Happy New Year and the last of Christmas......

Happy New Year!!  I know, I know... here I am, wishing you a Happy New Year and, yet, I'm showing you more Christmassy  things!  Unfortunately, there will probably be even more after this.... I think I have one more of these to make...then, I can send them off!!    You see, it all comes from starting on my Christmas preparations so late.  That puts me still working on Christmas gifts when my mom's birthday rolls around on January 10th!!  So, of course, I start out at a deficit and then that seems to continue all year through.  :(  It has to change.  Please, someone remind me no later than September (!!), to start working on my gifts!!  Plus, I like to make things for peoples' birthdays, too, so I am making things all year round.  It's always one of my New Year's Resolutions....usually the only one, really.  Manage my time better - and don't procrastinate (!!) -  in order to get cards and gifts to people on time!!  Wish me luck!!!

So, the snowflakes that I mounted over everything on these were from a punch.  My son went crazy and punched a bunch of them a few years ago, (after he talked me into buying that punch because he loved it soooo much!!), but, then, we didn't really know what to do with them.  I've kept them in a little open tin all these years, figuring I'd use them someday.  I coated them with Mod-Podge and then covered them with an ultra-fine glitter... the color is "Crystal".... it's a Martha Stewart glitter, actually.  Then, I adhered them by putting more Mod-Podge on the back.

The "Christmas Greetings" on this one is raised with double-sided foam tape.  Mine is made by 3M, but it's no longer in its original package and I've had it for so long that I can't remember what the name of it is.  I mean, I've had it probably close to 20 years!  You can find it here.  It's easy to cut, if you need it to be rounded off, or whatever.  It's also under those birds on the one that I posted before.

OK.... I have some crafting to do!!  I hope you all have a wonderful new year!!  Here's to good health, happiness and prosperity!!

         ~ Teri

Christmas birds plaque

Thanks for stopping by!!  Here's my newest piece that I just did for a family member, for Christmas.  I'm so-o-o-o-o far behind with Christmas!  I say that every year, but this time, I mean it!!  I always try to make something for my immediate family....something that I can make for each of them.  Last year it was jammy bottoms.  This year?  Well, that's not happening.  I don't know why I wait so long to get started!  I'll never understand people complaining about stores gearing up for Christmas before Thanksgiving.  No, I don't want to see Christmas decorations around town before Thanksgiving.. I like to enjoy the fall colors, etc.... and Thanksgiving marks the end of all that.  But, seeing some Christmas stuff around makes me start thinking about what I could be doing/making for Christmas gifts.  How it is that we think we can do all of this, especially those of us that like to make things for gifts, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, basically four weeks, is beyond me!!  That's not nearly enough time!  I really love all the stuff that goes on at Christmas-time.  Some people complain about this or that; the crowds, etc... well, my advice is start early!!  Have it all *done* by the first part of December and then you can bake cookies and candy to give away.  You can enjoy your tree and the beauty that all the gifts underneath lend it.  You can avoid the crowds!  You can have time to get all your packages mailed, if you have friends/family in other parts of the country/world.  You can go to carolling parties (or host them!) that you've been invited to; you can go out and carol around town or in a nursing home/assisted living place.  It's not the store's fault that we wait so long to start!  You can have time to sit down with your family and some Gingerbread cookies and watch It's a Wonderful Life.  That's what Christmas is all about to me..... what can I be doing for other people?  What gifts will my children and husband just love?  What would bring a smile to someone's face?  None of that can happen if we don't allow time for it.  I'm not pointing the finger at anyone but myself, here!  I'm terrible about it!  And, every year I vow to do better next year!  It's not because the stores tell me I should..... it's because that's what Christmas is all about.  The stores aren't going to get any more of my money whether I shop in Sept. or if I shop in Dec.  But, I'll feel better.  Someone, please remind me to read this post next July!!  So, anyway, here's my little piece of artwork.  I'm going to upload some images that you're welcome to use and this image will be included.  I hope you're all having better luck with your Christmas preparations than I am!  That is, if you celebrate Christmas.  Have a wonderful night!

       ~ Teri

 

   

I'm not sure how I missed this little guy... I made him two years ago, and, somehow, he never made it to my blog!  His name is Ollie.  That was a friend's idea... I'm not sure why.  But, it's a cute name, so I stuck with it.  :)  The pattern came out of Martha Stewart's Living magazine.  I know, it's a little early for Christmas stuff... well, not if you're making things, but for general decoration.  I like to enjoy the beautiful colors of Fall before we jump into Christmas.  We already have some Christmas lights up downtown!  They're beautiful, don't get me wrong... but, already???  Really??

Wow....it's shaping up to be a gorgeous, sunny day!!  Cool, but sunny!  Yay!!

I hope it's a beautiful day where you are!

       ~  Teri