Christmas and the Elves have been Busy

Lars has been working on a hope chest, (blanket box), or Cedar Chest - made from Pine ;D for our daughter for Christmas...

He put it off until December 20th - which didn't leave him a lot of time to figure it all out because he's never made one before and he didn't want to "buy" a pattern or try to find one on-line. He said, "I'll wing it." But with only a couple of days to buy the wood, figure out what he was making and make it...I was a little worried.

Here's how the project went.

First he just built a box (which I thought looked a bit like a coffin). And then he had to make the top.

He glued together a couple long pieces of word for the top and used little pieces of wood for support. And he glued some more . . .

 And some more

 Here he's using a silicon basting brush (yep something from the kitchen) he says the glue won't stick to silicon . . .

 And some more. . .

 He glued and glued and . . .

 GLUED!

And then glued some more.

Then he worked on making the back  . . .

Wishing You All a Howling Happy Holiday!

Merry Christmas - hope you all have a howling holiday!

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn...YUMMMMMMM

It's so easy to make a special homemade gift to give your friends and neighbors without spending a lot of time or money. Here's how I did it this year.

First I popped a huge portion of popcorn.

Then I melted some white chocolate.

You have to check it - to make sure you don't burn it.

I melt it slowly...checking on it as I go.

When it's smooth and glossy - you're ready.

I smashed about 8 candy canes -- but first I put them in a baggie to keep the mess contained - but you could use any peppermint candy - I just had these around the house during the holidays.

I stirred most of the crumbled peppermint into the white chocolate but I reserved some to sprinkle over the top of the popcorn to make it look prettier.

And I left a few big chunks of peppermint.

Then I poured the white chocolate and peppermint mixture over the top of the popcorn - in a stainless steel bowl - and I stirred it around to make sure it was well-covered.

Then I took some metal tins and lined them with aluminum foil and poured the popcorn inside.

That way they have the tin after they finish the popcorn for another little gift :D

But, if you don't have tins, you could use baggies - after the popcorn has cooled and the white chocolate has set - and wrap a pretty ribbon on the top and WAH-LAH a wonderful edible gift you can give and feel proud that it will be enjoyed. And, if you want to add a movie into the mix... no problem!

It can be a wonderful evening you can give a family...now, if only FROZEN was out in dvd. :D

Making an Ornament Wreath

It's really simple to make a Christmas Ornament Wreath. And, if you buy the supplies now while everything is 70% to 90% off (at the crafting stores) it will be super inexpensive too.

Here's how I did it.

First I bought a foam core base - but you could use cardboard or an old wreath frame - whatever you have.

Then I laid out my supplies

Next, I dumped all my ornaments into a bowl so I could see what I was working with and grab and go easily.

Then I simply started sticking the balls into the foam.

I shoved them into the foam and then glued them in place for extra sticking power.

Sometimes I'd put one in and then not like the look and pull it out and reposition it. It's all up to you.

Then I weaved a craft feather boa in and out of the ornaments. And I had to wiggle it around to get it just how I wanted it.

But then there were still some gaping holes. So, I used some little flower package ornaments (see above) and stuck them in where there were holes.

But then I still wasn't happy - so I grabbed out some ping-pong balls and started gluing them in place.

But then I didn't like the edges, so I used some ribbon that I glued in place to cover any foam that was peeking out, but you could use any silk flowers that match the color scheme you're going for. Or, you could use some greenery from your Christmas tree branches or even your yard (yep, I've been known to do that - lots of times). I just look around the house or yard and find something that works. A pinecone is beautiful spray painted gold or silver.

Then I hung it on the door (and I tried a couple different doors to see which one looked best).

I thought the blue ornaments would look nice on the blue door. But...

I worried about the feathers getting wet outside so I tried the inside door.

And that's where it is. I put my ribbon wreath outside. I think it will hold up better outside...but we will see.

I might have to find/make another wreath...you just never know.

Holiday Home Tour

I love the holidays and I love to decorate... And, if you're like me, and you want to see some homes that have decked their halls, go here and visit Jen on the Edge who is hosting a wonderful holiday tradition of people opening up their houses to share the way they celebrate and decorate.

Here's how my house looks for this year's holiday.

First there's the halloween wreath that I re-created into the wreath on my front door, which now I've switched out for this one...

I've moved my old ribbon wreath outside - to the front door.

And there's the wine bottle with the Christmas lights.

And my little tulle tree on top of the curio cabinet.

And my vintage ornaments inside the curio cabinet.

And my Christmas cards strung on a ribbon and hung up high where we can all see them.

And then there is the pointsettia.

And all the advent calendars 

with some of the presents still hanging on them.

And the Christmas stockings

 And my Christmas tree.

And then there's the outside of the house.

Christmas Crafts

I was planning to have hats knitted, mittens crocheted, and outfits sewed into seasonal gifts.

Unfortunately I'm almost out of time so now I'm thinking of making some homemade goodies this weekend and packaging them for goodie gifts.

How 'bout you? Have you completed all your projects for the holidays? This one sorta snuck up on me.

So I'll be cooking, baking and trying to finish up some projects quickly this weekend. And, then I'll post all about them next week.

But come back tomorrow to see my Holiday Tour of Homes.

The Hobbit - The Desolation of Smaug

We went to an afternoon showing of the new Hobbit movie.

It was action packed and the graphics of Smaug were great. I thought it was a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

My son wasn't so impressed. He didn't like the way the movie made Smaug look stupid and how the dwarfs were able to fool him so easily.  He said Smaug is a brilliant, ancient, dragon and they made him look foolish.

So, Jake was disappointed in the movie. But I enjoyed it.

So there you go - two opposing viewpoints from the same family.

If you go see it, let me know what you think.