Stocking Decorative Christmas Woodcraft

I don't know what is wrong with me! I keep meaning to put all the stuff I have been making on my blog, but life gets in the way. And that is ok since real life is more important than making sure you all admire my projects. ;-)

Anyway, I should let you know that I opened up an Etsy store!! Yay! Finally! However... it only has 3 items in it right now. Why? Well, you know. It's that life thing again. It isn't that I haven't been finishing things, I have! But I have just been giving them away or selling them for special orders. I am SERIOUSLY enjoying my life these days! I can call myself a professional crafter again. I love it!

I may just have to post pictures though instead of blogging all these words and things.
Seems weird to spend my time doing all the "business" stuff when I actually want to be creating. That is why I am handing it over to my husband now. (Finally got smart...)
So, no tutorial or anything. I created the design myself. I am selling these in my Etsy store. Aaaaaand, that's about it! Have a great week!

Santa's Coat Milk Carton Treat Holder

I made a project last year using hand sanitizer with the label remade into a "Santa-tizer" (reminiscent of a Santa coat) and it was pretty popular. I thought about other ways I could use a similar concept. This is what I came up with for this year. It seemed like a perfect Christmas party gift for my daughter's 5th grade class. Pretty cute, if you ask me! In fact, my sister liked these so much she asked if I wouldn't mind whipping some up for her to give to her co-workers. So... I only had to make about a gazillion of these babies. Ok, not a gazillion, but 58. (I can't do tiny quantities any more, apparently.) Anyway, it is simple to assemble, though a little time consuming. It is all paper punches or die cut shapes held together with hot glue (on my 3rd bag for this season...) How cool is that? Just one little stamp with simple black ink, a little bit of ribbon, and you are done! Filled my little boxes with Christmas M&M's. I am keeping that company in business this year, apparently.

Reindeer Class Treat Holders

I found another cute little project on Pinterest and thought I would give it a shot. Made 28 of them for my second grade son's Christmas party for next week. Been crafting up a storm lately and having a total blast! Super easy to make this one too.

 Just cut a 5x7" piece of cardstock, roll it into a tube (so it looks like a toilet paper tube,) and then hot glue one of the edges. Turn it over and fill with goodies (we used mini Snickers and M&M candies,) then hot glue the edge in the opposite direction.

Use a paper crimper to crimp the edges, about 1". Then you add the googly eyes and red pom pom nose with hot glue. Draw a mouth of any style you choose with a felt tip pen. Attach the chenille stem antlers with hot glue and you are done!

Pretty quick to assemble which is a bonus. Would make an excellent last minute party favor. Enjoy!

Ribbon, Twine, Jute Handmade Ball Christmas Wreath

I recently made a yarn ball wreath for a friend and loved the technique so much, I thought I would create one in a completely different style than the other more modern one. I am in love with this one! Totally my style, kind of old fashioned but with a modern twist and definitely cute. ;-)
 I found the centerpiece ornament at Joann Fabrics and used it as my inspiration. I added the bow myself to match the other balls. I had all the ribbons and laces and jute and twine on hand and found the rusty jingle bells at Hobby Lobby (50% off!!) I used a ton of hot glue on this wreath too. Not as much as the other, but still a lot. I need to restock for my next wreath which is in the works. I am loving these! Hope to have time for at least a couple more for gifts. I suggest you give them a shot. Here is a great tutorial for the yarn balls themselves. Enjoy your season!