What's Your New Year's Resolution?

I've been thinking about my resolutions, stop snacking, go on a diet, walk more, save more, spend less. Tell me what your New Year's resolutions are for 2009. You might be surprised how much we have in common.

Happy New Years to All!

Happy New Year!

Hey! 2008 is almost over! Put on your party hats, raise a toast to good times and do a countdown for a happy and happening New Year. Begin 2009 in a very special way with your friends and family. I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and hope the year 2009 is a memorable one for you and your family!

My husband and I will be celebrating the New Year at home. How about you and your family? How do you plan on celebrating the New Year?

25 Best Christmas Movies Ever

So what if Christmas movies can be a bit sappy? They warm our hearts, restore our faith in humanity and generally bring joy to the world. Check this site out. They've unwrapped the top 25 big-screen Christmas flicks of all time. Enjoy!
http://movies.aol.com/holiday-movies/best-christmas-movies

12 Day of Christmas Song

One repeating Christmas story which is more legendary yet interesting in it's development as 'fact' (through the world-wide web vine) is about the origin of this popular Christmas song. This story is coming from the middle ages that Christmas was extended from a one-day celebration to a 12-day celebration. It begins with Christmas day and ends with the Epiphany twelve days later.The story of the song develops that during this time period (mid-1500's to the early 1800's) people of the Catholic faith were being repressed by laws in England. To hide their Christianity but teach their faith, believers came up with a song that was a catechism for children to learn the Catholic faith, and each of the gifts were a clue to this.

In the song, 'My true love' refers to God, 'gave to me' refers to being baptized, and the 'partridge in the pear tree' is a direct reference to Jesus the Savior in the first verse of the song.

2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, known as the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-Laying = the six days of creation
7 Swans A-Swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-Milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-Leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Others believe the song was simply a delightful rhyme set to music. The song was developed and used as a "memory and forfeits game" that was played by the children of this time period. The game was played by a leader reciting the first verse, and continued around, each child reciting the next verse.

Many Christians do celebrate January 6 as the Epiphany, also known as the 12th Day of Christmas, the Twelfth Night, Three King's Day. The word epiphany means an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being; an illuminating discovery as when the Magi finally found the baby Jesus. Note that this story does not have "hard evidence" as to the true nature of the song and is more likely anecdotal. It can certainly be used today to teach a part of Christianity. We repeat this story because it is a fun song to learn as well as other Christmas-related songs - no matter what your faith.

Copyright © 2008 Merry-Christmas.com. All rights reserved.

Christmas Games

At allthingschristmas.com, they have devoted a whole section to computer games for children. You can visit the page via Christmas for Kids-section or you play Dress The Snowman here. http://www.allthingschristmas.com/northpole/games/snowman/snowman.html

Did You Know That...

Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the earth.

In Poland, Santa Claus gives gifts on the 6th of December.

Santa Claus is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Kris Kringle.

In 1866, the artist, Thomas Nast, made a montage entitled, "Santa Claus and His Works" and for the first time established Santa as a maker of toys.

It was Coca-Cola's magazine advertisements, billboards, and point-of-sale store displays that exposed nearly everyone in America to the modern Santa Claus image.

Mistletoe

Mistletoe was used by Druid priests 200 years before the birth of Christ in their winter celebrations. They revered the plant since it had no roots yet remained green during the cold months of winter.The ancient Celtics believed mistletoe to have magical healing powers and used it as an antidote for poison, infertility, and to ward of evil spirits. The plant was also seen as a symbol of peace, and it is said that among Romans, enemies who met under mistletoe would lay down their weapons and embrace.Scandanavians associated the plant with Frigga, their goddess of love, and it may be from this that we derive the custom of kissing under the mistletoe. Those who kissed under the mistletoe had the promise of happiness and good luck in the following year.

Rudolph the Reindeer

Perhaps the best know of all the reindeer is Rudolph - the red nosed reindeer. Rudolph was the creation of Robert May, an advertising writer for the Montgomery Ward department store in Chicago.

May, who was very imaginative, wanted to create a booklet to give to parents who shopped at Montgomery Ward and with the help of Denver Gillen, a friend who had artistic skills, they created a booklet about Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. The story of how Rudolph lit the way through the fog to help Santa Claus deliver his toys was distributed for several years, with millions of booklets distributed at Montgomery Wards stores over the years.

In 1947 the story of Rudolph the red nosed reindeer was put to music by a friend of Robert Mays by the name of Johnny Marks. It was recorded and sung by Gene Autry a famous TV star and sold millions of copies of the song. Rudolph has had his own TV shows and movies and continues to grow in popularity with every passing year.

History of Christmas Stocking

Christmas Stockings are an integral part of Christmas Holiday traditions. The custom of gifting Christmas Stockings, as Christmas or holiday gifts are not a recent development .It has had a longer lineage than we can ever think of. How Christmas Stockings came to be regarded as a hot favorite is shrouded in mystery. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17858438

Myths and tales explaining the origins of Christmas Stockings are many. But the most accepted legend goes like this.A kind nobleman squandered all his wealth and property when his wife expired due to an illness and left him three daughters. So pathetic was his condition, that he had to move to a peasant’s cottage and lived a life of misery. He did not even have enough booty to get his daughters married. Generous as he was, St Nicholas decided to help them out but anonymously. One night he rode up to their house and having discovered that all had fallen asleep, he quietly dropped three pouches of gold coins down the chimney and they landed on the stockings that the girls had hung up by the hearth. The next morning the daughters were overjoyed with the gold coins they found inside their stockings as it was sufficient enough for them to get married and they lived happily ever after. Even today, children all over the world celebrate this day by hanging their stockings near the fireplace. Most of the countries follow similar traditions with minor variations. In France and Hungary, kids keep their shoes by the hearth or on the windowsill; in Holland they stack their shoes with hay and carrot for the horse of Sintirklass. So kids, don’t forget to hang your Stockings by the hearth, for you never know what your boon in disguise is going to be like. For more information on History of Christmas Stockings log on to our site at Christmas Carnivals.
http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-stocking/history-christmas-stockings.html

Counting the Days Until Christmas

This month is all about getting ready for Christmas. About what gifts to buy your relatives, or how to host a perfect holiday party. Also, the special, meaningful things that families may do together during the Christmas season. I've found some examples and will add a little history of each. What are some of your holiday traditions during the Christmas season? Do you decorate a tree? Do you set up a Nativity scene? And what special things do you do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? Share your family traditions in the comments section.

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Track Santa and countdown the moments till his arrival. Follow Santa Claus on Christmas Eve as he travels around the world with http://www.noradsanta.org/. For over 50 years, NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), and previously CONAD (Continental Air Defense Command), have tracked Santa's journey each Christmas.The tradition began in 1955 after a store advertisement for children included a misprinted telephone number to call Santa. Instead of Santa, children ended up calling the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations. Colonel Harry Shoup received the first Santa call. Wanting to help the children Colonel Shoup had his staff check radar data to see if they could spot Santa making his way from the North Pole. As it turned out there were signs of Santa and children who called were given an update on Santa's position. Thus, the tradition was born. NORAD carried out its first Santa tracking in 1958 after inheriting the tradition.

Do you remember paddle ball?

Turkey Paddle Ball Game

If you have kids coming over for Thanksgiving, this makes a great project to keep them busy while you cook.

This is a game I remember from my childhood. Warning! You must teach the little ones how to paddle. Not to use as a weapon!

You need:

Paddle Ball

Feathers

Tacky Glue

Paint & Brush or Markers

Instructions:

Paint paddle. Let dry. Glue feathers to the back sides and one on the top. Draw or paint on a face. You can find this project and a whole lot more at http://www.makingfriends.com/.

Bisquick Sausage Ball Recipe

Sausage Balls Rock, Quick and Easy to Make

Bisquick Sausage Balls are favorites for holidays, special events like Super Bowl Parties and yummy any day of the year.

I only make sausage balls for Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas. It doesn't take long to make sausage balls, and almost everyone loves them. I always make two batches, one with pork and the other with turkey sausage.

The basic recipe for Bisquick Sausage Balls is:

2 cups Bisquick
1 pound sausage
10 oz. pack of shredded cheese (or just shred your own from a block of cheddar)

Directions:

Put everything in the bowl and mix. This is easiest to do with your hands though it feels pretty gross at this stage. Roll the mixture into 1 inch balls, use a teaspoon for measuring. I think the smaller the better. Place the sausage balls on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degress F for about 10 to 15 minutes. depends on size. The Bisquick balls should be lightly browned with the meat cooked through.

Refrigerate leftover and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Sock Monkey

All you need to make this cute little Sock Monkey are a pair of socks, sewing machine, buttons (just two for the eyes), ruler, pens, scissors, stuffing, pins, and needle and thread.

You can find detail instructions at CraftBits http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=1104. I think you will love this site.

A Grand Gobbler

Possibilities

Write seven reasons to be thankful on tiny pieces of paper, and tie one to each button on the turkey's tail. Ask family members to read them during your Thanksgiving feast.

You can find this FREE pattern at http://www.sewing.org/html/grand_gobbler.html. Free Sewing & Craft Projects, Learn to Sew, Guidelines Articles, Charitable Projects, Bridal, Kids & More!

Quick and Easy Apron

Materials Needed:

Dishtowel or Teatowel

3 yards of 1 in. grosgrain ribbon for ties

1/3 yard fabric or fat quarter for top & pocket

Matching thread

Optional: 1 yard rickrack

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fold towel in half lengthwise to determine center.


2. Open towel, then fold top corners to the back side. The top of your apron should measure 9 1/2 in. and the angle sides should measure 13 in. Press


3. Measure 2 in. away from pressed edge and trim away the excess fabric using pinking sheers.


4. To make lower pocket, cut a piece of fabric 6 1/2 in. x 20 1/2 in. (or width of towel plus 1 in.). Fold long edges over 1/4 in. then again 1/4 in.. Press. Top stitch top edge. Add rickrack to top edge if desired.


5. Fold short edges and remaining long edges over 1/2 in. Press. Stitch pocket unit to bottom of towel stitching 1/8 in. from folded edge. Divide into 3 equal sections and stitch to make pockets.


6. To make decorative top, cut a piece of fabric 4 1/2 in. x 16 in. (or width of towel top plus 1 in.). Cut short ends to match angle leaving 1/2 in. inseam allowance. Fold all edges over 1/2 in.. Press. Stitch this unit to the top of your towel keeping your stitching line 1/8 in. away from the folded edge. Add rickrack if desired.


7. Stitch 1 1/2 in. from pressed edge to form casing for ribbon. Thread ribbon through casings.

Wear and enjoy!

Set an Elegant Monogrammed Table

Monogrammed napkins add a touch of elegance to your holiday dinner. Even with the short time left until Turkey Day, you still can add a beautiful monogram to your table linens in about an hour. Prepare a single initial monogram in your choice of styles. If you will fold your napkins, place the initial in the lower right corner, opposite any sewn-in tag. If you use napkin rings, place the letter “on point” opposite from any sewn-in tag. Print a template from your embroidery software to assure that your selected style is in the proper scale and that it is pleasing in your selected placement.

If you still have time left, consider adding a matching initial to the upper left corner of your placemats.

Personalized Coloring Book and Crayon Tote With Embroidery Design and Monogram

One of my newest creations. This tote is fantastic for toddlers! It’s the perfect way to carry their goodies themselves, and help keeps mommy organized and her purse crayon-free. Children love to simply take the crayons out of their sleeves and continually put them back in place…entertains them for hours! Also, a great way to entertain them at home, in the car, on the airplane, at church, restaurants, Drs. appointments, meetings, at grandma’s house or anywhere they might go.

Tote holds 12 large crayons and 3 or 4 coloring books.A tote is a great way to commemorate your little one’s very first holiday or birthday. Makes a great keepsake! The back of each tote features an embroidery design, your baby’s first name and a small verse! (Up to 20 characters in all.) Something cute like "My Little Princess" or "Babies Rule", “Little Slugger” or how about “1st Christmas”, just ask I have many more I can share. Be creative! This makes a great shower, birthday or Christmas gift. I have 100's of embroidery designs. Just let me know what you are looking for. Place your order at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17227589

Tote and handles are quilted, inside is lined with coordinating fabric, crayon pockets are interfaced and I've doubled and sometimes tripled stitched for added strength. It measures approximately 10 ½” tall, 9” wide, 1 ½” deep, 7 1/2" drop on handles. The bag is made of 100% cotton fabric and batting, making it soft and sturdy. Machine wash with cold water, hang to dry and press with warm iron. Coloring book and crayons not included.

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipe

Tradition makes the table enjoyable, but don't be afraid to try something new. Try one of my favorite classic Thanksgiving recipes at your dinner this year

Roasted Garlic - Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Fresh roasted garlic and parmesan cheese flavor these mashed potatoes that wi go great with any main dish or holiday dinner.

Ingredients

2 garlic bulbs
Olive oil (optional)
3 pounds potatoes, peeled and quartered
2 tsp. salt, divided
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, softened
1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tsp. pepper
Garnish: fresh thyme sprigs

Method

Cut off pointed ends of garlic bulbs: place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil, and drizzle with oil, if desired. Fold foil to seal. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes; cool to touch. Squeeze pulp from garlic cloves and set aside. Bring potato, 1 teaspoon salt, and water to cover to a boil in a Dutch oven; boil 20-25 minutes or until potato is tender. Drain. Mash potato, or press through a ricer. Stir in garlic, remaining 1 tsp. salt, whipping cream and next 4 ingredients. Garnish, if desired.

Notes: Add a little more milk if desired. I actually added about 1/4 cup skim milk and the consistancy was just right.

Number of Servings: 6

FREE Patterns

Copyright-free patterns for all skill-levels

You’ve arrived to your kind of ‘candy’ store. All patterns, accompanied by instructions and related creations are copyright-free and easy to download. Please check it out! http://www.burdastyle.com/

Vintage Vines Pillow

Add the French country look to your couch or favorite chair with this pillow made in moire and satin fabrics.

Link to download free pdf pattern http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?cat_id=260.

Designed byBarbara Clayton

Placemat Market Tote Bag

Compliments of Craft At Home ~ craftathome.com

Most of us have a few odd place mats laying around the house, that are just too pretty to toss away. Here is a fabulous idea for using up a couple of those mismatched place mats. Do you have a doily that has a teeny hole, or a stubborn stain that you just can't get rid of? Here's the perfect place to give it a new life.I have had so many requests for a tote pattern. I thought that this style of tote would be the perfect place for a beginner to start. You don't need a sewing machine to complete this project, but I do recommend it. However, If you love hand sewing, you won't have any trouble whipping up this little pretty!

Materials:

2 Place mats of choice [they don't need to be the same pattern, just the same size]

2.5 Yards Cotton Heavy Weight Twill

Thread [matching fabric color]

Sewing Machine [optional]

Doily of choice

Button

How to:

First decide which side of the place mat you would like to be the front and back of your tote. Once you have decided, lay your two place mats flat with the right side [front and back] up. Cut your 2.5 yard piece of twill in half. From the bottom center of your place mat, measure about 3 inches to each side and place the cut end of your twill even with the place mat edge. Pin your twill running up the place mat, loop for the handle and back down to the place mat edge. Repeat this for the other place mat. Top stitch the twill in place at each side going across the top to secure the handle in place.

With right sides together [side with your handles], pin the sides and bottom edges together. Sew place mats together either following the original seam in the place mat or use 1/2 inch seam allowance. Press your seams open.

To add a doily or linen piece, you need to create a finished top edge on your doily. Along the cut edge of your doily, fold under 1/4 inch and press in place. Now, fold over another 1/4 inch to create an edge with no raw edges. Press firmly in place. Pin your doily to the top front of your tote, making sure that the pressed edge of your doily and the top edge of the tote meet. Sew a top stitch around the entire top of the tote [as close to the edge as possible], Stitch another row of top stitches across the top, but this time about 3/8 inches away from the edge. Be sure your side seams are pressed out when top stitching. This will keep those seams out of your way and give a more finished look to the inside of the tote.

Whether you attach a doily or not, it is important that you add these final top stitches to the tote. These final top stitches secure the handles along the top, to prevent your side handle stitches from coming apart, when you over load your tote with weight. Finally, stitch a button at the lower center of doily bringing the thread all the way through to the inside of the tote. This will help keep your doily in place and it looks pretty too!

Helpful Hints:

It is always a good idea to choose quality threads for your projects. They truly do make a difference, not only in the strength of the stitches, but also in the appearance. I almost always use cotton wrapped polyester thread for my everyday totes. The polyester gives the thread strength, while the cotton prevents damage to the fabric. 100% polyester thread is extremely strong and is wonderful for many projects, but can cause early wear to many fabrics, at the stitch points. If you are using vintage fabrics, I always recommend using a thread that is weaker than the actual fabric you are using. This way, your thread will break before your fabric will... It's much easier to stitch up a seam than repair damaged fabric. 100% Cotton thread is usually a good choice for vintage fabrics.

Copyright 1999- 2008 by Craft At Home. All rights reserved

All Purpose Sewers Aid For Hand & Machine Quilting

Sewers Aid is especially useful for the home-sewer. Sewers Aid applied sparingly to spool and bobbin thread and your sewing tools makes machine sewing smoother and hand sewing easier.

SEWERS AID HAS UNLIMITED USES:

Apply SEWERS AID to spool and bobbin thread. It will lubricate the thread guides and tension as it passes through the machine for smoother sewing.

Apply SEWERS AID to machine needle for smoother sewing - knits and sheer fabrics can be sewen more easily and it helps prevent skip stitching.

Apply SEWERS AID to hand needle for easier penetration of fabric when hand sewing.

I recommend it for those hard to use threads like metallics, king tut, and other thick ones. I squirt a little on my needle when I'm having trouble. Works like magic!

Decorator Pillow

Download step-by-step instructions here With such a simple design and easy instructions, why not make a whole bunch of these lovely decorator pillows. Be creative with colors and fabric textures!

All You Need Pouch With Skull and Bones Embroidery Design

Your I.D., some money, cell phone and keys…what else do you need? This pouch is for everyone, regardless of gender or age. Can be used for a small purse, pencil holder or bikers pouch. Other uses, cosmetic bag, toiletry bag, camera bag, or an organizer for all those cords you need to take with you when you travel. Its usefulness is endless. Made from medium weight duck cloth in black. Interfaced with fusible fleece. Making it soft but sturdy. The bag is lined with an interfaced red cotton fabric. It has one inside pocket. I added a tab with key ring and top stitched along the zipper. Tie added to zipper to make zipping and unzipping quick and easy. Will make a great Christmas gift for just about anyone with a fancy for skulls. Appox. Size: 6 ½” tall, 9 ½” wide at the top, 7” wide at bottom, 2 ½” depth. Machine wash on gently cycle in cold water and air dry. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16925330

It's History

Barack Obama Wins 2008 Presidential Election

Key Wins in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia sealed the deal for the Democrat's victory over John McCain. Americans have spoken, and their collective voice has summoned for change.
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1598607/20081104/story.jhtml

Freepatterns.com

Check out this great site. Lots and lots of free patterns. Knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, sewing, quilting, beading, crafting and more. You name it they have it. All you have to do is sign up. http://www.freepatterns.com/

Quick and Easy Recipes From The Foodnetwork

EasyAppetizers

Whether you're hosting an elegant dinner party or making a casual weeknight meal, find sensational starters for your meal. Easy appetizers – including these Spanish Tortillas – are sure to keep your guests entertained. Browse recipes with pictures

Cresent Mummy Dogs

Hot dogs are all wrapped up in a classic recipe for Halloween...or anytime a chuckle is in order.

http://www.pillsbury.com/Recipes/ShowRecipe.aspx?rid=16015

Share Your Quilt at HGTV.com

Are you a talented quilter? Share your photos and videos with the world and show off your favorite quilts. Just sign in and name your projects and you're ready to upload! Share with friends, rate your favorites and browse other users' quilts for ideas and inspiration.

http://sharemyquilt.hgtv.com/SNC/Main.aspx?&pguid=06acca86-b7bc-43fe-b9ef-4839815f6f1c

I shared my "Welcome to My Cabin Quilt". Please take the time to share your quilt with the world.

Winner Announcement for the Halloween Bag Giveaway

The contest has ended. The winners are Shel and Samsakara. Congratulations!


Thank you so much for taking the time to check out my treasures. Everything is handmade by me. I try to use recycled and natural fibers as often as possible. You will find a variety of items: bags and totes, quilts, wall hangings, table runners, place mats and a whole lot more. I’m just getting started, so be sure and stay tuned. Please bookmark my Etsy Shop so you can shop at your convenience. Most of my items can be customized to your liking. I would love to know what you're looking for.Your business is greatly appreciated!


http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6151368

Pumpkins Gone Wild Halloween Quilt

Here’s a wild and wacky Halloween quilt. You’ll have lots of fun displaying this quilt. It will stay out long after Halloweens over. Used Moda’s “Pumpkins Gone Wild” collection by Sandy Gervais. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16083314

Make Mealtime Extra Fun

Whether you're serving fly fricassee or caterpillar cutlets, Halloween specialties will taste all the better on these Jack-O-Lantern placemats, with Reversible Embroidered Napkins and Embroidered Napkin Rings. Made of machine washable 100% cotton. I justed added these items to my Etsy Shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6151368

My Sewing & Craft Room

Wouldn't you love to have a space like this? Most days I can't even get into my sewing room. I think you'll enjoy these pictures.

http://www.sewing.org/html/my_sewing_room.html

Magician Cape

All we did to transform a mere 7-year-old boy to a mighty magician was use a fabric marker to draw a tie and collar onto a white T-shirt, affix a fake carnation to his lapel, and tie a black-and-red satin cape around his neck. And lo and behold: a levitating maestro ready to make piles of candy disappear.

Cape How-To

This unadorned cape falls just above the knee. You will need black satin and red satin fabric and two 14-inch pieces of red satin ribbon for ties. Make the cape following the basic directions. Stitch the ribbons securely to either side of the neck.

Crafting advice from Martha Stewart.com.

http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.3a0656639de62ad593598e10d373a0a0/?vgnextoid=9138809dc732f010VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

JO-ANN FABRIC FREE ONLINE SHIPPING

Use promotion code SAD278 for free standard shipping on your order of $35 or more through Sun., 10/05/08 03:00 AM PDT.*


* Offer valid online at Joann.com only. Special handling charges (if applicable) still apply. Offer does not apply to Jo-Ann Gift Card purchases. $35 minimum is based on the subtotal before tax and excludes Jo-Ann Gift Card purchases, magazine subscriptions, Pre-Framed Art & Mirrors and special handling charges. Limited to available online stock; no rain checks will be issued. Promotion code can only be used once per person, cannot be combined with other promotion codes and cannot be used on past Joann.com purchases. Not valid at JoannDesigns.com, JoannArt.com, partner stores or Jo-Ann Stores.

This coupon can be found on the official Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts Website. http://www.joann.com/joann/

Creepy Crawly Halloween Spiders

These magnificently monstrous spiders are easily crafted from foam balls, black spray paint, and chenille stems.

What You Need

• Crafts-foam balls: one 6-inch diameter and one 3-inch diameter


• 1 bamboo skewer


• Black matte-finish spray paint


• 2 corsage pins with red heads


• 8 black bump chenille stems


• Heavy-gauge floral wire


• Hanging cord

Make It

1. To assemble each spider, insert a skewer through a large crafts-foam ball and then into a small crafts-foam ball.


2. Cover your work surface and thoroughly spray the assembled spider with paint. Let dry and spray again if needed.


3. Insert corsage pins into the small ball for the eyeballs.


4. For the legs, insert 4 chenille stems into each side of the spider body. Bend each leg at a 90-degree angle approximately halfway down the length of the chenille stem. Bend the tip of each chenille stem to create the feet.


5. Cut an 8-inch length of wire for each spider and bend the wire in half; twist the wire several times to form a loop.


6. Insert the ends of the wire into the top of the spider's body.


7. Thread a hanging cord through the loop.

BIG HALLOWEEN GIVEAWAY

Two winners will each receive a Halloween Tote, a $10 value.

How you can win: Please visit my Etsy Shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6151368 and then come back here and tell me your favorite item. I need the listing number, why you like it and a valid e-mail address. Only one entry per email address please.

Who is eligible: Everyone! You don't have to be a blogger to win, just supply a valid e-mail address.

When the giveaway ends: Friday, October 17, 11:59PM. I'll e-mail the winner(s), and results are always posted here as well. If the winner doesn't respond within 2 business days, a new winner will be drawn.

Update On My Etsy Shop!

I sold this diaper bag yesterday! Thank you Sparkling Butterfly for picking my bag from all the rest.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5136715

Please be sure and check out this site. She has some amazing yard artwork!

FREE PATTERNS

I think you will agree with me that this site is worth visiting. She has a cool purse pattern for sale...plus some cool FREE patterns as well.

www.studiokatdesigns.com

Another Great Website For Sewing Help

http://sewing.about.com

This is a fantastic site. Lots of FREE patterns and ideas.

Free Patterns and Projects Are Sorted by Degree of Difficulty. So you can work at your own pace. They even have a section on helping you with your sewing machine. So before you get all frustrated and throw your sewing machine out the window, check out these simple trouble shooting steps! http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/a/mtroubleshot.htm

Homemade Halloween Costumes

There are many commercial costumes available at the local stores, however between the cost, and lack of imagination, and the fact you end up with a half dozen kids all looking the same at a party. Nothing beats homemade. Below is some basic ideas for you to play with. All are cheap, easy, and allow for tons of imagination.

Do it in tights & leotards or Sweats

Skunk Black with white strip down the pack.. be careful everyone may run

Bunny Pink, brown, or white, add a powder puff or large pom-pom to the backside, and a set of ears make from constriction paper and a plastic headband. Now just hop on out and enjoy

Turtle Green with a piece of poster board attached to the back. Simple cut the poster board into a large oval, make random marks like a turtle shell, and paint.

Puppy Brown, tan or white, either paint, or pin paper spots on. Make floppy ears and bobby pin to hair over your ears. The tale can be most anything, depending on what type of doggie you wish to be. Add a little make-up.

Kitten Gold, brown, tan, white. Make ears from construction paper, attach to head band or bobby pin in to hair. Sew a simple round tale, and pin on.

Spider Black, For the legs grab some cheap black hose, stuff with any thing dark and light weight. Either sew, or staple to keep stuffing from falling out. Pin to clothing, add a little make-up

Costumes from the closet or second-hand store
Ghost: Grab a old white sheet, cut out the eyes. Be sure its is short enough not to trip you. Take scrap piece of sheet, and sew up a simple treat bag. OR Why be the same old plain ghost? A ghost going out in public might like to get dressed up a little. Use the same old white sheet, cut out holes for the eyes and a small slit for the mouth. Then dress it up a little. Put eye shadow and lashes around the eyes. Lipstick for the mouth. Put a little color on the cheeks. How about earrings and a necklace ? You could color in a beard or mustache. Use something besides just a white sheet to be a little more fancy

Clown: Sweet clothes that are too large. Decorate by using either fabric paint, or markers. For those who dare try tie-die. Tack on some large pop-poms, add a cheap wig, hat, and make-up. You may also stuff the extra space in clothing with tissue. However this could be messy, if you need to make a "pit-stop".

Scarecrow: Over sized flannel shirt, faded blue jeans with patches, rope for belt and to tie at the cuffs of his jeans and sleeves, stuff the shirt and jeans with plastic grocery, or paper, a little bit of straw to hang out of jeans and shirt. Add a little bit of make-up.

The American tourist: Guys loud Hawaii shirt, shorts (if weather permits), Large straw hat. Gals bright loud dress, flats, big sun hat, straw bag. Don't forget to have a camera, and maps hanging out, and that look of being lost. Guys can use a tourist bag, (like you get from travel agents, and gals can use the straw bag for their treats.

Jo-Ann Coupon at Joann.com

Use promotion code SFD273 in your online shopping basket through Tue., 09/30/08 03:00 AM PDT for 50% off the regular price of one item online at Joann.com*. Discount is taken off the regular price of the item.

* Offer excludes Grace Company, Electric Quilt Company, Crop In Style®, Best Value™, Creative Options and Brother® products; Madeira®, Sulky and Gutermann thread sets; Singer® accessories; Xyron® Design Runner; Framed Art & Mirrors; irons; dressforms; sewing machines; sergers; embroidery machines; sewing cabinets; software; exclusive quilt kits & bundles; die cut machines & accessories; clearance items; the purchase of Jo-Ann Gift Cards; tax and shipping charges. Additional exclusions may apply. Offer cannot be combined with other offers and is limited to available online stock; no rain checks will be issued. Promotion code can only be used once per person, cannot be combined with other promotion codes and cannot be used on past Joann.com purchases. Not valid on purchases from JoannDesigns.com, JoannArt.com, partner stores and Jo-Ann Stores.

This coupon can be found on the official Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts Website.

Sewing Tip Of The Day

Before you've even opened your sewing pattern, make sure you have read the instructions thoroughly TWICE ! Follow each step carefully, and in order. There's always a reason why the steps are in the order that they are, so resist the temptation to skip or swap steps around!

GARMENT CONSTRUCTION TIP

Flannel adds Support to most Fabrics. Flannel provides just the right backing for many sewing projects. You can use it for underlining, interfacing, and lightweight, soft backing for heirloom sewing. When the flannel interfacings or underlinings are pressed to the fashion fabric, they hold together long enough to be sewn in place. As an underlining, the flannel lends a soft, supple drape to the garment. Of course any printed design on the flannel will show through a lightweight fabric, so be sure to test your fabrics. Most IMPORTANT, always prewash your flannel.