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Category Archives: crafts & art

craft weekend.

lots and lots of pictures from the weekend.

three of the girls flew to kansas…two from california…one from alabama.
two of the girls drove from oklahoma.
the rest of the girls were local within 30 minutes.
three of us went to the airport to pick them all up…there were even some tears of joy upon meeting in real life. 

craig is a super star and took all of our kids to his mom's for the weekend…with the stomach flu.

all the blogger girls stayed at my house.
i have lots of beds….a little known fact apparently.
everyone had their own mattress. 
we must be mattress hoarders. 

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my dining room that turned into a game room decided to become a craft retreat lodge this weekend.
we fit in there so well!
all the sewing machines were on the pool table!
it was like the room was made for it.

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on friday night we made our first craft led by julie.
we used this tutorial by little miss momma.

they turned out so cute.
almost everyone chose a different color.
you need to make this!

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kimberlee didn't have on lipstick so we had her use her necklace for lipstick.

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lots and lots of chit chat while we were crafty.
and i see waffle's paw at the bottom left corner of this picture.
he was by our sides every minute….loving the the attention from the ladies.

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there was so much good food.
cindy made breakfast on saturday.
we got to sleep in….a requirement made by me.
don't you hate going places for a "retreat" and then have to be at breakfast by 7:30 am??

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there was even a sweet little baby in attendance!

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after cindy filled us with crepes with fresh fruit and quiche we loaded into a 15 passenger van to go antiquing.
we debated about decorating the van with bunting……

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so fun.
we are any stores DREAM.
a van pulling up with 10 women to shop???
we were met with big smiles.

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9 out of 10 ladies left with new found treasures.

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cole with his mama picking out all the best doilies.

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i took them to my favorite antique store…Bearly Makin It.
so much to choose from.
if you are in kansas….you should go.

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heather found silverware for her party planning business.
a total score!

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anyone need a milk jug???

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loving the sunshine!    

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all the ladies took turns holding sweet baby cole.
it was our pleasure.
he hardly made a peep the whole weekend. 
and everyone had envy of julie's gorgeous hair….it is soooo pretty.

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on saturday in kansas we had a really odd extremely warm day.
we were so grateful for it.

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can you guess what i bought from all these goodies?  ha ha ha

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after a sonic happy hour run we made it back to my house for more crafts.

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the ruffle pillow tutorial heather taught us with is here.

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3 women had never sewn on a machine before.
they ended up being ruffle making rock stars!
they did fantastic.
ashley's machine made the best ruffles…we all waitied for our turn on her machine.
no one knew what the secret was….but it worked….no gathering required.

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i love being around people who love technology as much as i do….

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threading a needle….

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the third craft was embroidery hoop art.
we were given lots of examples that we could make or we could make our own design.

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amy's was amazing.  

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we stayed up crafting and listening to frank sinatra on pandora and eating tiramisu until 2 in the morning.

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kimberlee made breakfast on sunday.
there was frosting involved.

YUM.
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another great thing about crafty girls weekends….women clean up.

always.

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there were cameras everywhere.
and fabric everywhere.

dreamy.
and my brass lamps from the thrift shop.  :)

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there is a peek at amy jupin's ruffle pillow.
i am in love with the ruffle pillows…i want to make a hundred of them.
and her turquoise flower necklace is also in the picture.

these were all of our hoops together…not all finished but all together.
mine is the one right 
here under these
letters.      

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trying to set up our cameras for a group shot….caught kimberlee being silly.

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                                                  jana (no blog….yet) and amy jupin.

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                                                             jess  and  julie.

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                                                                  ashley and cindy    (also no blog….YET).  
cindy came with ashley so she didn't have to drive alone and show up to a house full of women she had never met and be trapped with us if she didn't like us…
turns out we LOVED them both!
very much.

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                                                                    heather, cole and me.

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                                          amy   (my neighbor) and  kimberlee  (my cleaning partner)

and that was that.
they went home with their suitcases full of new crafts, antiques, julie's messy flowers and full tummies.

and i haven't stopped smiling since.

God gave me blogging.
He gave me a gift that i get to continue opening when i meet new friends from all over.
God is so awesome.

my mind feels full of creativity.
my heart feels full of love and friendship.
my body feels too full of cinnamon rolls and cheesecake.

the retirement center has been missing me.

my bloggy friends left just in time….we are snowed in here and it's FREEZING.
my house has never been this cold.
i am bundled up in a blanket with many layers and hot coffee and i am still frozen. 

T.McClelland - Hi! I came across this by accident,and I am so glad I did! My friends and I have started to do craft weekends together; we have a great time! Don’t know how much crafting we actually get done……we stay in our PJ’s…sometimes put on a chick flick…eat chocolate….we take turns going to each other’s houses. It’s a nice, fun, relaxing, full of laughter good times.

Ali - I second the request on a “how to” for making a banner! I love those banner’s! They would be adorable for my daughter’s birthday!
~ Ali

Ali - So fun! I’m from TX but, I’d love to come next year! Can’t wait for sign ups for your next craft weekend!
~ Ali

Sarah from Create Studio - Wowzers! I really want to do this in my area! What a great way to refresh your creative juices with a bunch of other like-minded women! Awesome! Thanks for the inspiration!

Vitagirl64.blogspot.com - That looks like an INCREDIBLE weekend! I wanna be your friend! LOL
Those good times make life so special! I miss my group I used to do that with. Hmmmmm, maybe it’s time I create a new one. 🙂

Dominique @ Craft Couture - This is just awesome! Looks like soo much fun, I would love to do this! :)Glad you ladies had a great time! 🙂

Jami - I am in crafting envy! That looks like sooo much fun. What a blessing, God IS good!

Jennifer - Wow sounds amazing!! Found your blog through through Little Miss Mama. I have never wanted to live in Kansas till now! 🙂
Jennifer
http://alwaysinwonder.com

teresa - O~My~Goodness!
This is so AMAZING I don’t even know how to EXPRESS myself!
HEAVEN…yes…HEAVEN!
xo

jen @ tatertots and jello - Oh my goodness — that looks so fun!! I love all of those little embroidery hoop creations!!! So cute!
What an amazing weekend!!!
xoxo
Jen

Kaitlyn Bright - Would love to join from Nebraska for the next one!! FFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!! I hold a craft retreat at a local B&B here, love that you had some structure and everyone worked doing the same things. Ours is just a free for all. The hoops are my favorites!

Michelle - It looks like all of you had a fabulous time. You are all so lucky to have one another. Thank you for sharing your great time and providing links to your projects.

aubrey - I love your bunting hanging across the room. I love love love bunting, but I s-u-c-k at making it. Something goes missing between the picture in my brain and what my hands end up creating. How did you make yours?

Amanda - OH Man! I see at least five of my favorite bloggers in the same room being crafty! I have gained so much from you and looked forward to all the inspiration from your creativity!!!

Wendy - That sounds awesome. I can’t imagine a day of hanging with friends & crafting, much less a weekend! I miss having friends that live in the same town as me 🙁

Jessica @ These Are The Days - Well I was going to guess and say “if it were me I’d have gotten the globe”, but in one of those last pictures I saw the globes so I’m pretty sure I was right.
Love the necklace you gave Edie…I was coveting it the whole weekend at Blissdom. If you would tell me where I can snag one, I’d be over the moon. 🙂 Thanks, Jessica

Kristen - Absolutely dreamy. No other words….seriously.

Jessica - just discovered your blog and am so glad i did. this looks absolutely amazing! i can’t believe how well orchestrated this was. what sweet friends. can i come next time!? 😉

Dana @ Cookin' at Cafe D - Hi,
Found your blog via The Nester.
Your retreat weekend looks so joyful!
And, MAN,how I would love a milk jug – lol.
(looks like you visited some amazing stores.)
Thanks for sharing with us 🙂
Dana at Cooking at Cafe D

princess lasertron - this looks SO fun.
I want to drive down and join you.
(how far was it again??)

Kristi~The Slipcover Girl - looks like such fun! we had a craft night recently…it was a blast!

Diane @ InMyOwnStyle - This is the best idea for bloggers to get together – so much better than a big conference. Reading through your post was so enjoyable. I love the globe you got – wish I lived closer to go to that antique store.

Bonita - I’m not even crafty and I don’t know any of you (came over from Nester’s blog), but the fellowship looked like so much fun that all the way through the post I kept thinking, “I wanna go.” So glad you had such a fun time!

Amanda @ Serenity Now - I’m visiting from The Nester’s and I had to tell you what a dream this looks like! 🙂 It’s hard enough to get my local girlfriends together to do anything, so I can’t imagine the planning that went into this. What a fabulous time you all must have had. 🙂

Sarah @ a drop of golden sun - Wow, what an amazing bunch of women, and amazing talents! Tonight is our first of what we hope to be many more, “craft club”! I am hosting at my house, but I don’t think it will be anything nearly as spectacular as your whole weekend was! Something to strive for I suppose. Thank you for sharing!

Jenn - That looks like such a dream! Thanks for giving me a little glimpse into a heavenly weekend-love the crafty ideas, too!

Cherished Hearts Vintage - Gorgeous pics! Any chance of a tutorial to show us how to make the ruffle necklaces?

HMama - I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this. *sigh*

Katie Sellers - Such awesome idea!! And that antique store I am so jealous! Meg–could you possibly share where you got the string of light bulbs hanging in your beautiful room?? I am looking for something similar. Thanks!

Jacqui - please please please meg, can i come next time!!

Rebecca@This Present Life - Just found your blog via The Pleated Poppy and I’m so glad I did! It looks like you girls had such a great time! I would LOVE to do something like that. There is nothing like getting together with girlfriends (new and old) for a little crafting, good food, and girl time.

angie - That looks incredibly fun and awesome and like something I need. Can we be friends and you can invite me next time? I even have a cute baby to bring. 🙂

Michelle - Sounds like the perfect weekend, I’m inspired to do this with girlfriends that I don’t see enough!

Kimberly Dial - What a great idea – a crafters weekend. Sure looks like your gals had fun! Thanks for sharing!

The Lazy Dazy - Looks like balm for the soul! Blessing! Great idea…those girls are so blessed to have been on the guest list.
Thank you for sharing. I feel like I had a little micro-retreat myself!
Carrie

Beth - Totally jealous! Looks like loads & loads of fun!

sonal shah - I can’t imagine a more fun weekend. I dream of having people like this in my life. So wonderful that you all have found one another.
Anyone in New England want to connect for something like this? http://prettylittlethingy.blogspot.com

Linda - DId you make the pennant banner? If you did could you please give instructions it is just adorable. Thanks

marylea @ Pink and Green Mama - So fun!!! WISH I had been there too!!!
I think a weekend spent crafting and antiquing sounds like the perfect way to spend time with friends!!
xoxo
MaryLea

Tonia - So fun! I have followed most of your blogs for quite some time and it was just so fun to see you all in the same room. I just know if I knew you all we would be great friends! Thanks for doing this blogging thing and for sharing your lives with the world!

hearttypat - what an amazing weekend! I’m too envious of u right now!

ashley - I can’t even begin to tell you how happy it made me to read this post and see that ALL these incredibly talented, beautiful and amazing women made MY pom pom tutorial–wow, I am amiling from ear to ear still!
Your blog is fabulous and I am wondering where you have been all my life! better late then never–so glad I found you and thank you so much for linking to Little Miss Momma!
I can’t wait to have a craft weekend of my own one day!!!

miss chris - Wait?! You guys are in kansas?! this crazy blog world is so big it shouldn’t surprise me that I’m surprised. Anyway… it looks like you had a wonderful time. Good for you all! xoxo, chris (kansas city)

nancy in ks - Bearly Makin’ it! I see Oggie in the orange sweatshirt. One of my favorite places! It looks like he took you out to his barn too. That’s a treasure land for sure.
This is the first time I’ve read your blog. So thanks to Ashley Ann I have another great stop in the morning before I start my day. Pretty soon, I won’t have any day left. Just blogs.

Tara - so much fun.
this is SO on my list of 40 things I wanna do before I turn 40…I’ve got 2 1/2 years left to make it happen!
you are my inspiration.
(totally meant to put the song my the group Chicago in your mind all day) :))))))

Meaghan - Just wanted to say this looks like so much fun! You have inspired me in the past to do crafty night with my friends…now I am reminded to do it again. I love that it gets us out and together during the long winter months, esp after christmas. Thanks!!

asibtroy - What i wouldn’t give to be in a room so blessed! And yay for Ashley Ann coming over with Cindy! Love it when blog worlds collide 😉

Nancy - glad you posted a pic w/amy j! she’s my local blogger rockstar!

Courtney Hohimer - Can I come next time?

Candice - Oh my goodness! Looks as though everyone had a wonderful time! Hmmm…maybe I should looking into planning my own craft weekend with my friends and family! 😉

Lorilee - That looks like sooooo much fun. How did you plan the crafts? Did each person bring their own supplies for each craft?
Blessings,
Lorilee

Daniele Valois - this looks like a dream come true!!! So jealous!

Heather - Dead freaking envious!!!! That looks like a truckload of fun!

jaz - Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxox

Talysa - I love the whole thing….what a great idea! But I left half of my brain with that first picture and those pennants….love.
Then you lost the second half of it on the hoop art.
I did manage to catch up when we hit the frosting though. 😉
Ps. You totally got the globe. 😉

Krystle - I’m new to your blog my m’dear… you are fabulous! I first found you because your house was adorable and I fell in love with your kitchen. I now love you all the more because I see that you’re using the gift of your home to share with others for fantastic retreats and fellowship like this! I’m so glad to have “met” you!

Mindy - What a fabulous weekend! Now I want the weather to get better so I can go on a road trip and check out the antique store!

Danielle - What a kind and gracious heart you have. I can’t even begin to tell you the smiles I got at seeing you gals have so much fun. I follow Amy Jupin’s blog and Jess Mac’s as well and am so happy that these two special women got to have some girl time. Your blog always puts a smile on my face:)

Kristin S - Meg, what a dreamy weekend. Your husband is a trooper! I bet he knew you NEEDED that girl time.
Your perspective at the end is shaping a seminar I’m doing at a women’s conference this coming weekend for women who work for our ministry. I am SO NOT an expert but just want to share from my heart about how it has ministered to me and others.
Most want how-to’s which is fine. I can do that. Sort of (I still don’t know how the heck to change my header). But I’d rather give big picture.
Thank you!

Sandee - Ok. This looks like the best weekend ever! Every time I get the chance to see pic.s of your house I’m in heaven… loved the one of the globe mixed in with other things at the antique store where you asked which thing you’d buy out of all those things. You got me started on wanting a collection of old globes and I just found my very first one on Monday!!! I’m so excited and can’t wait to find more.. 🙂

Sara - There is nothing better than a house full of friends with food, fun and crafts. How kind of you to open your house….I wondered what the major cleaning was about! Does anyone else think that Cindy looks like the brand new wife on Sister Wives? She is a doll…and I just put my thumb on why I thought I knew her. Funny! I obviously watch too much TV.

Charity - I’m in love with the hanging banner and lights. Could you PLEASE post instructions on how to make the banner and the dimensions of the triangles? I would love to make one!!!

Tammy Sabourin - So what you’re really saying is that this weekend was BEAST. 😉

melinda - new reader here! that looks like such a good time! i think i may have to partake in something similar!
ps love your blog 🙂 it is so cheerful!!!

Jenny B. - Wow… I can see from the previous comments that I’m not alone in being just a tiny bit jealous (ok, make that a lot!). 🙂 What an absolutely perfect weekend!

Leslie @farm fresh fun - This looks better than Blissdom! So much inspiration and happiness found here. Loved learning that some gals hadn’t sewn before… Thanks for the great link to Bearly Makin It! My hubby loves to go out to KS for bird hunting… Now I know where I will dream of if I tag along! (Plus dreamin of a photo shoot with* you*.)
(((hugs))
Leslie in MD

Tanya H - I love everything about this post but my favorite is your hoop art! My mom was a creative circle….something or other when I was tiny and they just moved and we found a HUGE box FULL of those hoops…..Now we know what to do with them! 😀 THANKS!!!
I too love the blessing that blogs are in my life. You are one inspiring lady and I love you for it!

sarah - So jealous! What a great time for you girls. I was glad to read that some of you had not ever worked on a sewing machine-gives me hope for my craftin self to improve still. Thanks for sharing-I love seeing women loving on each other.

Melissa - Ugh! I’m jealous! LOL
It looks like you all had a super time!!!
Is it weird that I read this post yesterday then last night had a dream that you invited me over for crafty fun?? LOL You have a lot of admirers, girl!

Tracy - Wow! looks like such a wonderful time and how sweet of you to host it. I have to admit…I am a bit jealous as I imagine all the crafty fun and girl talk that was oozing through your walls all weekend (plus I really want to meet waffle, I am in love with him!)
If you ever want more friends…I would love to visit Kansas…I just claim waffle as my roommate! ; )

Lynn - i am so in love with this idea. i’ve always considered my blog a huge blessing, its let me connect with people i probably never would have met before. you’ve got my mind spinning now! 🙂

Heather - Thanks for the antique store tip. I’ll have to stop by the next time I go back home as we always drive past Marion.

Gemma @ Musings of a gem - Great fun! I’d love to do something like this..would be fab!
You have a lovely house btw 🙂

DanaD@BoysMyJoys - That looks like SO much fun… sighhhhh!
And, I’m lovin’ the dark do!
Stay warm!
It’s in the 60’s here in SC today.

Kirsten J - Almost as good as being there. Almost. I’m officially jealous…and need to find some new friends who like crafty stuff, because while lunch and shopping are fun, crafts and antiquing are more my cup of tea 🙂

Esther Noordman - Looking good!! I was wondering, what exactly do you mean by ‘cleaning partner’? (sounds like something/one I could be/use..;).

Jen@thecottagenest - I love that you did this Meg. What a way to express love for your friends! I love what everyone created too. I especially love those hoops and that swirly graphic fabric! Where is that from? I’d love to play with that!

Ruth - Oh my goodness, that looks like SO much fun! Next time please invite me! 🙂

leonieke - wow,…
you’re a verry lucky lady, to have the room to enjoy the company of so many friends! the pictures show that you had lots of fun (o, en excuse me for bad spelling; english is not my language,..i’m dutch)

amy jupin - i love each and every one of these pics.
especially the one of cole’s reflection. genius.
miss you, sweet friend.

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - That looks completely awesome and I am now really jealous! You are blessed.

Marie - How awesome! I am going to confess being a little jealous of your fabulous weekend. I have no crafty friends here and a weekend like that sounds like a dream come true. I should just be bold and plan something like that and see what happens. Pretty amazing of you to open up your home like that. 🙂

Kelly - The bunting and big round lights are fantastic and it looks like y’all had a wonderful time. I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s embroidery hoop art together. A bunch of neat ideas! Kelly

Jeanne - It looks so amazing! I am sad that I had to miss it but I hope you invite me again next time:-) I love all the bunting in the “craft room” 🙂

Nicole - HI! I found your blog through Julie’s blog. :0) Okay, I have to ask. I am a Kansas blogger/crafter. What antique shops did you go to? May I ask what town too?!!!
How fun of a weekend. How do you guys know one another? It would be fun to get together like that. :0)Kansas should have a blog meet-up.
Thank you,
Nicole
“Cole”

Carol S. - Oh my, what a fun bunch and awesome agenda. Your hair is really cute dark. Really clever way to spend a weekend, and yes, your husband (and inlaws) are amazing for their coordinated getaway as well. Very cool for everyone to have their time to party, and you totally deserved yours this weekend after being an amazing wife and mom all year long! Just went on a fun blogland stroll with your links on a snowy night in Chicago. Thanks Meg.

Emily - this looks like quite possible one of the most fabulous weekends ever!

Michelle Holden - Oh my gosh!!! I was looking at your fun weekend pics and I noticed Cindy Wells!!!
I was thinking this was such a great idea!!! And she experienced it 1st hand!!! I love her~ she is my cousins wife:)
Rockchalk!

mary beth - Oh my gosh, I’ve been in that store! I was tired after the Hillsboro fair, so I was pretty overwhelmed by it, but can’t wait to get back there! What a wonderful idea for a weekend! We are in the middle of a Kansas blizzard right now, but I’m scheming in my mind for some good cabin fever crafting here all by myself! Great job Meg…stay warm with you memories of a great weekend!

shauna reed - what a hostess you are Meg.
that looks lovely.
what a dream come true to have nice clean people take over your house.
other mommies that know how to take care of each other.
that is the best medicine…for anything.
i love your hair and your whole deal….you know that, just thought i’d tell you again.

Red Shoes Rolling Red Shoes Rolling - What a cool retreat! I want to start planning one with my mom and sisters. Love your blog Meg. You inspire me everyday with your ideas, links, humor, love for God and humor. I look forward to reading everyday. Thanks!

Joyce - wow. it’s like a mini-bliss.

deborah@applesinwonderland - looks like a most fun weekend!!!! it’s so super-cool when you can recognize a gift when it’s given. love that!!!!

elisabeth (bovagoods) - that just looks like a dream come true!

Tonya - That looks like so much fun! Where at in Kansas do you live? I am in KCMO.

Sonia - I wish I could have just been there to watch!! I’ve actually made Little Miss Momma’s pom-pom necklace! I love em! I love the whole craft weekend. I wish I had a lot of crafty friends to do one.

sarah - so many blogging celebs in one place…love it. it looks like you all truly enjoyed yourselves, and i am so proud of you for taking time out of your busy schedules to be creative, beautiful women together!

danyele - is it totally wrong to be jealous??? i want a fab girl weekend with crafters…maybe when all the kids are a little bigger. maybe.

Lucylu ~ - Ooh! We too are snowed in we have a MILD blizzard going on outside!
Oh and I wish I could’ve been there!
Smiling
-Lucy

Beth - what a FABULOUS weekend!! makes me want fabric stores and antique stores and craft stores close to me!! thanks for sharing.

jennie - meg…totally random and not related to craft weekend (which looks fabulous) at all. but my pandora station just played “what is” by anna vandas, which you must listen to if you haven’t. the last verse of the song is, “What is good, what is pure, what is right? What is love, what is truth, what is holy in your sight?” Of course, it made me think of you. 🙂

mel - ahhhh!!!!! So FUN!!!!!!
Look at all those fun crafts you made!!
LOVE those necklaces!!!
Yay for Blog Friends & blog friend weekends!
What a blessing, indeed!
p.s. next time you need to invite someone who can teach you photoshop, since that is on your 35 before 35 list 😉

Kristin Hayne - What an awesome time!! So jealous…. that needs to happen in my life more often…. and was it a pre requisite to have blue eyes? LOL

kasey - I am so sorry i couldn’t make it…
you know…with the snow and all..i was just afraid of driving.
But you know how MUCH i love to craft…so i am really sorry that i wasn’t there to help you all hot glue buttons.
Next time for sure…and i’ll make the drive.
pinky promise.
I’ll even pick Laura up on my way…or maybe she could pick me up.

amber - aw, this is awesome Meg. I would love to do something like that someday. Blogging is great and the inspiration I get from you and other women/moms/crafters is so much fun. I am thankful for you sharing a glimpse into your life with all of us. I am so going to take a day trip to that antique store, I am seriously drooling over it! Thanks for sharing your weekend pictures. I am inspired as always.

Laura Phelps - I’M CRYING
seriously CRYING
but I am a DORK Meg..because I am looking at the pictures, wishing I had made the trip, but thinking at the same time how UNQUALIFIED I would have felt around these talented beautiful women!
I think I would have felt ugly and useless!!! HA
I need to find something I am good at before I walk into a room full of these ladies!
ugh, insecurity sucks
I LOVE the pics
I LOVE that God brought you all together
it looks PERFECT
you are awesome for doing this
God really is speaking through you
amazing
still crying…

Jen H. - Looks like a complete and utter blast! So many people have good intentions of meeting up and getting together, but it is great that you and these women actually MADE IT HAPPEN! Good job! 🙂

sue - World Globe.

sarah @ Perpetual Blind Date - You literally grouped all of my FAVORITE bloggers into one large crafting weekend. How fun?!

sara's art house - LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my dear! I wish I could have come!!!! :):) LOVE the hoop art.

Sixty- Fifth Avenue - oh my goodness, what fun!! your beautiful home was the perfect place to have a retreat. we are getting snowed in as i type under my warm blanket.
Londen
xx

Emily Zimmerman - Oh your post is making me tear up!! Seeing the picture of Jess and Julie together!! Oh boy makes me cry!! Makes me cry because of their loss, but tears of joy that they have met each other. Wow! Love all the pics and all the crafts!! So I have an idea…next year when you host your weekend (no pressure 🙂 or anything) what about having a contest where the winner gets to join your big weekend???!!! Or I’m pretty sure you could auction off tickets to the big event and make lots of money! Sign me up!!

Dina - LOOOOOOOOVVVVEEEE this post:-) I wanna do this with my gf’s. And thank you thank you thank you for sharing Marion:-) My bff and I went to Hillsboro in Sept.(craft fair)… we drove and drove and drove looking for barn sales — you had blogged the previous year about them…Marion, right? Can’t wait to take her:-) You’re the best!

Heather - ahhh that looks like an amazing weekend!!! One of my life goals is to have fellowship like that (with great women, great stuff to do, yummy non-diet treats, maybe a little book club action?) at least once a year or so. It has been lacking in my life since college and moving away from home, many years ago. Camaraderie without competition, that’s what I want. Meg, you always inspire me so much! And if I ever get the guts to show the world my blog, maybe that will be the vehicle God uses.

wendy, NJ - Wow! I am so jealous! I love that you were able to host such a wonderful weekend full of friendship and making memories!
Big hugs to you!

Jen - What fun! I am as crafty as a “big rock”. What I want most from you crafting weekend is Kimberlee’s HAIR!! Sigh…………..

Donna - I want to do this so badly!!! I wish I had a big enough house and a MIL that lives close so I could send my kids there.
You gals are awesome! I love all the craft projects. I’m going to have to make on of those necklaces and the embroidery hoop project. Love it all!
Thanks for sharing!!

se7en - I was going to say that photo looks lovely but then that other photo looked lovely too and so on and on… I t all looked so divine!!! The crafting, the outing, the awesome shop, the scrumshish food… the friends … totally love it all…. And if you didn’t buy that globe then I am sailing the se7en seas to come and get it for myself!!! Love it!!!

Becky - I’m not crafty but I love your crafts! They are the kind I would make or buy. I despise so many of the crafts (crap) out there. You have the most fun style, love it!

Amber - SO much fun!!! I would love to be a part of a fun craft weekend like this! It seems like all the friends that God has places in my life lately are from blog land and far away!

Heather - Hey Meg! I totally get hives even thinking about crafting like that! I have no creative abilities at all. None. BUT – next time you host a weekend, give me a buzz. I’m a great cook and I’ll come down and cook and do all the clean up for the ladies, just to be there. 🙂 I’m in Topeka – it’s doable! Ha!

Terrie - Isn’t it great to have a WonDerFul reason to clean your house?! Was wondering why you were so into spring cleaning in January! Thanks for all the Fab ideas!! I just got my sewing machine back yesterday…it’s been in the shop for 3 months! Not sure what I will work on first…ruffled pillows, the bunting I want to make for my craft room…or that quilt laying over the back of my chair since November waiting to be finished! So jealous…(I know one of the sins right…thou shalt not covet) of your women friendships! I’ve only had one dear friend who likes to craft…and having moved from her all the rest, missing that part of my life. You are Blessed Megan! Thanks for sharing with us!

Dawn Eshnaur - My friend and I both have ties to Newton and would LOVE to come to a craft weekend with you! My son dates a girl from Newton and my friend grew up there! We read yours and Ashley Ann’s blog….looks like too much fun! It’s funny….people make fun of us because we call our blogs friends “Our friends from Kansas” 🙂 Enjoy the snow!!!

Renae - Dang! I was in Kansas this weekend (okay, Missouri and some Kansas) and didn’t know this fab party was rockin’! 🙂 Oh well, looks like you girls had a fantastic time!! Meg, i’d love to know where you got your drinking glasses, with the dots on them. LOVE those. Thanks for sharing!!

Megan - You’ve shared so much. Can I ask for more? How about the tiramisu recipe?? Pretty please?

anne c - holy craziness! how fun! I need friends to do this with! what lucky women you all are to have each other and to experience such a great weekend crafting. I probably would have peed my pants to meet you and ashley…in fact I know I would have! thanks for sharing!

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - That is so fantastic! The hoops are PRECIOUS!

Tracey @7294cottageway.blogspot - How do I send my resume for that fun? I can cook, craft, clean..and I know a few really great jokes…so glad you had fun. LOVE that ruffle pillow!

debbie - I love everything about this! The crafts, the camaraderie and the food! I agree…you are indeed blessed!

Michele - Loved this post! How generous of you to open your home and your heart to all of these creative women. Thanks for sharing!

Lisa - This is what I call Utopia. Seriously, I am so inspired. I have dreamed of doing something like this but have thought, “My house is small. Who would want to cram into it for the weekend? On top of people they don’t really know.” What a lame excuse. This is the year. Maybe just a few friends, but I’m making it happen! Thanks so much for sharing! (I love that antique store too. My “girls” and I went Hillsboro weekend and I’ve been dreaming of it since!)

Jodi - I know it’s wrong to be jealous… but I am SO jealous!! I don’t know very many women here w/ the same love of crafting as I have. You are SO very blessed!!! :o)

sara @ it's good to be queen - oh my word, that looks like my idea of a good time. that antique store looks rad. I’m going to have to go there next time we’re in kS. seriously, that was such a great idea to do in the middle of winter. something fun to look forward to. I would love to do something similar. How did you decide who to invite? I think that would be the hardest part for me…not hurting some people’s feelings. also, LOVE the lamps down the middle of the table. so cool.

kat - Oh my gosh!!! So wish I could have been there too! What a super fun weekend!

Janie Fox - Looks like so much fun. I am new to blogging but there are some great hearts out there I have met by reading and now writing.
We are iced in here in central IL. Power was off for a bit but it is back on in time for me to read some fav blogs! 🙂

Beth @ odd girl out... - looks like you girls had a GREAT time! i miss KS so much, especially after a post like this, i went to school in lawrence!

mandy madison - Looks like a fabulous time had by all! Now you got me in the crafting mood 🙂 thanks for sharing!!

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - Looks like such a fun weekend!

Jill - So that’s why you were cleaning like a maniac last week! 🙂
Looks like soooo much fun! (the crafting that is, not the cleaning!)

Trish - FUN!

sarah - Looks like lots of fun 🙂

colleen - Okay, so which one of those girls is from Alabama? I live in Alabama and don’t know many other girls who are as obsessed with crafting as i tend to be! Have toyed with starting a blog and would love to know of another alabama girl i could learn from! Looks like you girls had your souls nourished! Something that for me usually comes from time with other likeminded women! Glad it was so much fun! Well worth all that cleaning!

Shayne - You have an amazing, dedicated husband! So sweet of him to take the kids, esp. when they weren’t feeling well. Hope they’re better now.
Glad you were able to create fun girl time for yourself. Girl time is special. 🙂

Ariel - How come Julie gets the amazing hair AND insanely long eyelashes??? Looks like so much fun…I need to make one of those necklaces, fast!

Kori - I wanna come play in Kansas too!! 🙂
My husband wanted me to keep lights up after Christmas and I didn’t have any ideas that didn’t resemble a frat house…lights on the walls, etc., but I am in total LOVE with the way you strung those big daddy globe lights above your table! Like dining al fresco but not. I think I’m gonna do that.
And add me to the list of chicks who have sewing machines who have never taken them out of the box and/or tried to thread them. I did take mine out of the box only to be scared by it and put it back. 🙁 I need to get over that ‘cuz I need some bright colors here in the cold of Spokane and don’t want to have to go hunting for the perfect thing when I *think* I can make it. Maybe.
Glad you had such a great time and hope Craig is better….

Suzy - I love the flowers. Does Julie offer a tutorial on how to make the pretty messy flower or does she just make them to sell? Thanks! Looks like it was a blast- good idea!!

tammy hebert - Looks like you had a great time. And all that crafting- I am jealous. Thanks for sharing..
tammy

Penny - Thank you so much for sharing photos of your time together. I am having a bunch of friends over to craft. Just for the day. But I love your ideas. I will borrow some and my friends will be impressed! Thanks. Looks like you all had a wonderful time. And they got to love on Waffle, lucky them!

rhonda - Just seeing all yall have fun together is GREAT! (I love it when women are shown as loving and supporting and real!!) So glad yall did this!

Beinghappygirl.blogspot.com - This looks like SO MUCH FUN. and thanks for the pictures. I have GOT to add pics to my blog. The crafting is WAY over my head.

Kari - Sounds like an amazing, fun time! I wish I had a bunch of fun gals to teach me to use a sewing machine. I’m ashamed to admit I bought a new machine about 4 years ago and have never taken it out of the box. I’m a chicken, LOL! Love your projects, especially the hoops. So cute!

Rachel - What amazing FUN! I have to admit, I’m a bit jealous. I’d love to host a gathering like that. I love that you just jumped in and made it happen. You’ve got me thinking…a dangerous thing indeed haha.

pam - How fun! My parents gave our 21 year old her great grandmother’s 1949 Singer….it has attachments that do things I’ve never heard of….I am VERY JEALOUS. It has a ruffler…..that you would be in awe of….does all the work and REALLY FAST.

Kristin - How awesome! It looks like you had a blast with an amazing bunch of women. 🙂

Susan - I wanna be one of your friends that you invite over! Seriously…I think if I knew you, you could make me a better Mom and person! It looks like you had so much fun! So, if you are looking to do another weekend and need a lonely mom of 6 kids 8 and under and would like to give her a reason to get away for a weekend, COUNT ME IN! I would be in my minivan so fast! You are truly blessed to have a great “family” of friends to surround you!

Courtney Walsh - Looks like a ton of fun, Meg! I am seriously thinking about doing something like this…too many people online that I’d love to meet and no guarantee that’ll ever happen!! Gotta take matters into your own hands sometimes! 🙂
I really want to learn to embroider…I am clueless, but I always love the way it looks!

amber - SO fun. Thanks for sharing, especially all the crafty fun. I’m loving the ruffle pillow too…

Heather R. - Thanks for the heads up on the shopping in Kansas. We’re in the blizzard fun, too. I don’t think the kids have gone to school in like forever. I bet you guys had a great time. Love all the crafts!!! 🙂

Peggy in TN - How much fun. New friends, old friends, far away friends. Blogging makes this big world so much smaller. Nice to see.

Courtney - looks like you all had an awesome time!
i am so going to that antique shop sometime it looks awesome! its only a 3 hour drive, i am sure i can convince my husband :)!

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craft cupboard

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i have this pressure that i put on myself that YOU think i have a really organized, pretty-to-look-at craft cupboard.
well…this is it.
what do you think?

i texted my friend and said "i'm cleaning my craft cabinet!" 
she wrote back "i haven't seen your craft room"
me: "no…the kids' craft cuboard…not my crafts"
she: "you have a whole cupboard?! i have a shoebox"

that cracked me up.
yes….i tend to be a bit on the hoarder side when it comes to craft supplies.

i couldn't stand that cupboard one more day.

i emptied it completely on the day we had the snow day….with NO snow.

remember i did have a whole pot of coffee myself….
(call me Magda….at least i wasn't vacuuming under the couch!)

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i found places for everything….put everything together that belonged together….made labels!
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top shelf: ALL the stuff i have been collecting for a year for our junk sculpture….coming soon.
third shelf: ribbons/styrofoam stuff/crayons/beads/yarn/clothes pins/old christmas cards
second shelf:  paint/glitter/glue bottles/tape/glue sticks/hot glue guns/ watercolor paint/feathers/pipe cleaners
first shelf:  construction paper/white paper/pencils/pens/scissors/paintbrushes/rolls of white paper

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the cans are recycled….peaches or tomatoes
 
i found two packs of pencils from school supply shopping….i sat and sharpened them all! 

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craft thursday just got better!

and the best part…..i did it all for free!
no fancy organizers.
no running to the store.
just used what i had.

craig will be so proud.  :)

 

crystal beutler - Man . . . can you come over and fix me. I soooo need to do this. You are going to laugh when you read my post tomomorrow. These pictures and your words today inspire me. My whole craft room looks worse than your first picture. And it plagues me.

Quinn - I am obsessed with clean, and this post made me feel so happy. And I mean I cringed at the first picture, and got progressively happier hahahah. Very impressed!

Tara - so impressed.
no money spent…makes the whole thing more impressive.

Andrea T - super insiring post. especially the part where you did it all for free, no running to the store. i am not that strong!!

Stefanie Shultz - Not sure how to get this to you, please check out this blog and pray for this family. I do not know them personally, but I’m touched by their story and I’m sure you will be too. Thanks~ http://lukesmoment.squarespace.com/

julia - I’m feeling pretty inadequate that my kid just uses a pen and computer paper. I’ve got to find my “A” game.

Katie - I have a free standing craft cupboard…it used to be in my husband’s room growing up. My MIL gave it to me this summer and I painted it white and have lots of craft supplies in it. I use left over canning jars or any glass jars to put supplies in…can you believe I do that with 4 small kids?!
I did see a blog that wrapped twine around old formula jars and then added a ribbon on the top and bottom and then tied labels on…cute but more work:) I am saving all the formula cans, baby food jars, and pasta sauce jars for something yet to be determined.
Have fun creating!

Leah - You know what’s funny about this? You say you’re not an organized person. But looking at what you accomplished totally inspires me to organize all my craft supplies too. I’m ready to put on a pot of coffee and get started!

Amy jupin - “If I knew you in real life I would send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils…”
Now I wanna watch ‘you’ve got mail’
And ‘something about mary’
🙂

Kristin S - Your built ins are glorious!
Isn’t sharpening a pack of pencils so satisfying? I can smell them from here in NC…

nic - this makes me want to come over and play.
we have a craft box…and then the rest of the house, which is scattered willy-nilly with mislaid supplies. so really, we have like a whole craft HOUSE.
which needs to be purged and straightened and herded. oh bother.

Vera - I am so jealous that you have all that STUFF. I used to be a splendid craft hoarder, but now my kids just use it all up pretty much the minute it comes into our house. I filled a HUGE cookie jar full of crayons (like 4 of those giant Crayola boxes full) and they were all gone (used, lost, who knows!) within a month. Glue? FORGET IT. It makes me crazy. Maybe I’ll re-stock and then put a LOCK on it!

Victoria - Looks great and might just motivate me to do my own….

Nicole Q. - Looks beautiful!

Stephanie - Wonder if we could start a hoarder of craft supplies support group, I’d be a lifetime member! I think we have a million pencils lying around our house and I would love to sharpen every one of them! My rule is they must have a sharp pencil to start their homework, weird I know!

Michelle - Love, love, love! Now I’m wondering if you printed the labels off your Mac and if so, what font did you use?

Londen @ Sixty-Fifth Avenue - wow! that was a lot of work! it looks fantastic! your craft room inspires me to make something!

kat - How fun!!! It looks amazing and now you can see exactly what you have to work with. Awesome job Meg!!!

Brittany - This post makes me so happy…I love seeing things get organized! It give me the itch to start some organizing of my own!! Very nice!!

Jessie - I love your closet! This makes me think of my favorite cabinet when I was teaching. I had it labeled with all of my favorite craft items. I would open and just feel happy! I brought it all home with me but need a nice big closet like this that is organized to keep it. The bins and tubs I have get messy way too fast. I love all the fun colors and craft items. Makes me want to do something fun with my boys today!

sarah - this is the sort of thing that i would add to my daily to-do list just to be able to check it off.
well done, my friend. you’ve inspired us all.
and what lucky kiddos to have such a crafty mama!

Rach - I hope to have a closet like this for my kids when they are older and I am personally attached to my P-Touch labeler and repurposing tins so hopefully it will look like this. Oh, and if I could lift my couch, I would TOTALLY vacuum under it!

jenn - It looks wonderful! And that gum-ball container!!! Mmmm…I’d be tempted to chomp into one of those beads. 🙂

Kate - I sharpened a whole box of pencils on Saturday night. My husband could hear it going and going and going. . . he finally came to check on me! (I like the old fashioned sharpeners.) It’s such a relief to find a project that you can actually start and finish. Great job!

Courtney Walsh - I would so love to have a craft cupboard. And a new house. 🙂 Looks pretty dern awesome!

Laura Phelps - I have a craft shelf
and a craft bin
and a CANDY CUPBOARD
a baking shelf
and a sprinkles lazy susan
and they are ALL a complete mess
when I lose this cold and feel better, the pot of coffee is going on and I am getting to work
maybe
probably not
but I will make that pot of coffee at least
🙂

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - Hmm? Just as I figured, now that the kids are all in school your inner Martha is emerging. I’m not sure if we can be friends now, as I don’t know how to get over this closet envy I’m experiencing?
Dana: )

Shannon - That seriously looks like all of my closets. It’s embarrassing whenever someone comes over and opens a closet, like Monica’s closet from Friends 🙂
I don’t have that many craft things but then again I only have 2 kids. Good job taking the time and organizing all of that. I hope your kids are back in school so you have some you time again!

Sharry - This is the “same” mess I’ve been tackling for a month and I don’t have kids – just too much fabric and all its accessories!

Dani - I actually started doing this the other day. My husband built some shelves in the hall closet for my craft supplies. I didn’t realize how many I had! I had supplies all over the place. Under the bed, top of closets, in kitchen drawers…. EVERYWHERE! So glad I have most of it organized and in the same place!

Kerri - I find there is something very therapeutic in sharpening pencils. Why is that? I also like the way they smell – LOL! Of course I am a teacher, but still…
Great job on the cabinet!

kbonikowsky - “i sat and sharpened them all!” Too funny.

Diane - Now could you come and do my Quilt Room?

Shoppin4sophia - Thanks for showing a re-do that costs no money! You know, sometimes all of these blogs make me depressed with their major overhauls. They say, “this only cost me $$$blah, blah.” Well, do you know how long it takes to save extra $$$$???? Anyways, thanks for that. I appreciate it.

Marie - Oh man I need to organize so bad! Thanks for the idea on using cans! I mean i know its nothing new but it was like a “oh yeah” kinda moment lol!

Kristin Hayne - This post just made my heart soooooo happy. I LIVE for organizing…. if you lived in Colorado, I would’ve done this for you for FREE!!! Good job. Makes everything easy to get to and the kids can find things without making a GINORMOUS mess…. LOVE it!!

Beth - Looks amazing! My craft cabinet could use some more shelves, love how yours are spaced. So…..question: how do you use the tin cans when they have the sharp edge around the top?

Carly Winborne - oh, i am in absolute heaven. the labels make my heart beat fast. love.

Aneta Kudasik - You are such a fun mom! I don’t know anyone who is like this for their children! Good job on the cupboard!!!

ashley jensen - Ah the joy of organizing. I recently organized my craft cabinet and no longer dread looking it it. It looked like yours but smaller.

Lisa Currie-Gurney - INSPIRATIONAL!!! ESPECIALLY THE USING WHAT YOU HAVE NO COST PART.
HUGS FROM MY HEART!
http://sophiemyfriend.blogspot.com/

Beth - I love your craft cupboard! I am going to have to fix one for Lexi…All her stuff is everywhere from bedroom to living room and where ever else she leaves her stuff.

Cathy - Love it! Of course, for me….the hardest part would be keeping it that way! 🙂

Rachel / cREaTe - AWESOME. the before pic looks just like nearly every cabinet & closet in my house. and other areas where things get stashed. this past weekend, we had an impromptu party. 16 people showed up at my house before i even got 2 minutes to do a tornado sweep through the house. it was so embarrassing & totally has me wanting to set the bar a little higher on how i keep my house on normal days. 😛 blech.

Jodi - I did that just before Christmas… My craft closet…
I need to reorganize it again… :o)

Amanda - Your before pic looks like my craft supply areas…I think they are split into 3 different spots 🙁
Makes me want a label maker once again…lol. Looks great! Feels good, doesn’t it?

heidi @ wonder woman wannabe - well done!!!
we’ve got a craft closet that stays pretty well stocked thanks so a certain grandmother who’s also a preschool director. 🙂
one of my favorite parts of my job as a Professional Organizer is finding clever and creative ways to store items with what you already have. though it is fun to purchase pretty color coordinating (and functional) storage boxes, bins, and/or baskets it’s not a NEED to simply get things in order. your cupboard looks great!

Bobbie - You should see my craft shelves in our garage. Two huge industrial sized shelves that look like a little hurricane went off in my garage. Maybe you’ll inspire me to clean them soon but only after a pot of coffee

deborah@applesinwonderland - spectacular!!!!! my craft cupboard, sets of drawers and large portion of the basement may require my own barista and an IV set-up. good to know it can be done. 🙂

Candy - Looks awesome! You totally crack me up, at my prayer group the other night we had a Magda reference! Too funny.

elisa - Amazing what coffee will do for you!!

sandy toe - I had to laugh at your comment- When I organize…I also buy! Terrible habit of mine!
sandy toe

Kelly - I love organizing and labels! So fun! Kelly

jenni@talkinghairdryer - You can do anything as long as you have a pot of coffee and a box of cupcakes! Love your clean, usable space.

Staci - WAY TO GO GIRL!!!!!! Looks awesome!!!!

Penny - Wonderful Meg. It looks great. You have inspired me to tackle my craft room. I am having our next Craft Club at my house and I know the ladies will need something from that room and it scares me! You have inspried me to get it done. Thanks! And what a great place to hide the cupcakes! 🙂

Shairee - oops – meant only if it could stay that WAY!!

Shairee - Oh, if it could only STAY that why!!

Elissa - ok, so what **I** want to know is…. can you come to MY house? 😉

Barbara - awesome job! what I would give for an awesome cupboard like that…. so would my daughter!
what really intrigues me is how you plan on using the hostess cupcakes in the junk sculpture 😉 teeheee

Kimberlee J. - Yay for you! Exhale…I love a space cleaned out and organized–Even if it is a shoebox. 😉

Shayne - I love what you said about Craig being proud because you didn’t run to the store for anything to help you organize! So tempting, isn’t it, to go buy matching containers? But you did a lovely job and avoided that extra expense!

Carol S. - That’s a million dollar makeover! Bet that felt great. I keep looking at that empty space above the construction paper trying to figure out how you can get a second or third level for different paper types above it…there are organizers like that but hmmmm….for free…. Anyway, IF we get a snow day, I’m doing something similar to a junk closet or room. Have a wonderful week Meg.

Julie - Looks great! I did the same thing with our “kid’s cabinet” in the kitchen. What a disaster. Now I just need to find the tape for the label maker…it’s here somewhere! I’m digging myself out of my house one inch at a time now that my babies are all in school!

Amy Lynne - Love it! I especially love that you didn’t buy anything to make it more organized! I am all about re-purposing these days, so it’s nice to see when other folks are doing it too! Great job!

Lorie - Once again you inspire me. I need a snow day without any snow to get my pantry done!

se7en - We are in our last week of school and I am just dying to do our annual sort… of the craft/school/puzzle/games dresser (http://www.se7en.org.za/2010/02/25/se7en-organize-school-starting-with-the-dresser). I love yours!!! And I could look at close up pictures of crayons and markers and beads all day… everyday!! EVERYDAY!!! Thanks for the happy post!!!

Katy - I can’t help but disagree with the previous comment made by “Georgia Rowe”.. Doesn’t she know that you are never too old to craft?? 🙂
Great job organizing, Meg! You have inspired me (what’s new?).

Jen - I love anything with a label!
Looks great. There is nothing like a clean cupboard to make you feel good – at least I’m a bit on the sad side like that.
x

Heather - looks great! I could stare into that huge jar of beads forever… 🙂

Gemma - You did a great job – I love label makers!!!
Gemma x

georgia rowe - I want to come to your house!!!!!!!!
I love crafts, but being 23 i dont have much to craft, i need to borrow some children to do craft time with i think :o)
I cant wait to have kids so i can draw and make things with them.
Well done on the ‘free’ organising!!! i always keep old food tins, and Sauce jars to store things in. Douer egberts coffee has the best jars, there so posh! – its worth buying their coffee just to keep the Jar ! haha
xxx

Simone - ahhh sweet organisation 🙂

sue - You are a clever girl.That looks very organised.I cleaned my scrapbook/craft area too this last week and now i stand and admire it also ,ha ha.

cheryl @ a pretty cool life. - So…are there craft supplies or cupcakes in the Hostess box on the top shelf??

Keri ~ Forever Folding Laundry - Nice!
I know you guys will make some great stuff.
I love a freshly cleaned-out cupboard.
Mine never seem to stay that way.
How does everything seem to migrate out of place so quickly?
I wish you no craft cupboard migration.
Ha.

Lisa - My first thought when I saw the picture of your cupboard messy was “At least she has a craft cupboard!” I’m not crafty so the extent of my crafts is crayons and coloring books. They all fit in one small bin! 🙂 Your clean and organized cupboards make me want to organize my whole house! 🙂

Amber - Holy Cannoli!
Just kidding. 🙂 My whole house is an unorganized mess. 🙂

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gingerbread….graham cracker houses…2010.

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for me….the best part of this project every year is setting it up.
it is so pleasing to the eye.

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my kids must have asked me TEN times in an hour "when will we do the houses?!"
i don't like to start a craft until i am ready.
i need things set up.
i need things a little teeny bit organized.
i need to have it ready so i can sit and watch, take pictures or video and be able to help.
when i am not prepared…i end up with a short temper….and snap at them for silly things that aren't their fault.

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i built the houses for them with hot glue….
even after the complaining that we weren't using REAL gingerbread.

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we worked in the dining room for two reasons….
it was clean and the afternoon light pours in this room.

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my kids wore their pajamas ALL day.

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beast.
scott uses this word for EVERYTHING.
"my gingerbread house is beast"
"this hamburger is beast"
"my muscles are beast" 
and the other kids (and their mother) have started too….

"this latte is beast!"  "this casserole recipe is BEAST!"  "that mini van is BEAST!"  ha ha ha i am kidding.

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i can't imagine doing this more than once a year.
it's too much work to even consider doing it more than that….

not that anyone was asking me to do it in the summer.
just thinking about how much work they are.

i got a flip video camera on black friday.
i love it.

please enjoy my first video.   

lauren didn't join us because apparently she was upstairs watching sponge bob and criminal minds.
hmmmm.  
i made her a house but i was forced to have to decorate it myself.

guess who was still at the table 20 minutes after all four other left?  
putting cinnamon toast crunch on the roof as shingles!

i was calling it art therapy for the day. 

Georgia - Finally got round to seeing this video.
The wierd thing is i never wouild have guessed that Annie had such a deep voice! i thought it would be kinda high pitched squeaky … she sounds SO CUTE!!!! i like ur ‘Yes’ as in ‘dont talk to me im filming Yes’ to her questions! haha

Kelly - How fun! I love the video. My hubby got a flip for me for a wedding present a couple years ago. So fun. Maybe I should post a video on my blog sometime. It was so neat to watch yours and hear the voices of all of you. Have a great day today! Kelly

Sue - We have made graham cracker gingerbread houses for about 15 years. My girls are now in their 20’s and we still have to make them. Their childhood friends still come over too, with new friends joining us. It is a tradition I hope we never lose.

dkim - I’m sure you probably know, but you can get icing that hardens like cement to keep the houses together. Available at michaels oe possibly in the little kits. I have made these for many years but have finally retired. I told my teenagers they were welcome to make it themselves.

suzyhomemaker - first time to visit your amazing blog and i must say i feel right at home…from your “24 hr jammie jam” (all day in PJs is a way of life for us during the holidays) to THE teen buzz word of the year. “beast” has now replaced “dude” as the go-to noun/verb/adjective/adverb in our family lexicon.
your blog is BEAST! all best in 2011!

Jenni Carlisle - That video was B*E*A*S*T! Hahahaha! I could eat Annie up! I love how she kept taste testing!

karen - So cool to hear your voices!
Annie seems so grown up when she talks! I wouldn’t have thought that!! Sean is a cutie pie!I love your voice too!
Great video.

Jane Flores - I make gingerbread houses for Christmas with my niece – this year was the first we missed in at least 8 years! When her baby sister came along, Erica didn’t want to share the weekend at Aunt Jane’s, so Sophia and I do haunted gingerbread houses at Halloween! I’m addicted now – I covered heart shaped boxes with the little conversation hearts for Valentines. I’ve covered pumpkins with candy corn for Halloween and I have a big plans for Easter this year!

Jill - I have to laugh at your little one… eating all the candy 🙂

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - I somehow found myself hosting a gingerbread house making PARTY with my 2 oldest girls, so I was managing 7 kids hyped up on sugar….Yowza! I blogged it here:
http://amanda-thriceblessed.blogspot.com/2010/12/gingerbread-house-party.html
And I agree, the set up is the best, so colorful!

BeckyB - You’re my hero! I loved getting a live-action peek into your fun! Thanks so much for sharing.

Julie - Cute! We did those last year and now I’m wishing we had done it again this year. Got too busy! Loved the video!

Heidi - That is hilarious that the “beast” thing is big in your house too- my 15 year old stepdaughter uses it for everything, as do all of her friends. Except most of the time we hear “so and so is the beastiest QB on the team” or more recently, “your dad is the beastiest point guard Ive ever seen” 🙂

Jessie - Awesome video! I always wondered what your voices sounded like…it’s like reading a book and finally getting to see the movie 😉

elisa - Everything looks so pretty Meg. 🙂

Jeanne - We love doing this too! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I am hoping that we get to spend time together again in the new year.

kasey - so awesome. I made “peep” houses back in April for lola and her girls scout troop to decorate…but i used the squirt frosting the day before and let them dry overnight.
cool beans.

Susan Lehrman - Meg, have you ever tried royal icing for this project? It’s made with powdered sugar, water and meringe powder–really easy. You can get the meringe powder at Hobby Lobby, maybe Graber’s and maybe WalMart although the Newton WalMart has cut down on their craft section. Royal icing is really easy to work with…it dries before I get each graham cracker house done. It also dries quickly for the kids when they’re sticking their candies on. I like to use it because my grandsons like to eat their houses (yuck!). My granddaughters of course save theirs!

becky lee - I love, love, love your blog so much! I am a bust pastor’s wife/emergency room nurse with a 3 year old and 6 year old. We also hope to start the adoption process in the next year. Anyway, your blog is so beautiful and brilliant and a great inspiration to me on how to get the most out of family time. I’d love to email you, but your default link isn’t working. Could ya send me your addy?

Kara - We made a gingerbread village with our 4 1/2 year old twin boys and 3 year old daughter. It was quite a feat…and I was just like you…still crafting and decorating 30 minutes after they were done. I just HAD to make icing icicles. Just HAD to.
So fun! Happy New Year!

MGF - Awesome. I think it was brilliant to have the houses set up before hand.

Vera - Your set up is GORGEOUS!! I do this every year with a pack of 3-5 year olds (last year 2-4 year olds!) so I just use paper cups and a plastic table cloth so I can throw it all away after… but your way is much prettier. I hate disposable dishes, so maybe next year I will do it your way and deal with the clean up.
I make icing out of egg whites, cream of tartar and powdered sugar and I beat it on high for about 8 minutes – that stuff is seriously like concrete and holds as well as glue. And if you’re not scared of raw eggs, it’s yummy too!

Amy jupin - Your dining room looks beast.
I think these pics are totally beast.
And I’m totally loving all these craft posts too. They are so beast it’s sick.
Don’t I sound coolio talking like this? Not so much huh? 🙂

Beth - I LOVE art therapy 🙂 Where’s the picture of your house though??? I just got the book “The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” from the used bookstore for half price (all of their books except internet books are half price right now!!). Want to do it with me? We could call it our grown-up art therapy time 🙂

Holly - ok so beast is the word in our house right now. Hannah says it all….the….time!
Love the gingerbread houses. I did not use hot glue and well ours looked more like shacks! I am using hot glue next year!

Juli - Oh cool! I loved watching your video! Annie’s voice didn’t match what I thought it’d sound like. She sounds more grown-up than I expected. I expected a tinier voice with those cute little kid lisps. nope.
Flip video…arent they BEAST?!

leonieke - gos, i can’t even imagine how much work this is, (and even more after everyone has finished his house…..). i think this is a project that i adore seeing at your blog,but with a big worning on it “don’t try this at home 🙂 ”
you must be the best mother there is.

Rebecca - I LOVED the video. I’ve been following your blog for years, and it is so cool to hear the voices that go with your kids. They are so well behaved! I love Talby’s face when she is working on a project — so serious! I can’t believe how your boys do the projects too, amazing. My son loses interest after 5 minutes. And Annie sitting there eating the candy was hilarious. Thanks for posting. Hope you guys have a wonderful and happy new year.

Lisa - Love it! Really wish I had more kids ;)They grow up too fast!!!

Bryony - This seems like a fun project but such a waste of perfectly good food. You could have used icing or marzipan or something to glue the houses together and then it’d have been edible afterwards?
I just don’t like to see wanton waste like this, it makes me feel uneasy 🙁

Joye - Is there anyone that has/or is going to start some type of campaign for Edie from Life in Grace??? Would love to help replace things or give money to a fund towards her rebuilding process. That’s what this season is all about….and Lord knows she’s given so much to all of her readers! I don’t have a blog so don’t know where to start, but you are all very powerful ladies with big voices. Let us know and let’s spread the word!

Julie - Two of my kiddos watched this with me and they kept asking “Mom, is this for REAL?” haha! Then one of my boys whispered in my ear “They’re eating the candy!”
So fun!!

meaghan - LOVE The video!!! i don’t know why it was so fun to actually hear their little voices?! hot glue is genius! xoxo!

Lucylu ~ - oooooooh… awesome!

Stacy - The “beast” thing is so funny, my 12 year old son says everything is “clean” this new hat is “clean”, we all find ourselves saying it too. Love your houses!

Katy - I think we are going to do graham cracker houses next year. They look so cute. 🙂 And you are making me wish I got a Flip on Black Friday!

nic - your graham subdivision is so festive; love the photos (and your gorgey bowls–ohmy!). we do this every year as well on my birthday (dec 21st)…i call it forced family fun, and all within dragging-to-the-kitchen-range MUST participate.

adrienne - very fun!!! love the video too 🙂

Becky - I lOVE the idea of hot gluing the graham crackers. We tried the tiny gingerbread houses this year and they were quite the disaster. I also like the fact that you – like I – need to set everything up! I say whatever keeps craft time fun is worth any amount of pre-craft-crazy-mama! 🙂

virginia - i guess sean

Lynda@Me and My Pink Mixer - Such pretty bowls for all the candies! Great idea using Graham Crackers ~ I’ll have to try this next year. My teenage daughter and I love watching Criminal Minds – it’s one of the few things she will do with me 🙂

Kelly - Cinnamon Toast Crunch as shingles! Brilliant! We do one big sugar cookie house at our second Christmas with my in-laws. This year they aren’t coming until January 7th so I still have awhile to gather my supplies. 🙂

Amy Jo - Love this! Also, I teach 7th grade English in Oklahoma, and BEAST is all the rage down here, too. 🙂

Nicole Q. - This is the first year since having kids that we DIDN’t do a gingerbread house. After seeing your pics I may just have to do one next week before kids go back to school. Shoot! Your pictures got me – I’m like you – I need a little organization first! Hope you had a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Staci - Ohhhhhhhhh 😉 I love Annie’s little voice 🙂 We tried your trick of hot glue and crackers this year…I liked it…but how in the world do you get those crackers to break with a triangle point??? I think I may have cursed a few times ;( heehee 😉 Kids had a great time though 🙂

Melanie - I love the idea of the glue and crackers:) Do you love your flip? I have been wanting one.

Nicole - Hot glue is genius! We had a bug party with 3 year olds and I made 20 houses with melted sugar for the glue! Ugh! Next year it will be a hot glue party!!

Lorie - You do the coolest things with your kids! Love reading all about it…and everything else! Keep on keepin’ on!

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - this is my first year that i DIDN’T make a graham cracker gingerbread house with my kids 🙁
it’s always my favorite craft to do with the kids, but somehow it just got pushed aside. next year i won’t make that mistake again! your houses look lovely.

Tanya @ Life in 3D - We did a kit for the first time this year with two 3yo’s and an almost 2yo. IT. WAS. WILD!!!
Glad to hear I’m not the only one who needs a touch of organization PRIOR to the crafting craziness 🙂
All of the accessories are definitely eye candy 😀

kristin - i love this for so many reasons. sean reminds me of micah…his pondering look, questioning, the patterned candy. i love that annie is asking questions…that reminds me of preschool. good boy, scott, for working with such enthusiasm. even though he’s a boy, he reminds me of naomi. and talby, so quiet and working so carefully.
merry christmas!

Denise C. - How sweet! I just came across your blog (through Clover Lane). Love it! 🙂

Anna Marie - I love that you did the video! I hope there will be more. It is fun to be able to put voices and mannerisms with faces. Makes you all even more “real”…haha.

Tess S - i watched the video with my 3 (nearly 4) year old.
madeline: “who’s that?”
me: “her name is annie.”
madeline: “oh, that annie sure is cute!”
love!

debbie - The kids. The colors. The sweet voices. The cuteness!

Sarah - Great Post! Love all of the colors and your pretty bowls! Great video, adorable kids and love the music!! And the “Beast” thing cracked me up…..with 4 boys between my hubby and I we hear this ALL. OF. THE. TIME. SO funny!

Trish - We need to see the finished products 🙂

se7en - Ha Ha – I am a firm believer in art therapy… I do it all the time!!! Folks always say: “Where do you find the time to craft?” The real answer is that my sanity demands it!!! Hope you guys are having a really fun time!!!

Tere - Love the colors. Love the houses. Thanks for the share, and the voices! It was great to hear them.
And the sneak peak into your dining room. When will it be fully unveiled? Can’t wait. Happy New Year.

Monica Huete - Hummm, they look yummy !!!
SO beautiful !!! … ^___^

Leah - Great post! You are a great mom for putting all that effort into that project. I only have one kid and I’m not sure I can do that just yet. By the way, Talby takes her crafting VERY seriously!

Rhonda G. - Loved the video…It was BEAST! Happy New Year to you and your sweet family.

Kori - We made one this year…first time ever. Is that bad? Anyway, I too found it to be something that (most) everything else needs to be done in order to do it in a stress-free manner. We bought a Wilton kit, and while it was great and had pretty candies, the icing needing an hour to set for the walls to be stable was too long for us. We did other things in that hour and ended up only getting halfway through. I think next time I’ll try something different.
I must say it was very fun seeing your blog come to life! I like it!! 🙂

visart-dali.com - So much color! This very inspirational, thank you!

Christina - You are so great! We have kits and have yet to find the time to do them. Are you allowed to make them after Christmas?! 😉

~Debra - Beautiful pictures! That sure looks like a lot of fun! We haven’t done a gingerbread house in years. Maybe next year?!

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christmas craft #5

talby wanted to show me how to make a poinsettia….her teacher taught her.
i took pictures of each step as she taught me.

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1.  cut the corners of the red paper about 6 inches toward the center.

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2. fold one side of each corner to the center.

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3. put all the petals together with a brad.

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4. cut leaves out of green paper.

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5. open the brad and add in the leaves….re-close the brad.

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6. TA – DA!!!  beautiful poinsettia in 3D.  

i love it.
think how cool it would be to make a bunch….in pink and white and red!   
so pretty.

Annie - I love pinwheels!! these are so cute. Love reading about all the crafts you do with your children. Making wonderful memories of time spent together-that they’ll take with them forever! Blessings, Annie

MGF - My middle son would love this paper craft. Thanks for the idea

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Great job, Talby! This is beautiful!

Lucylu ~ - i bought a Poinsettia for my neighbor today! (weird!)

danielle - love this!

Natasha - That’s so cool! When I was in school, we used to make something similar, but attached it to a long dowel or straw so it would be used as a windmill/pinwheel. I never realized how much they look like flowers too; thanks Talby!

amber - lovin the hannah montana pjs…

Janie Fox - LOVE this! so cute! I agree a bunch in pink, red and white… too great! I am so happy you take time to enjoy your kids. Their childhood truly does go so fast! Happy New Year to you!

kat - That is so adorable!!! I love it! Talby did a great job demonstrating! She is such a cutie!!!

Holly - very cute!

april - those are cool…thanks for sharing!!!

Kirsten P - Tell Talby thanks for showing me how to make a poinsettia. And also tell Talby that I like her name.

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christmas craft #3

this craft idea i got from my neighbor AMY.
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i
 save christmas cards.
and i make my husband bring home his corporate cards he gets at work too….and his co-workers' cards too.
🙂

so this year i took my stack and used my OLD creative memories rotary circle cutter and cut them up.

you could use a circle punch from a craft store too.
or cut them by hand.
or use circle dot stickers in the office supply isle instead….. 

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i put green paint on a paper plate and they stamped their hand into it.
and made a tree.
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three hand prints across the bottom.
then two.
then one.
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they added a star out of yellow construction paper.
and GLITTER.
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the glitter stuck to the wet paint.

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then they covered their tree with ornaments…..christmas card circles.

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i let them use the mini hot glue guns to stick the ornaments on.
i just bought enough for everyone to have their own….the are $3 at wal-mart.
we will get LOTS of use out of them….worth it.
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annie decided it was for her teacher so she wrote a greeting on it.

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sean decided to paint his greeting.

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this was minimally messy even with paint and glitter.
all three kids REALLY liked it.
and it was actually done very quickly.

are you having fun crafting at your house?
or do you think i am crazy lady who has way too much time and hot glue on her hands…..

Karen Gerstenberger - LOVE this craft! Thanks for brightening so many of my (and lots of other people’s) days, Meg.

amber - You’re not crazy…you’re adventurous:). Courageous? Brave?
And…thanks for being…whatever you are. My 3 year old & one year old (I’m brave too) had a lot of fun with white paint, ornament balls, & tiny felt scarves the other day thanks to your post:)…

Lindsey - You aren’t crazy! I love checking out the crafts you guys do! I can’t wait for my daughter to be old enough to do crafts! I love your ideas! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!!!!!!

Leah - This is a fabulous idea! I pulled out all my old Christmas cards and made circles as well. I also made the tree out of construction paper. I’m not brave enough for paint with my 3-year-old. Oh, and I have that CM circle cutter (and the oval too).

Juliann Brenner - Hi Megan – can you make a section of Christmas crafts to look up? Like a category you have, but a “subcategory” for Christmas?? Weird request, I know, but I am super computer challenged and would LOVE to do these next year and know I will never be able to find them. Better yet, how about publishing a craft book with your family craft days and a Christmas section? I’d buy it, and I’d tell everyone to get a copy!!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Tara - having so much fun….
will try this one today!

karen - love it…very nice idea. It is such a shame to throw away any card…crafts are a good way to get more life out of them.

Katrina - Oooops….I did NOT just spell “our” with an “h” so it’s the word “hour” — did I? Gosh, I sure did! I am pulling the holiday-frazzled-mom-of-nine card on that one!

Katrina - Hey, I love this craft idea! We’ve been doing crafts at hour house and my kids are having a blast. I am going to start collecting this year’s cards so that next year we can do your project! Thanks for the idea!
Merry Christmas!
Katrina @ mommyninetimes.blogspot.com

Sugar Mama - Is that an Outer Banks t-shirt your daughter has on? Oh how I miss living in NC and visiting the Outer Banks!
That craft looks like something the daycare kids could do tomorrow with minimal prep time. We made the Christmas bulbs with hand print snowmen yesterday…. even the 9 month olds made one. That was interesting.
Again, thanks for sharing another great idea!

Tanya @ Life in 3D - We have done more crafts this month than ever before! My kiddos are 3 1/2 and almost 2 and they’re really starting to get it 🙂 We’ve had a lot of fun. You’re inspiring!

deborah@applesinwonderland - love that i’m not the only one asking for other people’s christmas cards. (so i suppose this means you won’t send me yours?) we are painting and making big messy messes everyday. with food and paint….and glitter. i’m in heaven. 🙂

Yasna - I love it.. really!
I have a few days off since my son has no school and I plan on making some of your crafts with him. I miss all of that being at work but I ll sneak some here and there. Thanks for the idea!

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - We’ve been crafting and baking and decorating for days at our house too. You have to have something to do with the kids for TWO WEEKS while there is no school!
We did a gingerbread house decorating party today with a few of their friends, it was a big hit. My girls all have summer birthdays so bday parties are rare, this is a nice alternative for sure.

TAB - I love your crafts! I just wish I had the patience to do them! I have been inspired though! This one looks great.

Mary - when i saw the stack of circles cut from the cards i instantly thought of a garland. run the circles through the sewing maching and make a cute garland for the tree from old c-mas cards. thanks for the idea!

Trish - I wish I lived at your house 🙂

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Well that’s just cute. Great green idea:)

jamie - you are not a crazy lady. we have been crafting this week and will continue crafting through christmas eve. you have been our inspiration. i have twin daughters that are 21, a 15 year old daughter, and a 7 year old son. they are all crafting and loving it. baking too with christmas music playing in the background. {love}

valerie - What a great craft idea for my 3 year old Sunday School class (next year). I’m filing this one away. Waaay cute!

Marcia - I just discovered your blog and I love all of your craft ideas! I’m not sure how to follow you over here on typepad though 🙂
Have a glorious Christmas!
Blessings,
Marcia

Cristen - I am SOOO loving these posts. Keeping them bookmarked for next year. Thank you for the wonderful ideas.

Lynda@Me and My Pink Mixer - Cute idea! I used to love doing crafts with my daughter, but she is 17 now and doesn’t want anything to do with crafts or sometimes me for that matter 🙂

Karen - Absolutely not crazy for crafting with your kids. Doesn’t matter how messy the project is. They will remember these times for the rest of their lives.

Bethany {3SonsPlus1} - What a fun idea! I recycle and refurbish old cards in much the same way, but we use ours as gift tags or labels…definitely not as much fun, ha! Merry Christmas!

Angel/TaDa! Creations - I’ve been enjoying your craft posts a lot. We made the snowman ornaments yesterday and today I’m doing it with my day care kiddo to surprise his parents. Super easy and fun! Thank you for all the great ideas.

T Galle - We are having a blast! My whole family….from youngest nephew to my Dad & step-mom made the snowman ornaments on Sunday. We left them with my Dad for him to hang on his tree. We are going to make them here on Christmas eve so I can have some from my kids (19 & 24) on my tree! 🙂

Katy - What a great craft! My 3 year old daughter has a new found love for paint so this is perfect. 🙂 Thanks Meg!

Lisa - I also save my Christmas cards, use the circle punch on them and make them into gift tags. Just punch a small hole in the top and slip a little string, embroidery thread or ribbon through it.

jill tracy - I think it is fantastic! I love that you are taking time with them to do this. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season…so kudos to you:) Maybe it will get me motivated!

Gretchen - We love crafting at our house. In fact, I’ve gotten some many great ideas from you! Thanks. 🙂

Sonia - love it! my littlest one would def love this the most! he loves to paint!

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christmas craft #2

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this craft was quiet and calm.
when the kids were at school i cut the felt into small squares….about 1 square inch.
i just bought the rainbow of colors and a few extra of red and green.
using a rotary cutter would have been easier….but mine is BURIED under fabric and christmas.

the sheets of felt were 4 for $1.00.
so this craft is really cheap!

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i strung large needles (18 Darners is what the package says….) with DMC floss.
i tied a knot at one end.
then we strung the thread with felt squares.

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annie kept pulling her string off the needle so this was our solution.
i held the needle and she filled it up.
team work!

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talby made several.

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when they are about this size we stopped.
when you could bend it into a good sized circle….

then i tied the two ends together….and hot glued it too….

we added ribbon and voila!
a tiny christmas wreath!
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or a rainbow wreath…..
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or a KU wreath…
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if i would change anything about this craft i would make the squares a little smaller.
i did try using wire but it was hard to get through the felt and the needle was not.

they would be really cute in all green and adding red beads or jingle bells too!

New Coach Bags - Hear this idea, DengHua DE repeatedly said: “grateful fans, but I can’t talk about the question, of course, I want to thank them care.” This night, no matter how cross-examine, DengHua DE reporter refused to evaluate foreign aid performance.

Kelli - I thought for sure you were making a garland for the tree! The ornaments are so cute! A garland would be fabulous too but lots more work! Maybe a year round project. 😉 (Like anyone needs another one of those.) Thanks for sharing all your craft projects. It inspires me just to see your consistency. When my boys are older we can do more of these crafts. I’m not ready to give my oldest (3 1/2 yrs.) a needle yet. Nor glitter and rarely a glue stick. Yikes.

Tracy - Just made these with Reese’s 1st grade class for their Christmas Party….so fun and all the kids liked making them…cute and easy. I used my rotary cutter and it took no time at all to cut all those squares. Thanks for the great idea!

Catherine - so much fun!!! thank you for this, and for all of the tips! i cut our squares a little smaller, used hot glue and knew exactly what kind of needle to use and string {DMC floss is embroidery floss for the reader that asked!} I also really appreciated your comment about the rotary cutter. I have wanted one and this was a great excuse to get one. Plus! I found a 50% off coupon for Michaels craft store, so I got the nicer one for less than the cheaper one is regularly priced! Yay!!! It held the attention of my 3 1/2 year old boy for awhile, but I didn’t mind finishing… it was secretly for me anyway. Thanks Megan!!!

Lucylu ~ - Ooooooooh nice we (Alex and I) Strung popcorn

kristine - super cute! i love that you give reviews about what works and what doesn’t. thanks!! love this!

kristin - oh. my.
just 2 days ago i cut up an old indian fabric blanket for this project.
it did not work.
felt would have been perfect.
next time.
merry christmas, friend.

Janna - So cute;) But I’m commenting for a totally off the wall reason:) I notice you have the same denim furniture we do. I got it 2nd hand so have no idea where its originally from (I’d LOVE to find a slipcover for it) and it so super comfy I don’t want to get rid of it. But I can’t get it clean. Do you have the same problem? I’d love love it if you have a min to email me back, if its after Christmas that is JUST fine, don’t expect you to worry about me before;) I’m wondering if you have found something that works on the denim? I’ve had it professionally cleaned too and it didn’t make one bit of difference:( Thanks! And I LOVE your blog, so inspiring!!

kat - Those are adorable!!! Garland would be super fun too!

Jenn Thomas - london love her wreath she made the other night – it is hanging on the from door knob – she has to show it to everyone that comes overs

Ellen J - I love love this craft!! I’m storing it away to pull out next year for my class to do at Christmas! 🙂
Thanks for sharing!

Dana D@BoysMyJoys - So very cute!
Love them!
I also love the star lights in the kitchen… want to show us what they look like from outside at night?!?!
🙂
I bet they are darling!

Rhonda Roo - please adopt me. STAT. xoxoxo

Michelle - love these. . .i think i made them at school when i was little (like 20 years ago. . .wow)

Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - So pretty and easy. I bet my kiddos would love this! My favorite was the red and green. The polka dot ribbon made it though:)

Heather (Lorel's *other* college roomie!!) - Adorable — definitely making next year when my oldest is five!
One tip that I’ve learned the hard way with our crafting sessions — if you double the thread on the needle and knot both ends at the bottom (so it’s a loop) then the needle can’t come off! 🙂

Holly - very cute!

meaghan - this is AWESOME!!!! i’m def doing this. i mean, not with the kids, but i’m still doing it!

AshleyAnn - Your Christmas crafts are killing me…so cute. Maybe I’ll make them next year. Though if I can convince myself to go to Target to ornaments I really want to do those handprint ones…such a great idea.

Natasha - Super easy and way cute! Thanks!!

amy cloud - We did the snowmen yesterday and my girls are very excited to do the wreaths today. Many Thanks!

Joni - I am always looking for easy, safe, low mess crafts with four little ones 7 and under….so this looks FABULOUS!
Thank you for all the great craft ideas:)

danielle - love these!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i LOVE this. oh how i love a quiet craft. 😉 and they turned out so pretty!

Tara - such great ideas for ornaments!
we buy ornaments for our kids this year…
I think we’re making them…all thanks to you!

Grace - Meg, these are fantastic! And they fit three perfect categories: adorable, easy for little hands, and inexpensive. Thank you for the idea. 🙂

Cynthia - So cute, I can’t wait to try these, but what is DMC floss?

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - Very cute, and even better than buying felt I can use up little scraps!

Kelly - Super cute! It would be really fun to leave it straight as a garland too!

Mindy Harris - too too cute. i love your crafts. wilder and i did a snowman tonite and i put away my control freak tendencies and just let him do what he wanted.

Debbie Smallie - Keep the crafts coming. We have a 17 day break and I need time-fillers!!!

Sonia - as usual, LOVE IT!!

tania willis - my 8 year old, looking over my shoulder just said, “oh my gosh, i wanna make one!” SO cute meg! thanks for sharing the idea. this is perfect for keeping little hands busy during the winter break from school.

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christmas craft #1

this idea came from crystal in an email to me.
thanks so much!

super easy but SUPER DUPER cute!

we started with these ornaments from target.
they are big.
i loved the colors so i picked these…..but any glass ball ornaments would work. 

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i did this one child at a time….you'll see why.
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first i painted their hand with regular craft paint.

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set the ornament in the middle of their flat palm….fingers out.

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slowly have them close their hand so an entire handprint is made.
make sure they don't move their fingers….just close their hand.

then they slowly take their fingers off the ornament.
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set it somewhere to dry.
then you can choose if you want to yell at your child ……
"DON"T TOUCH ANYTHING! GO WASH YOUR HAND AND DON"T USE MY GOOD TOWEL TO DRY IT!" 
or not.

let the white paint dry….we waited overnight….just to be safe.
then use a Sharpie to add faces.
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we used a glue gun and cut out tiny little scarves.
we didn't have black felt or we would've made hats too.

and they add snow falling also.

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i think they are about the cutest ornaments i have ever seen.

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then write their name and date on the palm and you created a keepsake!

have fun.

Catherine Vitolo - That is the cool idea for home make

marcia culler - Great idea! And your instructions are so good I think I can do this! Thanks!

Laura - Maybe try a clear spray/sealer. Found at most hardware sections in spraypaint aisle, and sometimes in the craft Dept. I am absolutely doing this this coming year.

Staci - What kind of paint do you use? I got tempera paint and it just peels/flakes 🙁

myriam - queste idee sono bellissime
grazie per il consiglio

Jackie - We made these in Kindergarten and we used the small tip puff paint to make the faces, hats, scarves, etc.

Karen @ Sugartown Sweets - Love!! I make a Christmas craft every year with my grandbabies! My daughter always says they are her favorite Christmas gift. Thank you. 🙂

Kim - Kandi, I have bought or made my children an ornament every year as well, and for the same reason. My son who is now 25 years old has refused to take his with him. He wants his ornaments on his momma’s tree. lol But….. he still comes over every year to decorate the tree with his younger sister (21) and they still have a blast hanging their ornaments. They still try to hide the other’s ornaments with their own. It’s really great to see them still being “kids” at Christmas.

Nancy - what a PERFECT to give to g’ma that has everything!

Kandi - I used to make ornaments with my kids, or they would make them at school. Every year, I make each of them one too, as a gift. That way when they move out and have a tree of their own, they will take the ones I made them, and have meaningful (hopefully) ornaments on it already. And, I am left with all of the ornaments that they have made for me over the years.

Tiffany - Oh thank you so much! I think we will be doing these this year! I ADORE it!!

Debra - i so just love this going to do this with my grand kids when they come over (:

Belize - Beth Mayhew – Oh Krista these are amazing! The tea party with Kaitlyn and Bryan just mleted my heart. Who would have ever thought our husbands hearts would be stolen by another woman and we’d ok with it our daughters have captured them both? I love you all so much and thanks for sharing.

Mel - This just popped up on my facebook news feed…Meg you are everywhere!! So cute , will have to try it 🙂

Air Jordan Shoes - after all disadvantage. Game in third quarter end phase, the lakers leading superiority already exceeded 20 points, that makes the game early into the garbage time.

Cheap Jordan Shoes - after all disadvantage. Game in third quarter end phase, the lakers leading superiority already exceeded 20 points, that makes the game early into the garbage time.

Kelli - Oh my gosh! These are so cute! Perfect grandma gift too. So, I have to ask how you keep (have room on the tree for) all of your kids Christmas ornaments? Do you occasionally get rid of any? (I really hope you aren’t “gasp”ing at that last sentence just now). I know people who don’t throw any of their children’s pictures/drawings away. I could easily become one of those people but I don’t have the storage space and I only have 2 small children. I’d love to know your “system”. Thanks!

Holly Rhodes - I feel like a bad mom! I never do crafts with my kids (3 and 1) I just do not have the patience!! Maybe I should work on that! Your kids look so happy doing crafts =(
Did you do crafts when they were 3 and 1 too???

liz from LIzzies RAggs Primitives - LOve the idea of the ornaments! I printed out the directions for a next Christmas project with the grandkids. Thanks!

Lisa - Hi Meg,
I am Cassie Burback’s sister in law. I loved this project. My oldest daughter did this with a friend yesterday and they turned out adorable. Thanks for the idea. We also did hand prints on cardstock for Christmas cards!
Love your blog!
Lisa Borglum

Tami - Hey Megan, totally enjoy your blog. Wish i could do all the crafts you guys do. I put the ideas in the back of my head and then they get lost back there. However, we actually did this one! Thank you for the great idea! We had a neighborhood party and had all the kids make one. You have inspired me! Thank you!

cathy - Love this!

Jen Brandt - Guess what the grandparents will be getting for Christmas next year? Great idea! Thank you and Merry Christmas!

katie w - this is adorable! and love the poem that amy shared too 😉

elz - LOVE this craft. I have been hemming and hawing about what ornaments to make for my parents this year-then Boom! I found your post. Perfect. Thanks.

BecZhang - This is so awesome. I am definitely going to try this with my six year old. I’m not very crafty so it should be interesting.

Courtney - OMG!!! This is the CUTEST PROJECT IN AMERICA!!!!!

Ellen J - I love this one too! I’ll have lots to choose from next year for Christmas crafts! Thanks 🙂

Janelle - My girls are 2 & 4 – this is going to be messy! But what a cute keepsake!

tania willis - we’re SO making these for the grandparents! AWESOME!

Kristin S - adorable!!!

Sugar Mama - Crazy! I just got back from Wal-Mart and bought the stuff to make those with my daycare kids. Get online to check my fave blogs and see that you just made them too. We won’t be doing the scarves, it will be enough just to get them to gently grasp the ornament… and it will be very interesting to see how it will work for the 9 month old kids!

Kathleen - My son just gave us one with the poem attached….his class made them in preschool. I love them and hopefully I will remember to have him make one next year! The ornaments your kids made turned out great and I love the idea of adding scarves to the snowmen!

Eva - I Love love love these – I’m tempted to try on my almost one year old – I may be pushing my luck hahah

Dawn - So super cute!!

visart-dali.com - This so very cute!!!!! Thank you for the idea!!!!

Gemma - Wow this is SO NICE!!! LOVE IT!!
Gemma x

Joye - I LOVE these! Just adorable 🙂 You are so creative!

Tanya H - This is FABULOUS!!! We must do this! TFS! 🙂

Maria - Made these with the kids! So cute. Thanks for sharing the idea! Way easy. Even Mom and Dad made one with the kids =0)

Jenny Logan - Those are the cutest ornaments ever!! Thanks for the great idea!!

Kait - I’ve been looking for a hand print ornament I can make with my girls. This is adorable! I might have to squeeze in a little craft time before Christmas.

Shannon Davis - I make these every year with my kindergarteners! I add the poem as mentioned above — they only difference is that we use paint pens for all the details and shatterproof ornaments. We do add black hats with a black paint pen. I also buy teeny little buttons and they glue on two buttons per snowman — adorable — colorful — and each one is unique 🙂

Sharla - These are adorable – I got big ornaments on my way home last night – also snagged some dollar aisle ornaments so I can start making my wreath 🙂 Thanks for great ideas!

Lindsey@ Piecefully Home - so cute!! i have to do this one with my kids!

Jill - Oh my gosh!!!! I am a teacher and have been trying to come up with a quick and cute gift idea for my kids to make for their parents…. I love this!!!! thank you!!!!

Jill - ooomygosh! That is Super Cute!

Tracy - Meg, the fact that you think to take the time to take photos while explaining is simply awesome. These are adorable and the memory of making them adds to the fun! Thanks for sharing.

Julianne Brimner - my daughter just made one at school and brought it home for a Christmas present for me. I think they just did three fingers….with a classroom of first graders, I think she has the bravest teacher in the world. I love it.

Lindsay - LOVE this idea & plan on buying stuff to make them today!!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

Erin - So cute! I will be saving this craft for when I have children 🙂 Very fun.

Candi @ Sweet Designs Boutique - Love these. Just shared on Facebook at facebook.com/sweetdesignsboutique

Jenny B. - My oldest son did one of those at preschool a couple of years ago, and I love it! 🙂

Bobbie Henry - What a cute idea! This is something that my daughter-in-law could do with our two little grandsons and send to us (hint)! Love them!!!

maribeth - my kids have made these at preschool for years, but i love the fun variation of doing it with older children who can contribute more than the handprint itself. love the felt scarves and the falling snow!! i think those will be special keepsakes on their own trees one day, too! (though i am sure you are hoping that one day is far, far away!)

Grace - Those are so cute! Would make a cute teacher gift too…

Jess Mead - So cute and MESSY! My boys would love it!

Kimberlee J. - Talia brought one of these home from daycare last year and I loved it! It’s hanging on my tree high so she can’t get a hold of it. 🙂

sara's art house - LOVE THESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Giuseppina - this might be one of the cutest things i’ve ever seen!!
thanks for sharing 🙂

Lisa @ Shine Your Light - I’m in love with this craft – thank you for sharing! As my kids get older we do less and less crafting together – but I think I can get even my boys to do this one! So cute.

T Galle - Doing this at our Christmas gathering at my Dad’s this Sunday!

Jeannette - Those are the cutest things!!!!! I LOVE snowmen, one my favorites :o) thanks for sharing this

Holly - very cute!

Heather G. - What a cute idea!!

a-m - Absolutely brilliant! Thanks!!!

Leah - Awesome idea. Love it!

erlfisher - THE BEST!! Will most certainly try this!

Lucylu ~ - Oh my goodness i *LOVE* the purple one!

JustMommer - Can’t wait to try this

creativechaos - LOVE this!

kristine - i love this idea!!

Tracy - The toddlers at my daycare center make these every year as a Christmas present to their parents….love it!!!

Monica Huete - Awww, it is so cute !!! What a great idea !!! Thanks so much for sharing … ^___^

Amy Petz - I cannot wait to do this with my boys. Thanks Meg!

Alison Richardson - Those are so adorable! I’m definitely doing this!

Maria - This is one of our favorite crafts to do…we have a small collection of them now (the ones that have survived over the years at least!)

Georgia - IS that another Bauble dining room picture?! ohhhh the suspense.
:o)

Micky - This is so clever! I have never seen this done before. When I saw the hands being painted to be placed on the ornament, I thought, “how’s this going to turn out?”, but it is so cute. I am DEFINITLY doing this one with the kids. Thanks for sharing.
Micky

Beth - Oh, and gotta tell you, at my other school my art room is in a seperate building from the regular school and there is NO WATER in the building. I did one of those big Christmas Cards that is on display outside the library? With all my students? And we did hand prints to make the picture????? Imagine me with a room full of 18-22 kids, with paint on their hands! Wow. I was kind of a basket case at the end of that week!

Beth - ADORABLE! Well worth the wait (sorry about the sick kiddo)! I think I might try this with my girls too!

Tanya @ Life in 3D - I’m in love 🙂 So adorable!
My kids would NEVER just leave their fingers there though…too little still. We did hand prints in salt dough for daddy for Christmas today and even for that…I found myself yelling…”DON’T spread your fingers!”
Proud moments…

Jodi - SO CUTE!! My daughter is 16, but I think I’m gonna get her to do one anyway. Thanks for sharing!

Amy - My pre-K daughter came home with one yesterday with this poem attached –
“These aren’t just 5 snowmen
as anyone can see.
I made them with my hand
which is a part of me.
Now each year when you trim the tree,
you’ll look back and recall
Christmas of 2010
when my hand was this small!”
They also attached a nice polka dot bow at the top. Very cute!

megan k - totally the project for our weekend!!

Hollie - How fast can I get to Target?

Sonia - i love it! i’m going to go get supplies to make them tonight!

Selina - Love this. So clever!

Marisa - SO cute! I’d be afraid to use glass, though, in case my little one squeezed too hard. Good thing there are so many cute plastic ornaments these days.

jennibell - LOVE this — thanks for the idea!!!

the leonard 4 - oh my gawh…thhis is the cutest thing i’ve ever seen, and we will definitely be doing this little craft over winter break! happy holidays! 🙂

shelley - love it ! gonna get all the supplies to do this while the little one is napping…that way we can do it straight away when he wakes!

amanda - love this – will definitely try it this weekend!

Christy - My son just came home with one of these yesterday from school! How funny. His was not as perfect as yours though, probably b/c one Teacher & 25 kids. 🙂 Love these, might have to try it again at home, plus would be great for the grandparents.

mandy madison - Totally stealing this idea!!! SO CUTE!

Lisa - Very very cool!

Cherish Stockdale - umm those are ADORABLE! I love them!

amy cloud - I am going to have a craft week next week with the kids. THis is a great idea and we are going to target tonight. Thanks

mel - LOVE this!!! Totally making these with my girls. SO excited!!! 🙂

Hoosier at Heart - Just darling!

twolittletots - i just saw this the other day and was going to do it with the girls next week. i think it would be great grandparent gifts too!

Donje - That is such a cute craft idea! I LOVE it! Thanks for sharing.

jennifer - I’m totally not a crafty girl, but I just might need to try those. They are super duper cute!

april - these are awesome!!!! I must make these!!!!!

virginia - so cute! crystal always has such great ideas!

Amanda-ThriceBlessed - Cute! My middle DD did this last year at preschool, if you flip the hand over the ornament the opposite way it creates Santa’s beard, you just add the hat and face! Its just as cute as the snowmen!

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