December coming to a close & a Christmas in quick review...

I woke up this morning and noticed that the Holiday excitement was just about over. The trash bags full of Christmas wrapping, torn boxes, tags and tissue wait by the door to be picked up, the empty space under the tree where the wrapped gifts once were now make way for the sporadic falling of tree needles and the family and I settling back into our normal routine. It seems as though Christmas was already so long ago. And yet, I feel a sense of completion. I feel that for the first time in many, many Christmas's, I was able to finish my never ending list of things to do and buy. I can only hope that next year is just as successful!

Isabella was extremely happy. And why wouldn't she be? She's the proud owner of a Nintendo Wii, Rock Band 2, Barbies, clothes, and several games and movies. Her "best presents?" Well that would be the Pixos/Chixos set she received. I truly have never seen her more happy than when she opened these on X-Mas morning.

AJ was a little less enthralled by the whole thing, but was quite content in playing with the paper and bows. I didn't get the matching slippers to my bathrobe as most had predicted (the bathrobe fiasco from last Christmas is infamous to all family and friends). I was actually overwhelmingly surprised at my husband's sweet gesture to get me a bag from Coach. Such a sweetie he is! That, along with my much coveted waffle iron (yes I asked for a waffle iron) and some very cool movies including a much wanted Zombie movie, made me a very happy girl!

Rick got his GPS (as he wanted) and some men's toiletries, candy, gift cards and lots of clothes. My dad even got what he really wanted. He got his portable DVD player, gift cards and a few other things from my brother and sister. Dinner was prime rib, red-skin mashed potatoes, salad, fresh rolls and vegetables. For dessert...a HUGE Red Velvet Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory. Yum!!

As I said before, I'm surprised at how quickly it came and went. I'm seriously going to blink and before I know it, AJ will be turning a year old. I think that's why it boggles my mind so much. Last year at this time I was just about 10 weeks pregnant. It's amazing what happens in a years time.

Quick and Easy Hair Barrettes: Supplies and Instructions

These barrettes are adorable, super easy to make and very inexpensive! What's great about them is that you can tailor make these to match practically anything! Any mood, any outfit, or even match a special occasion or Holiday! The barrettes on the left are made with premade ribbon flowers and the ones on the right are made with loose scrapbooking flowers and brads.

Supply List:

You'll need a package of Hair Barrettes. They come in different sizes and quantities so decide how many you want to make. I picked these ones up at A.C. Moore. These are 2 inch Nicole Craft Barrettes. These came in a package of 5 and were $.99.

If you are going to make the ones with flowers, you will need a few brads. Below are just a few examples of different brads. There are star, flower, circle and square shaped brads.

You'll need to pick up some accent flowers. The Medlow Fabric Flowers were purchased at JoAnn Fabrics for about $1.00 a package. They have holes already in the center to make it easier to put the brads in.

The Offray fabric accents (packages up front) were all bought at A.C. Moore for $.99 each.

Next, you'll need ribbon! I recommend one-sided satin ribbon. It should be 3/8 inch ribbon. This is where you can have a lot of fun. There are so many different types of ribbon to choose from and different patterns and colors. I picked up the Offray ribbon at JoAnn Fabrics for $1.99 a spool. You'll need to cut lengths of ribbon about 2 1/4 inches for each barrette.

You'll also need scissors, glue (clear or tacky, it's up to you), hot glue gun (you don't have to use one if you don't have one)
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Okay, after cutting your ribbon into 2 1/4 inch lengths, you'll want to seal the ends to prevent fraying. I use a lighter to do this. Make sure to not hold the flame on the ribbon for too long as you could ignite your ribbon. Just a quick exposure will do the job.

After sealing the ribbon, run a line of glue on the wrong side of the ribbon. Place the barrette on ribbon and center. Flip the barrette around and allow the glue to dry.

While waiting for the glue to dry, choose your flowers and/or decor. You can either hot glue these flowers onto the barrette or use regular craft glue. Place a drop of glue on the ribbon flowers and place on the barrette.

With the loose flowers, just pick out the ones you want to use, layer them until you have the look you want and use any type of brad you want that will compliment the flower.

Place the brad through the center of the flower and fold down the prongs.

Either hot glue gun or fabric glue your flowers onto the ribbon covered barrettes and voila! Beautiful barrettes, perfect for that special little girl in your life, or give them as a gift. I'm planning on surprising my daughter with these so I may end up making more as a little weekend project with her!

As I mentioned about being inexpensive, the barrettes were $.99, the fabric flowers were $1.00, the brads I already had, the ribbon was $1.99 and the ribbon flowers were $.99. The total cost was less than $5.00 and I made two sets of barrettes and still have enough materials to make more (just need more barrettes!)

Enjoy & Happy Crafting~

Project 2: Quick and Easy Barrettes

I made a quick pit stop to A.C. Moore on my way home from work tonight and picked up a couple of things. I had a spur of the moment craft idea to create hair clips/barrettes that I could put in Isabella's hair. That and I had a 40% coupon burning a hole in my pocket! :-)

Of course, I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, so I grabbed something that I thought might work, picked up a few other odds and ends and headed for home. I set to work, after putting the baby down to sleep and to be honest, I think these came out adorable and they were really inexpensive! I'm going to add a separate blog post with instructions and supply list. Happy crafting!!

My newest creation: The Purple Tutu

I am so in love with making tutus!! I have definitely latched on to a new crafting bug!! Not only have I begun making tutus, but I'm branching off into jewelry, hair accessories and lots of crocheting! I'm hoping to finish my first blanket in the next day or so. I only have so many hours in a day!! But for now, here are a couple of pictures of my finished purple tutu. I'm definitely going to have to post instructions for anyone that wants to make one of their own: