Very Merry

We had a wonderful Christmas! I hope you did too! Most of our week was filled with visiting friends and extended family. Lots of fun!

I've also had some computer issues... I loaded some software that my Little One got for Christmas, and *something* happened. Things just aren't working quite right.

I always enjoy this time around New Year's, looking back fondly on the previous year and looking forward to new and exciting things for the coming year. I've seen lots of other blogs doing a recap of the year, and thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite photos from my blog from 2008.



I want to wish everyone a fantastic 2009!!!
Happy New Year!

(P.S. The winner of the final giveaway was Maija!!! I had sent her an email but didn't get a chance to post here. Thank you all for playing. I loved reading about your special traditions!)

Warm & Felty

While we were without power during the ice storm, I had a little free time to make some ornaments for some friends. I have been a huge fan of Charlotte Lyons for quite some time, and I was very excited to see that she had put together a sweet little book and kit that was available in her etsy shop earlier this Fall. The booklet, called "Crafted. Felts and Fabrics. Inspiration from the Scrapbag" is delightful. There are lots of cute projects using wool felt and fabrics, with little or no sewing involved... which I LOVE! Be sure to visit Charlotte's blog too! She has been sharing some fun holiday crafting projects! I just adore the lace wreath! (Maybe I'll have one done for Valentine's Day... or Christmas next year! Heehee.)

These are what I created. Simple heart ornaments using just the scraps that she had sent in the kit, and some felt that I had made using my own sweaters. It was just fun to play.


I really loved working with the felt, and hope to do some more soon! I've been telling my family and friends to check in their closets for old wool items that I can have. There are some other great felt books out there right now, like this, this, and this. I have a couple already, but I'm hoping Santa will deliver the others!

And finalllly... using this random number generator... the winner of the Monday giveaway is:
#11 Laurie - Magpie Ethel
"I love the holidays a ton....christmas is definitely my holiday. I think what I enjoy most is making it a magical time for my kids. Even tho they are in high school now I love all the traditions we have established...making pizelles, cutting the tree, hanging special decoration they made as little ones, filling stockings. The holidays take on a special meaning when seen thru the eyes of children!"

For all the details about the giveaway and to enter, click HERE!
There are 3 more days of prizes!
Thank you all for stopping by! I'm really enjoying reading all of you family traditions and what makes the holidays so magical for you!

Marshmallow Snowmen Tutorial

Thank you for the sweet emails and comments about the ice storm. It has been a crazy experience... hopefully a "once in a lifetime" thing. We are really lucky though, some of the people in the more rural areas may not see power for weeks. Can you imagine?!? Yikes.

I've suddenly received a bunch of emails asking for directions for these Marshmallow Snowman Pops that I posted a photo of last year. I've been making them for several years for little friends and classmates. The kids LOVE them! I can't take credit for the idea... there was a kit to make them at a gourmet shop that I had visited. It was about $20 and only made 3-4 pops (which I thought was a little steep!) This is my less expensive version. I don't have the supplies on hand to do a proper tutorial, but here are the directions.

Supplies:
Large marshmallows ( 3 per pop)
Long lollipop sticks (these are about 7" long)
White chocolate candy melts (available at craft or baking shops)
Mini M&Ms
Waxed Paper
Cellophane Bags & Ribbon

1. Push 3 marshmallows onto the sticks. The stick should come about 3/4 of the way through the top marshmallow(the head), but should not poke all the way through. The marshmallows should be touching each other (no gaps in between). The flat sides should all face up.
2. Melt white chocolate according to the package directions in a medium bowl.
3. Working quickly, dip marshmallow pops into the white chocolate. The marshmallows need to be completely covered, or they will get hard and yucky. Shake slightly to allow excess to drip off. Place on waxed paper. While the chocolate is still wet, add M&Ms for eyes, nose and buttons.
4. Allow chocolate to set. Peel from waxed paper and wrap in cellophane. Tie with ribbon and store in a cool place.

Tips:
*If the chocolate starts to get too thick, you may need to re-melt it.
*Add some other decorations to the snowmen. Maybe pretzel stick arms or a scarf made from a fruit roll-up.