My Home For The Holidays...

I LOVE to decorate for Christmas...it's an easy win for my favorite time of the year.  This year I leaned towards a mid-century vintage/old school look....I love vintage...the 50's and 60's.

Here's what I've done...there are still little touches left to add...

(top to bottom, left to right)

*My Living Room*

(better picture below). My tree is decorated ONLY with with lights and old-school glass Christmas balls, about 100 of them (I may still add a few more) about half of them are distressed to look vintage--tutorial in next post :)

Sadly, this year we had to opt for a artificial tree... :(

*The Stockings*

We needed new stockings this year...and these came about one evening with supplies I already had...Super simple, I made my own template & they were done in about 2 hours or so.

*Close up of felt 'H' applique*

*Pillow Slipcovers*

A super easy way to change up your decor seasonally...here's what you do...

1. Measure your pillow.

2. You want your seams to be on the sides, not the top or bottom, so cut a rectangle of fabric as wide as your pillow + 1 inch seam allowance (side to side) and 2X as long as your pillow is tall (top to bottom) add about 4 inches. Example: your pillow is 15 inches square; cut 1 piece of fabric 16 x 34 inches.

3. Turn under & hem the two short sides of the fabric.

4. With the right side of the fabric facing up fold the two short ends in, toward each other, overlapping so that (using our example) you have a 16 x 17 inch inside-out 'square'. Pin.

5. Stitch only the two unfinished sides.  Turn right-side out & fit onto your pillow.

(I promise it's easy)

*My favorite Corner.. right now :) * 

...the bookcase will be filled up with Christmas books, as we unwrap and read one each day as part of our Christmas countdown.

*My Santa Countdown*

we actually have 3 countdowns  (this one, the books, & a stocking one)...a little much right?...but each kid gets to do one a night (we rotate) & it works out great.

*Snowflakes*

Likely the only snow I'll see before Christmas (I have my finger's crossed that won't be the case)...these are crochet ornaments pinned to the wall with straight pins.

*Classic Christmas*

Nothing says 'classic Christmas' more than a red poinsettia

 & a glass tree candy jar...although mine is filled with nuts & a nut cracker...which the kids think is so much fun :)

Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale!

Everything in both shops is now

10% off & ships for FREE!

(ends Tuesday morning..11/30/10)

Go have a look :)

Anticipation

See Anna Sew

Thanksgiving Crafty Countdown...DAY 6

This one isn't really crafty...but today I spent the day baking with my daughter & my son...it was a lot of fun :)

Here is one thing we made...and they helped every step of the way..

Double Braided Bread

3 Tb. Sugar

1 pkg. yeast (2 1/4 tsp.)

1 tsp. salt

3 Tb. Butter

6 cups flour

2 cups water

1. Mix sugar, yeast, salt, and 2 cups of the flour. Mix well.

2. Heat water & butter until warm, add to the flour mixture & beat until smooth. (I mixed mine by hand).

3. Add the remaining flour.  When it becomes to thick to stir, turn out onto a clean, floured surface & knead until smooth & no longer sticky.

4. Allow to rise, covered in a greased bowl until doubled.

5. Punch dough down, allow to rest on a floured surface for 10 minutes.  Divide dough into half (I always make one half a little bigger), then each half into thirds.  Roll into long ropes and braid three together.  Repeat with the remaining dough.

6. Spread the larger braid out a little, so it is wider & longer, then stack the small braid on top.  Allow to raise for another 30 minutes to 1 hour.

7. Bake at 350 until bread is browned and sounds hollow when tapped.  Remove from oven and slather with butter :)

Enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Crafty Countdown...DAY 5

'Frosted' Candle Holders...with a leaf motif

Clear contact paper gives these an etched look, but after the holidays are over (and a new one has begun) you can just peel it off and add a new one (snowflakes, maybe?)

You need:

clear contact paper

glass candle holder

scissors

craft knife

1. Trace or draw a leaf onto the paper side of the contact paper. Cut out.

2. Using the craft knife cut a slit to start cutting out the stem, I found it was easier to finish the job with the scissors.

3. CAREFULLY peel off the paper backing.  This can be a little tricky, just pull slowly & make sure not to tear any corners.

4. Stick to the outside of your candle holder, adjusting as needed & making sure there are no air bubbles.  I used a filled candle, just because that's what I had on hand, it would look great on a clear glass votive or candle holder--be sure to use one with straight sides to avoid lots of bubbles & creases.

**The look is subtle...it would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving table, where you are close to the candles :)**

Thanksgiving Crafty Countdown..Days 2,3,4...

So...time got away from me this weekend...between the craft fair, errands & everything else that had to be done--seeing Harry Potter was one of them :) I just didn't have time to blog.  So on Sunday afternoon the kids sat down & had some crafting time.  These crafts are all supper easy (and I think you can make all three for under $10)

"Stained Glass" Leaves

I remember doing this when I was in the first grade...only we put dry leaves in with the crayons and made colored paper frames.  It's amazingly easy & a good use for extra, worn out crayons that you might have...

You need:

wax paper

crayons (paper peeled back)

pencil sharpener

yarn or tape (opt.)

iron

scissors

hole punch

1. Fold a piece of waxed paper in half.

2. sharpen crayons over waxed paper.  Collect a good amount of shavings---use lots of different colors--on one side of the creased wax paper.

3. Sandwich crayon shavings in wax paper.  Run a warm iron over it quickly...it only takes a second, you will see the crayons melt instantly--the kids think this is so cool :) If you happen to get a little wax on your iron, quickly wipe it off onto a old towel.

4. Trace or draw leaves onto the cooled wax paper (it cools almost instantly).

5. Cut out leaves.

6. Punch holes, tie onto yarn & hang in front of a window. Or tape to a window so that they are lit up from the sunlight.

Indian Beads

 I know you could just string plastic beads from the store...but I think this adds a little more fun (plus you get hundreds of beads for about $1.00)

You need:

ditalini pasta (short tubes)

food coloring (liquid or gel)

yarn or string

1. separate pasta in to resealable plastic bags (one for each color you want to make.  Add a few drops of food coloring and shake until all the pasta is colored.

2. Pour pasta onto a glass plate or container and let it dry for a few minutes (so your fingers don't get stained).

3. String one pasta bead onto the yarn and tie a knot around it.

4. Wrap the opposite end with a thin piece of tape, this will keep it from un-raveling & will be easier to thread through the pasta.

5.  String as many beads as you like to make necklaces, bracelets, rings, napkin rings--or anything else you can think up :)

Leaf Napkin Ties

This is a fun craft for the older kids.  One set took my 8 year old only 5-10 minutes, start to finish.  Make sure they know to be careful with the needle.

You need:

felt, assorted colors

yarn or embroidery floss

large needle

fabric scissors

1. Cut two leaves out of felt.

2. Thread one end of yarn through the needle, knot the other end. Starting at the tip of one leaf, stitch a running stitch (basic in and out) down the center to the end of the stem.

3.  Keeping enough length of yarn between the leaves to tie around your napkins, stitch the second leaf onto the same yarn, this time starting at the stem and ending at the tip of the leaf.

4. Tie around your napkin.

Have fun crafting!

Thanksgiving Crafty Countdown...DAY 1

With only one week until Thanksgiving I thought I would countdown the days with fun activities for you & your family to do together (and mine too)

...here's the first--super easy, cute and inexpensive:

Cone Cornucopia Place Markers

You need:

a microwave

sugar cones

filler (I used caramel candy corn, trail mix works great too)

1/2 x 5 1/2 inch strips of paper

pen or colored pencil

1. Set one cone at a time on a microwaveable plate so it is standing straight up. Microwave from 10-20 seconds (mine took 20 seconds, but I have a low-watt oven)...use the first as a test.  You want the cone to start to get soft toward the tip---don't go too long, it will start to burn.

2.  Bend the tip of the cone toward the open end to form a "cornucopia".  Be careful--it will be a little hot, hold it so that it cools down & holds it's shape.

3. Write the name on the center of the strip of paper. If desired cut a V out of each end of the paper, so it resembles ribbon.  Wrap one end of the paper around a pencil, just two times, unroll.  Repeat with the opposite end, wrapping it around the opposite direction.  Unroll.

4. Fill your cornucopias & place on a plate with a napkin...or where ever you would like :) Drape the 'ribbon' paper a top the cornucopia...easy enough :) & your done.

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And The Winner Is....

Thanks everyone who entered---and for all the sweet compliments--they really mean a lot to me :)

So, I've numbered all the entries in order (21 in total)

and thanks to random.org our winner is:



Elizabeth!!

e-mail me at anticipationcards{at}yahoo{dot}com with your address & which set you would like :) Congrats!

giveaway!!!!---NOW CLOSED!!

Are you getting ready for Christmas yet? I am....well not in the lets put the decorations out type of way, more in a 'I like to be prepared' way...I am just a 'little bit' of an over-achiever & I like to make ornaments every year...

or every-other-year. Soon I will be posting pictures of what I am working on for this year's tree---and some tutorials :). 

And so, since I'm already basking in the Christmas spirit...I thought it would be fun to have a Christmas Ornament giveaway....featuring my ornaments from See Anna Sew .  

The lucky winner will get to choose a set of 6 (you can mix & match if you like)

Here's how to get up to FOUR entries...

(please leave a comment for each)

1. leave a comment--which ornaments do you like best?

2. Follow this blog...or my other blog Faith & Air Dumplings (if you already do, let me know)

3. follow me on facebook & link back here in your status

4. follow me on twitter & tweet about this giveaway

You have until Wednesday, November 17 @ noon...& I will have them shipped to you just in time for holiday decorating :)

Thanks for entering!

Gratitude Jar

Here is a quick, easy, inexpensive & meaningful way to add to your Thanksgiving decor...

"I am Grateful" jar

here is what you need:

A large clear glass jar with smooth sides (use what ever shape or style you like)

clear contact paper

printer, paper & a good font :)

scissors

1. Print out the letters for "I am grateful" with extra spaces in between in fall colors--you choose :). Use a large font size, around 90 for 'I am' & 150 or so for 'grateful" I used the font 'Matiz'...try fontsquirrel.com or acidfonts.com for great free fonts.

2. Cut out letters. Cut a strip of clear contact paper wide enough to fit your letters (mine has 'I am' above 'grateful & measures 3 inches).

3. Remove the backing from the contact paper, working right side down and backwards (or you will end up with a mirror image), stick cut out letters, color side down onto the sticky side of the contact paper.

4. Stick contact paper to jar, wrapping around the width.  You will end up with a 'frosty' stripe with the letters.

5.Place your jar, with a small pad of paper & pencils, somewhere where your family & guests can write down & add what they are thankful for....great to keep up all year round--so we can always remember to count our blessings :)

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

CLEARANCE SALE...

All halloween items left in my shop are

clearanced for 30% off right now...

great items at a really great price :)

find them at: Anticipation Cards



Friday Fancies

For more 'Friday Fancies' visit Positivity Team :)

This week's theme....Wind...

1. blustery print...The Grey Wind by Ma Petite Papeterie

2. fantastic Cloud Ring by Eyvinds Alchemy

3. adorable hand-carved stamp...Gentle Breeze by Love Sprouts

4. beautiful print...Blowing In The Wind by Local Artist Prints

  

In Fall Color Treasury

All of my favorite colors are in abundance this time of year...

Here are a few great colorful finds from Etsy...make sure you visit their shops--you won't be sorry :)

Visit my treasury for links to the shops here.

Getting Ready For Halloween

It's starting to look spooky here...

Our entry way is shrouded with cobweb curtains full of spiders and bats fluttering overhead...

Our living room is home to 3 extra large bats flying inside the window & family pictures have been replaced with spooky silhouettes.  Plastic pumpkins trick or treat baskets have been stacked in the bookcase...

awaiting strobe lights & our Halloween party.

Not all our decor is spooky...Autumn is brought in with silk leaves in bright colors that I stitched onto branches from outside & grouped in 3 in front of a mirror.

How do you like to decorate for Halloween?

Spooky? Silly? Fun? Creepy?

Upload your Halloween decorating pictures to share on my Facebook fan page here. I can't wait to see what you've done.

 

Homemade Play Dough

My kids love play dough...

even the older ones still like to make sculptures out of it....and it is so easy to make.  It makes a great rainy-day activity--the kids can help every step of the way...

Here's what you need:

3 cups flour

1 1/2 cups salt

3 cups water

2 Tb oil

1 Tb cream of tartar

food coloring

coconut, mint or any other extract you like to smell :)

1. Combine flour, salt, water, oil & cream of tartar in a large, heavy saucepan.  Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until clumps begin to form (it will look really ugly for a while) and then forms into a bigger 'blob' and is too hard to stir with a spoon.  Remove from heat.

2. Allow to cool off a little, then turn out onto the counter and knead until smooth. Add the extract here if you like (I used coconut)...remind little kids that although it smells great--it doesn't taste good at all :)

 3. Divide play dough & place in resealable plastic bags. Squeeze in a few drops of food coloring.  Close the bag and smoosh it around a little to start to mix the color in...once there are no more pockets of food coloring (it will appear marbled) remove it from the bag and knead until a solid color...why do this? it keeps your hands from being multi-colored for a few days-once the color is mixed in a little, it won't stain your hands :)

Store in an air-tight container....Have fun!

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Halloween Costumes

It's the time of year again to start thinking about Halloween Costumes!..we still haven't decided in our house.  I like to make our costumes--it's extra work (but I try to simplify...they don't have to be perfect for the kids to run around in them for one night...in the dark), I just can't justify spending so much money on pre-made, flimsy costumes.

Here's a few from years past...

Two Peas in a Pod

Since I made this one 8 years ago...I can't seem to remember how I made the pod :) the rest is a green sweatsuit with stuffed "peas" safety pinned on to her belly :) and a little green hat.

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Witch & Ghost

These were two of the easiest costumes I've made...

the witch:

Make a pillow case dress, layer it over a black turtle neck & striped tights...and add a hat.

About the same for the ghost, only I did an all elastic neckline & lots a layers, a couple of shimmery-transparent cloth & a bleached cotton lining underneath.  Slip it over a white turtle neck & some white sweatpants & add a white stocking cap & gloves.

****

Fighter Plane & Princess

the pattern for the plane I found in a Family Fun magazine...

of course this was about 5 years ago...but you may be able to find it online still :)

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Flower Fairy & Alligator

The Fairy hat is made out of crepe paper...you can find the directions for other crepe paper costumes on Martha Stewart's website ...the alligator...is one of the few costumes I've bought :)

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3 Pirates

This was a year we found ourselves with out a lot of money...so I scoured the kids clothes for old, holes in the knees, worn out clothes & roughed them  up :) ...the only thing I had to buy...3 bandannas, the eye patch, the parrot & 2 pairs of striped socks.

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Cowboys & Indian

(or Native American...as my daughter would say) :)

For the Indian I found this great "suede" costume fabric at Jo-ann's with nice cut-out details, I just strung beads on to the fringe.  I made a very simple, almost poncho-like shirt & a simple tube skirt.

For the Cowboys I made the vest & chaps....the chaps are lined with old white towels (for the sheep skin look).

****

Mario, Luigi & Princess Peach

For Princess Peach I altered a princess costume pattern to get the right look, her crown is made from fun foam with a little glitter added.

For the boys, I used their pants as patterns & added the overall tops. Their mustaches are felt, stuck on with a little eyelash glue.  I found their hats on Amazon.

What's the favorite costume you've made?

(mine was the Mario Bros & Princess Peach)

If you like another idea...here's a tutorial for

Super Hero Capes :)