Christmas Crafting… a few weeks later

Before I clear all of my December pictures, I want to share a few of the things we crafted (and a few things I learned along the way).

1. Ornaments
The girls drew with fabric paints and took turns helping with the sewing machine too. They did the stuffing and ribbon selections as well.

Lesson learned: all but three of you are wondering where your ornament is. So now I know that with gifts like this, I need to either stretch out the project or have everything stream-lined so the girls don’t give up interest after the third ornament.

2. Bean bag toss (and bean bags)
This was inspired by my friend Laura, who gave the girls each a hand-made beanbag this fall. Riana designed the bean bags, picked the fabric, and worked with Ry to paint the bean bag toss.

Lesson learned: this was a gift that we teamed up to make for Amelia. At the last minute, I also made Riana a bean bag with an “R,” which was a good thing since they both play with it.

3. Hula Hoop
Riana has been wanting a hula hoop for a couple years now. The store ones are too heavy and big for her though, so we used irrigation tubing, cut to a size that is appropriate for her height and beginner status. Amelia helped put dried corn inside and wrapped the fabric with us.

Lesson learned: I am going to have to fix the fraying. Should have used those zig-zag scissors.

4. Winter Headbands
After making these for the girls, Riana decided that we should make them for her Aunts too. I still owe one to my sister, but so far, the girls like them.

Lesson learned: no, actually this one seems to have worked out pretty well. :)

5. Dakota, the horse

Amelia is a bit obsessed with horses. It’s quite cute. So we gifted her this adorable stuffed horse, which she promptly named after a horse she met this summer at Ry’s Aunt’s place. It has not left her side. (She also refuses to remove these super comfortable Christmas pajamas!)

Lesson learned: when the projects are more difficult than one’s own time and skill level, you should absolutely buy the gift from a local crafty Mama. We bought Dakota from this awesome artist. She let us visit her home to pick out just the right horse, and she promised to restuff him if we have to wash him too many times. Double win!

7. Calendars
We made calendars that hang from picture frames and we included four seasonal prints to get through the year. I think they turned out well, though it made me nervous since I had not really tested this method. And I found a couple errors in the calendars already. (Sorry, sister, I think we all know you’re not turning 18 this year!)

Lesson learned: First, everyone seemed to like that I included January 2012, so the calendar doesn’t quite run out in December. Second, I was really too late in shipping these. (Sorry!) I have never tried to ship close to Christmas before, and let’s just say I’ve learned my lesson!

8. All the things I meant to make
Oh yes, I ran out of time. There were a couple IOUs and more than a couple, “I wish I would have made…”

Lesson learned: start much earlier

All things said, I did have fun making more things this year. Certainly, I am encouraged to make more in the future and I’ve already set my eyes on a few fun projects…