Home Depot Gingerbread House

What seems like many years ago, I made a gingerbread house from scratch with a Pampered Chef mold (only two children at the time and one was three months old) and I had to borrow an ingredient from my neighbor.  I knew if I woke the baby for a store trip the house wouldn't get made.  That was the first of a stream of houses...this year's is a Home Depot (TN orange house!).  Someday, I might once again make a house from scratch, but for now a store bought kit is the best option if it is going to be done.

Presents wrapped and in the mail

 

Most of my presents went out yesterday.  Here's a sneak peak of our brown paper wrapping.  And here's what is inside a few of the boxes.. 

Saying Goodbye to Summer and Fall

I asked the dd to snap a picture of my fall mantel before it was taken apart to start Christmas preparations.  Here's a glimpse of what we've been looking at for a couple of months.

 

Crocheted Hat

Here's a picture of a hat I crocheted recently.  I did the shell stitch differently on the edge, but here are the basic directions:  crochet best baby cloche and tutorial

Pizza Pan Cake

Early in February I had the fun of shopping for a shower present for an upcoming bride.  Not knowing her very well meant I stuck close to her registry (with the addition of a red towel with hearts).

Knit, Pray, Love

One of my goals for February was to knit a hat to send  to Afghanistan with K-LOVE/CURE.  I was excited to mail off two infant hats last week.  I used this free pattern from Lion Brand.  The pink is made from Lion Brand Superwash Merino Cashmere, the baby blue with Red Heart Soft Baby Steps.

Love Subway Art

I've had this free printable on the mantel for a couple weeks and thought I'd share. valentines-day-subway

Thumbprint Valentines

Crazy boy made some valentines. 

Heart Wreath

 I saw this idea in Southern Living last year and never got around to making it.  Finally, a use for some of the Nandinas around my house.  It took me a few weeks to locate a heart shaped wreath (Michael's)  but I was determined to hang it on my door in time for Valentine's Day.

Snowflake Placemat Pillow

We finally had snow flurries this weekend and although it has seemed more like spring here in East TN, I 'd really prefer a little more winter.  Therefore,  I made myself a couple of pillows from some snowflake placemats.  I loved these placemats when I was given them as a present, but after they were washed a few times they no longer laid flat.   I took a seam ripper to part of the seam,  stuffed the inside, and sewed it closed to make a pillow.

Happy Valentine's Day

As a special treat I made a chocolate wacky cake and covered it with peppermint marshmallows and chocoate chips.  I turned the oven off and put it back in the oven for a few minutes.  Definitely delicious.  It would work better with brownies that were flatter, but no one seemed to care.

Felt Christmas Ornaments

Wow,  has it really been since September?  I guess not much happened around here last fall.  My project list bears witness to my lack of productivity.  Since my husband clued me into the password, I can once again post a few pictures of projects and things I love.  Here are the presents I made for the DOK moms for Christmas. Although I loved the flower on the original fabric envelope, I was too busy making the inside contents to decorate the outside. 

Here are the tuturials for the ornaments from Bugs and Fishes:   Christmas pudding ornaments, vintage felt baubles, stars and hearts.  The moms liked them well enough to add them to our master list of future projects.