Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

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Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas decor, Christmas Ornament, Christmas party, Christmas tradition, classic Christmas, craft, happy holidays, holiday craft, holiday ornament, holiday tradition, mistletoe, Ornament, Xmas craft, Xmas ornaments, XMas party

Mistletoe Craft or Ornament
I love to hang mistletoe in my home… any excuse to kiss Hubster is good. 😉 Okay, so I don’t need an excuse, but I think it’s a cute festive decoration.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

 

I started with three fuzzy green pipe cleaners and bent them in half to create the “stems”. Then, tied a long piece of burgundy ribbon around the middle of the pipe cleaners to create the hanging piece. I took a smaller piece of burgundy ribbon and tied it lower of the stems, to create a “bunch”. I cut heart-shaped leaves out of green fleece, cutting down the middle of the heart, but not through the base of the heart. Next, I staggered and glued two hearts upside-down on each pipe cleaner. Then I glued 5 white pearls at the bottoms of each stem to create “berries”. I carefully arranged each stem into place, spreading out each branch.

Mistletoe Bunch

 

Then it was time to hang it over my head and see it Hubster got the hint… which was a pretty big deal since it was during yesterday’s football game. Then I hung it in the doorway leading into the living room.

What classic Christmas tradition do you love?

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Twelfth Day of Christmas – Espresso Jar Candle

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12 Days of Christmas, 12th day of Christmas, beverage, candle, candle making, Christmas cheer, Christmas decor, Christmas gift, Christmas party, Christmas present, Christmas tradition, coffee, door prizes, espresso, gift, gift giving, gift in a jar, handmade, holiday craft, holiday party, home decor, homemade, hostess gift, hot beverages, house warming, house warming gift, jar candle, jar craft, party favors, present, scented candle, twelfth day of Christmas, twelve days of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Espresso Jar Candle, Gingerbread Man Ornaments, Fleece Blankets, Bottle Cap Magnets, Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

Today’s post is very late, due to an earlier science experiment that went wrong and resulted in a few small burns on my hand… Ouch!.. The first brand of wax dye I tried was not very good and caused the wax to bubble and splatter out of the pot, which caused me to spill the candle fragrance on the counter. I’ve made dozens of candles before and I felt like a clueless newbie. I’ll be contacting the wax dye company tomorrow.

It took a while for me to start the second batch, this time I only added fragrance. I also had gloves on this time. Also, I didn’t wait for the wax to set before photographing… once the jar cools, I’ll clean up the outside where I spilled some wax. I’ll update with a better photo once the candle is cleaned up and I have some natural light to photograph.

Espresso Jar Candle

 

These Espresso Jar Candles are so cute and easy to make. These candles make a great Christmas present, housewarming present, hostess gift, party favors of door prizes! Coffee lovers beware! Do not attempt to drink this!

How To:
Use clear drying craft glue to attach coffee beans to the inside of the jar, in a pattern you like. I covered the bottom of the sides with coffee beans and glued a few randomly up the sides. Center candle wick in middle of jar, and glue base down. Allow all glue to dry completely (it took three hours for all traces of my glue to disappear). Cut wax into small pieces and heat over medium heat until all melted. Keep still until candle is set. Tie a piece of holiday ribbon around the neck of the jar and attach a gift tag.

Approx. Cost
Airtight glass jar = $1, large block of wax = $7.50, small bag of whole coffee beans = $1, package of candle wicks = $1, craft glue = $1 a bottle, bottle of candle fragrance = $1, bottle of wax dye = $1    Such a cute gift for about $3.25 a candle

This post wraps up 2010’s 12 Days of Christmas countdown, I hope you saw a few ideas that you can use, or inspired you to create something else! Happy Holiday season everyone!!!

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

Eleventh Day of Christmas – Gingerbread Man Ornament

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11th day of Christmas, 12 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas craft, Christmas Ornament, Christmas present, Christmas tree, craft, easy craft, eleventh day of Christmas, embroidery, funny ornament, gingerbread man, handmade, handmade gift, handmade ornament, happy holidays, holiday craft, holiday ornament, holiday season, holiday spirit, holiday tradition, homemade, homemade gift, homemade ornament, kid craft, party favor, present, simple craft, twelve days of Christmas, whimsical ornament, Xmas present

On the eleventh day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Gingerbread Man Ornaments, Fleece Blankets, Bottle Cap Magnets, Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

This morning’s post is a little late… 12 hours too late. I thought this would be a cute whimsical ornament to add to our Christmas tree, a half eaten gingerbread man. Pumpkin designed one and started to put it together then gave up, I designed and assembled the other before helping him finish his. Most of the materials we have left over from other crafts. I didn’t have red button, so we painted them. I only spent 50¢ additional for the two squares of felt.

Gingerbread Man Ornaments

 

How To:
Using a large gingerbread cookie cutter, trace the shape twice on tan or brown felt. Decide where you want him “bitten” and draw teeth marks. Cut out gingerbread men. Cut out eyes from felt or fleece and arrange on face, place red button where you want the mouth. If you’re happy with the layout, glue eyes and mouth on face. Using black embroidery thread, stitch eyebrows above the eyes. Use white shimmery embroidery thread to stitch buttons to chest, making “peppermints”. Glue ribbon to inside of back piece. Place two sides together and stitch around the gingerbread man to create “frosting”, skipping where there are bite marks. Stuff the gingerbread man with fiber fill. Use hot glue gun to close gingerbread man at the bite marks. Sit back and admire your gingerbread man… and try not to eat.

Whimsical Gingerbread Ornament

 

Approx. Cost:
Felt square = 25¢ , spool of ribbon = $1, fiber fill = $, bag of glue sticks = $2, package of buttons = $1, small package of embroidery thread = 25¢    Each ornament costs about 40¢

Gingerbread Man Ornament

 

Can you guess who made which gingerbread man?

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

 

Tenth Day of Christmas – Fleece Blankets

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10th day of Christmas, 12 Days of Christmas, bedding, blanket, Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas craft, Christmas gift, Christmas present, days of Christmas, fleece, fleece blanket, fringe blanket, gift, gift giving, holiday craft, Holidays, kids craft, no sew, no sew blanket, present, tenth day of Christmas, twelve days of Christmas, XMas, Xmas present

On the tenth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Fleece Blankets, Bottle Cap Magnets, Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

Almost everyone in the crafting world (even those who only lightly dabble) has made a fleece blanket at one time. About 5 years ago, the no-sew fleece blankets with the tied fringe became popular; it’s easy to understand why… Only cut and tie and you’re finished. It’s an easy child’s craft! Of course with babies, most people like to add stain blanket binding or crochet a fancy border. A few years back, my MIL made one for Hubster & I, one for Pumpkin and one for every other member of the family. My nephews have outgrown their baby blankets and are ready for blankets of their own. For all the projects below you will need two pieces of fleece, 2 yards each. I like using a print fleece on one side and a solid print on the other. You could also make yours with two different prints, two different solid colors, the same print or the same solid color.

No Fringe How To:
I use this method if the blanket is to be part of the bedding. Place wrong sides of fabric together. Stitch around the edges leaving 1/4″ inseam, leave a 10″ on the last side. trim excess from corners. Turn blanket right side out. Blind stitch the opening closed. To create edging, stitch around the outside of the blanket about 2″ in from the edge. 

Dinosaur No Fringe Fleece Blanket

 

No Sew How To:
I prefer to use this method for throws. Place right sides of the blankets together. Cut a 4″ square off of each corner. Cut 1″ wide strips, 4″ deep into the fleece on all four sides. Tie opposite piece of fringe together. Tie all the corners first, then evenly tie all sides. 

Rock & Roll No-Sew Fleece Blanket

Hybrid Blanket How To:
If you like the fringe look, this is great, because you don’t have the fringe tickling your neck all night. There’s no fringe on top, only sides and bottom. Lay right sides together, cut 4″ square on bottom two corners only. Cut 1″ wide strips, 4″ deep into the fleece on only three sides, leave top uncut. Place wrong sides together and stitch top together, starting 4″ in from the sides. Turn blanket right side out and begin tying the sides together.

Approx. Cost:
Both projects coast the same, except the no fringe has the added cost of thread. Solid fleece = $3 yard, Print fleece = $7 a yard. Blankets could range from $12 – $28 depending on the colors and prints you select. I’m sure you can find fleece cheaper if you shop around or during the summer.

If you’re feeling extra crafty or extra generous, get another yard or two and make a few matching or contrasting throw pillows. Use the same directions for the blanket, just add filling!

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

Eighth Day of Christmas – Fleece Sphere Ornament

Tags

12 Days of Christmas, 8th day of Christmas, Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas craft, Christmas gift, Christmas ornaments, Christmas party, Christmas tradition, Christmas tree, classic Christmas, craft, crafting, eighth day of Christmas, holiday craft, holiday ornaments, Holidays, Ornament, party favors, twelve days, XMas, Xmas craft, Xmas ornaments

On the eighth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

I saw this post in early November and thought it would make a cute Christmas craft, it is especially easy for kids to help make. Attach to present gift tags, hang from the windows or pass out as party favors!

Fleece Sphere Ornament

How to:
Follow Zakka Life’s directions. I used regular thread doubled instead of embroidery thread. Each place I stitched together I attached a shimmery pearl for a little kick.

Approx. Cost:
1 fleece square = 50¢ (or 1 square of felt = 25¢), 1 small package of beads or pearls = $2, 1 small spool of ribbon = $1, thread = left over from previous projects   Each fleece sphere ornament can be made for about 65¢, 40¢ for felt ornaments

For the next green sphere I make, I’ll use silver pearls or beads instead of the white… (mine resembles a tiny cactus). The white pearls would look good with the red fleece sphere.

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

Seventh Day of Christmas – Button Wreath Ornament

Tags

12 Days of Christmas, 7th day of Christmas, Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas craft, Christmas Ornament, Christmas tree, classic Christmas, holiday craft, holiday traditions, holiday wreath, Holidays, kids craft, Ornament, ornament craft, party favor, seventh day of Christmas, twelve days of Christmas, XMas, XMas ornament, XMas party

On the seventh day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

I remember all the Christmas ornaments that we hung on our Christmas tree that my great-grandfather had made; small and simple, yet very detailed . I remember a button wreath and think that’s one of the ones he made. Part of my name comes from him and I thought it an appropriate way to honor him would be to make a few button wreaths for our tree.

Button Wreath Ornament

How To:
Cut a piece of floral wire to desired length. Begin to string buttons in random order, leaving 1/2″ of wire on both ends. Twist together ends and reshape wreath into circle if needed. Cut ribbon and tie overtop of exposed wire. Tie ribbon into bow and shape. Cut ends of ribbon at an angle and if needed dab on clear nail polish or fray check.

Approx. Cost:
floral wire = $2, 3 packages of buttons = $1 each, spool of ribbon = $1. About 75¢ each wreath.

This ornament is a great Christmas craft for kids. These wreath ornaments are perfect to attach to gift tags or slip it over the neck of a gift wine bottle. Pass out as party favors or have your child pass them out to classmates in lieu of cards.

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

Sixth Day of Christmas – Christmas Mouse Cat Toy

Tags

12 Days of Christmas, 6th day of Christmas, animal lover, cat, cat lover, cat toy, Christmas, Christmas mouse, craft, crafting, fleece mouse, gift, gift giving, gift idea, handmade, handmade cat toy, holiday craft, Holidays, homemade, homemade cat toy, homemade pet toy, kitten, pet, pet gift, pet toy, present, sixth day of Christmas, toy mouse, twelve days of Christmas, XMas

On the sixth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

Rory has been so involved with my Christmas Crafting, he even ran off with my crocheted fan bookmark the other day. I decided it was time to make him an early Christmas present. I recently read somewhere that 70% of pet owners give their pets presents for the Holidays. I have a playful cat who loves to play with my hair ties, but ignore cat toys I bring home from the store. I decided to make him a Christmas Mouse Toy… red and green of course. He must have known it was for him because he ran off with it before I could even photograph it. Two hours later, he’s still playing with his newest prey.

Rory ❤ 's his Christmas Mouse

How To:
Cut two sides out of red fleece. Cut base and two ears from green fleece. Using embroidery thread make a large knot to make an eye, stitch it to red fleece, repeat with other side. Fold bottom of green ears and stitch in place on red fleece sides. With wrong sides together, uses a sewing machine to stitch the top of the sides together. Attach base to the bottom of the sides by stitching around the base, leave an 1″ hole. Turn mouse right side out. Fill 1/3 full with fiberfil, place metal bell in middle of fiberfil and stuff until 2/3 full. Sprinkle in some cat nip and finish stuffing. Stitch hole closed and let your cat admire or hunt his/her new toy.

Christmas Mouse Cat Toy Pattern

Approx. Cost
1 package of 25 metal bells = $1, 2 squares of fleece = $1, bag of fiberfil = $2, small pack of embroidery thread = 25¢, catnip = free from my dad’s garden, thread & needle I had on hand  Make a Christmas Mouse Cat Toy for about 53¢ each.

Last year, Belle made dog treats for all her doggie cousins and friends… maybe this year Rory will find time to make some of these for his cat cousins and friends.

After Hours of Playing, Rory's Finally Tuckered Out

 

 

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…