

Some of you may not know that my dad is a minister. He pastors the church I attend so I am exposed to some high quality preaching (I love you dad!). Today he preached a sermon on Peace. He said that world-wide, December is the most stressful month of the year. Isn’t that sad? It’s exactly the opposite of what I’m trying to achieve. That really got me thinking. It’s no huge shock with tragic stories like the Walmart employee that was trampled to death by eager shoppers and the two men that shot each other in Toys R Us.

These are terribly sad stories, ones I wouldn’t usually emphasize, except to ask what has your stressful December gained you? Is your December stressful because you want to make your family happy? Is it because you can’t afford what you believe your children want? Are you stressed because you just don’t have the time for everything you want to do? I urge you, I beg of you, take a step back. If you find that your chest is tightened with anxiety and you just can’t get your thoughts in order I ask you to abandon the chaos and try out a peaceful December. Here are some thoughts to consider:

What have you chosen to invest in this holiday season? If your chosen investments are gifts and activities, then by all means, continue running around. But if you’ve chosen to invest in things that are lasting like family traditions, togetherness and a simpler, more meaningful holiday, you’ll begin accomplishing all of it by slowing down and creating a peaceful home.

What have you chosen to emphasize this holiday season? What are you going to make a big deal out of? Is it the number of gifts under the tree or the number of ways you can help others? Is it building up expectations so high that you can’t possibly meet them or teaching the value of giving? What are you modeling this season? Frenzied perfection or peaceful contentment?

Do you find each year you’ve so rushed through the holiday season that it’s almost like you missed it? Having a peaceful attitude and creating a peaceful home helps you think clearer and spend your time and energy on the things that are really important to you. If your December schedule is so full that you don’t have even a moment of down-time you’ll miss out on the spontaneity of the season, like building a snowman and drinking hot chocolate or driving around looking at Christmas lights, or going Christmas caroling, watching your kids catch snowflakes on their tongues or make their first snow angel, how about a family snowball fight? These are the things you’ll remember, but they don’t fit very well into a stressful December schedule.

My dad made a good point this morning. The presence of peace is not from the lackof unfortunate circumstances. Peace comes from within and has nothing to do with the events in your life. My peace comes from the Lord. I feel it’s my responsibility as the wife/mom/lady-extraordinaire to create a peaceful environment in my home, and if I don’t have ahold of that peace myself it’s tough to conjur up. Right now, I’m drinking a mug of white peach tea, my cat is sleeping on my lap and my daughter is taking a nap. My house is so quiet that the ticking clock in the kitchen and my tapping keyboard are the lone duet. I just glanced out the window to see a light snow dancing its way around outside where it never seems to land. It feels so nice  to be still, to be quiet. I’m going to use the second half of my daughter’s naptime to pick up the house, but I’ll feel so much better doing it after taking a few peaceful minutes for myself.

What have you done to have a more peaceful December?

Why I do what I do ~ a few nights ago while my hubby and I were sitting at the table, my daughter walked up to David, and looking at his feet, said “hmmm …” while tapping her chin. We thought it was cute and she walked away. In a couple minutes she came back to the table with his slippers and said, “here’ya go daddy,” while she slipped them on his feet. David is nervous you’ll all think we’ve also taught her to retrieve the paper. I assure you she fetches slippers out of love and of her own free will.

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Last week in my Christmas stockings post I mentioned that I chose that particular pattern to simplify. I had a great idea for quilted stockings but it just wasn’t going to happen this year. I could have just admitted defeat at that point and abandoned the project but I didn’t. The original idea was good – sew Christmas stockings. I could still accomplish what I intended by choosing a simpler idea. I’m glad I did.

Making gifts is a great idea. It’s personal and frequently costs less. However, homemade gifts are time-consuming. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed with how much you’ve decided to take on then it might be time to rethink your strategy. Is there some way to accomplish your original idea in a simpler way?

Let me toss an idea out for you. Last year The Purl Bee posted a project journal for The Eleventh-Hour Scarf. I liked it so much that a year later, I went to their site to find it. It’s a knitted scarf that uses huge needles, thick yarn and a simple stitch. All of which, makes it come together quickly. I was just thinking I have some thick yarn stashed under my bed that might be just right. By choosing this project instead of a more complicated one, I can still give a homemade gift without it being a burden.

Do you have any projects that come together quickly and beautifully? Have you chosen to simplify your gift-giving this holiday season?

Why I do what I do ~ You know you’ve been studying phonics when: David called “Chloe let’s go” and she said, “No Daddy my name is C-C-C-Chloe.”

photo credit: theurchiness

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I’m taking a short vacation for Thanksgiving to be with my family. I’ll be back next week! Until then, I leave you with this:

Thankful…

for the sounds of laughter and chatter

for knowing my hair doesn’t matter

for comfy pants when I feel that way

for the cozy bed where I collapse or lay

for having the most amazing man

that still likes to hold my hand

for laughing until my belly aches

for having an oven so I can bake

for the dishwasher that continues to run

even though I’d like another one

for everything chocolate that’s ever been made

for every two weeks when we get paid

for a family that loves me when I’m weird

for almost nothing happening that I’ve feared

for a chaotic quiet house that relaxes me

for my daily afternoon cup of tea

for being her mom and being his wife

for knowing I have a very blessed life

Why I do what I do ~ I’ve made several attempts at helping the girls understand how Thanksgiving began. They would nod their heads in understanding and say something like, “I know, like Charlie Brown Thanksgiving right?” Ummm, no. “Like Winnie The Pooh Thanksgiving?” Not exactly. Finally, I had to settle for, “Like John Smith and Pocahontas, right?” Ok, why not. I think that’s as close as I’m going to get.

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I was planning on sewing Christmas stockings this year. I had this great idea to make some really nice quilted ones. However, as I watched my Christmas project list grow before my eyes, I began to think that time-consuming project just might need to be simplified a little.

It was with that in mind that I came across this fantastic post from The Purl Bee for Simple Embroidered Stockings. Now, embroidery is not a talent I currently hold in my tool belt, so I overlooked that part. What I noticed about the post was how quick and simple the pattern was to sew the stockings. Sure enough, it only took one nap time to cut out and sew all three (a stark contrast to how long the quilted ones would have taken).

Of course, I used all fabric from my stash to make them so they didn’t cost me a thing. (A funny side note about that- once people know that you want scrap fabric, they can’t bring it to you fast enough. I have three 13-gallon bags that someone just added to my stash.)

Why I do what I do ~ I guess the girls forgot about Christmas stockings from last year because they keep telling me I made these wrong. They laugh and laugh and tell me “those socks are too big!”

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As one of Chloe’s Christmas gifts, I’m making her a Dora Backpack and Map. I didn’t find any patterns online to make them how I wanted so I just decided to jump in and figure it out. I started with the map so I could get a quick boost of gratification before I began the backpack.

You need to understand something – while I enjoy creating things I am NOT any good at drawing. It’s not modesty – it is just a fact. To free-hand anything is a real challenge for me. If you are good at drawing then this project will be that much easier for you.  I had to go find a template for the Map face because that was essential to get right in order for it to look like the real thing – and there was no way I was going to try to draw it.

I went to Nick Jr.’s website and found this project, which includes backpack and map templates on the supplies list. I used those to create authentic-looking faces.

Here’s what I used:

• Craft felt – various colors
• Permanent black marker
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun/glue

Here’s what I did:

• I used a white rectangle of felt for the Map. I cut out all the face pieces, using the template. Each face piece should be traced with the black marker and keep that black outline.
• I glued the pupils to the eyeballs and then glued the face onto the map. I glued mine in the middle. If I did it again I would glue it to one side, so that way when you roll it up the face won’t be hidden.
• I chose little things that I thought I could make for the inside of the map. I didn’t use an episode. I thought it would be more fun for her to make up her own ideas. So I chose an apple tree, a bridge over a stream, a lake with a sailboat and a forest. As you can see, it is by no means professional-looking (because I had to free-hand all of those things) but you can at least tell what each of the items are.
• Once I cut the pieces out and played with how I wanted them arranged I glued them down.

That’s it! One thing to keep in mind – there is no room for error with the hot glue. Once you stick a piece on there – it is STUCK.

Overall I’m happy with they way it came out. I only had to purchase 3 pieces of felt for this project. The other colors were all from scraps. So this project cost less than $1 for me.

I hope to post about the Backpack (which will involve sewing) within the next week.

Why I do what I do ~ While running laps through the house a few days ago, Chloe stopped long enough to say, “Mom I need my running shoes to make me faster.”

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A homemade Christmas is a great idea but it can be tough to think of things to make. Armed with this info, I spent quite a bit of time on blogs I love as well as sites that were new to me to compile the list below. I tried to include projects for all different abilities and skill levels. There is a link for almost every project below. So this isn’t just a list of ideas – it’s armed with the how-to. Even if you don’t find exactly what you were looking for I’m hoping this list of ideas will get your creativity flowing.

Packaging

The packaging can be part of the gift. Try some of these ideas!

A lined, zippered pouch – This is a very easy-to-follow sewing tutorial from Skip To My Lou. I have used this as my ‘wrapping paper’ for quite a few birthday presents too.

Homemade gift bags – There are several different varieties you can make. 2 benefits – 1) You aren’t spending money on something to throw away. 2) You aren’t creating waste.

Soft Sewn Basket - Fill this with whatever your heart desires. Found at Stardust Shoes. Look in the right sidebar of her site for the tutorial.

Gift Tags – Don’t buy them – make them! Here’s a fantastic list of printable ones at Bella Dia.

Storage Cube – from Crazy Mom Quilts. It even has a place for a label.

Ladies

Some nice gifts for her.

Spa Set – including homemade bath salts , a home-sewn eye mask from Sew Mo’, this sugar foot srub from petit elefant, a candle and a soothing music CD (that you burned from your computer!)

Buttercup Bag - from Made by Rae. I made one for summer but this adorable handbag could be customized with winter fabrics too.

Mohair Lace Scarf – found at the purl bee. This is a lovely knitted scarf.

Kitchen Bundle – Sew this oven mitt from Skip To My Lou, grab one of these apron patterns from Tipnut, add a few cookie cutters or a fun recipe and voila!

Bread Bundle – Use SouleMama’s idea and make a linen bread bag, bake a loaf of yummy bread and attach the recipe with ribbon.

Reversible Headband – from Curiositys. This would also be a sweet gift fora young girl.

Scrabble Tile Pendant - from Make and Takes. Toss this on a leather cord – love it.

Checkbook Cover – from Crazy Mom Quilts. Love this!

Flower Pin Cusion – from Tammy’s Times. This is an adorable take on a pin cushion. Get some flower-topped pins to go with it!

Rice Pillow – from Wise Craft. Something cozy for the winter.

Men

It’s tough to think of homemade things for men that aren’t girly. Here are a few things to consider …

Grill Set – I’m sure the grill utensils from last year will need replacing. Make this great Grill Tool Carrier from Curiositys to round out the gift.

Homemade BBQ Sauce – from Martha Stewart.

USB Batman Spotlight – from Instructables. I wasn’t sure whether I should put this under Kids or Men. Seriously – you can create your very own Batman spotlight. I know you’re dying to.

Photo Rubiks Cube – from Away To Me. This could be for a woman too. Inexpensive and personal – love it.

Laptop Sleeve – from Sew Mama Sew. OK, this could be for anyone too …

Golf Gift Basket – this is easily customizable according to the person and your budget.

A Year In The Making – from Fortuosity. This is the most beautiful idea. She took a day timer and filled it with pictures and memories from that year for her husband.

Fleece Blanket – There are plenty of new-sew versions to make too. You can buy fleece in a manly print (like camo) or with a favorite sports team logo.

Homemade Shaving Soap – pair this with some new razors!

Baseball Hat Organizer – with a new hat attached of course!

Homemade Hot Sauce – from All Recipes. Put it in a jar with a custom label and attach a basting brush with a piece of twine or leather cord.

Anyone

These ideas could be for men or women. Some are also good for a gift exchange.

Water Bottle Holder – from Curiositys. If you have someone outdoorsy on your list this is a great idea.

Felt Snowflakes – found at  the purl bee. I sewed these last year and gave one to each family on my list. They are very pretty.

Cookies In A Jar – All dry ingredients to make a batch of cookies, layered beautifully in a jar.

Hats – from Head Huggers. Knit, crochet or sew a hat.

Keyboard Ornament – from Geek Ware. A great, original, co-worker gift. Make an ornament using the individual keys from an old computer keyboard.

IPod/Camera Cozy – from Sew Mama Sew. Is this someone’s big gift this year? Sew them something personal to package it in!

Homemade White Board – from Mish Mash. This can be personalized for anyone.

Frame a Wordle – Don’t know what a Wordle is? It’s a very cool word collage – go check it out.

Homemade Spice Box – from Mookie Moo. Consider spice themes for this gift. A good Christmasy one might be Allspice, Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves.

Cozy Cocoa – Make a batch of this homemade hot cocoa mix from Food Network, add a bag of marshmallows (or the homemade ones in that recipe) and a couple mugs. You can find mugs at your local dollar store. Decorate them with permanent markers for extra fun!

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels – easy and SOOO yum. These can be packaged beautifully too!

Homemade Muffin Mix – paired with a new muffin tin of course!

Fleece Fringe Scarf – Quick, cute and cozy.

Kiddos

Think outside the big box store with these great homemade ideas.

Molly Monkey - from mmmcrafts. I just LOVE this adorable monkey. The tutorial is free and it is so darn cute.

Bean Bag Chair – from Stardust Shoes. Check in the right sidebar of her site for the tutorial.

Crayon Roll – from Skip To My Lou. These are pretty quick to whip up and SO handy. I made one for my daughter and it has been very useful.

Superhero Cape – from Puking Pastilles. For a boy or a girl!

Toy Car Carrier/Play Mat – from Mama’s A Mess.

Mini I-Spy Quilt – from Make and Takes.

Doll Clothes – It doesn’t take much material to whip these up and they really don’t have to be precise.

Kids Teepee Tent – from Sew Mama Sew. For a boy or a girl. Imagine finding all your presents inside this!

Homemade Crayons – from Blissfully Domestic. Pair these with a fun, new coloring book – or make your own from Chez Beeper Bebe!

Floor Pillow – Choose a kid-friendly print or a fleece to make a cozy spot for your kiddo to read or play games.

Sidewalk Chalk – This is probably a better gift for my southern friends. Chloe wouldn’t be able to use this until May!

Wooden Blocks – Don’t pay the steep price to purchase them. If you have the tools – ya know – a saw, then you can make them yourself. Personalize them with some paint!

Homemade Play Dough – This is such a hit in our house. Buy some seasonal cookie cutters to go along with it!

Why I do what I do ~ The other night, Chloe and I were singing opera in the bathroom, or I should say – our version of opera. Chloe stopped and said, “Mommy you have mud on your teeth.” It was after dinner and I hadn’t brushed my teeth yet so I assumed there was a spice or an herb on my tooth. I opened my mouth and looked in the mirror. I noticed the silver fillings in two of my molars. I explained that the dentist put that there to fix my teeth. She made a weird face at me and sort of brushed me off by saying, “You should clean them.” She was clearly grossed out. Maybe that means I won’t have trouble getting her to brush her teeth!

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I had two Easter sewing projects that I’ve been working on. The first was the bunny, which I’ve already finished. The second was the dress, which I was far more nervous about. I did finally finish though. It didn’t come without it’s setbacks and screw-ups, but at least it’s complete. Too bad the Easter dress had to be the trial run for the pattern. I really should have thought it through a little better and made the try-out dress before the Easter dress. That’s ok though. You can’t see my mistakes from afar, can you?

Here she is modeling it for me

It’s perfect for twirling.

When I asked her what she thought of it she said it was beautiful. That’s all I need.

Why I do what I do ~ I have to take advantage of  these years while she still wants to wear the clothes I sew for her. I know there’s a day coming when she won’t want the “homemade” dress. For now though … she makes my sewing look pretty darn cute.

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Last week I told you about a couple projects I was working on for Easter. I’d like to introduce you to Chloe’s Easter Bunny, or as my husband affectionately calls it – Kung Fu Bunny. Oh how I wish I was good at embroidery. I still think she’ll like it though. At almost-3-years-old she isn’t tough to please.

For perspective, I also included a picture of the bunny next to Barbie®.

Stay tuned for updates on the Easter dress!

Why I do what I do ~ The little girl getting the bunny is currently “swimming” on the couch pillows We better get some swim lessons this summer.

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