Crocheted Beanie . . . and my little model

I finally got some clips - so I could clip the flowers to some beanies that I want to sell.  I like them so much better when you can take the flower off and on - and also use the flower for a hair clip - or clip it on a headband.  Little girls and accessories . . . the possibilities are endless.

Charlotte gets the job of being the model for any baby beanies that I make . . . she doesn't seem to mind - but it is getting hard to get her to be still enough to take a picture.  My goal is to get some different items in my Etsy shop . . . So this is a start.

These make me laugh . . .

  I guess she didn't like the flash that the camera made.

Oh my . . . what a face!

I found the cutest book for Owen and Charlotte for Christmas.  It is called Tickle Monster

It came with these tickle monster gloves . . . which both my adult sons thought were the greatest things.  Here Luke is just wearing them . . . . 

. . . and Stella - she always makes me laugh!

The New Year is nearly upon us.  I'm not one to make resolutions . . . never really have been.  But looking at these pictures this morning make me think about it a little bit.  So here goes . . .

For 2013

Laugh more

Worry less (pray every day)

Create something every day

Volunteer (something I really need to make happen)

Read more

Take better care of myself (as in lose weight, drink more water, eat healthier, exercise, get enough rest . . . well maybe I won't get enough rest - I'm going to be too busy reading, volunteering, laughing, drinking water, and creating.)

Do you make New Years Resolutions?

“You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing.”   ~ Michael Pritchard

Dottie

Meet Dottie . . .

I'm still excited about her cute little glittery ruby slippers.

She comes with her own little dog charm and three green stones in her bag.  I have her listed on my Etsy shop - clarehelen 

I am enjoying making these dolls . . . but this one was especially fun to make.

 

Dottie is an adventurous little doll who likes to meet new people.  She makes friends wherever she goes and is willing to go out of her way to help them.  She is very proud of her sparkly red shoes - in fact she believes they are magic.  Her favorite color is green and she loves emeralds.  She carries three green stones in her bag that she picked up on one of her adventures . . . they remind her that if she ever goes looking for her heart’s desire – that she doesn’t have to look any further than her own backyard. 

Ruby Slippers . . .

I'm not quite done with her yet . . . but loving her glittery, ruby slippers.  I have to put some finishing touches on her before I list her for sale . . . and write her little bio.  I just got so excited about her glittery feet - that I had to take a picture.  I tend to get really excited about little things like this . . .

Lita & Christmas Charlotte

 

I finished up a couple of Shabby Charlotte dolls for gifts yesterday . . . They were fun to make since they were for the two special little girls in my life.  I made Lily's with ladybugs of course . . .

Her bag is full of little leaf buttons.  Each doll that I make has a story or bio that goes with it.  This is Lita's story. 

Lita is a smart little doll with a wonderful imagination.  (Her name means – the little winged one.)  She believes in fairies and loves lady bugs.  She is always on the lookout for them – because they bring her good luck.  She even carries a bunch of leaves in her bag because she heard that fairies and lady bugs like to hide in them. 

This one is Christmas Charlotte.  (the dolls that I am making for my granddaughter Charlotte will all be named after her.  Next comes Valentine Charlotte.)  I had a small scrap to this old fabric that I wanted to use.  I asked my mom - but she could not remember for sure, but I seem to remember a Christmas apron made out of this fabric when i was a little girl.  I don't know if it belonged to my mom or my grandma . . . I just know that this little scrap of fabric has been flying around for quite a few years.

Here's a close up of Christmas Charlotte and her little story.

 Christmas Charlotte is a sweet little doll that doesn’t even realize how cute she is. She makes everyone around her smile. She loves to look at Christmas lights and believes in angels. She even wears a bell around her neck because she knows . . . “that every time a bell rings, an angel gets it’s wings.”

Chtistmas Charlotte has the prettiest little eyelet slip to wear . . . 

I am hoping to use some of my vacation to get some dolls and hopefully some other items in my  Etsy shop..  I have a lot of ideas in my head anyway.  I started a doll this morning . . . that I hope to get finished tonight.  The idea for her has been floating around in my head for awhile.  This picture of my Christmas elf was taken last night . . . I imagine him being a little sad now that Christmas if over . . . just maybe he won't go back into the box this year. 

Merry Christmas

Tonight is one of those nights when all seems right in my world.  Not that everything is perfect and without problems . . . but the problems just seemed a little less important tonight when I looked around the table.  We had everyone together (less one - Sarah, I wish you could have been there.)  I caught myself just watching them and realizing how different they all are - yet how they all fit together as my family. 

Hold the people you love close to you, tell them that you love them, enjoy them . . .  

Merry Christmas to All - and to All a Goodnight!

New Shabby Charlotte Doll - Gillian

I finished up and listed a new doll in my Esty Shop tonight . . . clarehelen 

I love putting little slips underneath the skirts.  This slip happens to be some hand crocheted lace that my grandma made years ago. 

I try to give each one of my little dolls their own personality - which means a story that goes along with each one.  Meet Gillian . . .

Gillian is a bright little doll who tries to always look at the positive side of things.  She can be a little quiet at times, but she is really very friendly and loves to make new friends.  She carries a little bell in her pocket to remind her to smile . . . even when she might not feel like it.  Her favorite color is green and she likes to stay up late watching movies and drinking hot chocolate.

Elf at work . . .

Yesterday was my last day of work until the second week of January . . . I must say I love that part of my job.  One of my friends has told me about a job that would pay considerably more than I am making right now, but at this point I can't say that the extra money would motivate me to leave where I am.  I work with truly amazing people who are like family, every day I am surrounded by children who even on a bad day can bring a smile to my face, and then holiday and summer breaks . . . would the extra money be a good thing? . . . of course.  But for me - there are things that are more important . . .

So today is full of sewing . . . shopping . . . cleaning . . . baking . . . wrapping . . . listening to Christmas carols . . . staying up late . . .

It's that time of year!

all dressed up for Christmas . . .

I finished up this snow lady for my secret Santa.  She is all dressed up for the holidays. 

What I like most about her is this pink rose button that I used on her hat.  I wish I had a few more.

I also messed around with some beads last night.  I am not really sure why I got out beads when I have so many other things I need to get done - but it was fun.

I work with wonderful people.  This is one of our teachers that grows his beard out every year in order to dress up like Santa Claus.  He plays Santa for a get together our staff has each year for our children and grandchildren.  He makes an appearance at our Santa's workshop, and then today he spent most of the day going from room to room visiting all the younger kids - and then making an appearance at the multi cultural potluck that our first graders do each year.  I don't know who has more fun - the little kids or him.  One more day of work!!!!!

bless you!

Baking . . . shopping . . . sewing . . . and I finally watched It's A Wonderful Life.  I am trying to relax enjoy this holiday season and I seem to be succeeding.  I think I have learned to let go of some of the expectations that I set and just enjoy the little things that get lost when I try to do too much.  (I still try to do too much - but I am not letting it get the best of me.)  Life is short and fragile and can change in an instant . . . we have all been sadly reminded of that lately.  So - enjoy your family and friends . . . tell them that you love them . . . love yourself . . . be kind and patient and silly.  We hear this stuff all the time - but it is the important stuff. 

God Bless you and Merry Christmas!

Busy Little Elf . . .

I'm a few days behind on my elf pictures . . . just had other things on my mind and busy with things.

How wonderful is this Christmas Elf photo . . . Elf and Owen.  He is one sweet boy!

 . . . sitting with the Christmas Raggedys that my mom made for me years ago. 

 . . . and up on top of the fridge with all the snowmen.

I'm not sure what Dorothy and Scarecrow are pointing out to him.  : )

The little glass kittens that Elf is sitting next to were a present I received when I was five years old - when I had my tonsils out. 

A finaly picture of Elf tonight with another doll that I made.  This one is for a friend of mine to give to her daughter for a gift.

My favorite thing about her is her little bag that I made out of a baby sock. There is a little note tucked away inside of it.

I seem to be fighting something off today - and here I am staying up way too late.  Why do I do this?  It is off to bed . . . Goodnight!

Consider Yourself Tagged . . .

I saw this fun blog post on Rebel Blossom  - thought it would be fun to share.

 

1. FAVORITE WINTER NAIL POLISH: I usually do not wear nail polish on my fingernails - but will put something glittery on them for the holidays sometimes.  Toe nails - red.

2. FAVORITE WINTER LIP PRODUCT: I buy so many lip glosses and chapsticks.  It usually depends on the flavor  . . . I would have to say anything vanilla - or Burt's Bees

3. MOST WORN WINTER CLOTHING PIECE:  An over sized, cotton, very soft gray sweater.  I think I may have to wear that to work tomorrow.

4. MOST WORN WINTER ACCESSORY:  Scarves . . . ever since I cut my hair short - I have to keep my neck warm - plus they are just so much fun!

5. FAVORITE WINTER CANDLE: Vanilla or Sugar Cookie.  I also have a Scentsy Burner - I love the "Mysterious" Scent and burn that year round.

6. FAVORITE WINTER BEVERAGE:  Peppermint or Chai Tea . . . I think I need to go brew a cup.

7. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MOVIE:  "It's A Wonderful Life."  I watch it every year while I put out my decorations - except for this year because when I opened the case it contained a CD of spooky Halloween sounds.  (How does that happen?)  I did find it though and I have watched it a couple of times - and will probably watch a few more times.

8. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG:  Don't know if I can pick a favorite - I love them all.  Let's say this year it was Jingle Bells sung by the Jefferson Preschool class.  They were so cute!

9. FAVORITE HOLIDAY FOOD:  Cream Puffs - a recipe of my moms.

10. FAVORITE CHRISTMAS DECORATION:  A old set of NOEL angels that my mom passed on to me a couple of years ago.  I loved them when I was a little girl - and love the memories they bring back when I look at them now.

11. WHAT IS ON TOP OF YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST?  To be honest - I haven't really thought about what I might want. 

12. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAY THIS YEAR?:  This is our granddaughters first Christmas - which makes it special.  Our holidays have gotten quiet as our kids have gotten older.  This year we have some little ones who will visit - I am looking forward to what that means.

Instead of Tagging 5 friends, I encourage you to assume yourself tagged! It's a great way to get to know one another better....

 

Give Away @ ihanna

Having just opened my owned Etsy shop - clarehelen  - I think this books looks very interesting.  It is a December Giveaway at ihanna  (one of my favorite blogs).  Check out ihanna's blog - it is wonderful!

I am very excited to say that I sold my first item on Etsy.  Let me just say that I get excited very easily and about everything.  So I have to mention that my little Shabby Charlotte doll Marie and her bag of buttons shipped out to a new home in Iowa yesterday!!!

 

Zombie Makeover

I'm finding uses for my mushroom containers . . . perfect for buttons, needles, and other things that need a place to wait when I am working on something. 

I did a makeover on the first zombie doll that I made.  I wasn't really happy with her - the eyes were too high, I didn't like the mouth.  I like this a little better.

Not your typical Christmas Elf companions . . . but they are friendly little zombies. 

Good day - Monday

 

My little elf found his way back into his bowl high on his shelf tonight.  We went to Lily's Christmas program tonight.  Always cute to watch the Preschoolers and Kindergartners perform.  They look sort of unsure when the curtain first opens, but once they spot some familiar faces in the audience - the fun begins.  They did a wonderful job!  "Five Little Snowmen Fat" and "Jingle Bells" . . . I can't help but get tears in my eyes watching them. 

Here's a second little zombie doll that I finished tonight . . . (I believe he is sold already.)  Whenever I think of zombie names . . . simple - or rather common names come to mind.  I don't know why, but when I asked a couple of people for name suggestions - they said the same thing . . . Greg?  Bill?  I will have to think about that a bit more.  : )

Busy day tomorrow . . . busy couple of weeks ahead.  It has been a good day!

 

We have no right to ask when sorrow comes, "Why did this happen to me?" unless we ask the same question for every moment of happiness that comes our way.

                                                        ~Author Unknown

Happy Birthday to a great boss!

My boss is a good sport and protected from alien mind probe . . . but I think he may be thinking up ways to get us back.  I love the people I work with!

 

Elves can be mischievous . . .

My little elf got in on an office prank today . . . mischievous - don't  you think?

A couple of my coworkers and myself decided our boss needed a birthday surprise.  He will walk into this tomorrow morning. 

It really didn't take us very long . . .

We aren't quite sure what his reaction will be. 

I'm usually at work before he his . . . it will be hard to keep a straight face when he walks past my desk in the morning.  It won't be hard for him to figure out who is responsible.  It should be a fun way to start the week.