Christmas Elving... Part 4

Saving the best for last... as least I think so!

Last summer I was in an unfinished wood store shopping for crates to use in my classroom and I stumbled upon a little doll cradle. I knew right then and there what my niece would be getting for Christmas. I could easily envision myself sanding and staining the cradle, but the part I really wanted to tackle was the bedding. I took it upon myself to take the challenge: Make a mattress, blanket, and a few pillows.

I DID IT... and for those of you who know me and my past experiences with a sewing machine this IS a big deal.

I tackled this project a little bit differently. I took it slowly. I actually read the owners manual for the machine. This helped tremendously, I feel like I know the Olde Singer just a little bit better. I also spent some time practicing before I started.  I spent some time watching tutorials on YouTube.

Now, I didn't have a pattern... I wouldn't even begin to know what to do with one of those. So, I just winged it. I measured, cut, pinned, and sewed. It isn't perfect, but I am proud of what I accomplished and hope it is the first of many more attempts.

Oh... and if you are wondering if Carlene liked it... You'll have to take a peak at the little video I made.

Christmas Elving.... Part 3

One of my favorite projects is the annual Salt Dough Christmas Ornaments.  Here is a link to last years.... and the year before. I keep an eye out for a cookie cutter all year long looking for the perfect ornament shape. This year I found a cookie cutter to share with all the little ones to show where "Auntie" lives. I believe some of them even think my last name is "FromOhio".  This year I made 12 ornaments to share... I just love being "Auntie". 

Here is the Salt Dough recipe I use... I love it, because it is super easy.

½ cup salt

1 cup flour

½ cup hot water

Preheat oven to 250°. Mix together salt, flour, and hot water until dough is formed. Knead dough on a floured surface until mixture is elastic and smooth. If dough is too sticky add a small amount of flour. Careful not to add to much or dough will crack. Roll out dough to ¼” thick. Use cookie cutters to form shapes. Use a straw to make a hole near the top. Place on un-greased cookie sheet and bake 2 hours. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Paint with acrylic paint… Use ribbon to make ornament.

and here is where I got the twine to string them.