Easy Reindeer Ornament

As I mentioned in my last post, here's another one of my Christmas crafty gifts. I made this quick, fun and cute reindeer ornament for a family member. I think it was my easiest project of the year because it came from a kit and all I had to do was to arrange the pieces, glue them together and then cut and tie the hanging cord. I did also place a heavy book on top of the ornament as it dried because it didn't seem like the glue was adhering well enough on its own but that did the trick.

There wasn't quite enough cord length for my taste so I might use my own ribbon or something when I make the next two so the hanging cord can be longer (the kit makes 3 ornaments but I haven't made the other two yet). Another change I might make for the other two (if there's room without hitting the ears) is to place the reindeer's antlers a bit further apart so there's a bit more room for the hanging cord in between.

Did you have any easy and quick projects this holiday season? Are you planning any special Valentine's day crafts? I'd love to hear about it!

Loom Knit Hat

Hello, my crafty friends! I've had requests to post some of the crafts I made for Christmas presents last year so I'll have more to post as I come across the photos. There were some that didn't get photographed but at least you'll have an idea.

A few years ago one of my brothers asked for a hunter green knit cap and I finally found the right color yarn in the super bulky kind I like to use for loom knitting so this is the hat I made for him this Christmas. I hope he likes it! It's nice and thick and should keep him warm and toasty.

I didn't post it here but on my main blog I shared my first beaded ornament and that was also given as a Christmas gift and the recipient seemed to love it so I might make more this year.

Hope you're having a wonderful New Year! What kind of crafts are in your plans for 2014? I'm planning on more knitting, some painting, some beadwork and a couple applique projects. I'm more focused on getting organized this year but crafting is a great creative outlet.

Art on My Main Blog

Cherry Blossom Joy Art & Poem:
Copyright © by Phyllis Wheeler, May 2013

This year I've been busy organizing and have cut back on arts and crafting. Cut back, but not stopped entirely. Just in case you weren't aware, I have an inspirational blog at http://lovejoyandpeas.blogspot.com and post some of my artistic photography and general art projects there. Today I posted some of my sketches (cherry blossom and pear). If you haven't been, I'd love for you to visit! Happy spring!

Free Crochet Along With One Dog Woof

I absolutely love this idea and started following ChiWei's One Dog Woof blog today because of it. Not only is she hosting a free to follow crochet along but she's teaching people how to crochet as part of the process. As if that weren't nice enough, there's the added fun of voting on which one of eight projects you'd like to do the most (you can vote for 2 projects). My first choice was the reusable gift bag so of course I hope that gets picked. But I've tried (with rather pitiful results) to crochet before so I'm hoping this will be the attempt that works.

Source: http://www.1dogwoof.com/2013/02/cal-pick-project.html

Super Cute, Fast and Easy Personalized Craft Gift

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Paper Wings posted this fabulous, easy and frugal personalized post it note holder gift craft and I thought it was so neat I had to share it with you in case you're looking for some last minute gifts that won't break your budget or take a crazy amount of time to make. You can probably make them for under $2 each if you already have enough extra scrapbook paper, embellishments and ribbon lying about. Her original post and instructions are here: http://violetpaperwings.blogspot.com/2010/12/post-it-present.html. Merry Christmas, happy Chanukkah, happy Kwanza and greetings of the season dear crafting friends!

Happy Birthday Banner Card to Celebrate Craftsi's First Birthday

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It's hard to believe that this blog is already a year old! Happy 1st Birthday, Craftsi! In celebration I thought I'd share this beautiful happy birthday card. I don't know that I'm going to ever make it but I do adore it. I've seen it on Pinterest and was thrilled to find it's source and instructions at Martha Stewart's crafts department. What are your favorite happy birthday crafts? 

Sources/original links:
Balloon card image: https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-TGVqGFkS45U/TZpD2n25hcI/AAAAAAAARIk/_xnKmiH8sPM/8.jpg?imgmax=512
Happy birthday banner card: http://thecraftsdept.marthastewart.com/2011/04/happy-birthday-banner-card.html

Cute and Easy Snowman Ornaments

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Simply Cute Creations made these adorable, cute and easy snowman ornament crafts from clear ornaments, baby socks, fake snow and bits of ribbon and string.  I love them. Here's the how to link: http://jhagfeldt.blogspot.com/2010/12/snowmen-ornaments.html. You could turn this into a recycled craft by using scrap ribbon and string and/or repurposing some baby socks.

Can you believe the holiday season has begun already? Merry Christmas! Happy holidays! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanza! I wish you joy, peace and happy crafting!