WIP Wednesday... (UPDATED)

You didn't think that just because I am sick that I've been sitting around doing nothing, did you? Good! I've been working on a few things and here are two of the things I've been working on.

Here is my version of Tootsie's candle wreath. I was so impressed with her clever idea that I blogged about it here. I'm happy to report it was just as easy as Tootsie promised. As you can see, my potpourri was bigger, but I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. It still needs to dry a little, so the wax paper is a necessity. I think it will be really pretty with a green or white candle. What do you think?


Then, in an effort to use up stuff I have had for a while, I pulled out this pre-printed wreath project for Buttercup. If you look carefully, you can see the date on the fabric says 1991 (!) and I know for a fact I bought it before 1995...you do the math. Anyway, I spent my time cutting out all the leaves, the wreath itself, the ribbon and the berries. Then I pinned all the leaves and the wreath for Buttercup, who'll be sewing this week. I'm embarrassed how long I've had it, but I'm happy Buttercup is going to finish it.


So, there you have it...a few of the things that we've been working on. What about you? What have you been up to these days.

UPDATE:

My sister, the brat, says my picture of the candle wreath isn't very good and doesn't show it as pretty as she's sure it is (nice save there, Kate) , so I thought I'd give you an
other one.

So, what do you think? I still think it is pretty. And the Modge Podge did not do away with the Paperwhite scent. It is all good!

Progress!

I got two Valentine's Day items finished yesterday, so I'm ahead of my self-imposed February 1 deadline.

Buttercup's pajama pants came out super cute, especially with the little tiny bow I added to encourage her to wear them frontwards! (Now, let's just hope I put the bow on the FRONT...I just saw her wearing them and I am beginning to wonder...hmmmm.) Notice that I almost ran out of the thread I was using. I finished in the nick of time. (I keep offering Valiant and Superman some heart pajamas, but so far, they're holding firm in the conviction that they just don't need them!)

Pajama pants are so easy to sew, I encourage anyone who's wanting to start sewing to start with them. They are very forgiving, as you really don't have fit issues and they are instantly gratifying...people are wearing things you made! They've been a terrific way to get better at sewing.

The other thing I finished was the "easy Valentine's wreath" from Little Birdie Secrets. They have a little tutorial if you click on the link, but it was basically like making those tissue paper flowers we used to make in elementary school, except you use fabric and a styrofoam wreath form. It was super easy and it turned out really well. Superman was pleasantly surprised, I think, but I'll let you judge for yourself.

I think it looks really festive on our front door and it was exactly the kind of thing I was looking for, so I'm really pleased.

Now I'm ready to start embellishing some towels and making a ton of Valentine's Cards...and getting much closer to that February 1 deadline...

Gratitude...

The doorbell rang last night and, as I ran for the door, I had to wonder who had braved the weather to end up at our doorstep. (Two feet of snow in 24 hours is a lot of snow so it required an intrepid person to make any trips, that is for certain.) Imagine my delight when I discovered Mr. M and his daughter on my doorstep, bringing us this lovely wreath and some home-made Christmas candies. Mrs. M is so clever and her candies are awesome. (I really like the bird-nesty one with marshmallows!) I was tickled when I saw it and immediately ripped the fake wreath off the door and replaced it with this amazing real one! (I think Mr. M was a bit taken aback by my enthusiasm!)

Where she found the time to do these things this year, I don't know. In addition to her wife and mother duties, she's added full-time student to her many hats...and they are finishing up a huge basement remodel. Oh, did I mention that her husband is active-duty military and keeps disappearing with little notice? In the midst of all she has going on in her life, she got us this lovely wreath (you should smell it!) and made her terrific home-made candies. I feel so special and I have such gratitude in my heart. These are the things that remind us it is truly not the money we spend, but the thought we put into our gifts that makes a lasting impression. So, to Mr. and Mrs. M, thanks so much for such wonderful gifts. We love them! We are so grateful that we have friends like you in our lives.