Prayers, Crafts, and Life

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Clips or Bookmarks

2012-01-30T20:54:00.000-08:00

I realize that I have featured a bookmark once each week since I began this series. They are great little tuck-in gifts for anyone on a gift list. This is because they can be used for any kind of book including fiction, spiritual, text books, cook books, patterns, and more. This project does require a smidgeon of sewing but I think you'll agree it is so small an amount that almost anyone, including me, can do this much.

The tutorial is over at Mique's ThirtyHandmadeDays, at this link. Allison, a guest writer, also includes a file you can download for the little cards to go with them. Each of the four designs has different wording.

These can tuck into a card for mailing or giving, as well.

Although she uses a hot glue gun, I'm sure other adhesives would work as well if they claim to bond to felt.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Etched Shot Glasses for Your Guy(s)

2012-01-29T22:20:00.000-08:00

These are really pretty easy to make and you can definitely customize them to fit your favorite guy's interests. I found these over at FaveCrafts, at this link. The tutorial is easy to follow.

If you can cut or use a stencil, the etching method is pretty easy these days. Today's products have taken all the "complicated" out of the process.

I can picture these with just hearts for love, or with hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs for the card loving man. Any sport can be represented, of course. Even his initials would work!

For the partying couple or household, these are really great. I wish I had seen these and included them in my Christmas DIY series, but hey, at least we found them!

I did a search to find out how much the etching products run online. The cream is less than $10 plus S&H and the other tools run $30 on up to $125. Obviously, financially-challenged as I am, I would take the low road and use a brush and the cream. I am grateful that the tutorial offered all those options so folks can choose from high-end, high-tech tools for etching, or low-budget stuff for those of us who are beginners at this craft. I found the cream at Etchworld, by the way.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Praying with Others, One Way or Another

2012-01-28T23:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I want to tap into the power of praying with others but the moment is not right. I know that Christ told us that he is with us when we pray with others, in the verse
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:20 (NASV)

Still, there are times when I do not want to bare my soul, or my reasons for needing prayer, to even my closest of friends. At those times, I turn to online websites where folks can submit a prayer intention and have others pray for them, anonymously. It is comforting to know that others care even if they do not know who I am and who they are praying for. I, as well, pray for them. Even if it is online, it is still two or more, gathered in his name.

Another way I gather prayers at times is when I am out doing errands. Many, many times I have given a complete stranger one of my plastic canvas and satin ribbon crosses. Sometimes it's because of something I overheard them say, and I sense a need. Other times it is a way of saying Thank You because they did something nice for me, like letting me move in front of them in line when I only have one item.

At those times, when I hand them a cross, I always tell them I'll keep them in my prayers and I ask that they do the same for me as well. Almost always, they love the cross and they thank me and sincerely promise to pray for me in return. I always trust that they will. I never see them again, but for a brief moment, our lives touched, our hearts touched, and in prayer, our souls touched.

Sweet Jesus, thank you for the words you've given us, words of hope, passed on through the Bible. Help us to remember that it only takes one other person to pray with us in order to know that you are there, in person, to help us and to hear our prayers.

DIY Valentine Projects - Woven Straw Hearts & Motifs

2012-01-28T20:56:00.000-08:00

Small and simple as these are, I can easily see them used in many ways for your gift list. We posted earlier this month about Rena's origami heart corner bookmark and then I saw this and had to post this one, too. The link is here at TheCheeseThief.

Rena's tutorial is a video on YouTube and you'll have no trouble following the instructions.

In case you think these are too simple for gifts, she gives you an idea or two in her post as to how you might use them.

I'm also thinking they'd work as earrings (dangle or otherwise), key ring attachments for your guy, attachments to tie clips, magnets, and so much more. There's no limit to where these cuties will turn up.

So simple; so easy; so smart!

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - 22 Valentine Wreaths

2012-01-27T20:54:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for an easy and different way to make a Valentine wreath, here's a page that shows 22 different DIY tutorials. They use everything including cupcake liners, felt scraps, coffee filters, clothespins, fabric squares, toilet paper tubes, and more.

Laurie has set up a page with the photos and links for all 22 projects at this link. From there you can go to whichever tutorial interests you.

Wreaths are a two-way street. You can make them to brighten your own space for the season, or you can make them to give as gifts.

I love the wide variety here. Nothing could be simpler than the clothespin wreath. And the fleece/fabric scraps wreath, Item 2, claims it can be made in an hour and no gluing or sewing required.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Gift Basket Printable

2012-01-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

This basket is from a printable file and all you do is cut, fold, tape or glue. It is great for smaller, lightweight gifts like most of the projects we've already covered in our series.

The file and tutorial are over at Craftbits at this link.

It's such a treat to be able to simply print and assemble gift boxes and baskets right at home. Great looking containers cost money and I'd rather put that into supplies for the gifts.

Also, this one is so attractive that it's almost a gift in itself. I can picture some female keeping it on her dresser long after Valentine's Day for her little odds and ends.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Our Group's 2011 Distribution Totals - Amazing!

2012-01-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

Last year, our small group of less than a dozen dedicated crafters managed to somehow make and distribute the following:

Homeless: 112 hats, 53 scarves, 30 pr gloves, 3 blankets

Nursing Homes: 88 shawls, 51 lap throws, 6 pr slippers

Preemies: 111 hats, 42 blankets

Babies: 56 blankets & quilts, 44 hats, 26 shirts & jackets, 9 pr booties 2 pr mittens

This doesn't count gently used items donated by residents, which we also distributed, including 119 decks of cards and almost 800 magazines (700+ were in a series of organized binders). We really enjoyed doing this and hope to be able to do this for a long time to come.

We only promise to work for 2 hrs every Friday morning, together. However, most of us cannot help working a little during the week, off and on. Still, isn't it amazing at how things so small can add up to such a large difference in a needy person's life?

DIY Valentine Projects - 2-Ingredient Fudge Hearts

2012-01-25T21:21:00.000-08:00

Ok, here's the treat you've been waiting for to make for Valentine gifts. There are only two ingredients and it doesn't require a candy thermometer or an oven. I cannot believe how easy this is to make. The recipe and tutorial is at this link, over at CookiesAndCups.

It's a quick treat to make for absolutely anyone on your gift list. Even diabetics might be tempted to eat just one and watch their sugar intake the rest of the day.

I realize some guys are so macho they hate anything pink, but come on, ladies, would that color pink keep them away from anything labeled "fudge"?

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post where Shelly has it typed out in typical recipe-card style, making it easy to print and keep. However, once you know how it's made, you won't even need to write this one down.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Origami Heart Bookmark

2012-01-24T20:51:00.000-08:00

I can't think of many men, women or children who wouldn't love a heart-shaped bookmark. Scared of origami? Well, this tutorial is completely visual. It's a step by step in video. Even I had no trouble following it because I could stop it, back it up, go forward, etc., etc., etc.

The video tutorial is here at this link, on TheCheeseThief. Rena does a wonderful job of showing just how to make the folds. There are no difficult diagrams.

Do NOT click on the "buttons" that say "Download." Those are for something else. Click on her video or scroll through the text and click on the link to her YouTube site.

By varying the colors of the papers you use, you can easily suit anyone on your list. These are cute enough and small enough to tuck into a card.

This corner bookmark DIY was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Why I Must Pray, Often, Each Day

2012-01-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

It has been a few days since I last posted to the Prayer or faith-based area of my blog. This doesn't mean that I have not prayed in the past three days. There are many, many times throughout each and every day when I pray.

I must, you see. I could not get through life and stay sane otherwise.

Prayer stabilizes me. It soothes and comforts me. It helps me to focus and to keep things in perspective.

Sometimes I am in traffic and see a driver make a reckless move and I send up a quick prayer. Usually, it is something like, "Please, Lord, keep him safe and please keep everyone in his path safe, as well." I realize that there must be times that someone, behind their steering wheel, is probably praying about me in the same way. So, I try not to judge and merely to pray for protection all around.

One of my prayers, every night, before bed, is to thank God for everyone who has ever helped us, tried to help us, or wanted to help us, in any way, shape or form, whether I know about it or not. I also ask the Lord to bless these people abundantly.

When I am feeling clumsy, which happens too often now that I am 72, as I retrieve the ice cubes from the floor and try to soothe the cat who bolted out of their way, I pray for peace and serenity in my heart to replace whatever has apparently stressed me out.

Often I hear about someone who is having a hard time in one way or another, and I send up a quick pray for their earthly peace and well-being.

What I love is that the more I pray, quietly, spontaneously, personally, I feel closer and closer to the Lord. Prayer, after all, is nothing more than a personal conversation with God.

Father, thank you for the faith you have blessed me with and for being there to hear my prayers and my chats with you, at any moment. I love that I do not need to worry about whether you are available when I need you. I pray that I will always be willing to make myself available when you need me, in return, to help you with something here on earth.

DIY Valentine Projects - Card Verse Ideas

2012-01-23T20:55:00.000-08:00

Wow, did I find a treasure when I went searching for some free verses and quotes for DIY Valentine cards. This site, Imag-e-nation, has plenty of free verses and quotes and much more. Unlike some sites that I found, this one has no restrictions on how you use their words. The link is here, but be sure to look around the site for their other goodies after you choose the words you want for your handmade cards. I list a few of these options below.

The verses and thoughts are wide-ranging in style. Some are brief and funny while others are longer and sensitive. Some rhyme and some do not. I even saw a wonderful Bible verse from Corinthians. There is something for everyone on your heart-day card list.

If you click on Card Making Ideas across the top of the page, you'll find some links that include free printables and a list with the meanings of various flowers when given as gifts.

Imag-e-nation sells card-making and crafting supplies in the UK. Their site is very user friendly in that you can opt to have the prices displayed in the currency of your choice. Just scroll down the left side and select from five options. This was a very nice surprise and tells me something about their customer service attitude.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Motif to Paint on Shirt

2012-01-22T22:18:00.000-08:00

Isn't this the prettiest motif you've seen for painting onto a shirt for a Valentine gift? The pattern is a downloadable file and the tutorial tells you how to do the simple transfer and paint processes.

This project is found at this link on AllFreeCrafts.

This would work on a sweatshirt, a tee, or even a tote or pillow. I like that it doesn't require sewing or embroidering. These days, the supplies that are available for painting and tracing are readily found in many shops. You might even have some on hand.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Bath Fizzies

2012-01-21T21:19:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of recipes for bath fizzies all over the internet. I liked these because of the special way they are packed and presented. This makes a difference when you want something special for Valentine gifts.

The tutorial is over at ThisLittlePiggy at this link. I think Dianna posted it.

These are easy enough for some kids to make.

The recipe is a Martha Stewart version and the tutorial includes that link in the post. In the recipe, when it calls for a "pipette" to drop the food coloring, I imagine you could use a simple medicine dropper. At the recipe site, it shows yet another way to shape the fizzies and/or present them.

Some men also love this soothing touch to a bath. When using epsom salts, it is especially comforting. It only requires the right colors.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Printable Gift Box

2012-01-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight I found a page of free printables, some of which are for Valentine's Day. There is a Valentine wreath but my favorite is a "favor" or gift box. The box assembles to about 7 inches long. This size can hold a lot of goodies or one decent-size goody. The download is at MyGraphico at this link. It is for personal use only!

If you are reading this, you have a PC, and probably a printer. I love things like this which can be printed right in our homes. Cardstock is so easy to get these days, too.

I was thinking of all the things that could fit into this box. Candies, of course, come to mind. But jewelry does, too. Cash would fit easily as well. The simplest gifts look so much better in an attractive box like this.

This site also offers other printables for Valentine's Day, as well. The main gallery with thumbnails to click on is at this link. I noticed a heart wreath that can be printed, plus some bookmarks and cards.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

When Trouble Comes in Bunches

2012-01-20T21:07:00.000-08:00

I've been worried these past few days about a dear cyber-friend who is having a bunch of troubles. We had all begun feeling very good about her DM being cancer-free and then, Bingo, the cancer indicators suddenly rose again without warning. Over a period of 48 hours or so, she also faced knowing that her adult daughter would need to have her leg amputated. This, after a year or so of all sorts of medical efforts to avoid this following a horrendous auto accident the daughter had been involved in. Also, in this same 48 hours or so, my friend learned that the mobile home deal she'd hoped would be approved fell through.

What do you say to someone at a time like that? "I'll pray for you" is the obvious first statement. Even though that helps in ways we might never know about here on earth, sometimes it feels so small an effort during troubles like these.

We've all been through times when troubles come in bunches.

Once, I remember, back in 2004. My DS was in CA and I was here, in NV. Her Parkinsons was causing multiple falls in a single month; paramedics were often at her little rented bungalow. The family agreed with her decision to enter long-term care, for safety reasons. Our car could not make the trip to her home so that we could empty it to enable her 40-yr long landlord, a dear friend, to offer it for another rental. We had to borrow money to rent a vehicle. The same week we were dealing with that, in the summer's 118 heat, the A/C went out in our mobile home. We could not get it fixed until we got back. We asked a friend to stop in daily during those four days to feed the cat and let some air into the house during the day. The three of us left - me, Jane (a dear family friend and roomie) and Jane's son who would be helpful with large items in the house. The day after we got there, we got a call that the cat-sitter-of-sorts could not get into the house with the key we'd left. He'd drafted neighbors to try to get into one of the windows. No luck. For the next three days, we worried sick about whether the cat would survive our absence and the excessive heat.

To make a long story short, everything worked out, of course. The kitty had found the coolest spot in the house; there was still some water left in his bowl, but his crunchies were down to a teaspoonful - still, we all made it.

Troubles often do come in bunches. People of faith know that everything works out in the long run. However, when we are in the middle of a mess, or a bunch of messes, we often wish we could see the light at the end of that dark tunnel.

All I can do is pray for strength and patience for my friend. And I will do so with all my heart and soul.

Dear Father, please hear my prayer for this friend who you have helped in so many ways in the past. She needs you desperately right now. Hold her in the palms of your hands and close to your loving heart, and bring her and her loved ones through this dark time.

DIY Valentine Projects -Thumbprint Bookmarks

2012-01-19T19:50:00.000-08:00

These are so cute and so easy for some folks on your list, the ones you want to remember with a token but useful gift. They are small enough to tuck into a card, or to give with a book. The tutorial is at this link, by Lila at SweetAndLovelyCrafts.

Her instructions and photos are clear and well-detailed. These are easy enough for those of you who want something the kids can help with. They are easy enough for some craft-challenged grownups, too!

Depending on the colors you use, they work for men, women and kids. Lila shows several different sayings and graphics that you can use, so there's sure to be something for everyone on your list.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

This came in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Hearts on Pillowcases, etc.

2012-01-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

Don't let the photo limit your imagination on this one. These cute hearts require no sewing and can be any theme you wish. Check my suggestions below for gals, guys, and kids. Malia, over on YesterdayOnTuesday, shares an excellent tutorial, here, with well-detailed photos and instructions for this project.

Although the tutorial focuses on girly colors, you can easily use darker reds.

For the guys, you could use plaids or checks with reds.

For kids, you could use some of their fave outgrown clothes, the ones with dinosaur or cartoon or superhero prints.

It doesn't have to be a pillowcase, either. Give your most beloved crafter a tote covered with hearts. There is no limit to the ways you can use this technique.

You can use remnants from the fabric department or old blouses, shirts, and even curtains and other things in your rag-bag if they are crisp and of the right colors.

This came in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Solid Perfume

2012-01-17T20:24:00.000-08:00

I found a tutorial for quick and easy handmade solid perfume. What a great Valentine gift this makes for our series (1/15-2/14) of handmade Valentine projects.

Be sure to read the comments on the tutorial post, here, at Instructables. There are lots of tips submitted by readers about types of oils for various fragrances. There are also tips about what you can use for containers for the fragrant balm.

These are wonderful for token gifts for lots of folks you want to gift with something special and personal.

I was very surprised to see, in the comments on that page, other oils that can be used instead of the one listed in the recipe.

Making Routine Prayers Less Routine - Part 1

2012-01-16T23:15:00.000-08:00

Most of us pray in one of two ways - with routine prayers or with spontaneous prayers.

There is a place in our spiritual life for both.

With routine prayers, the words have already been written or documented by someone in the past and have stood the test of time. They are good, honest, from-the-heart prayers. These include standards such as the Lord's Prayer, given to us by God's son himself. It includes simple childhood prayers like Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, and many more. Each religion or faith has its own.

Sometimes, after we have said these words over and over, through the weeks and months and years of our lives, they become so routine we really don't even hear the words we are saying. At those times, if I realize I have been praying without attention, I try to vary them.

One way is to change the emphasis on one word in each sentence or phrase. So, instead of saying Now I lay me down to sleep, for example, someone could say, one night, NOW I lay me down to sleep, and another night, Now I lay ME down to sleep. Or, one night, we could say God BLESS everyone, and another night, God bless EVERYone.

This small change sort of wakes up the brain and the soul. Suddenly, we're thinking once more of the words we are saying.

Father, the mere fact that I take the time to pray is, I hope, pleasing to you. But please accept these small changes in the way I pray as evidence that I truly care about what I am saying at these times.

DIY Valentine Projects - Felt Fortune Cookies

2012-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Aren't these great? And they are so easy to make. This is a little token gift that works for men, women and children alike as part of our series (1/15-2/14) of handmade Valentine projects. You can tuck candies inside, too.

These are on the Martha Stewart website, at this link. I have links, below, for places to get free sayings for inside the cookies, if you are creatively-challenged in that way.

Be sure the read the Comments on the Martha Steward post because they discuss things like the best adhesives to use for the combo of wire and felt. I almost missed that myself. I'm glad that I took the time to read them.

Here are two places to get free sayings for inside the cookies.

This first site includes sayings related to five different categories: love, motivational, corporate, general and funny.

The second site includes over 600 sayings submitted by various people.

Even though these are red and pink in the photo, they could be any color, for any celebration, so this project is definitely a keeper.

DIY Valentine Projects - Paper Heart Garland or Trims

2012-01-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

This is definitely quick and easy and a cute idea for Valentine trims, decor and any other way you choose to use it. The post is at this link is here at How About Orange.

It is part of our series (1/15-2/14) of handmade Valentine projects.

Although posted as a paper heart garland, I'm sure lots of you have already decided on other uses for these hearts already. I can see these at a work station or hanging in your window at home.

This method is great for anyone who cannot cut a decent heart to save her life (me).

Although Jessica says it is a project to do with the kids, I do not see anything wrong with busy adults taking advantage of the tutorial.

I found this project in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip.

Starting Tomorrow, Handmade Valentine Gifts

2012-01-14T21:30:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I hope to begin posting for a few weeks with links to quick and easy projects suitable for Valentine gifts.

As with the Christmas series, none of these will require special crafting skills such as crocheting, knitting, or even a lot of sewing.

The Beginnings of Wisdom Come So Late in Life

2012-01-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

Many times I have posted on this Blog about my inability to keep quiet when arguments begin. Most times, it is when I feel I can help the person see or do what I think is right.

I wrote last February about Turning the Other Cheek. I wrote in December of 2010 about When Silence is Golden. I posted several times in 2011, most recently in October, about Praying Instead of Speaking.

Obviously, this is not something I find easy to do. I do not seem to be a willing pupil of the Lord's in this area of my life. Yet, my prayers have been answered a little more each day. It has been many weeks since a heated argument with one person, in particular. Today, unfortunately, I let myself go and shouted and ranted and, of course, got nowhere.

I thought back to my beloved Mother, gone now since '94. She was 76 when she passed away. A year or two before that, she confessed to me that she had finally, in her early 70s, learned when to just give in and keep quiet. She said that she did this especially when saying something wouldn't help anyway.

I thought back to my beloved long-time friend, Jane, gone now three years. She was 80 when she passed on. She, too, had confessed to me that she finally learned to stop fighting a losing battle with people who weren't going to hear her words no matter how true or heartfelt they were. She said she had come to this conclusion during her 70s.

Well, here it is - my own 70s. Slowly, ever so slowly, I am learning this lesson as well. But why does it take so long for us to gain this wisdom? I think it's simply because we are human beings with our own free will. This free will is a wondrous gift from God. However, this free will can cause us to be very stubborn at times.

The good news is that when I looked back, last year, I posted once a month, at one point, every month. Then I managed to get through the rest of October, November, and December, until today. Yes, this is very good news. Does that mean I am finally "growing up" in the ways of the Lord, finally gaining wisdom? Perhaps. Only time will tell.

All right, my Sweet Lord, I guess I am finally getting the message. Still, I ask for your continued patience with me while I make some even greater distance between these episodes. I might be slow to learn, but I truly, truly want to learn this lesson well and to please you by doing so.

Crazy Crafters Wanted for New TV Show!

2012-01-13T20:18:00.000-08:00

I found this post via my daily CraftGossip e-newsletter. Go to this link for the scoop on this new TV show.

They are looking for crazy crafters. This includes everything from hoarding, addictions, and more. I won't re-write everything in the post - it says it better than I can, and includes the email addy for contacting the show. I just wanted to share this with anyone who might be interested.

I'm not inclined to want TV crews poking around my home but an awful lot of crafters are far more adventurous than I am. For the folks would enjoy it, this sounds like heaven. Good luck!

Sharing, Caring, and Normal Life - Fitting It All In

2012-01-11T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a few of my well-meaning friends advise me to think about curbing my need to help others. They feel that I am stressing myself out or stretching myself too thin when I do these things.

In a way I am stressed and I do have too much on my plate. But it is not because of my helping others. That part brings me so much joy at the end of the night. Just knowing that I was able to do something, no matter how small, for someone who God placed on my life's path, warms my heart so much.

The part that stresses me is that fact that I have truly become very lazy about organizing the rest of my time, my space, and my obligations. I have simply let it all fall in and around me. I do whatever is most urgent. I do not do things in the wisest order. I need a great deal of help with this part of my life. And, I think it's time I asked the Lord himself for help in this matter.

Father, you know I love helping those who need my help. You also know I would be able to do it better if I could get the rest of my life in order. Help me, please, to organize my life and my thoughts so that I can do your will to an amazing degree. Help me to fit it all in, the way you know it will best work for both of us.

Coupon Heaven!

2012-01-11T20:02:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, I blogged about a great site I discovered, called Recyclebank.

Basically, this is a site which promotes recycling and green activities to help our environment. BUT it is NOT boring! It is so much fun.

For example, you get points for reading about how Kashi recycles their cartons, and about how other manufacturers or companies help the atmosphere.

Each thing you read, or each mini-quiz you answer, or each "pledge" you take, earns you points. I just love it. A "pledge" is no big deal - there are no "pledge--police" - it's between you and yourself.

But today, I really got excited because I went back in and used some more of my points. I had seen offers there for Clean Well products and Earth Friendly products and today I opened another window and searched to see which stores nearby carried them - Fresh & Easy is nearby and they stock them, so I lassoed those coupons for sure...here's what I collected from the Recyclebank site this week:

January 09, 2012
Friskies Can Food for Cats - 2 free cans

January 11, 2012
Kashi - Save $2 On Any One Kashi® Food
Earth Friendly Products - $2 Off Any Product
Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food - Buy two (2) 3oz cans of Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food, Get one (1) FREE, up to $0.80
CleanWell - $1.50 Off Any CleanWell Product 4oz. or Larger, or 40 ct. Canister
Macy's - $10 Off Your Next $50 In-Store Purchase

I checked the Kashi prices today at the store and that coupon will get me a BIG box of Kashi cereal for half off!

The reason I got the Macy's coupon is because for the past two months we wanted to get Frank a new shaver and when I saw the Macy's offer, I checked their site and found that they have exactly the one he wants, for $49.99 - we'll pick up a candy bar for a dollar to make it $50 before tax, and that should enable us to use the coupon.

I'm going back in tomorrow and get more coupons for the cat food - it just dawned on me that the "add to cart" function included a place to state how many coupons you wanted. Shoot - I think I have enough points to buy for my little guy for the week.

Now I've got to go back in, do some more "green" and "recycle" thingies at their site, and build my points back up.

Earning Easy Rewards from Recyclebank

2012-01-08T21:57:00.000-08:00

There is a site that I have meant to share with you for a while and keep forgetting to do so. I must do it now while it's on my mind. This is not really a review because I really like this site and what it does. It is mostly a "sharing" post.

Recyclebank informs you about green options while offering fun ways to learn about how to help the environment and save while you are at it. There are over 3 million folks registered currently. That is a lot of people who are already trying to help those around them while they are helping themselves.

Basically, you register, you visit their site and earn points and collect rewards for simply caring about the world around you. You can earn points several ways and more are added all the time.

You can earn points by reading about a green topic. I haven't read a boring topic yet.

You can earn points by answering brief quizzes. The quizzes are fun and informative. They are very simple and quick. You don't need to be afraid that you will answer incorrectly. You will still get your points because they will let you know the correct answer afterwards. Their whole goal is to inform you.

You can earn points by pledging to take a green action. Don't worry - there are no green police to watch that you fulfill your pledge - it is between you and yourself alone. But the pledges are all sensible and you will want to fulfill many of them.

Many of these are interactive.

Once you are registered, you will receive regular emails. Some will advise you that there are some new actions to review so you can earn more points. Once you begin to accumulate points, you will receive a weekly email detailing the points you earn each week.

What can you do with your points? Just today, I printed out a coupon for two free cans of Friskies for my beloved Tigger. There are some rewards I want to get but I have to check a few stores locally first to be sure I can find somewhere to use the coupons.

Rewards are always changing or being added. Some of the reward sponsors that you might recognize are: Kiss My Face, Q-Tips, Green Mountain Coffee, Ruby Tuesday, Macy's, and K-Mart. See what I mean? The rewards are useful and desirable.

Okay, I did my good deed for the day. Now you've got to treat yourself to some information and some points. Hop on over to Recyclebank and check it out.

Oh, and did I mention that you also get points for referring folks if they sign up? What fun it is to help ourselves while we are helping others. It doesn't cost any of us a penny. How great is that?

Thrift Store Yarn Bonanza's for Charity Crafters

2012-01-07T21:12:00.000-08:00

Many of us who do charity crafting either knit or crochet. We almost always begin using the leftovers in our own stash. Once in a while, after word gets around, folks drop yarn off to us. This is all good and most welcome. But it only works for a while.

Once bitten by the charity crafting bug, a victim needs more and more yarn. Making all those scarves, hats, gloves, lapghans, shawls, preemie clothes and baby blankies gobbles up the yarn faster than most of us can accumulate it.

Not only that, many of us cannot afford to buy new skeins to satisfy the growing need.

Two of the gals in our Friday morning charity crafting group are, to me, thrift store goddesses. These two are experts. They take their meager charity yarn budget and hit the list of stores they have accumulated over the past two or three years. I have marveled at their tales of their finds.

Most recently, one wise shopper said that she really made a buy at this one particular store this past week. For $10, she almost literally dragged two huge bags of yarn of all colors to her SUV. She said that she had carefully nurtured a relationship with one of the clerks who tries to put some aside for her, knowing she will make her rounds every few weeks.

I am now getting very eager to tell my own thrift shop yarn-bargain story. This coming week, my SSA will hit and I hope to squeeze $10 or $20 out of it to hit at least four shops in my immediate area. I can't afford as much for gas as others do, but if I make a careful loop of these four shops, I should be able to do it.

Of course, if I spend it all on a bonanza in one shop, that will be even better.

Qualifying for Assistance Programs

2012-01-07T20:42:00.000-08:00

Although I have written at times about some assistance programs our household has used, I need to make something clear. We are very careful to only accept the help we are qualified for. When we no longer need the help, we get off the program.

Once, for instance, last year, we were on food stamps for a few months. Each month, as mandated, we sent copies of my nephew's part time pay stubs and my social security deposits. Once we were at the limit, we stopped immediately.

I honestly believe that God helps those who help themselves. In our society, there are many programs which can help us in various stages of need. There is no reason to not use them, if we qualify.

Another time, when a dear family friend in the household was in deep need of an access ramp to our mobile home, we found she qualified for a wonderful metal ramp that an agency built for her. It enabled her to use a scooter and added to the dwindling quality of life she was constantly facing. We were very fortunate that time.

There have been other times when we were not qualified for some programs because we were honest in our declarations.

However, it is not that way with everyone. I have overheard some conversations when folks were entering or leaving. I have heard them discussing which income they do not intend to declare, or which family members they do not plan to mention.

I am not patting myself on the back. I am just plain scared to cross the Lord by lying blatantly when I need his help. I won't say it hasn't been tempting at times to withhold some information which would disqualify us. These days, however, I need to have the Lord's blessing as strongly as I can get it.

So, when I mention the few times we accept or use a program or two, it is only when we truly need it and if we truly qualify for it. I am too chicken to do otherwise.

Dear Father, thank you for the times you have led us to the sources of help when we have needed it.

The Need for Photo Variety in Etsy Shops

2012-01-06T21:21:00.000-08:00

A friend asked me today about a problem she was having uploading her photos to her Etsy shop. It turned out to be an easy fix. Her photos were the proper format - Etsy will only allow jpg uploads. However, the files were too large and all she needed to do was compress them.

I visited her shop to see how it was coming along, and I made a few suggestions to her about some additional photos she might want to add.

Etsy shoppers need to know all about whatever we put in our shops. They are not in a store. They cannot pick up, feel, smell, or otherwise get any sensory idea of the quality of our work.

Etsy allows five photos per item. I try to use at least three different views of each item.

For instance, with my bell towel hangers, I have images of the bells clustered together, plus a photo of each of two different towels inside the bell hangers, plus a photo of the inside of the bell, showing the towel holder loop.

With my Home Sweet Home hanging, I show a closeup of the signage, plus a photo of the braided hanging loop, a photo of the lace trimming, and a photo of the whole sign.

One good marketing reason for the variety of angles and views is that the more photos of different views that the visitor has to click on, the longer they are staying and thinking about the item.

Be sure that each photo is a slightly different view, though. Five photos of almost the same angles will just be boring and overkill.

Photos alone will not sell an item, but they can entice the visitor to think about it a little longer, and hopefully to buy.

Accepting Help Gracefully

2012-01-06T20:32:00.000-08:00

I've written twice before about my resistance to accepting help from others. Back in 2008, I mentioned that I thought it was because of pride. Then, in 2009, I thought it was because of arrogance. Tonight, I went back and read those posts again. I think I have made a lot of progress. The Lord seems to have answered my prayers for help in accepting help from others.

Thursday, for instance, a friend and his wife and I drove around (he was driving his van) trying to find places for them to sign up for occasional bags of free groceries. I had promised to show him these places a while ago, and decided that I'd better do this while I had a free morning.

He had the patience of a saint, trite as that sounds. Because of his patience, and after we'd made three stops, miles apart, we came home with some most welcome additions to the pantry. We didn't get tons of meat and produce, but we got some things to fill in the gaps and to extend what we had in our kitchens, to add a little variety to a very plain low-income selection.

In the meantime, this couple had some free coupons for a buffet and they offered to take my nephew (he's 55) and I to lunch that same day. My nephew was supposed to work to cover someone's shift but they cancelled the shift suddenly. Unexpectedly, I had nothing prepared for us for lunch or dinner and no cash to buy it with right then. This was a treat in two ways - we had not been "out" to eat in several months, plus eating at a buffet just after Noon would surely fill us and we could just snack in the evening or have a can of soup.

Instead of my usual "you shouldn't" and "we really can't impose," this time I thanked them happily, called my nephew and told him to be ready when we got to the house. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our friends seemed to thoroughly enjoy our company as well.

Later that night, I realized that at one point, I wondered why they would bother to include us and then I realized I had helped them to get on the list for free food once a month. Prior to that, they had no knowledge of where to go and how to approach these centers. They ended up, also, with a list of other places. This will help them immensely in the coming months. He is hoping to begin picking up side money doing some handyman jobs in our community.

I mentioned this to a friend and she said she had noticed that many times, lately, she and her husband had received unexpected favors. Many times, it did not come from someone they had helped directly. However, they have a habit, like I do, of helping anyone who comes to them if it is something they can honestly help with.

Father, thank you so much for all the help others have extended to our household, and thank you, too, for trusting me enough to send folks my way so that I can help them in your name.

Question for Plastic Canvas Crafters About "Nubbies"

2012-01-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Most of you know that I usually crochet, but there are some plastic canvas projects I also make. When I make my plastic canvas and satin ribbon crosses, I have no problem with what I call "nubbies" because the edges are left ragged and uncut.

However, when I make the cross-in-my-pocket items or magnets or anything else, I go crazy with the "nubbies."

"Nubbies" are what I call the little smidgeons of pieces on the sides of the pieces of canvas. Most times, I cut them off while leaning forward over a little trash basket. Even then, there are sure to be a few (or a few dozen) of those little poppy-seed size pieces of plastic that fly onto the carpet. I am forever using the carpet sweeper to get them up so that they do not get into Tigger's fur. Plastic, no matter what size, in a pet's belly, turns as hard as glass and is as damaging. Even without the beloved cat, walking in one's bare feet over those "nubbies" is not pleasant.

So, my question:

How do each of YOU deal with the "nubbies"?

I do not have enough room, at present, to lay pieces flat and slice with a crafter's knife or tool, so that's out for now. I cannot wait for some practical, realistic replies.

Slow Start to 2012 Posts but Happy New Year to All

2012-01-03T20:31:00.000-08:00

I seem to be getting a really slow start on my blog posts this year. Hopefully, I can do something useful tomorrow. For tonight, I just wanted to write something brief, hoping it will kick-start me into action.

The blog posts are the only things that are slow to start, however.

Craft-wise, I am trying to finish some crocheted slippers I promised some folks for Christmas and otherwise. Four pair are for one particular family and I have two of the four pair finished. Two other pairs are for two of our Friday morning Charity Crafters. It's just something I've done since our group started - made each member a pair.

Also, a local minister ordered 100 of my plastic canvas with satin ribbon crosses. I have the plastic canvas rectangles cut now, as of an hour ago. Tomorrow, I begin cutting the cross shapes. That takes a while, perhaps two or three days. Saturday, I need to run to Joann's for the satin ribbon. They should be finished in a week to 10 days.

Charity Crafting moves along, always. We have another new member. Until now, only one of us has ever seen her. About a month ago, she saw one of our members in their mobile home community while Louise was making something for our group. She became interested. She knits and has already donated six pairs of crocheted slippers, baby blankies, and more. She plans to come over this Friday and we'll all get a chance to meet her.

Prayer-wise, even when I do not post about it at the end of the day, there is never a day that goes by without my saying not just one, but many prayers. Feeling connected with the Lord in these one-on-one conversations helps me make it through each day. Praying frequently, about big things and little things alike, keeps my spirits up. The way I figure it, when I pray about it, I have placed the concern in God's hands and I can move on to other things, trusting that he is working on it for me.

Then there was our monthly mobile home community newsletter which I write, edit, print and staple, on a volunteer basis, at the end of each month. In December, only a short week ago, I ran really late on that. Normally, it's two days, tops, time-wise. This time, I had trouble with both the dedicated laser printer and with my personal ink jet printer. Drums, toner, cartridges; duplex printing half of the job, single sided the rest of the job. It took me almost five days, because of dealing with the printer issues, to get it out of my hands.

So, although my posts are starting slow, my days surely are not running slow. In fact, I like it better that way because it keeps my mind sharp. Or, at least I think it does - maybe I'm fooling myself.

No matter.

I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a wonderful 2012!

My Shop's Been Featured in Two More Etsy Treasuries

2011-12-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

This is really amazing. My shop was featured in two more Etsy treasuries, just before Christmas. I didn't have time to blog about it until now. But this makes FOUR treasuries that featured one of my items just in December alone. That will probably never, ever happen again.

For those who do not know, Etsy is an online mall featuring handmade items. Members are welcome to create a collection of 16 items by different shop owners, with a common theme, and present them as a "gallery."

One Etsy curator focused on some of my plastic canvas cross-in-my-pocket pieces, and another focused on a pair of my crocheted pull on slippers for adults.

The slippers are a blue and brown pair, in a treasury titled Winter Collection, curated by Liz Kapiloto, at this link. Liz has gathered items in wintery shades of blues and browns. I love this collection. It includes baby things, buttons, art prints, jewelry, pillow covers, paper flowers and digital paper. I love the lovely, soft shades she gathered. Liz has a shop of her own, here. She creates and offers absolutely beautiful paintings, illustrations and canvas prints. I saw one I really love with images of kitties and flowers superimposed on each other in a lovely image, titled Pink Flower Painting.

The other treasury, with my handmade crosses, is titled Where Hope Started, curated by Tracy Ponder, at this link. Tracy has gathered items, mostly crosses, dealing with faith. This special collection includes jewelry, wall crosses, pocket crosses, buckles, bookmarks, bible bags, stand alone crosses, prayer stones, and canvas prints. These crosses are so varied and so striking that I am amazed at the variety and yet the sameness of the message. Tracy has a shop of her own, here, called MySongDesigns. She fashions beautiful jewelry pieces with wire and glass, semi-precious stones, ceramics and other materials. I am a dangle-earring addict and I immediately zipped over to her collection of over 70 pairs of earrings to see what she had. I truly love that she tells the length of the earrings with every description. I have a short neck and if earrings are over a certain length, they just lie on my shoulders - not appealing. I love fresh water pearls and she has quite a few pairs that caught my eye.

I am grateful to both of these ladies for featuring the items from my shop. I am also always happy to discover new shops and new fave items for the future when "my ship comes in." (LOL).

When Time Flies - A Year-End Thought

2011-12-28T22:14:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe how fast this year went. I cannot believe New Year's Day is just a few days away. I'm not sure what I'll hope and pray for, for this coming year. I'll do more of that on Friday or even Saturday. For now, I'm just amazed at how fast time passes.

We have a prayer that Catholics are familiar with, and part of it says, "...as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be..." Every once in a while, when time flies, or some issue seems enormous, I remember those words.

To me, they remind me of how I am just a moment in time. A speck in eternity. All the things that seem so important at this moment will be as nothing in 100 years, even less so in 1,000 years.

Father, please help me to always keep things in the proper perspective. Help me to realize that you will take care of me as you promised, but that I must take care of myself as well, by keeping an eye on my eternal life and staying on the path that will lead me there.

For Craft-y People Only!

2011-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

I just have to share this one with you. I get an e-newsletter from CrafterMinds and tonight I read it and laughed almost all the way through. This is a really cute collection of responses to the statement "You know you're a craft blogger if..." at this link.

Carolina Moore posted it and she has an amazing network of crafters and craft bloggers. You will see links in her post to many other craft bloggers so take your time. Save it. And return to it, off and on, and click on those links in her post and discover some other great, funny, creative, or all of the foregoing, in craft bloggers. You'll find lots of inspiration. And you'll find lots of company and you will never again think you are weird for saving something, or taking a photo of something, or having blisters on your finger from a glue gun or glitter permanently stuck to your kitchen table.

CrafterMinds is a blog dedicated to helping crafters who blog to connect with each other, and to learn how to take their hobby to a business level. They have some amazing posts.

Etsy Work Continues After Christmas Buying Rush

2011-12-26T14:10:00.000-08:00

I just spent some time in my Etsy shop, fixing up a few descriptions. Just because the Christmas buying rush is over, it doesn't mean Etsy buying is over until late next year.

This morning, I went in and added the following tag to EVERY items that was either "red" in color or could be considered a romantic (physical love) or loving (family or friendly love) item: Valentine Gift. In some cases, I had to remove one tag to allow for the new tag.

I don't need to worry about my banner because I have a few nice red items in there already.

It's too late for me to hype anything for January, but fortunately, I have a few winter and cold weather items in my shop.

I also made sure my three Featured items across the top of my Etsy page carefully displayed only red or love-related items. I'll leave these things in place until Valentine's Day.

Then, I'll start working anything Easter-y.

I have never focused on St. Patrick's Day, although it is a big buying day for some folks. Maybe next year, I'll try to put in a few items. Although, now that I'm thinking about it, there's no reason I can't whip up a pair of wrist warmers and slippers in Emerald Green in time for that day. I can also make a green pair of my plastic canvas hanging mini-dice. Those are not in my shop right now because I need new photos.

So, at least until April 8 (which is Easter, in 2012, I think), I'll focus on those days and themes.

It doesn't cost anything to make simple edits to any Etsy item in our shops. They do charge some minor fees if we change the quantity number or the price in the description of an item.

There is one more thing I must do - I must go back in, after I send this, and mention Valentine's Day in the first or second line of my shop announcement, so that it is the first thing visitors see when they click on my shop. That is very important. I don't do enough marketing as it is, but these things do help a lot.

More Unexpected Blessings & What They Mean

2011-12-24T20:32:00.000-08:00

I'm a little embarrassed by the outpouring of food gifts the Lord has sent our way these past few days. Tonight, a dear, dear friend dropped off a bag of food on my back steps. I did not expect this. I am very grateful, of course. We can definitely use everything that was gifted to us.

I won't itemize it all, but these are things that will help us quite a bit. Plus, there was a great bath kit (loofah, pumice, you get the idea ).

What amazes me is that there are so many pessimists in the world today who truly believe that love is gone and that everyone is out for what they can get.

I know for a fact that this is totally untrue. God is visible to me every day, whether it is in the goodness folks show to our household or in what they show to others. All we need to do is keep our eyes and ears open and we can see it all and hear all about it.

Sweet, sweet Jesus, you extended the love of your Father when you came to us as a baby, so many years ago. Please ask your Father to overlook the evil and to instead be overjoyed by the good in his people.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Printable Angel Napkin Holder or Favor

2011-12-24T20:17:00.000-08:00

With this being Christmas Eve, there's no time for heavy crafting. This adorable printable can work (enlarged by 50%) as a napkin holder for dinner and then go home with each guest. This is the last in my series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Shellie, over at CraftBits, offers lots of great stuff, like this. The link for the directions is here.

I found that by clicking on the drawing/template, around the head or body, the box comes up with the option to either print or save. I'd suggest you print on plain paper, just as it is, once, first, to get an idea of the size. But also save the image. That way, you can then enlarge it as she suggests.

You can easily use plain colored cardstock and then trim with stickers or other embellishments. Or, to save time and time is really short right now, use whatever fancy scrapbooking paper you have around. If you have Christmas-y gift bags or heavier wrapping paper, those too, might work Make it as easy as possible on yourself. You can always do the fancy trimmings next year for another project because this one's a keeper.

From the saved image, you might play with putting two images on one sheet, to avoid waste.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Printable Nativity

2011-12-23T19:50:00.000-08:00

This lovely silhouette of a Nativity scene can be printed and framed for a quick and easy last minute gift. This is the next to the last post in our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Jen, at MyOwnRoad, shares this tutorial at this link. You can scroll down to the three differently colored versions of this silhouette. Just click and save the one you want to print.

However, be sure to read her post. She explains where she found this design and how she prepared it. You might want to go to the site she mentions and download the other beautiful graphics there, and create your own.

Either way, it is surely one of the quickest gifts you can make at this stage of the gift-giving season.

And, it surely fits with the "reason for the season."

Then, print it on either plain paper, colored paper, or even cardstock. Frame it quickly with a dollar store bargain frame.

I found this in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Unexpected Blessings

2011-12-22T22:25:00.000-08:00

Today I received a most welcome surprise by UPS. I had entered a blog giveaway last week, and two days afterward, found out I was a winner. It offered a gift basket of Fresh & Easy products plus a $25 card for their store. I never dreamed it would arrive before Christmas.

Our household has had some tough moments, financially. Gas for the car worries us because it is needed so my nephew can get to work and we need his income, such as it is. At only minimum wage and averaging 25 hrs per week, it's tricky spreading that check as far as it needs to go.

This week, we hadn't mentioned to anyone we knew, but we were facing canned soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for Christmas (LOL). We weren't really upset or anything about it. It was, after all, food. And we were happy to have that, knowing that so many in this country will not even have that much.

Today, however, with the gift card, I can pick up a ham and some other things. Not only will that take care of a few days (I can really "work" that ham, let me tell you!), but we have unexpected treats as well. There is a pound of ground Cinnamon coffee, a tin of peppermint cocoa, a bag of nut/cranberry squares, a bag of pumpkin/cranberry granola clusters, a box of chocolate truffles, and a box of nice-sized DELICIOUS gingerbread men. Plus, there is a bottle of mulled red wine. I may have forgotten one or two things. The thing is, we never expected "treats" this weekend, let alone a tasty dinner.

I had not even prayed for these things. The Lord provided in a way we never expected. How good is that?

Dear Father in heaven, thank you with all our hearts for blessing this humble household with such a treasure this weekend. We are very grateful for your generosity and compassion. I pray that I will always be mindful of your help and that I will try to help others in return.

This Coming Year on my Blog

2011-12-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

Once I finish with my series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas, this weekend, I can begin doing some other things I had planned for my blog.

For one, I need to share my excitement over being in two more Etsy treasuries this month - these were in just the past 10 days. I hope to post those this weekend.

Oh, and I want to take all those 91 days of handmade Christmas gift ideas and plop the photos on just ONE page with links to the posts. It will help everyone when they want to find some gift ideas throughout the coming year.

Another thing I want to do is concentrate a bit more on Etsy tips and info. Just because the holiday buying season has ended, it doesn't mean our Etsy buying will decrease. In fact, I noticed that the opposite is true. I seem to have always had a good January.

Yet another thing I want to focus on is blog giveaways. I cannot host these myself any longer. But, I can share with you which sites are best for entering these. I can offer tips on how to enter, and which entry methods to use in your own situation. I want to share a win I just received today and how exciting it was for our household.

And, I want to continue sharing handcrafted gift ideas with you and posting the links but I'm not sure how often I will do that - weekly, possibly.

My crochet posts have almost disappeared, so I've been trying to think of a focus that will motivate me to do more in that area, including some new designs.

So, there are lots of things I want to do in 2012. I can hardly wait.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Beaded Bracelet

2011-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:00

For those of us who are still enjoying the thought of making some gifts by hand, we only have two more days. This one isn't too difficult to make if you're only making one or just a few, so I decided to post it for our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

The tutorial is over at CraftsForAllSeasons, posted by Karen, at this link. The instructions are very good and easy to follow with clear photos.

I got a kick out of the part that says that most grade school kids can easily make these - she doesn't know how many thumbs this old lady has on her hands! Still, these look easy enough even for me, and that's saying a lot. I can crochet well, and do some plastic canvas work, but there are a lot of crafts that I just cannot do to save my soul.

If you do not have to run all over town for the supplies, these shouldn't take much time to make, especially if you're not trying to give all 24 ladies in your work team one.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Soap Balls

2011-12-21T21:04:00.000-08:00

This is a quick and easy idea for cute little soap balls. As our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas nears an end, and as Christmas comes closer and closer, quick and easy is what we need.

This was first posted by Stepahnie Lynn at UnderTheTableAndDreaming, at this link, as a Mother's Day gift. But depending on the colors you use, there is no reason these would not be great gifts for men, women, and children.

Her tutorial offers good photos and excellent step-by-step details. I figure you could make these anywhere from tiny little meatball sizes to snowball sizes. It would depend on who you are giving them to.

She even offers tips on whether to buy pre-colored soap or to add color. She also explains which products you can add to vary the balls.

NOTE: With time so short, be sure to allow one day for their complete drying!

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Peppermint Bark Trees

2011-12-20T21:44:00.000-08:00

Peppermint Bark Trees

We all need last minute food treats for stocking stuffers or token gifts. These are so cute and so easy and so cheap. This post for our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas is a good find.

The tutorial by Heather over at DollarStoreCrafts is at this link.

The photos are good and the step-by-step instructions are very easy to follow. I like that Heather even gives tips at the end as to why they should be layered in a certain order.

The problem with these, as I see it, is in making enough to have some left for gift giving. I mean, they are so cute and so small, we'd have to taste-test along the way, right?

I love making candy that does not require a candy thermometer or an oven. And the idea for the molds is pure genius.

Hmmm. I wonder how these would work with butterscotch chips?

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Loving and Giving - Sometimes People Amaze Me

2011-12-20T19:12:00.000-08:00

Back on December 1, I promised myself to post daily until Christmas about either loving or giving as part of this beloved season. I have missed a few days here and there, but tonight I had to post - it covers both loving and giving.

In my senior mobile home community, a neighbor called me this afternoon and asked if I knew of any group that might donate one or two toys for a 2 year old girl. This neighbor is in worse financial stress than my own household is, and her grandchild's parents are stuck, as well.

I didn't know of a specific group, but I promised to see what I could do. Within an hour, I sent an email to six of my own friends, asking for their help.

Within the next hour, I received a phone call and one friend was already on her way over to my home to drop off some things. Her own granddaughter is now 4 and was overjoyed to help this little 2-year-old who had nothing. She donated some of her own gently used things, and even a few new ones that had never been used. My friend and her daughter bought a few things, quickly, as well.

You would not believe what they brought for this little girl. In addition to new jammies, a dress, and tights, there are stuffed toys, two dolls, a Barbie, some little activity toys with sound effects, and more. There will be enough that the family will be able to put some aside for upcoming holidays and the child's birthday, I am sure.

Add to that, another friend offered to drop off a new Teddy Bear and a new twin-size quilt.

Another friend, who isn't well off, but who wants to "pay it forward" this year, offered to help, along with their helping a family with 4 children. To this friend, I was able to say, because of the first donation, that she could stop worrying about this child, and focus instead on the family with the four little ones.

How wonderful people are, when we but open our hearts to them, and when we open our eyes to the goodness around us.

Sweet, sweet Jesus, these people are blessing others with their love and generosity simply because once, two thousand years ago, you blessed the whole world with your presence. Thank you!

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Money Bracelet

2011-12-19T20:38:00.000-08:00

The closer we get to Christmas, the more likely we are to give cash gifts. This post for our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas shows how to fold currency (bills) into a money bracelet.

I found this tutorial by Stephanie Lynn on her site, UnderTheTableAndDreaming, at this link.

This site is copyrighted so you can use the tutorial but you cannot copy the material and send it to someone else - you can, however, send the link.

Stephanie has great photos. For those of us who are origami-challenged, this is a blessing.

Just take your time. Don't try to rush. Her photos are well-detailed and the folds are reasonably simple.

I cannot imagine anyone who would not love to receive this money-jewelry, not even a guy. It might be the one time he might try on a bracelet.

Some of us might remember making these with wrappers from gum or candies. Whoever thought to take that a step further with money was a genius.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - No Sew Stocking-Gift Stocking

2011-12-18T21:07:00.000-08:00

We're getting down to the wire on gift-giving, so a lot of us will be giving gift cards, cash, lottery tickets, and other small, reasonably flat items which can easily fit into this no-sew felt stocking. This is part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

This one doesn't have a template for the stocking, but you can easily see by the photos what the size would be (Anna is holding it with her fingers), and she gives you an idea in the instructions. The tutorial is posted here by Anna at BeanBugCrafts.

Be sure to read all the way through on the tutorial to see her tips about cutting the cuff and why it should be all in one wrap-around piece instead of two pieces.

I like that the tute also includes the name of the adhesive she used.

In addition to cards or tickets, this should hold, as seen in the photo, candy canes, pens, and other small items - hmmm, that might include jewelry, too.

I found this in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Prayer Request for an Older Couple

2011-12-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

The DD of a close friend of mine works for an older couple when they need help cleaning, yard work, etc. My friend has asked for prayers for this couple.

The husband had cancer in 2004 and won the battle. However, he now has some new cancer cells and enters surgery after Christmas.

Prayers would be greatly appreciated for him and his wife...for the strength needed to get through whatever the Lord has in mind for him.

Father, please hold this couple in your heart and send them the strength of your love during this worrisome time. Fill them with courage and the knowledge of your love. And help them to face whatever is in your plans with dignity and faith.

The REAL First Christmas Gifts

2011-12-17T21:42:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I posted about the first Christmas gifts - the songs of the angels, the visit and adoration of the shepherds, and the wealth of the Magi.

It occurred to me tonight that those weren't the first gifts.

God gave us the first Christmas gift in the gift of his son!

And Mary gave us the gift of his human birth and life.

Father, thank you so much for sending us your beloved son, Jesus. And thank you for choosing the right mother for him, Mary.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - No Sew Reversible Blanket

2011-12-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

Some of you might be tempted to try this from just the photo, but I urge you to read the tutorial. Time is short now - Christmas is almost upon us. You don't want to waste time on mistakes when the tute gives such specific instructions.

This is part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas. The tutorial was posted at the BohemianRevolution, at this link.

It would be so easy to whip up a few of these in time for gift giving. Size is of no concern. You could make one for anyone from a toddler (nap time) to a senior (lap cover) on your list.

I love that they use two pieces of fabric joined, making it doubly thick, and reversible as well. This is sure to please and surprise anyone on your list.

No matter how many afghans and blankies are in a household, each of us always wants our own. Having someone give us one for Christmas, in colors or prints that are specially chosen, is a real treat.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Man's (or Boy's) No Sew Scarf

2011-12-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

It is so hard to find something really appealing for the guys on our lists. This being the winter season in most of the country, cold weather upon us, scarves make a sensible gift. But sensible won't always cut it, so I found a project that is both sensible AND fun and sure to please.

This is part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Karen, at CraftsForAllSeasons, has a good tutorial at this link. This requires very little fabric, and is so easy it is almost silly to say it is handmade but shoot, you had to CUT it, didn't you????

This project shows a woman's version with beaded fringe, but I would just leave off the beads for the guys. How simple is that? What guy wouldn't love wearing a scarf loaded with his fave team's logo? The fleece out there today comes in so many prints that you are sure to find that and even more to please any guy on your list, both young and old. There are cartoon characters, hobby and sport themes, animal prints (how cute would pawprints be on a boy's scarf?) and more.

I was in WalMart's craft department this morning and saw some great fleece material in sport team patterns, and that's when I remembered seeing this project in Kristl's list the other day.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - 21 Diabetic Food Mixes for Jar Gifts

2011-12-15T23:05:00.000-08:00

We all have a few folks on our gift lists who are diabetics but who love to cook and love to eat. For our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas, I did an online search and found this great collection of 21 different ideas. The list and the recipes are at Budget101, at this link.

I browsed the list and clicked on each one, looking for those that would be quick and easy to assemble this late in the gift-giving season. I found a few would really please some folks I know.

Among the almost-two-dozen listed, they include diabetic versions of powdered sugar, rice pudding mix, cherry tea mix, and a Cool Whip replacement. You are sure to find a few that would work as last minute gifts for diabetics on your list.

These are simply written recipes, no photos, but good instructions.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Last Minute Gifts

2011-12-14T22:18:00.000-08:00

It's now just a week and a half from Christmas. Our thoughts should be on the Christ child, but most of us are thinking of what we can do to cross off all those names of our gift list.

For many of us, money is a big problem. We're thinking of small, token gifts but gifts we hope will be welcome. We don't want either our gifts or ourselves to look cheap. What can we do?

I remember one year I found a packet of six sheets of peel-and-stick stickers on a rack near the greeting cards in a store. There were 9 on each sheet and each sticker had a wonderful Bible verse on it, with nice graphics all around the quote. I bought them for under $3 and I picked up a packet of magnetic sheets. The stickers were all square, so it was easy to cut magnets the same size as the stickers, peel and stick them on. I tucked those magnets into cards and gave those out. My friends really liked them.

Another year, I found a bucket of peel-and-stick alphabet letters and did something similar with magnets.

These days, foam shapes are sold as peel-and-stick, also. There are many ways to use them. They would be great for embellishing bookmarks.

All these items are small and would be insignificant if handed out alone. Tucked into a card that suits the recipient, they become a gift.

It's not the size of the gift, nor the dollar-value of it, that counts. It's the fact that we thought of the person we are giving it to. It's a way of saying that we care about that person and that we want them to know that we care. It's not supposed to overwhelm them. It is supposed to uplift them with a touch of love or friendship.

Father, please fill our hearts this season with the love the shepherds had that first Christmas. They came simply to love and adore your son. Help us to show our friends and loved ones how much we care but simply and modestly.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - 2 No-Sew Scarves from T-shirts

2011-12-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, it can't get any easier than this for the gals on your gift list. These two very different scarves from two different sites are part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas. They will send you to your old-clothes pile, to thrift stores, and t-shirt sales.

Neither one requires any sewing or gluing.

The first one, a circular treat, is from Erica at PSIMadeThis, at this link. Erica's post is so simple and uncomplicated that there are no words except for the photo captions. She calls this circular wonder a summer scarf but it can easily warm a neck in the winter as well.

The second one, a curly lengthy beauty, is from Cheryl at TidyMom, at this link. This one uses an XL tee. The photo tutorial is well detailed. Be sure to read ALL the instructions to learn how to cut, stretch, and use the pieces. This is so cute and so useful as well.

I found both of these in a post by Kristl at BudgetDiet when I did an online search.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Honesty is Still Alive

2011-12-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

Today was a day of ups and downs. One "up" was a good visit with my primary care physician. I haven't been there for almost a year. Back then, my blood pressure was running high and I was on meds for that. During the summer, our household hit a financial downturn and I haven't renewed the prescription or taken the meds for almost four months. However, I've been trying to watch my food intake with that in mind. Today, my BP was only 122, which is great for me. He agreed I do not need to go back on those meds.

However, my cholesterol is sort of high - 258. We agreed I would try to bring that, too, down on my own, and he'll check again in April. All in all, it was a good visit.

Later this morning, some things went flooey for us. Yeh, I know "flooey" isn't a word, but it works for me right now. Anyhow, I was a bit down for a short while when my nephew came home from his short shift today. He picked me up and we ran a few errands. When I got back into the house, there was a mysterious message on the phone.

Before my sis passed away in October, 2009, she had been in and out of one particular hospital which her long term care center was affiliated with. The call was from the Social Services rep for that facility, and she left her number. I was really concerned. If they needed any info from back then, I had no clue where to look for the appropriate papers right now.

What she wanted, however, amazed me. She said they had found something of my sister's and wanted to know if I wanted it returned to me. What was it? It was $2.50 in cash.

I could not believe how sincere and honest this woman was. How easy it would have been for her to just drop it in her purse or pocket. I told her how much her honesty touched me. I also said that I did not want it back but that she should just treat whichever patient needed a lift the most to a soda or something from the vending machine.

I am still in awe of that woman's integrity. Do not ever let anyone infect you with the belief that people are not honest these days. Here is one woman who disproves that completely.

Father, please bless this woman abundantly, and remind us often that if we but open our hearts and minds, we can see the good all around us.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Lifesaver Yarn Doll

2011-12-13T21:53:00.000-08:00

Okay, I really don't think there's anybody out there who has not seen a Lifesaver Yarn Doll at one time in their life. As uncomplicated as they appear to be, we still seem to need a tutorial on how to make them. I found one for our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.
This tute is by Carmen over at ShweetPotato, at this link.

The instructions are well detailed. Carmen explains both ways of attaching the arms and legs: hot glue gun, or as her grandmother did it, by running string or yarn up the center of the roll.

These are fun last minute token gifts. They also work well as ornaments and package ties. And they are great stocking stuffers.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Prayers Requested for Johnny

2011-12-12T21:03:00.000-08:00

A little over two years ago, I had asked for prayers for a special little boy. Back then, here's what I wrote:

"And most of all, even with my just-about-70-yr-old body's twinges and troubles, I am still in better shape that a dear friend's 9 year old boy. Little Johnny has had his share of troubles and still smiles. As his mother explains, 'Johnny was down 32 mins. at birth and has cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, is fed by a G-J tube and is above 6 mos. old cognitively. He has the most beautiful blue eyes and blond hair and big smiles and laughs.' He went through a terrible time when they inserted a trach tube early this year. Now, he's having some new difficulties - seizures, major pain that even his angelic smile cannot mask, and more. Please keep this little fellow and his beloved family in your prayers? "

Johnny is now 12 and in serious pain and facing several weeks of even more restrictions. His sedentary condition causes his bones to be soft and very vulnerable. He just suffered a break above his knee during a wheelchair transfer. After surgical insertion of two pins, and major pain, this child who always smiles, did not smile for days.

His mother explained the sadness of the situation:
"He has plaster under his leg from the thigh to the tip of his toes. The top of his leg is wrapped in a splint-like fashion with an Ace bandage. We all felt the full cast would be just too much for him to handle for 6 weeks.
We have to be extremely careful when moving him, positioning him, changing him, etc. If the pins move or don't take well, Johnny will have to have another surgery with a plate, pins and screws. Please pray for Johnny. He can ... have some very rough pain ... and is pretty much bed bound for weeks until the surgeon gives us an ok for movement.... We feel SO bad for him to have this happen just before Christmas."

If you can spare a moment for a prayer for this little fellow, please do.

Lord Jesus, this special child has endured so much already in his life. I ask that you have mercy on him and bless him and his family abundantly that Johnny, his sister, and his mom and dad can enjoy the peace and love of this special season. Smile upon them even as Johnny smiles upon us.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Photo Bookmarks

2011-12-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

I know I've included bookmarks before as part of this series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas, but this one is really unique. I found this in a list posted by Cindy at SkipToMyLou.

She led me to the tutorial by Jessica at this link on ZakkaLife.

In this day of digital cameras, this is a quick and easy last minute gift. The hardest part is getting a willing model. I got the biggest kick out of Jessica's story of how she managed to get this photo.

Of course, you just might have an existing photo that would also work.

Jessica's site is copyrighted so it is just for your personal use and not for commercial distiribution, as is the photo I used from her site.

So, is this a cute idea or what? Now we just need to zoom through our photo files and find the right one for each person on our list. Some pet photos might even work.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

The Gift of a Spiritual Manger

2011-12-11T22:21:00.001-08:00

One of my favorite childhood traditions was one I learned in parochial school. Each Christmas season, we would work on our own Spiritual Manger.

In its simplest form, the idea was to fill the Christ child's manger-crib with plenty of soft straw and warm hay so that he would be warm and comfy.

To add a straw or a piece of hay daily, we did one good deed that day. I cannot remember when we began each year. I suspect it was with the beginning of Advent. The more good deeds we could do, the softer and better the pile of hay would be to cushion the baby Jesus in his wooden crib.

I think that it's still not too late this year for me to begin adding some filler to that manger.

Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me of this sweet tradition. Help me by whispering to me whichever good deeds you need for me to do each day.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Graham Cracker Gingerbread House

2011-12-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Many of us dream of making a gingerbread house but are terrified at all the details involved. This cute little graham cracker version might be more to our skill level. I found this over at CraftStylish as part of a little village. Whether you want to make one or a whole display, the tutorial is well-detailed and posted by Diane Gilleland, at this link. This is part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

The material is copyrighted and cannot be distributed. The photo I used is their property, as well.

This tutorial is one of the best I have ever seen. Diane even has a photo showing exactly how to see when the consistency of the icing is just right for "gluing" the house together.

Be sure to click on all 4 pages of the tutorial. Be sure to also read the comments on each page. One reader even tells how she simulates a pile of logs stacked outside the home when she makes her houses.

Whether you make just one house, or houses for several folks on your list, or the village, this is quick and easy. It is sure to delight whoever you gift with one of these.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Loving Those Who Are Not Easy to Love

2011-12-10T23:36:00.001-08:00

Back on the beginning of this month, I promised myself to try to post every night on the topics of either loving or giving, to fit the season. Tonight I'm not sure what to write.

I've posted a lot already about the giving. Maybe I should focus a little on the loving.

It is so easy to love our friends. It is fairly easy to love our relatives - usually. It is harder to love those who irritate us or who definitely do not like us. Is it really possible for one human to love another human who is not lovable? We all know that Jesus could do that. We know that Mary and Joseph did. But we are normal mortals, not saints.

Loving someone who is not lovable does not need to mean that we invite them in for dinner, or go to a theater with them. I think it means loving them in a spiritual way.

For me, that means that even if I cannot show that love in tangible ways, I can at least pray for that person. Doing that often enough might have an effect. It can affect the person, possibly, with the grace to be easier to love. Or, it can affect me in helping me to avoid criticizing that person.

Lord Jesus, I will need help in this area but I am willing to try. I will pray as often as I remember to do so, for help in loving those I find hardest to love.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Customized Printable Word Puzzles

2011-12-10T22:28:00.001-08:00

One quick and easy, but very personal gift, is a customized word search puzzle relating to someone on your gift list. There are a lot of free programs on the internet, but not all of them are easy and not all of them offer what you might need. As part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas, I searched and tried a few to find one to suggest.

I settled on the program over at ArmoredPenguin, at this link.

The photo with this post shows a puzzle I made relating to my crochet hobby and craft. It only took a few moments for me to make a list. I created a word list in Word and sorted it. I didn't realize there was a box to click before generating the puzzle that would do that for me - very nice touch.

One big reason I like it is that it offers the option to generate a printable and savable .pdf file. Some of the other programs were good but they printed with advertising on it and not all of them permit you to save your puzzle on your computer.

If you do not think you can think of enough words to make a puzzle for someone, just browse their huge list of already-constructed puzzles. One of those might work for you. Before printing any of these, however, choose one with a white background or you will use a lot of colored ink.

This is a lot of fun. You can make one for every member of a particular family. For some, you might list personality traits or career words or hobbies. For others, list favorite animals, colors (kids), and more. Favorite foods is another idea. Or consider car makes and models, or even TV shows.

The good thing about this gift is that it can be totally personal. Print it on a pale background or colored paper or holiday paper, to make it more festive and special.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

When We Can't Afford Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

2011-12-09T22:25:00.001-08:00

I posted a few nights ago about the first Christmas gifts and how I might be able to use them as examples for my gift giving this season. It dawned on me that I cannot possibly repeat the gifts of the wise men. How on earth could I afford anything close to the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh?

In that post, I mentioned that these gifts funded the journey of the little family when they had to re-start their lives in a new country to escape the violence of Herod. That gave me some ideas. I already mentioned that I could compare it to donating to charitable groups. Those groups help the needy with transportation and with their efforts in re-starting their lives.

Charity, then, is a wonderful way to follow the example of the Magi.

Even though I do not have money to donate to charities this time of year, or anytime, for that matter, there are other ways I can help.

My charity crafting group on Friday mornings crochets and knits things for the needy. We make hats, gloves and scarves for the homeless. We make shawls and lap throws for those in long-term care. And we make preemie hats and blankies for a local hospital.

If I couldn't make those things, there would be other options. Charities need lots and lots of volunteers this time of year. Bell ringing at kettles outside of stores is one possibility. Helping at a soup kitchen or helping to pack baskets or bags of food for distribution is another.

I might not have the riches of the wise men to give, but I can give from what I do have.

Lord Jesus, please guide me this season in knowing how I might best be of help to others on their journey through life.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Little Paper Angels

2011-12-09T21:54:00.000-08:00

These little paper angels are adorable. They are posted as Advent angels but they would make very cute package trims or stand-alone token and last-minute gifts. This is part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

I found this one day in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip. Stephanie at ToastieStudio designed them and all you have to do is download the pattern, at this link. Be sure to download the file and do not try to print from the example on the post or they will not print crisp and clear.

I love anything that I can simply print, cut, paste/glue in place, and use or give. How easy is that?

They print four to a page, so that gives you an idea of the size. They would probably be about 4 inches or so in height. I think I will probably try one print on cardstock and one on paper, to see which I like best for giving.

These are so adorable and colorful. The little faces are perfect.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Spiritual Visitations

2011-12-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Over the past few days, I've been writing and thinking a lot about the first Christmas gifts: the singing of the angelic choir, the visitation of the shepherds, and the magnificent gifts of the Magi.

In that first post, I mentioned how I thought I might be able to follow those examples. Tonight I have been thinking about the visit from the shepherds. Following their example, I could visit someone who is lonely. Or I could call someone who needs to hear another voice.

Sometimes, however, time is really a problem for me. My heart might want to do those things, but my commitments seem to take up all my time. Still, the shepherds seemed to have been able to make time from their work with their sheep to visit the Christ child.

I've been trying to think of another way to visit those who need that type of help when an in-person visit or a phone call is not possible.

I've been thinking I might try each night when I say my bedtime prayers, to make a spiritual visit to a different person each night.

It's true they will never know of that visit. Still, I could focus on one person or one family or household each night, praying for their general and spiritual well being. It cannot hurt. I do not know of a single human being who could not benefit from someone's prayers for their needs. I can start tonight. You know, this might be really good. Putting that one person or household in my heart for a while each night will help me focus on them. That, in turn, might also help me figure out a way to help them in more tangible ways.

Dear Jesus, please fill my mind with all the ways I can help others this time of year, and all the years to come.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - DIY Pearl Collar Necklace

2011-12-08T21:03:00.000-08:00

This beautiful pearl collar necklace is incredibly easy to make. No bead stringing. No sewing. And, you could easily vary the shape in many ways. As part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas, this one could be a favorite.

Any female on our gift lists who receives one of these will never forget it. I found this one in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip. It is posted here by Sophie at Stylehive. All work is copyrighted (as is the photo used here from their site) and for personal use only.

I cannot believe how simple this project is. And, just by changing the shape of the pattern piece, and therefore the felt backing, we can create other styles, such as a hanging bib style.

I love the clear photos and the step by step instructions. I like that she also gives an alternative to a hot glue gun, something I consider too dangerous for my klutzy use.

I also love the fact that I do not need to sew. I cannot believe anything so lovely is so easy to make and give to those on our gift list.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Ways to Give the Joy of Song

2011-12-07T22:08:00.001-08:00

Two nights ago I wrote about the first Christmas gifts, and mentioned that one of them was the singing of the heralding angels. Last night, I wrote about how Christmas hymns and songs could fill my own heart this season.

Tonight, I was thinking of how to share this with others. I remember when my beloved sister, Betty, was in long term care for four years before she found peace with the Lord. During that time, at least twice that I can remember, carolers visited the long term care center and strolled the halls, singing. Once when that happened, I was on the phone with her (she was in another state), and we both listened to them together. It was always the highlight of her Christmas in the facilities. This made me realize that one way to share would be to get two or three folks who would like to do this with me in a local facility. We don't need a dozen folks in the group. And we don't need to visit a dozen facilities. Just touching the ears, souls and hearts of the folks in one facility would be wonderful.

Another way to share this would be to get, again, at least one or two others together and make a CD or DVD disk with us caroling, copy it, and send it to anyone who knew at least one of us. This would be a truly personal gift.

Still another option would be to buy a few low-cost disks or tapes to give as gifts.

Lord Jesus, you obviously loved the sound of music so help me, please, to know which ways I can use to share the music in my heart with others this season.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - DYI Money Cards

2011-12-07T20:57:00.001-08:00

For anybody giving either currency or gift certificates to folks on their gift list, this post shows where to download cards and matching envelopes to print from home. This means we do not have to pay big bucks at the store for these. They include a nice collection to choose from. I found them in an online search for this ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Jane Lake is the editor of the site, AllFreePrintables, and her post is here.

These are all copyrighted, as is the one photo I used to give you an idea of what they offer.

I like the fact that they provide lots of tips on the post for the printing - types of paper, for instance. Please do yourself a favor and read the whole post so you don't overlook any other ideas for covering your gift list this year.

They are better than some others I've seen at various websites. For example, they offer both vertical and horizontal cards. Each card is a tri-fold, and the graphics are also on the inside flap that holds the money or certificate in place. These are all pluses.

I was going to post this the last week before Christmas but then I realized some of us might want to mail these, so earlier is better.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

I'm Featured in a Cross Treasury on Etsy

2011-12-07T20:29:00.000-08:00

This is so nice to see. One of my plastic canvas and satin ribbon crosses are in Suzanne Medrano's Cross of Christ treasury at this link. This treasury was first listed in October but it is a dynamic treasury. That means that when one item either expires or is sold or disappears for any reason, another is added, so it is almost perpetual. There are some really, really beautiful crosses in this gallery. They run the range from earrings and bookmarks to pendants and a quilt.

For those who do not know, Etsy is an online mall featuring handmade items. Members are welcome to create a collection of 16 items by different shop owners, with a common theme, and present them as a "gallery."

Suzanne's own Etsy shop, here, offers a mix that includes cat toys, luggage and gift tags, and Christmas ornaments. She does a lot with recycled materials - good girl! You should see what she does with the pop top pull tabs!

The Gift of Joyful Songs

2011-12-06T23:03:00.001-08:00

Last night I blogged about the first Christmas gifts and what it all means to me. Tonight I've been thinking about one of those first gifts, the gift of joy presented in song by the angels.

I cannot begin to imagine how beautiful a choir of angels must sound. But apparently both our Father and the Christ child value that gift.

This means to me that I should rejoice as much as I want to in appropriate Christmas carols, hymns, songs. This year, whenever I feel like singing Silent Night, The First Noel, O Little Town of Bethlehem, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and more, I will sing. I won't worry, as I normally do, that I do not carry a decent tune. I will rejoice. I will follow the lead of those angels announcing his birth over 2,000 years ago. Yep, I will SING.

Lord Jesus, please accept my gift of joy in the form of song this year, in the loving spirit in which it is given. And please help those around me to not mind my lack of talent.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Cookies in a Jar

2011-12-06T22:36:00.000-08:00

There are tons of cookies mixes to give in a jar, but this one looks especially appealing because of the layering of the ingredients. It is so appealing that I'd almost be tempted to just leave it on display as a part of kitchen decor. Be sure to read my note further in this post about one of the main ingredients - caster sugar and some other tips. This is part of my ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

This one is posted by Abby at this link, on ThingsForBoys. I found it in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip.

There is no name for these cookies in the post, but the ingredients are yummy just in the reading, and there is a lot of good stuff in there. I'd call them "Everything Good Cookies," if I were to name them.

Here are a few things to remember when you check this one out.

Caster Sugar is a very fine sugar used in the UK. An online search shows that C&H makes a "baking sugar" that compares to the caster sugar. It is sold in a carton. Domino 10X or ExtraFine is not quite fine enough.

Also, Abby recommends a 1L jar which is approximately 4 cups, to save your brain from overload.

At the post, there is a link to download a file with printable labels/tags. They print 3 to a page and they include the baking instructions plus the 3 extra ingredients needed for the cookies.

I've left a comment asking how many cookies the recipe makes, and if I get a reply, I'll add a note in a comment to this post.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

The First Christmas Gifts

2011-12-05T22:24:00.001-08:00

I've been thinking a lot these past few days about that first Christmas.

We hear the popular tune, The Little Drummer Boy, a lot this time of year. That story, of course, is fiction. But the idea behind it is beautiful.

On a real level, however, the first gifts were a bit different.

The shepherds in the fields visited and worshipped the newborn king. So there is a basis for continuing the tradition of giving joy by visiting others at this time of year and for worshipping together.

The angels in heaven sang. So the tradition of giving joy by the singing of carols this season has a real basis in our faith.

The three Wise Men, however, really put the icing on the gift cake. How can any of us duplicate the gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh? In a way, those three gifts were necessary to the well being of the child. When the family had to flee into Egypt, they obviously used those gifts to fund the journey and to start up their new life in another country. How can any of us in today's economy give anyone a fresh start with gifts of that level?

Along those lines, funding their journey could be compared to donating to charitable groups. These groups often help pay for travels to and from medical appointments for the needy. They often subsidize the efforts of the homeless in starting a new life off the streets. So, there is a basis for charitable donations this time of year.

When I think of those first gifts in these ways, it is easy to see how I can try to follow in the steps of the angels, shepherds, and wise men that brought the Christ child gifts that first Christmas.

Dear Jesus, please accept my humble efforts to spread joy and to glorify your name with gifts similar to those of long ago.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Easy Button Rings

2011-12-05T20:47:00.001-08:00

With all the amazing buttons available today, this opens the door to really cute and different rings. These are listed as perfect for a group of young girls but I frankly like the idea for this older girl! Think about how really unique vintage buttons would look. This is part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

The tutorial is posted by Linda, at this link on CraftaholicsAnonymous. Linda gives very clear instructions and lots of photos to make this ever so easy.

I have some really different and pretty buttons, all singles, and now I know why I have never tossed them away.

These are made with stretchy cord, so there is some flexibility in the size if you are unsure of that. Of course, you wouldn't want it too tight - blue fingers probably are not all that desirable.

I can even see these for the guys if we use heavier, macho buttons, leather buttons, denim covered buttons, military and metal buttons.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Update

2011-12-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

It is now getting rather close to Christmas. Until now, it didn't matter much if a project I posted took two weeks to "marinate" or if it took a while to find the supplies.

From here on in, I will try hard to only post things that can be made in plenty of time for gift giving.

From here on in, I will also try to avoid ornaments or holiday decor, and include general decor which is more suitable for gift giving.

As we get even closer, toward the final week, I'll probably include more printables, as well, because those are very quick and easy.

Listening and Loving

2011-12-04T22:11:00.000-08:00

Back on December 1st, I promised the Christ child I would post each day until his birthday about something I could do to remind myself that this is a loving and giving season.

When I began to write tonight, I had no idea what to write about. It is only Day 4 and I'm wondering if I bit off more than I can chew.

Looking back over my last three posts, I see that yesterday I concentrated on giving. Maybe I should focus on loving tonight. How can I best show my love for others?

Sometimes, I have often noticed, folks need to simply talk for a few moments. I do not mind that. I probably listen to folks like that more often than most people I know. However, I also tend to try to turn them off according to my needs, not theirs. I cannot figure out when to draw the line. I have a lively list of commitments and I'm usually running from one thing to another. How can I let the person I am listening to know that I must now run along, without hurting their feelings?

Maybe I am relying on my finite instincts rather than on God's infinite wisdom. This might be one area which requires prayer.

Lord Jesus, I want to be a good listener to people who need someone to hear them, but I also have obligations that require my time. Please help me in any way you can so that I will know the right moment when I can tactfully move on to those obligations without offending these folks. Please help me with the right words to say at that moment, as well.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Salt & Pepper Pincushions

2011-12-04T20:32:00.000-08:00

Now here is a something different in pincushion gift ideas. Roseanna at meli-melo-art posted this wonderfully unique way to make quick and easy pincushions for some of the folks on our gift lists. This is part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Now, you might think you can bypass her post but I suggest you check it out because she explains why she stuffs the shakers with a certain stuffing. Her link is here.

This is also a neat recycling idea in case your collection of salt and pepper shakers has multiplied beyond control.

Lots of folks can use one of these. They do not have to be sewers or quilters. Any crafter can use one because any size needle can be inserted in the pincushion, even though Roseanna designed this project to handle her larger size needles. In fact, anyone who needs to replace a button or fix a hem or a rip in a seam can use one.

Depending on the style shaker chosen, these can really be cute. I sort of like the plain and simple elegance of the ones in photo I used from Roseanna's post.

I found this one in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip. I just love that daily email.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

I'm in a De-Stress Treasury on Etsy

2011-12-03T20:58:00.001-08:00

I was so excited today to find that one of my crocheted back scrubbers has been included in a Destress treasury on Etsy, at this link. I've been meaning to also post the free pattern for this. Maybe with it fresh in my mind, I will do it this coming week.

For those who do not know, Etsy is an online mall featuring handmade items. Members are welcome to create a collection of 16 items by different shop owners, with a common theme, and present them as a "gallery."

This particular group of items is meant to help folks de-stress at this often frantic time of the year. What a great idea for an Etsy treasury. You can see some of the items on the right hand side of this page.

I always check out the other shops in any treasury I'm in.

I also check out the person who made the treasury. In this case, it was compiled by shop owner Pam Poirier, who has a shop called whimsysweetwhimsy.

Pam's shop has the cutest little handmade critters: owls, whales, birdies, even crows. Oh, and sunflowers, too. They range from pillows to hanging ornaments and they are all so cute. She does wonderful work.

I fully appreciate the faces on these creations. I always avoid making any projects that have faces. I cannot do a cute face. The placement of the eyes, etc., must be just right for the finished item to be appealing. I do not have that talent, and that is why I truly admire anyone who does. Pam's got it.

Anonymous Gifts That Do Not Require Money

2011-12-03T20:35:00.001-08:00

This is part of my personal promise to the Christ child that I would post each night until his birthday with a topic that fits either loving or giving.

I was trying to decide on a topic tonight and settled on giving. Then I began thinking of all the things I can give but which do not involve spending money. We tend to think of giving in material ways these days. Tonight I tried to focus on giving without spending.

I also realized that sometimes I would want to give without the recipient knowing I was giving, which the Bible suggests we do at times. Other times, I would want the person to know so that they would realize that they meant something to someone. Of course, even an anonymous gift tells the recipient that someone cares.

Non-material gifts can be more varied than I first realized. I could gift someone with a half hour call once a week. I could gift someone, similarly, with a visit. Time is my personal enemy, so my allowing myself the half hour for these things is often more costly to me than spending for a gift. Yet, there are some people I know who would truly value those gifts.

I could gift someone with a free dog walk day, or a let-me-cook-your-meals day, or something equally meaningful.

Probably the best of all gifts in the anonymous category is a simple prayer for someone's needs. My prayer list includes the most obvious folks, the ones I know and love best. It also includes folks I hear about on the news, or from friends, or through some other media during the day. So why not pick someone each day who is very unlikely to have anyone praying for them, and give them the gift of my prayers?

Dear Jesus, please accept this simple gift to you, a gift of a prayer for someone who might not be in anyone else's prayers this day. Please take this person into your heart and bless them according to their most immediate needs, whether material or spiritual.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Poppers for Stocking Stuffers

2011-12-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

These poppers are posted as a New Year's Eve party item but I see no reason why they cannot be used with holiday paper and filled with stocking stuffer type gifts. This is part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

The tutorial by Kelli is posted here at Holiday Crafts and Creations.

The photos and instructions are well detailed and very easy to follow. You probably have everything you need right at hand. I like how easily these can be made up and kept in a bowl so that we can grab one at a moment's notice whenever we realize we need something quick for a friend, neighbor, co-worker. We could make girly poppers in one color theme and guy poppers in another, to make it easier to grab the right one at a moment's notice.

The innards can be anything from candies to jewelry doodads to coins and/or currency. Anything that can fit inside the tubes will work.

Oh, and she even shares a tip for how to make it easier for the recipient to break the popper and pull it apart.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Two Simple Words With Deep Impact

2011-12-02T22:43:00.000-08:00

I promised myself that I would post, each day until his birthday, something about loving or giving, to remind myself of the reason for the season.

Tonight I have been thinking about ways to demonstrate my Christian love to those around me all the time. So often I lose patience because of fatigue or daily burdens or simply because life gets in the way. At those times, I might come across as a bit cranky. I don't mean to do that.

I think one way to show my Christian love is to say "I'm sorry" immediately. Those words are so much easier to say when they are said quickly and at the moment they need to be said. When I wait, whether it's an hour or a day or several days, then the event becomes memorable instead of forgettable.

I don't need to give long explanations. Those do not help. They sometimes make the matter worse. I have found that just saying something like "I'm sorry if I seemed a bit cranky. I think I need to slow down," or, "I'm sorry if I upset you. I didn't mean to do that." Often, that's all that needs to be said. My problem is that sometimes I forget how easy it is to say.

Tonight, the reason I posted this is because of an incident when I had the sense to say those words at the moment they needed to be said. The situation was over with that quickly, with just those words. When it doesn't matter a lot who is right or wrong, those simple words make a world of difference and they show our love for one another.

Lord Jesus, please help me to always sense when those words will help me show my love for others. Help me, please, to avoid the trap of thinking my opinion and my feelings are the only ones which matter.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Bath Bombs or Bath Fizzies

2011-12-02T21:04:00.000-08:00

These Bath Bombs are so easy to make. The tutorial by Maria Williamson is over at Favecrafts, at this link. This is one of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

I like this for two reasons.

If you stick with the shape in the photo and use the name, bath bomb, even the boys and men will like them.

If you want to vary it for the gals, you simply find a more girly "something" to use for a mold and call them bath fizzies or something equally appealing.

Color choices will also help you adapt the recipe for your gift list.

The instructions are very well laid out. The photos show you exactly what the texture of the mixture should look like along the way. She includes suggestions for molds.

The tute says that some of the ingredients are available at craft shops, but I am sure some can be picked up at your local drug store as well.

Be sure to read all of the directions. Maria clearly explains which products are safe for this type of use.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Showing His Love to Those I Have Trouble Loving

2011-12-01T20:55:00.000-08:00

I've been trying to think of a way to give something special to the Christ child this season, this year. This is the season of loving and of giving.

One way I thought of was to promise myself to give something to, or do something for, someone who I do not particularly like. Now, that would be special. However, I want to be careful to do it in the right spirit. I don't want to make a show of it. I might try to do it anonymously. Maybe I could do this once a week, between now and his birthday. That would be a good thing.

I'd like to think of one thing each day that would be special. For now, I think I'll work on that idea I just explained. I've already wasted one day because I only thought of this tonight.

Maybe I should just concentrate on that one thing, once a week. It would surely be better than anything I've done in his name in other recent years.

Sweet Jesus, please guide me, once a week, to someone I find it hardest to love. And please, guide my thoughts so that I may think of something to do for that person, or to give to that person, in your name. This will be my gift to you this year.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - 60-Second Earrings

2011-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

Earrings in 60 seconds? That's for me! I love earrings and I love to give earrings as gifts. The tutorial is at this link at CraftingRebellion. This is part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

The instructional photos are clear and the tutorial is easy to follow. I was happy to find that I already had all the supplies I need already on hand. I just never thought of using some of my small embellishments as earring-fixings.

I can easily personalize them for folks on my list by the colors I choose. I can vary the types of flowers or critters or geometrics to suit the recipient. Some of my friends are very brave in their jewelry choices while others are very conservative. This will be so easy to do.

She even explains how to make your own special "earring cards." That, too, is something I am excited about.

I'm happy that she shared the particular glue to use. There are so many new adhesives out there today that choosing one for a project can be frightening. I have quite a few varieties already on hand because they each seem to bond only to certain media.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Paper Doily Angel

2011-11-30T20:44:00.001-08:00

This is one of the cutest angels I've ever seen. Even though this is presented as an ornament or part of a garland, it would make a nice last minute or token gift for folks on your list. This project is part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas. The tutorial is here, posted by Mitsy, at ArtMind and the photo is theirs.

Angel gifts are special enough, but you might want to add a verse, like my Freebie, here. Place your angel in a pretty container or a printable DIY gift bag, nestled in tissue paper, with the verse on an attached tag. Also, do you have a lot of deli lunchmeat containers multiplying at home? They'd make pretty containers for your gift, and they are reusable. Again the tag helps make it special.

This tutorial includes lots of close up photos. Instructions are well detailed and provided in a step by easy step format. The result is tiny and adorable.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Prayer Rock

2011-11-29T23:31:00.001-08:00

I have seen these for years and I always mean to make some. Now I have no excuse. At this time of year, prayer is a big part of the coming season. This is a nice gift to give anyone and still not offend them because it is a non-denominational prayer. I found this tutorial at KatsCraftCorner, at this link. It's part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

This is a popular bazaar and craft fair item, but I can never find them when I want some. This tutorial is brief but complete. You can use any type of little stone or rock, but smooth ones look best. The project is easy to adapt to whatever fabric you wish to use.

There is a link on the page so that you can easily print out the poem that is the biggest part of the little gift.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

The Good and the Bad About the Christmas Giving Spirit

2011-11-29T21:54:00.000-08:00

I find that there is both good and bad when it comes to the spirit of Christmas giving.

The good is that many of us think of folks outside our immediate circle during this season.

The bad is that many of us quit thinking of others outside our immediate circle once the season has ended.

The good things are obvious. We drop spare change and even currency into those kettles outside of stores to help those less fortunate. Some of my friends have a tradition of inviting one person who is alone to be with them on Christmas day. Others participate in Angel Trees, giving gifts to folks, again, less fortunate than they are. We search our memories for anyone who did something nice for us this past year so that we can show our gratitude with something special on the holiday. Some folks help out in soup kitchens or help pack baskets of food and necessities for the needy. Oh, there is no end to the ways we can find so that we can help those in need.

The bad thing about Christmas is that we do this only one brief season of the year. For a few short weeks, we are ablaze with love for our fellow beings. For eleven months, our attention to the needy is pretty skimpy indeed.

How wonderful it would be to give a truly special gift to the Christ child this year. The gift could be that we would not let the Christmas spirit seep out of our souls at midnight, December 25th.

Dear Jesus, forgive me for all the weeks and months when I do not give enough of myself to those in need. Please help me to always keep my eyes and heart open to the opportunities to help those you place on my path. I know that you do not ask me to do more than I can, but I know I can often do more than I do.

They Will Know By Our Love

2011-11-28T21:29:00.000-08:00

There is a line in a popular song of faith that says something like, "They will know we are Christians by our love." I was thinking along those lines today. The news media always covers the most sensational, most volatile, most malicious of stories. There are a few human interest topics, off and on, but not as many as the stories about the darkest side of our human nature.

At this time of year, especially, I try lifting myself up as much as I can. I read uplifting Christmas novels, especially those by Debbie Macomber. I watch the Hallmark channel's holiday movies. I hum or sing Christmas songs to myself when driving, cooking, whenever. I try to help those around me in whatever small ways I can. It is in the small ways that I believe we put forth our greatest efforts. The humble efforts we make to help others show, as in the song, that we are Christians by our love.

Lord Jesus, we Christians carry your name but all too often, we do not do well by that name. Help me, please, to grow closer and closer to the real example of what it means to carry your name.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Gold Nugget (Imitation) Bookends

2011-11-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

Aren't these the most creative way to use little rocks from your neighborhood? These imitation gold nugget bookends are wonderful gifts for men, women and children. The detailed tutorial is posted by Halligan at Design Sponge, at this link. It is all part of our ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Talk about recycling! I really like how clear the tute is. Halligan clearly explains what type of rocks to look for, for the bottom row, the base. Everything about the painting is clearly detailed. Step by step photos are included.

Who wouldn't want a set of these? It doesn't matter whether they are holding up a small collection of story books, text books (college dorm gift!), action/adventure or sci/fi novels, cook books, reference books, craft books, or whatever - these really catch the eye and they do not damage the finances. They are incredibly easy as well.

How do people come up with these ideas? I really don't know but I surely do love that they share them with us.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

HALF PRICE Sale at Chunky Bling Jewelry!

2011-11-28T06:22:00.001-08:00

I am really hyped up. My fave jewelry, Chunky Bling, is having a HALF PRICE sale all day today, until midnight. I love their watches, bracelets and rings, and not just for gifts - I love them on ME (LOL).

If nothing else, visit them and get some great ideas for your gift list and your jewelry box...look at the photos at the top left of my blog page here.

Oh, and while you're looking, remember to move over the photos when your at their site - their close ups are amazing! You can zero in on any part of the bling!

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - DIY Bay Rum Aftershave

2011-11-27T22:02:00.001-08:00

Now here is a manly gift for your fave man: DIY Bay Rum aftershave! This useful and fragrant gift can be made easily from a formula posted at ArtOfManliness, by Brett & Kate, at this link. This is a terrific addition to our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

I'd strongly suggest you stick with the first formula listed. Also, browse the comments, especially the second page of comments, which gives another formula. The comments discuss the pros and cons of using other types of alcohol versus drinking alcohol (rum, etc.). The alcohol is what gives the aftershave the astringent effect, and the drinking alcohol, the rum, is obviously what gives it part of its fragrance.

That said, I can remember a few men in my family who used a bay rum aftershave and as a little girl, I would have followed them anywhere. This fragrance has never really lost its appeal and your fellows might enjoy either discovering it for the first time, or rediscovering it after a long absence.

It is not difficult to make and the ingredients are readily available. I'm posting now because it needs time to age before it can be strained and bottled.

Some fellow is going to love this, and some gal who gets a whiff will love the fella!

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Small Acts of Kindness Often Have Big Results

2011-11-27T21:37:00.000-08:00

Because this is the season of giving and loving, I thought I'd share this with you. Most of you have seen the little plastic canvas and satin ribbon crosses I make, like the one in the photo. I have been making them and giving them away for many years. In the beginning, I hesitated to accept any payment for them. I finally gave in when I realized I could use the funds to cover supplies for all the ones I gave away.

Well, tonight I'm giving you a link, here, to the story behind my fascination with, and love for, those crosses.

These began for me as a single random act of kindness by a cyber friend, way back in 1996. It is a basic part of my life now, and a happy, fulfilling part, at that. Thank you, Jennifer.

Thank you, Dear Father, for the happiness that Jennifer's single random act of kindness brought to me and to so many others. May I never forget that such a simple act of love can have far-reaching results. Please bless Jennifer abundantly, and bless every person to whom I have ever given a cross, and to those I will give them to in the future.

Etsy Time Frame for Holiday Sales

2011-11-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

Etsy shop owners like you and me must keep in mind a different selling period than a local shop handles. We have to allow for shipping. Local shops can sell up to, and through, midnight on Christmas Eve. They can even sell very early on Christmas Day. That gives them an entire four more weeks.

We, however, must catch the buyer's eye in three weeks at most, to allow for delivery. Even using Priority Mail, especially the last week of the buying season, another day or two, at most, is pushing it.

That means we must constantly mention our shop, include links to our shop, and check our listings to be sure we come up high in the searches.

One thing I try to do, off and on, is to just "Google" the main part of my item descriptions and see if I come up in Google searches. I do the same thing on Etsy. Doing that brings up other cyber sellers with similar products. That helps me see where I can edit my listings to try to boost my visibility.

Now, my friends, is the time to fill up our shops and call attention to them. Blog about them. Tweet about them. Link to them on Facebook. Just be sure you do not come off hard sell. Try to include a photo of one item and mention that item in an interesting way. You need an angle, a reason for posting, or folks will just slide right past it.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Glitter Clutch Bag

2011-11-26T20:31:00.000-08:00

Ohhh, how pretty and special is this? You start with a plain fabric clutch bag and go from there. This great tute is part of our series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

Found this on ILoveToCreate. Their guest blogger, Carly, posted it. The tutorial, at this link, is wonderfully detailed. You'll have no trouble knowing exactly what supplies to get and how to use them.

This zebra patterned clutch is just stunning, and I rarely use that word, but it fits here. I can also see it in tiger stripe or any other wild-thing pattern. It could even be glittery polka dots.

If you use a small bag, it would thrill some little girl. If you use an adult sized bag, it would thrill any grown-up female on your list. And, giving it at Christmas means she would have an excuse to get especially dressed up for New Year's Eve because she'd just have to show off her newest gift.

I just love "pretties" like this.

This tutorial is well written. The instructions and photos do not assume you know something that you do not. They take you step by step the whole way.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - Hand Sanitizer Snowman

2011-11-25T20:57:00.000-08:00

One of our senior mobile home community's Friday morning charity crafters emailed me the link for this one. She was thrilled to share a project with no-sewing and which fit my ongoing series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas. This one definitely fits.

The tutorial was posted by Michelle at CraftsAndCrap (interesting blog name, right?) at this link.

Michelle says it is great for teachers and neighbors. I love that it is so inexpensive and a cute way to dress up a token quickie gift.

She explains how to get the labels off easily and has great step by step photos. We all need something like this to have handy when we suddenly think of someone who would be embarrassed by a big gift but who we want to remember with something small but useful. What a cute way to dress these up. Of course, it helps to find the right shape bottles. Have fun with this one.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Freebie - Angel Verse to Include with Your Gifts

2011-11-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

On May 24 in 2008, I posted a verse that can go with any "angel" gift you give this season. I'm re-posting it today, in time for this coming gift-giving season. It is a verse I wrote myself, so I do have one condition. Please be sure that my name goes with it as Author, at the bottom. That bottom line doesn't have to be big - it can even be 4-point type (LOL).

Other than that, feel free to print it on gift tags and tuck it in with any angel that you might give to an earthly "angel" this year, or anytime at all.

Oh, and although it says "made this Angel," if it is store-bought, just substitute "found this Angel" or "got this Angel."

And if you visit that 2008 post out of curiosity, please ignore the second comment. It mentions a website that I have sadly neglected and really must update.

Angels are His messengers
And our guardians, too
I made this Angel to protect
And keep watch over you.
(c) 2008 Evelyn Mayfield

How to Add a Watermark to a Photo or Image for Etsy Listing

2011-11-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

In the past two or three days, I've mentioned that I finally managed to add a watermark to my images for my Etsy listing of digital items. The watermark in the accompanying photo says Do Not Copy. One of my cyber friends asked me how I did it. I thought a post about those helpful critters, watermarks, was in order.

First off, I used Word 2003. I had my image opened in a Word document, and simply went to Format, Background, Watermark. There are several pre-set choices plus the option to type your own text. I then saved the document, printed it, scanned it, and was able to get both a .jpg and a .pdf version. For me, it is easy to .pdf the file from Word. I have downloaded the free version of Nitro and I simply go to Print, choose the Nitro printer, follow the prompts, and it converts the Word document to .pdf for me.

For other Word users, simply go to your web search field and look for Watermark in Word xxxx. You'll see explanations for Word 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2011. You can also ask for Watermark in Excel, PowerPoint, Mac, and Photoshop. All you need is to know where to find it on your Menu.

If those programs are not available to you, just type in How to Add Watermark..., and you should see how to add it in pdf or Picasa.

The watermark ensures that someone cannot simply click on your image and print it for their use. The printout will show your watermark which will spoil their efforts to bypass paying for the item.

Watermark text it up to you. Some folks put something like: Jane Jones copyright 2011, or This is a Copy or simply (c) or "copyright". The choice is up to you.

Be sure to position your watermark over the center of the photo or diagonally so that it crosses the center of the photo. This helps eliminate the possibility of someone editing it out.

I hope this helps some of you. If not, feel free to ask and I'll try to find an answer for you. Just let me know what programs you use, what format your photo/image is in (pdf, jpg, etc.), and whether you are computer-savvy or not.

Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas - DIY Candy Canes

2011-11-24T20:03:00.000-08:00

I had no idea how easy it is to make your own candy canes. Just think - no more stale candy canes from three or four years before! This sweet treat is part of the series (9/21-12/24) of handmade Christmas gift ideas.

I love this post at SantasPostBag (based in the UK). The tutorial at this link.

These are incredibly easy to make. You could vary the look by the way you wrap them. You could make some short and fat, others long and thin.

You could make a special tag explaining that you made them with your own little hands.

There is no "boil at xxx degrees for 3-1/2 minutes, pour and pull." Everything you need is available in the local grocery store or possibly even in your pantry.

The instructions are very clear and easy to understand. The process is really easy. You will end up making tons of these, and hopefully, they will make it out of your kitchen and on to the folks on your gift list.

Home made candy canes? Who would have guessed you could do it?

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Christmas Gift Projects." I hope to post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling too crushed for time to make your own gifts this season, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

My Baby Jesus Verses Finally in My Etsy Shop

2011-11-24T19:22:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled. My "Baby Jesus, Small and Sweet" verses are finally in my Etsy shop. I managed to put together three different backgrounds. Giving potential customers some choices is important with some products. I have a simple one with an ornament and the phrase, "For unto us a child is born - unto us a son is given," one with a holly and berry border, and one with a beautiful winter snow scene.
I went with a $2 price because I have to cover the listing plus PayPal's fees, as well. I skimmed through other offers on Etsy and probably could charge $5, easily, because buyers are free to print dozens of copies once they get the file. For this year, I'll go with the lower price. I love this verse so much that I want as many folks as possible to have it. I didn't want them to pass on it because they couldn't afford it.

NOW I want to take some of my nature poems and put them onto a background of the plants, trees, whatever, that they represent. I have verses about the Bottle Brush Tree, the Jacaranda, Pink Hawthorne, Palms, and more. Ooooh, I am SO excited. Maybe I can time the nature poems, which will make beautiful wall decor items, to list them for just before Spring.

Gifts for the Babe on his Birthday

2011-11-24T09:50:00.000-08:00

Today we typically enter the Christmas season. We typically buy and buy and buy. Of course, most of us realize the "reason for the season." The trick is to keep this reason in front of us, often, during this hectic, frantic time of year. We allow ourselves to get overwhelmed with material matters. Choosing man-made gifts is one bad habit we have developed.

Many of us are brought back to reality by some of the holiday songs. The Little Drummer Boy is a huge favorite. The appeal is probably due to the humility of the little boy's gift.

I suppose that is what drove me to write Baby Jesus, Small and Sweet, a few years ago. I will be putting the verse into my Etsy shop tonight. It will be very low cost. For that small amount, a buyer will receive an email with a .pdf file. They can then print the verse onto card stock and insert it into a frame. This can then be displayed each year, to remind each of us of the reality of the season.

I wrote this from the bottom of my heart, one particular year. I belonged, back then, to a Christian crafter's group. We had a project that year which asked us to post our favorite seasonal quote or inspirational verse. I decided to write my own as a gift for our team.

I had no idea it would turn out as well as it did. I just turned myself loose on it. I searched my own heart and soul. The result has always been well received. I think it's because it has an appeal similar to that of The Little Drummer Boy. Folks have told me that they find a lump in their throat or a tear in their eye when they get to the last verse. I still find that, whenever I read it, even this long after I first wrote it.

What I'm trying to say is that we need to give gifts from the heart during this season. And we need to remember that the most important gift of all should be given to the person whose birth we celebrate.

My ending prayer for this post is a direct quote from my verse and reminds me of the attitude I need to keep in my heart this season:
Baby Jesus, small and sweet, I'm kneeling humbly at your feet.