Sequined

I'm excited to share one of my latest creations! I love it when I get an idea that actually turns out the way I imagine it...

This sequined scarf was so much fun to make. I used a stretchy dance-fabric that had printed sequins, combined with an ultra soft polar fleece. Together, they make for one really fashionably comfortable scarf!

The scarf is no longer in my possession, since I made it with my Grandma in mind, thinking it would be the perfect Christmas present for her. I think she liked it! 

But, I'm just so happy with how it turned out that I think I may need to whip up a few more...

Christmas Snapshots

(My parent's tree)

(The Guest of Honor)

(In Love)

(Also in Love!)

(Christmas on Ice)

(My sis is a little fashionista!)

(Newly engaged!)

(Getting ready for Christmas pyroghies!)

(Hope your Christmas was wonderful too!)

Don't Skirt the Issue...

A while back, I found this adorable houndstooth skirt at ye olde GW.

It was actually close to perfect just the way it was- high waisted, and hit right above the knees. However, I had visions of something even greater in mind... 

 Oh yes, I shortened that puppy! I love the look of a cute cropped skirt with leggings or sweater tights. All the modesty (not to mention comfort) of pants, but with the added pop of some hounds-tooth goodness.

{Sweater: Target, Tank: Gap, Boots: Blowfish (thrifted), Skirt: Vintage Express (thrifted), Tights: Target}

I love the versatility that a good pair of solid color tights or leggings can bring to a wardrobe. Suddenly, a whole new world of (shorter) skirts, and even shorts, is completely attainable! Have you been pulling off this look lately? I would love to hear about it!

*I should add as a side note, that I completely DO NOT condone wearing tights and/or leggings as the sole layer over your booty. I have seen this crime committed by younger girls as well as women in their 50's and it is just not cool. Even if you have the buns to attempt this, please refrain. Either that, or limit your wearage to your local Wal Mart. Thank you. 

Just for funsies... I thought I would share these pictures that I took to test the camera before the real photo shoot. Apparently, this is what Josh thinks I look like when taking outfit photos.... 

(I'm linking this project up to "What's Up Wednesday" over at Sew Woodsy)

When Creativity Abounds

Now that my teaching is over for the semester, I have a glorious 3 weeks to fill with other things! Of course, crafting is always pretty high on my list. One of the first projects I tackled with my free time last week was this tray. I found it at Goodwill a few months ago and originally planned to paint it white. However, it just didn't feel exciting enough. So, instead, I decided to repurpose some vintage sheet music that I had on hand. It had been damaged so that it was not useful anymore for actually playing, but it was perfect for this project!

  

I was able to make a few Christmas presents this year, which is always a fun thing to do. I made a few table runners out of burlap, and this cute flower hat for a special little girl (my friend's daughter). The hat itself was knitted by my friend Beth, but I made the flower out of felt.

My last burst of creativity came the other day, approximately 2.5 minutes before company was coming over... I looked at the huge mess of lovely Christmas cards on our refrigerator and decided that something had to be done. Every time I went to open the door a card would fall off... 

I fashioned this card holder using twine, mini clothespins, and a 3m command adhesive hook. I love how it turned out! It makes use of some "extra" space in our dimly lit hallway, and now I don't have to worry about cards falling down when I open the fridge. I simply tied the other end to one of the brackets on our fridge. It works perfectly!

 

 

In other news... the forecast is not looking good for snow! We might have a brown Christmas here in Minnesota, which is just utterly unthinkable in my book. I'm halfway tempted to buy all the flocking I can get my hands on and go crazy outside. What's the weather looking like in your part of the country?

(Linking up to What's Up Wednesday at Sew Woodsy!)

My Blogging Buddy

No blogging experience is complete these days without my little furry companion purring softly by my side. In just a few weeks, it will be a year since Aggie came to live with us! We sure love our quirky kitty.

The Most Important Gifts

I got a sweet surprise when I logged into my Facebook account this morning. My Aunt Elizabeth had posted this photo on her wall and wrote this: "This sweet little Nativity is always proudly displayed in our home and is traditionally the first one out every year. Made by the loving hands of my niece when she was around 7. She is now married. Thank you Mikalah for thinking of me when you made this! I'm still so proud of this!!"

Aw, it just about brought tears to my eyes! I remember making this for her. She saw a little doll that I had hand-sewn, and she asked me to make her a nativity set. I was thrilled that she trusted me with such a big project! I had no idea that after all these years, she still had the nativity set.

It's not the most amazing craft ever, since it was made by a seven year old, but I think it goes to show that the gifts we hold most dear often don't carry great monetary value. Instead, it's the love that goes into the giving that is the important part. 

Merry (almost) Christmas, dear friends!

Christmas is coming...

 The packages are wrapped.....

The house is gently glowing with candle-light and tiny shimmers from the tree...

Christmas smells fill the air with memories of times gone by, and hope for the days to come. 

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

(Isaiah 9:2 NIV)

Christmas Home Tour

Welcome to our Christmas Home Tour! I'm excited to share with you the final product of our Christmas decorating this year. Our mammoth (11 foot tall) tree sits behind the loveseat, where we can enjoy the twinkly lights and still have traffic flow through our living room.

In the living room, I brought out my big glass bowl and added some pinecones, a white candle, and some glittery branches. 

I tucked a pretty snowflake into one of the empty frames on the wall for some added shine.

My green glass trees are sitting atop the secretary desk. I recently filled the case with my milk glass collection. I think they are the perfect backdrop for our Christmas decorations.

In the dining room, I created a simple display using candles and glass votives that we already had on hand.

I love my glittery animals...

I also used the burlap table runner that I made (you can find the tutorial in this post.)

Another DIY project from this year made it's way onto the record player. The "Glittery Wonderland" scene was such a fun project, I hope it will last for years to come! I made the moss-covered trees last year, tutorial here.

At the top of the stairs, I just tucked some branches with pinecones on them into our vase of willow branches.

And since we had to move the furniture around a bit for the tree, I decided to create a little sitting area right next to the tree. It's a fun little spot to read a book, sip some tea, and enjoy the Christmas lights.

A couple more gratuitous photos of the tree... This tree is definitely a show stopper. My 5 year piano student was in complete awe of the tree! I don't think she had ever seen one so big!

We had a LOT of leftover branches from the tree. After filling a few vases with them over the house, we also gave some away to my sister and my piano student's family.

It's nice to have the scent of evergreen wafting through the house again.

From our home to yours, we wish you a joyful season celebrating the birth of Christ! Merry Christmas!

Linking up here...