Movie Monday - Easy Holiday Wreath

Want to spruce up your front door quickly before all of your guests arrive?  Check out this easy to make wreath from AJ's Craft Room!

           

It's a great way to use up all of your old ornaments that you might not use anymore too!  Check out AJ's other videos for more fun projects~

Ribbon and Chain Necklace

Disclaimer: I've been sick in bed since Tuesday night and today is my first day out of my pj's and housecoat. Hence, the snazy project name, super easy project,  and slightly dazed look in my eyes~

I realized this week that I have waaaaaaaay too much crafting, jewellery making, paper, decoupaging, card making, sewing, and fabric stuff.  So, I'm on a supplies diet and am only allowed to use things I already have, make things I've been meaning to make, and finish projects I started and haven't completed.  I'm not sure how long this will last, but I had these chains just sitting in a jewellery box doing nothing so I decided to make them into something wearable.

Here's what you need for this super easy project:

Materials:
-Ribbon
-Large chain
-Wire cutters, scissors
-Fray check, thread, sewing machine

Steps:
1) Cut your chains to the size you want, taking off any extra hooks or clasps that you don't need.

2) Apply some fray check to the end of your ribbon.  When it's dry, thread it into the last link in each of your chains and fold behind.

3) Simply stitch it down and repeat on the other side.

Cut your ribbon to a length that will sit nicely and allow enough in the back to tie.  You can adjust the necklace so that the ribbon closure is on the side for something a little more precious and whimsical.

Trying to look thoughtful, but really
my energy is just fading fast~

I'm not sure if I like how long it is, to be honest with you.  I might cut the chains in half so that there are four shorter ones instead of just the two.  But I think I'll wait until I'm more myself before I decide.

Have you ever put yourself on a supply diet?  How successful were you?  Leave a comment below, I need all the inspiration and self-control I can get....especially with Boxing Day sales coming up soon!

This project was featured here:

New Simplicity

I'm so sad that no one where I live sells Simplicity patterns anymore.  Just look at all the cute things you can make from their holiday edition!

I think these accessories are so neat, especially that little lace collar and the funky metallic peplum~

My niece and nephew live 4 hours away now.  I'd love to make them these travel pillows for their long trips when they come to visit.

The latest catalogue has several pj patterns but these two are my fav.

I usually wear pj pants to bed but these boxer shorts are too cute to resist.

Do you still get Simplicity where you live?  Apparently there's some issue with shipping the patterns to the stores in Canada so some of the major retailers have opted out.  Luckily I can still get them online!

Winter PJ's

Last month I got this super cute flannelette fabric from Wholeport.

only $10.99/metre in the Fabric section

I got two metres so that I could make my niece and nephew a pair of matching pj's for Christmas....because we all know how much kids love to open a pair of pj's for Christmas!  Especially matching ones!

I mad the pj pants lickety split.  And then I got a couple of plain white t-shirts and used my Silhouette machine to create a pattern for appliques for the tops.

I didn't even bother trying to cut the fabric with my Silhouette.  I need a new knife before I try anything crazy like that (hear that Santa?  A new knife for my Silhouette machine would be the perfect gift!)

Then I just used my templates to cut the shapes from my fabric.

Then I also cut some Silhouette heat transfer fabric interfacing so that it would stick to my T-shirts while I was trying to sew it on.  It was a bit of extra work but it worked like a charm.

I'm going to add a mug with some hot chocolate mix in it to make this gift a bit more kid friendly (They're also getting a proper full on toy and a book from me too, this is just the handmade portion of their gift.  I can't have you thinking I'm the weird auntie in the family).

I love how soft and fluffy this fabric got after I washed it.  It kept is grainline well and sewed easily.  Check out Wholeport's flanelette section for more great prints.

Are you making pjs for gifts this year?  What kind of fabric and style are you using?  Leave a comment below~

*This post is sponsored by Wholeport however I did not receive any compensation other than the product shown and all opinions are my own.

Another Blogger Hits the Big Time

I was over at hotpatterns.com the not so long ago and was quite surprised to see that they've release 3 new patterns with guest designer MimiG.

MimiG is a blogger who is known for her awesome street style and DIY tutorials.

You've probably seen her rockin' out on Pinterest, A LOT~

People love her style so much that they're willing to pay for it.  Many of her tutorials on her site charge a fee for purchase.

Way to go Mimi G!  I like to see bloggers hit the big time.  I don't fool myself into thinking that will ever happen to me, but I guess it adds just a little bit of validity to what I do here every day.

How about you?  You can be honest here.  Do you feel jealous and wonder why no one has discovered your amazing talents yet or do you cheer the lucky ones on?  What do you consider the big time?  A book deal, a regular column, a few patterns, a television appearance?  Leave a comment below~

A Twist on the Traditional Christmas Cracker

I know everyone out there is already getting ready for Christmas...

So here's a fun project to set your table apart from all the rest:

Isn't that embossing trick neat ?!? I never would've figured that out on my own.

Check out the Docrafts channel on YouTube for more great crafting projects~