Easy & Quick Candy Cane Ornament

Scroll down for english, please. 

Esta é mais uma ideia natalícia que fiz o ano passado e que não cheguei a partilhar aqui no blog. 

Adoro embrulhos diferentes e originais quando chega a altura de oferecer as minhas prendas, e esta ideia em particular foi inspirada no papel que comprei no ano passado, cujo motivo eram as bengalas doces (e que podem ver na foto abaixo). 

Here's another Christmas idea from last year that never made it to the blog. 

I love different and original rapping when it comes to wrap my gifts, and this particular idea was actually inspired by the wrapping paper I bought last year, because of it's printed candy canes (picture below). 

Inicialmente o que eu pretendia era comprar umas bengalas doces verdadeiras, mas não encontrei por aqui. Não é que tenha procurado exaustivamente, apenas procurei pelos locais onde ia passando e nenhum tinha. Este ano por exemplo, já encontrei uma caixa de dez unidades numa das minhas lojas preferidas. Trouxe-a comigo e ainda está por decidir o que farei com ela. 

My first thought was to get the real thing but I couldn't find them anywhere. Well, It's not like did look that hard for them, I just checked each place I went on my daily routine and none of those had it. This year though, I have already found a box of them in one of my fave shops and of course I brought one with me, still I need to figure out what to do with it yet. 

Para tal usei pipe cleaners (a tradução literal é limpador de cachimbo, não sei mesmo que nome se dá a isto em português). Foi só juntar um branco e um vermelho e enrolar um no outro. Depois cortei ao meio e cada metade foi usada para uma bengalinha, é só arredondar uma das pontas. Como usei nas prendas (colei) não acrescentei mais nada, mas quem quiser pode também colocar um fio fino na parte arredondada e pendurar na árvore de Natal ou onde lhe apetecer. 

To make this, I just grabbed two pipw cleaners, one red and one white and rolled them into each other. Then I cut it in half and each part was used to make a cane, I just needed to round one of the edges in order to get it finished. Since I glued mine to my gifts, I stopped here but if you plan on hanging them on your Christmas tree or anywhere else, you just have to tight a thin thread to it to do so. 

Podem também cortar mais pequeno ou maior. Cheguei a cortar em 3 partes iguais e foram as que achei mais fofas. Usei em quase todas as prendas que entreguei o ano passado e ainda tenho algumas que talvez use este ano, embora ande à procura de algo diferente para esta vez. E por ai? Alguma forma especial de distinguir os vossos embrulhos? 

You can also cut your canes longer or shorter. I did cut some in 3 equal parts to make mine and those were the cutest ones. I used most of them on my gifts last year but I still have a few that I might use again this year, though I'd rather find something different this time. What about you? Do you have any tips to make your wrapping stand out?

Oh Oh Oh Santa is coming

Scroll down for english, please! 

Já começa a cheirar a Natal por todos os cantos. Cá em casa, já fiz a minha lista e já comecei a preparar as prendas deste ano. Ainda não decorei, não consigo fazê-lo antes de Dezembro, mas já tenho algumas ideias de coisas que gostava de fazer este ano. 

It's starting to smell like Christmas everywhere. As for me, I have my presents list done and I have started preparing some. I haven't started with the decorations yet, I just can't before December, although I have a good idea of which things I want to make. 

Entretanto surgiu a oportunidade de um teste diferente, um saco em forma de Pai Natal (ou duende, ou bonecos de neve - fica ao vosso critério - vejam mais aqui). Eu ainda tenho esperança de conseguir fazer mais (tenho sempre mais planos que tempo nestas alturas), para que cada um dos miúdos receba um. A ideia é encher com mimos que podem ser cartões com ideias de atividades para fazermos juntos, doces, ou outros miminhos que lhes agrade. 

In the mean while I was able to get to test a different pattern, a Santa stocking bag (or elf, or snowmen as seen on the test group - it's up to you - see more here). I hope I still get to make a second one (I always have more plans than time to get them done by this time), so each of my kids get its own. The idea is to fill it up with treats which can be activity cards for us to make together, sweets and every other little treat they like. 

A minha parte preferida é a barba do Pai Natal. Não tinha tecido com pêlo (branco, isto é) e pensei em usar no seu lugar esta lã que tenho por cá há anos. Comprei-a para outro Pai Natal, vejam aqui. Juntei cada fio um a um. Depois costurei tudo junto. Gosto de ver a barba presa em baixo ou solta. O bigode e o cabelo foram feitos da mesma forma. Levei uma eternidade para o fazer, mas fiquei tão orgulhosa quando terminei. E mais uma vez... foi um grande empurrão à criatividadetrabalhar com aquilo que já tinha por casa. 

My favorite thing about my own Santa is the beard. I was running out of fur fabric (white, it is) and thought about this yarn I had for a few years. I bought it for another Santa, see it here. I attached each piece of it, one by one. Then I sewed it together. I like it tight on the bottom or just loose. The mustach and hair were made the same way. It took me forever but I was so proud once I finished. And again... hails for creativity boost everytime I have to work with what I already have. 

O molde traz dois tamanhos diferentes de pompons, que eu fiz em branco e vermelho. Não os acham tão fofos? Adoro pompons, serei a única? Aprendi a fazê-los com a minha mãe quando era criança, e gosto deles desde então. 

The pattern comes with two different pompom sizes, which I did in white and red. Aren't they so  cute? Am I the only one to love pompoms? I learned how to make them when I was very little, with my mom, and I've loved them ever since. 

Radiant Home Studio Second Anniversary Blog Tour |Retro Rucksack|

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Se calhar é porque os meus filhotes estão bem fornecidos de roupa para os próximos tempos; ou porque eu realmente também, precisar, não preciso de nada especial para mim; ou simplesmente é porque me apetecem coisas diferentes, mas é facto que ando a costurar mais coisas para além de roupas e isso faz-me sentir confortável, fora da minha zona de conforto. Desta vez, aproveitei a tour da Radiant Home Designs, que celebra o 2º aniversário na criação dos seus moldes e fiz uma mochila. Já que estamos em Dezembro, e isto já comecei a fazer o mês passado, aproveito as tours para fazer algumas prendas de Natal, e este era o caso. Sim, era, porque depois de terminar gostei tanto da mochila que acho que vou ficar com ela. Está encostada, à espera que me decida.

Maybe it is because my kids already have plenty of clothes for now; or maybe it is because I don't really need new clother eithrr; or maybe, it is just because I feel like making different things lately,  the fact is that I've been sewing a few items besides clothes, and that makes me feel comfortable out of my comfort zone. This time, I jumped on the 2nd anniversary tour from Radiant Home Designs, and got the chance to sew a rucksack. It is December, and I've actually started doing this in November, but I am using tours to motivate me into making some Christmas gifts, and this was the case. Yes, it was, because after finishing I liked it so much that I am considering keeping this one to myself. It is waiting on me to decide. 

Este foi um dos primeiros dois moldes da Sara, a designer por detrás da marca, e foram recentemente atualizados e melhorados. De todos os seus moldes, escolhi este porque para mim me pareceu o mais interessante. Tive alguma dificuldade em encontrar os materiais indicados, fivelas, argolas, etc, mas acabei por me safar. Nem todos são iguais, com pena minha, mas servem para o efeito e quem sabe consiga encontrar alguns que coincidam mais tarde e possa trocar. Gosto que as alças permitam que a usemos às costas, ou ao ombro.

This was one of the two first patterns from Sara, the designer behind it, and they were recently updated and improved. Of all her patterns, I chose this one, which seemed to be the most interesting one in my opinion. I had some trouble trying to find the hardware for this one, but I got away with it. Sadly not all of them are the same (in color), but they do the job for now, and hopefully I'll be able to find the same equal ones to switch later. I really like that the way the straps are attached, allow it to be carried on your back or your shoulder. 

A minha mochila não está muito estruturada, a entretela que tinha grossa, não era suficiente, e fui demasiado preguiçosa para ir comprar mais, fiz a peça mesmo sem entretela e gostei da forma como cai, como ambos os tecidos eram pesados, não fica muito desengonçada. Usei bombazine grossa para a base, flanela para o forro, e o tecido principal das bolinhas é de algodão. A mochila, inclui dois bolsos interiores, num deles cabe o meu netbook à vontade, e o outro mais pequeno tem fecho e é forrado (o interior do fecho fica escondido), mais uma nova técnica que juntei ao reportório, cujo passo a passo pode ser encontrado aqui. No exterior, conta também com dois bolsos laterais, fecha com um dobra no topo e depois com ganchos. O molde trás a opção de incluir um fecho, mas eu passei à frente, sou um bocadinho avessa a fechos e ando a utilizar demasiados ultimamente.

My rucksack isn't as structured as it could be, the heavy interfacing I had wasn't enough for the project, and I was way to lazy to go and get some more, so I didn't use any, but I like how it looks, because my fabrics were all heavy it doesn't look too gangling. I used a wide corduroy as contrast, flannel for the lining and cotton for the main polka dots fabric. The rucksack comes with two interior pockets, my netbook fits the larger one perfectly, and the smaller ones closes with a professionally finished zipper (the zipper wrong side is hidden in the lining), a new technique for my list, which tutorial you can find here. On the exterior, there's also two side pockets, and the top of the sack folds and closes with hooks. There's also the option of adding a zipper, but I skipped it because zippers and I are not the best of friends and I feel like I've been using them too much lately. 

A Sara raramente faz descontos, mas para celebrar o aniversário dos seus moldes, está a oferecer 20% de desconto em todos eles até ao dia 11 de Dezembro. Para isso, só têm de usar o código "birthdaycelebration". Inspirem-se nas seguintes bloggers, estes moldes, são ótimas sugestões de prendas de Natal, não façam é como eu, que faço as coisas e depois quero ficar com elas. LOL

Sara doesn't often make sales on her patterns, but for this celebration she is offering 20% off of all the pattern, this goes through the 11th of December. To use it just grab the code "birthdaycelebration" to order yours. Get inspired by the next bloggers on the tour, these patterns are great Christmas gift suggestions, just don't do as I do, making things to offer and then wanting to keep them instead. LOL

Radiant Home Studio 2nd Birthday Celebration:

Monday, Nov. 30th Radiant Home Studio || Skirt Fixation || Felt With Love Designs 

 Tuesday, Dec. 1st A Happy Stitch || Sew Happily Ever After || Call Ajaire 

 Wednesday, Dec. 2nd Sew Very || Swoodson Says || Vicky Myers Creations 

 Thursday, Dec. 3rd Happy Okapi || House of Estrela || Molly and Mama 

 Friday, Dec. 4th Hugs Are Fun || Sew DIY || Made By Sara 

 Saturday, Dec. 5th Rebel and Malice || The Wholesome Mama

Just Like Papa Briefcase turned girly (Momma Quail Patterns tour)

Scroll down for english.

Mais uma pattern tour aqui neste cantinho. Normalmente sinto-me sempre feliz e agradecida por cada uma delas, mas confesso que neste caso, sinto-me muito orgulhosa da designer em causa. A pattern tour de hoje, é organizada pela Amy McDonald, e ela é a criadora por detrás dos moldes Momma Quail Patterns. Eu testei o que foi o primeiro molde dela (aqui) e fiquei muito bem impressionada, colocando-a de imediato na minha lista de preferidas. Fiquei muito feliz mesmo quando soube da tour e claro que me candidatei também. A Amy tem 12 moldes disponíveis, e entre eles, está esta pasta que ela criou porque o seu filho de 3 anos adora a pasta do avô. Escolhi este, porque o Natal é já daqui a umas semanas, e para quem gosta de fazer as suas prendas, o tempo começa a apertar, assim, que unindo o útil ao agradável, decidi transformar estas pastas, tão masculinas, em malas para meninas, mais precisamente, malas para as meninas transportarem as suas Barbies ou outras. Fui, inspirada pela minha filha, que pediu uma Barbie rock star para o Natal (tem de ser a do cabelo azul, mamã - diz ela. Tratado!). 

Another pattern tour here. I usually am always happy and glad for each of them, but I have to congfess that in this case, I am feeling really proud for the designer. Today's pattern tour is organized by Amy McDonald, and she's the designer behind Momma Quail Patterns. I've tested what was her first pattern (here) and I was quite impressed, putting her in my top designers. I was really happy when I read about the tour and of course, I signed for it as well. Amy has  12 available patterns, and from those, there's this briefcase she created for her 3 year old who loves his grandpa briefcase. I picked this one, because Christmas is just in a few weeks, and if just like me you enjoy making your gifts, you know that there's not much time left right? So, why not make it count and make a couple of gifts all along? I turned this masculine briefcases into pretty girly ones, mostly for girls to carry their Barbies and similars all around. This was inspired by my daughter, she asked for a Rock Star Barbie for Christmas too (It has to be the one with the blue hair mom! - she says. Taken care of!). 

Nesta publicação tenho apenas duas para vos mostrar, mas comecei a fazer três ao mesmo tempo. Usei o mesmo tecido para todas, a única alteração de uma para as outras é a aplicação da boneca na parte exterior. Cada uma foi feita com uma cor/tecido diferentes. A terceira não tive tempo de terminar, pois embora as instruções sejam muito boas, devido a uma pequena falha no meu inglês, cometi um erro que só vim a descobrir muito mais tarde, depois de horas e horas a costurar - porque estava a fazer as 3 ao mesmo tempo - e tive que desmanchar tudo, tudinho!!! aunffff fiquei tão desanimada, que depois só continuei com uma. E quando a terminei, animei-me outra vez, era tão mais fácil do que o que eu tinha inventado, e depois disso, correu tão bem, que agarrei-me novamente às outras duas, mas acabei por terminar só uma, uma vez que a G. ficou doente e fiquei sem tempo de terminar todas. Facto: as fitas na mala com a aplicação rosa, serviram para tapar um corte acidental que fiz na peça. 

In this post, I only have two briefcases to show you, but in fact they were three when I started. I used the same fabric for all of them, the only exception was the appliqué I used on the outside of each. I used adifferent fabric/color for each. I had no time to finish the third one, because although the instructions are easy to follow, I had an issue with the language which led me to a huge mistake, and I only noticed that after many hours of sewing - remember I was sewing all three at the same time - and I had to unpick it all. aunffff I was so depressed about it, that I only continued with one. When I was done, I was into it again, it was so much easier than what I made it up, and after fixing it it went so smoothly that I went back to the other two. Time was short though, and I knew I wouldn't be able to finish both, especially because G. got sick, so I only finished one more. Fact: the bands on the pink applique briefcase, were there to cover up an accidental cut I made into the piece. 

No molde as opções de bolsos interiores, são um grande para um livro, um mais pequeno para lápis de cor/feltros ou lápis de cera de um lado, e este último alterei, criando apenas duas bolsas, para as meninas guardarem as roupas das bonecas por exemplo. E do outro lado, um bolso com uma janela que permite ver o seu interior, fechado com um fecho (perfeito para guardar as peças mais pequenas como os sapatos, malas, etc). 

In the pattern, you find a book pocket inside, a pencil or crayons pocket, and this lattest one was the only one I changed, creating just two pockets so girls can keep their doll's clothes, for example. In the other side, there's like a window pocket, closed with a zipper that allows to see what's inside (perfect to keep smaller pieces, like doll's shoes, bags, etc). 

Se estão de olho em algum dos moldes Momma Quail Patterns, não esperem pela Black Friday, porque até dia 21, com o código "MQPATTERNTOUR" terão o maior desconto do mês, de 30% em todos os moldes. 

If you are eying any of the Momma Quail Patterns, don't wait until Black Friday to get them, through the 21st, they will be hosting their biggest sale in November. With the "MQPATTERNTOUR" code, you'll get 30% off of all patterns. 

Precisam de inspiração? Visitem as participantes do tour para isso. 

Do you want more inspiration? Visit everyone in the tour for some. 

11/16:

Sew Thrifty • Willow and Stitch • The Wholesome Mama

11/17:

Create 3.5 • Lulu & Celeste • Pear Berry Lane

11/18:

The Berry Bunch • Paisley Roots • Call Ajaire • Falafel and the Bee

11/19:

House of Estrela • Adventures with Bubba and Bug • Swoodson Says

11/20:

Rebel & Malice • Knot Sew Normal • Sew Thrifty

Podem também tentar a vossa sorte, participando do sorteio. 

You can also try your luck by joining the giveaway. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Preparing Christmas III: advent calendar

After last year's calendar - which we loved and was fun - I wanted to make a new one that would last longer and probably use it for a few years. I had the idea in mind for a while, and I have actually been collecting matchboxes for years. First, I had to figure out how to arrange the 24 boxes in order to get a Christmas tree shape, that was the hardest part.

Once I was happy with it, I started wrapping boxes in a gold paper. Three for the top, then two rows of 2, three rows of 3 and then two rows of 4. I was ready to glue each block on top of the other. I realised the white from the boxes was stained and just old, so with a blue shinny deco tape I covered them. Easy peasy! And how would I pull them out? A solution was needed and I covered that with ribbon. I make holes in each box, I've put a knotted piece of ribbon through it and secure in place with tape on the inside.

To finish I painted the numbers with a red ink but it faded a bit and they look rather pink... blhaaaac. It is even harder to see in the photos. And there, a new advent calendar for the family. Instead of  the activities/actions to make together this year, I was a bit lazy and just put sweets in each box/day. =/

Preparing Christmas II: Santa Wraping Box

At G.'s kindergarden, we were asked to have her picking one of her toys for a gift exchange with the other kids. It had to be hers (we couldn't buy a new one) and it had to be wrapped by us. And we could use our creativity to do so. She picked a huge Garfield shaped back pack that she never wore in her life, but it was too big to fit a shoe cardbox, so I had to use a slightly bigger one from a plastic swimming pool. I had the idea in my mind of using a Santa hat, somehow, to make it. I then did a quick search on google and the idea was finished and turned into something real. Using different paper colours, I cut the shapes, add the glue and she glued it to the box (with some help of course). When we were finished we had a cute Santa as the wrapping to her gift. I was really proud of it. And I loved making it with her!

Oh, and if you don't get it why it is the second post of preparing Christmas, you can see the first thing I made HERE. 

Mãos à Obra

Note: I usually don't write any posts in portuguese here, but I will open an exception today because I will be talking about a book, and so far, it has only been published in portuguese. Scroll down for the english how to... to my craft. 

Eu, juntamente com outras amigas bloggers, decidimos fazer uma surpresa à autora do livro Mãos à Obra, a Constança Cabral. Sim, a Concha, do blogue Saídos da Concha. O livro saiu no passado mês de Outubro e para já, foi apenas editado em português. Assim que hoje, algumas de nós vamos falar-vos de projetos do livro que nos inspiraram. A minha cópia, foi uma prenda de uma querida amiga e no mesmo instante em que o recebi, andei a ver atentamente, projeto atrás de projeto. A apresentação está muito bonita, as fotografias ao nível daquilo que a autora/blogger nos tem habituado ao longo do seu percurso no blog. Todo ele é inspiração, desde receitas, bricolage, jardinagem, costura... tem um pouco de tudo para quem gosta de fazer as coisas à sua medida, ao seu gosto. Para quem gosta de dar um toque especial à casa ou preparar uma prenda especial para alguém, a partir das suas próprias mãos.  

O livro encontra-se organizado pelas quatro estações do ano, com crafts para cada uma delas. Quando tive que escolher a minha, fui direitinha à parte do Outono, mas a verdade é que esta estação está a ficar para trás e daqui a nada estamos no Inverno. Espreitei então com mais atenção os projetos de Inverno. Inspirei-me na Coroa de Natal. 

A minha porém, não é natural como a da Constança (pelo menos não a 100%). A verdade é que andava com vontade de fazer uma coroa para a nossa porta há muito tempo. Todos os anos vou adicionando uma coisa (ou muitas) à lista de coisas que quero fazer para esta altura do ano, que para mim, ganhou novo significado a partir do dia que fui mãe. A coroa, fazia parte da lista há um par de anos, no mínimo. E foi pensando nisso, que, quando desmontei a nossa árvore de natal pequenina do ano passado, joguei os pés fora e guardei o resto. Levei o ano todo a pensar que tinha de fazer a coroa, para não deixar passar quando Dezembro chegasse. Só há uns dias é que realmente meti mãos à obra, e inspirada pela coroa do livro, fiz finalmente, uma para a nossa casa. 

Querem saber como fiz a minha? Aqui vai... Comecei por cortar os ramos mais compridos da árvore com a ajuda de um alicate. Como já têm arame incluído, foi bastante fácil juntas vários ramos, formando uma coroa. Para isso, bastou-me ir enrolando uns nos outros. Poderia ter feito mais, mas os arames eram duros de roer e eu não tive paciência para mais. 

Depois, fui espreitar a minha caixa das fitas e tinha uma fita dourada que salvei há tempos de outra coisa qualquer - talvez alguma prenda que tenha recebido, e fiquei super feliz, por me aperceber que era suficiente, aliás, perfeita para a minha coroa. Fui enrolando À volta da coroa, procurando que ficasse uniforme. Dei um nó. Procurei mais um pouco e encontrei a fita vermelha, que tinha comprado para um outro projeto qualquer. Fiz um laço duplo e juntei-a à coroa, atando-a com uma fina linha (de coser) vermelha. Por fim, lembrei-me que tinha um saco cheio de pequenas pinhas que a minha rica filha apanhou o ano passado em casa da tia. Guardei-as porque, achei-as perfeitas para projetos de Natal. Como tinha comprado há pouco tinta dourada em spay, usei-a para as pinhas. Deixei secar durante a noite, mas penso que um par de horas é suficiente. 

Para finalizar a coroa, só tive que atar as pinhas à mesma. Mais uma vez, com a ajuda da linha vermelha, adicionei uma pinha de cada vez, cada uma delas,  a uma altura diferente. O marido sugeriu colar as pinhas na coroa, várias, mas assim pareceu-me mais clean, mais bonito e leve. 

E foi assim que, passados alguns anos, temos coroa na nossa porta, para receber quem nos vier visitar. A melhor parte foi ter ido buscar a miúda à escola e ver o seu entusiasmo e alegria quando viu a coroa "mamã, o pai natal passou aqui?". 

Se gostaram do nosso post, de certeza que também irão gostar dos posts que as minhas amigas têm preparados para vocês. Não se esqueçam de visitar os seus blogues, têm os links abaixo. A Sara, do blog Made by Sara, está a oferecer uma cópia do livro, por isso, se quiserem arriscar a vossa sorte corram até lá. 

Conversas de Hermanas

Fairies, Bubbles & Co

Made by Sara
Pequeno Mundo a 3
Rita Pirolita

S is for sewing 

[o livro encontra-se à venda em livrarias e hipermercados de Portugal, e online aqui]

Me and some friends (visit their links above!) are surprising Constança today, with a few projects inspired by her first book. It is all about crafts and home making. I was inspired by a wreath. It's been years since I wanted to make one myself, and this was just the perfect timing. However I didn't quite copy the book's, I just followed my own ideas. I saved an old faux Christmas tree from last year to make this. I think photos above are clear to understand how I made it, but here is goes. I cut the bigger branches from the tree, rolled them into each others and created the wreath. Then I just embellished it with things I already had at home. Golden ribbon all arounf, red ribbon for a dobble bow, and then I just spray painted a few pinecones, and attached them to the wreath with red sewing thread. Voila, it was done and ready to hang in our door. My daughter was so impressed with it. 

[the book is written in Portuguese but if you'd like to buy it and have it shipped internationally, you can do sohere]

The rest of my handmade gifts from this year

Due to my sickness, it wasn't easy for me to sit and sew more often. I had plans to do a few more gifts than I did, and better ones too, so I was happy that at least I did manage to make a few things in the past two weeks. I've already shown you a few of the handmades I made for Christmas, if you missed them, there's a link at the bottom for those posts. 

Today, I am sharing all of the other gifts I made too. 

For my daughter's carers I wanted to make something simple that would be useful for the three of them. I made kleenex purse pouches. It's been soooooooooo long since the last one. Like three years ago I made a bunch of them to sell! 

For a good friend, I had a fabric basket in hand. She's a great knitter and I wanted to make her a gift that would also be useful for her. I had in mind a basket with pockets for different things: scissors, needles, yarn, etc... my time ran short though, the sickness was too much and when I realised it was too late to make the basket - I actually wanted to make two: one for her and one for my mom. So, I didn't make the basket but I did something sorta similar, a roll, with slim pockets for the needles and two bigger ones for her to save any ongoing project or whatever she needs to save there. It rolls up and ties with a ribbon, if she needs to carry it anywhere. 

And the last minute gifts of the year were these two little ladies. They are the 12th and 13th dolls of a collection I have created exactly 3 years ago. Back then, I was wondering what to make for my bosses' daughters. They had pretty much everything... I made them two dolls, and I called them The Hearties. I designed them to have a heart shaped head and they are functional. Those first two dolls were suppoused to be used as a hairclip holder (in their long legs), when I made the next dolls I made a few changes and now they have clips in their hands, so elastics can be organised in the dolls too. I didn't make a Heartie doll for a longggggggggg time, so I was really pleased to see two more on daylight. again, they were made for two sisters, that's why they look so much alike. I always name my dolls after the girl's name - their future owners. You can check pictures of all the dolls HERE. 

Other gifts I made this Christmas:
- Toddler girl blazer 
- Bracelet for an adult
- Book cover and pencil case for a girl (drawing/painting set)
- Pencil Roll
- Two fabric (Pocoyo) memory games
I've also made two bag organizers, no pictures sorry.

Gifts for boys

When Christmas time comes, the hardest thing for me is to come up with gifts for boys and men. I never know what to get them, especially men. Boys are easier because I can always give them toys for their age, but men... why is that so hard? I usually like to think my gifts deep, I like them to be appropriate for the individual person, something that I'll know they will love or that they really need. 

For the last few years, I made edible gifts, liquors, cookies, chocolates, etc. This year though, I couldn't dedicate too much time to handmade gifts and so I bought all the men's presents. For our (hubby's & mine) fathers, and a brother-in-law who's a fishermen I bought very warm underpants. For the other two brothers-in-law, I got gloves for one (yeah... I really didn't know what to get him and besides, none of us gets along that well with him, this was just a gesture, so we wouldn't get there with our hands empty for him when bringing gifts for everyone else), and for the other one, who's like a real brother for me, I got a cheese book with a few cutting tools and a wood board. Hubby got a new camera. 

These are all the adult males I usually make or buy presents for. When it comes to boys, we only have a nephew, all the rest are girls. So, other than my cutest nephew, I only have two more boys, from friends that I like to make/buy gifts for. For my nephew and the older friend's boy I bought toys, but I wanted to make something handmade for the little one (he's 2), and I had the idea in my mind for quite a while. 

I made him a pocoyo memory game in fabric. I started by printing 8 pocoyo pictures in transfer paper, well, twice of each. Then all I had to do was ironing it to a white fabric and cut into squares, cut the same number of squares in a blue fabric and sew it all together. I actually made two of these games. The first wasn't this one, it was made for a secret friend game I played with some moms from a forum we're all in since I got pregnant with G. 

This is the first game I made:

I didn't like that the squares weren't perfect, so when I did the second, instead of sewing pocoyo front and blue fabric right sides together, then turning around and sewing the edges, I tried just putting both squares wrong sides together and sew them with a zig zag stitch. I personally liked this one better and it was made easier too. 

Another thing I made different from the first to the second was the acessory where to keep the game when it's not being used. For the first one, I made a drawstring bag, but for the second I made a zipper pouch, I think it will last longer than the first, and it will also keep the pieces safer inside. 

Now I might have to make a girly version of these for my own daughter. I think she'd love a memory game all for herself. I just have to decide, maybe ask for her help, and choose a character for her memory game. 

A gift for a 3 year old

I was finally able to sew the last couple of days. The sickness wasn't so heavy and I could finally sit and sew a few easy and quick items for Christmas. I did not make a lot, not as many handmades as I wanted, but I did make a few and I am so satisfied about it. I will be showing those little things through the next days. 

For my cousin's daughter I had something in mind for quite a while. She's 3 and the thing she loves the most is drawing. I planned this gift for her birthday back in November (4th), but I already had a puzzle for her for Christmas and ran out of time to sew what I actually had in mind, so I gave her the puzzle for her birthday and used my idea on her Christmas gift. 

sorry pictures taken on a grey day and a bad light

I bought a notebook and a color pencils box. I wanted blank sheets, but couldn't find a single one. I made a book cover for it, and a pencil case. You may recognise the fabric, I've used it a few times before and still have some left. I'm pretty sure little D. will appreciate her gift, can't wait to give it to her. 

A Bracelet for my big niece

When I wore the refashioned leather corset I made for Refashion Runway, I wore a purple and black bracelet with it. Can you remember? Maybe you didn't pay attention to that detail. Well, it doesn't matter much really, I just wanted to mention it, because I bought it like 4-5 years ago to a mom crafter that was going through some difficulties and I wanted to help. When I recieved it, I loved it more than I thought I would. But I am not a bracelet wearing kinda gal, and the same thing has been laying around. I wore it like twice so far. I've thought about gifting it away for a few days, it's new, but then again, I love it so and feel kinda attached to it.  

For a very long time, I've been considering reproducing it, my sister would love one and I guess most women do. This year, I haven't been able to sew much for Christmas, and going through some stuff I found my old beads. Hey, I haven't been able to sew but I guess beading is something I can do quietly, right? So I tried it. 

I realised I wouldn't have enough material - or similar - to reproduce my own bracelet, but I as always I took the challenge to work with what I had. And this is what came out... 

So, I made a bracelet. I just used what I had, and went creating a design as I was making it. I like it. I hope my big niece will like it too, I used a tulle bag I was given before, to put the bracelet in, and it's ready to go under the tree.

How are you doing with the homemade presents? Or are you just buying them? I'm half the way through my list and unfortunately I've been buying more than making this year.

Christmas Cards

Every year I forget to send my cards soon enough to all the people I'd like to. This year though, I want to be on time, I think I still am. I made cards to some special people and I just sent them today. Yes, I repeat! I made the cards... hahaha...

Have a look:

So, what do you think? 

Christmas Ornament Tradition

Last year was my daughter's first Christmas. Back then I decided every year I would add something handmade to our tree. Which is a small one, the same I had for a few years before her. No plans on buying a bigger one so soon. 

For now, I am the one making the handmade something, but I hope next year she'll be joining me on this task, I want to share this magic with her. 

Last year I used a fabric angel I had made a couple of years before, it's on top of our tree (this year too), so, instead of making something new last year, I didn't, I just used something I had done before. That's not fair, right? So, to compansate it, on a sleepless night I cut and sew a pair of trees. I used blue felt on the front, where I stitched a few stars on each, and on the back I used a beautiful cotton red fabric, shame I didn't take any picture of the back. 

When I filled it, I added a few drops of my favourite essential oil, so, besides being an ornament, it leaves a wonderful smell when we enter the room where our tree is. 

It Smells Like Christmas Already

Yes it does. And it feels good. 

A few weeks ago, I FINALLY finished my Tilda Santa Claus. I started it about a year ago now. I wanted it for my last Chritmas, but it wasn't possible to finish on time and then I just kep postponing. I would look at it and think: it's still a few months to Christmas, and there's this or that to do first. And it went like this for almost a year.

But it's September. It is that time of the year when I start thinking about Christmas and making deco items and gifts for my dearest ones. Somehow I am even more enthusiastic about creating seasonal items than I had been before, so here's a bit more of my finished Santa:

I can consider this a little refashion too, because I used an old red corset (I had made long ago) for the Tilda's clothes. And yes, I did cut a corset to make a doll's clothes if you're wondering. I didn't wear it for years because it's ziper broke... And I just new I wouldn't be fixing it so soon.