Baby it's cold outside!! And a freebie!

The last few days, it has been between -35C and -52C at my house. I'm so not even kidding! See?! I think my lens even fogged up as it was so cold outside!! This was this morning. I still packed up the kids, and off to pre-school we went to drop Chase off! Unless the school is closed, we go!! That's life in Northern Alberta for ya!! lol.

Anyways, I got out this weekend to get some shopping done, so I'm pretty much all set there except for my hubby, who I hope to finish off this week. Other than that, Christmas can come if it wants to!! I've got the perogies, cabbage rolls and meat pies in the freezer, so all is well. I even had a little time today to do some crafting, I decided to make Chase this really simple polar fleece neck warmer...only it turned out to be not so simple...for me!! (And if any of my crafty friends are reading this and can tell me what the heck I'm doing wrong, please step in, as I spent two hours picking stitches out, because I keep trying different ways to sew it together! This is how it starts out, and how I would like it to look, green around the one side, and the camo on the other. So the inside is one color, and the outside is another. I wanted to make sure all the seams ended up on the inside, so I sewed the ends of the green together, and I sewed the ends of the camo together, and slipped one inside the other and sewed the tube at the top and bottom, leaving a space for turning. But...When I turned it, this is what it looked like!! A narrow tube not large enough to fit over Chase's head!! And the colors aren't where they are supposed to be either, and there is a seam right in the middle!! AURGH! I totally took these pictures thinking I was going to post a cute little tutorial on how to do this, then realized I couldn't even figure it out myself. I'm totally going to email my pal Ashley at Make it and Love it and see if she can tell me how to do this!!! Seriously, such a simple concept and I have buggered it up beyond the point of it being worth it! I just want to go buy one for $8 and say forget it! lol. Ashley, help a girl out, won't you? Look, I'm pathetic. lol.In other news, Cheri at Dream Big Designs has a freebie collab kit on her blog this week, so cyber run over there and check it out! The bright colors are so much fun.Here is my layout, you may not be able to read the journalling, but it just talks about what a sassy little girl my daughter is becoming!! Also, the girls at Scrap that Idea have a great shopping incentive, or deal, or whatever you want to call it! Check this out:

Isn't that great? You get to give and receive at the same time, what could be better than that? Not much if you ask me. Thanks for hanging out with me today, if you're in a warmer climate, please send some sunshine and warmth our way!! (It's supposed to be only -3C by Friday, isn't that crazy!!)

Giveaway Day three!! And some crafty business

I am so glad Halloween is over!! Well, more so that the pumpkins are gone lol. I spent twelve hours yesterday in the kitchen doing this to my pumpkins (I had six)!!I made this delicious Citrus Pumpkin Butter out of my Bernardin canning book. I made it a couple of years ago and got rave reviews so I thought I would make it again. All the relatives I can't afford to buy gifts for are getting pumpkin butter instead!!! I'll dress up these jars a bit of course. Then I took the seeds and did this with them:I used a recipe I found on the daily digi. It is the best seed recipe I've found so far, my husband even likes it! They end up tasting candied, with pumpkin spice. So yummy. And here is Chase in his Halloween outfit, he was Flash. Every year he's been a superhero, and the masks never fit, he ends up peeking out at me with one eye. hehe. And here is Rayna as the cutest little ladybug ever. I also made these cute Halloween bags using the pattern I found here. For this one I used my scrap booking program to make an H the size I needed, and printed it off and used it as a template. I cut out the H on the fabric as well as the fusible webbing, and once I had ironed it in place I just stitched around the H before I sewed the pockets onto the bag.I seriously wonder though if one of those bias tape makers would be handy, as I made these straps by hand, and all that folding and ironing takes some time.This one I just used patterned fabric, and used jumbo ric rac for the straps. Much easier, but the pocket came undone after they used it, so next time I would stitch the pockets on first, then add the ric rac after, instead of sewing it all at once like in the pattern. With the ric rac it's hard to tell if you're catching the edge of the material or not.Then I used Modge Podge and tissue to make this cute little pumpkin, like the tutorial I found here or the one here. I used a baby jar instead of a full size jar, and a pipe cleaner for the top instead of painting it, and thought what an appropriate place to put some suckers! I think this would also look cute as a tea light holder, and the light would shine really neatly through the tissue. I'm gonna make a Santa and snowman version too I think. The only thing I noticed was that there was some black stamping printed on the glass of the jar that didn't wash off, and I never noticed it, and it showed through the tissue paper after it dried. Woops. And our pumpkin looks slightly like a pirate, thanks to the black foamy stick on "x" I used for his mouth lol.So that's what I've been up to the last few days. I actually did some crafty stuff!! Ok, and now, what you've all been waiting for! Today's giveaway is a free kit from Stacey's Scraps! All you have to do is visit her store, and leave a comment on this post to let me know which kit is your favorite. And yes, I know it's hard to pick just one!! The winner will be chosen at random next Monday, November 9, 2009. Thanks to Stacey for sponsoring today's giveaway, and as always happy scrapping!! (And make sure you check the posts below for the other giveaways!!)
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No More Apologies

Okay, first off, I just want to say I'm not going to apologize for not being "crafty" anymore. I am so into digi-scrapping right now that unfortunately for anyone that started following me because I was crafty, most of my posts will consist of digi-scrapping or related topics. I was toying with the idea of starting a new blog for these posts but I have decided against it. My blog has always been about what I was into at the moment, whether that be crocheting, quilting, reading or scrap booking. So while I know that it wasn't necessary that I apologize in the first place, I am now going to stop!! I know that with Christmas coming up there will be many crafty posts, especially with me starting my day home. Oh, did I forget to mention that?? Ummm yeah, this year while I was on maternity leave, the company I was working for kind of went under, so I was left jobless. I started applying for jobs, similar to the one I had and only had two calls back. I think I have a great resume (and the one lady told me so, but that she almost didn't call me as I was overqualified) and was surprised at the lack of response. Plus the rate of pay they did offer me was $6 less per hour than what I was making previously, and I have two kids to put in daycare... it wasn't even enough to barely pay the daycare. Also, with the irregular hours my husband works, I have to have someone lined up to watch my kids, and most day homes don't do weekends, so I was limited in the hours of work I was available for as well. So I decided to be the day home instead, and I'm still getting started, have done lots of interviews with families and currently have a wonderful little 1 year old girl coming to see us every day. Chase loves her, Rayna not so much!! Lol. Jealousy at any age is not becoming hehe. So I will be sure to post a lot of more kid-oriented crafts, like the ones I found in these books: (click on the image to be directed to the website)They are so great, things like how to make finger paint using flour salt and food coloring (and a couple other household ingredients!!) I'm excited to get a couple older kids so we can start doing some of the fun stuff!!

That being said, I am so excited that I made it onto the Creative Team for Scrap That Idea!! I got started in the weirdest way...I was originally a paper scrapper, and am interested in many crafts. I was searching for a way to do a rag quilt, and then I started searching for material, pre-cut flannel squares to use. I came across Quilt Taffy on ebay. They have a giveaway every Thursday, but you have to leave a comment to enter, so I started a blogger account to leave a comment. Then I decided I needed a place to spew forth all my mental garbage, so I started this blog. Then, I found Vicki's blog. I'm not sure how I stumbled across it, but I know I found her before I found any of the other scrapping blogs I follow now! She had all these freebie kits posted, and I couldn't believe she was just giving them away!! She also had a blinkie "Digi-Free Found ME!" and I kept seeing it on several blogs, so (duh) I finally clicked on it to see what it was. Freebie search site, that lists all the freebies posted on blogs!! I was in heaven. I had just purchased the Storybook Creator Program from Creative Memories, but all the content (paper and stickers etc) were like $8 a package. I was in my glory, finding all those freebies, and my digital obsession began!! I have been doing digital scrapping ever since, and through Vicki's blog, I also found the other girls from the Scrap that Idea design team, Mel, Stacey, and Sara. They are very talented designers, and I've been following them for the last year!! (And not in a scary blog-stalker kind of way hehe) So when I saw they were looking for a CT for the store, I jumped at the chance! I honestly didn't think anything would come of it, as I have applied for several CT's previously and haven't always made the cut, so I was stunned when I got the message that I made it! I feel honored and terrified!! What if I suck? What if my layouts suck? Hmmm. I hope I'm not terrible. I hope I always have just the right photo, and inspiration strikes me with every kit I get to play with! Click on the Scrap that Idea banner to visit the store and check out all the great designs!!! Also, Oopsie Daisy closed down one of her stores, so my position on her CT was short lived, however if you visit her blog (click on her blinkie in my sidebar) she just posted that she will still be selling her designs on another site.

I also finished reading my latest book, The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews, click HERE to visit my book review blog to hear all about it! I also re-read Twilight and New Moon. I'm already hoping that they didn't add a whole bunch of stuff to New Moon, as from the latest preview, it looks like they have added some action to the last scenes, as Edward is never slammed on the ground by any of the Volturi. Actually, the only Volturi to touch any of them is Aro, and that is only so he can "see". I know they have to edit it some to make it good for the guys (but who gives a crap about them!? haha) by adding action and removing some scenes for time etc. I just really hate when they add in things that were totally not in the book. Such as the scene in Twilight where they ride the bus for that field trip...WTH?? So not in the book. And then they cut the biology scene where Bella is passing out because she can smell the blood when they are blood typing, and Edward carries her to the nurse... I'm such a hopeless addict. I am in the middle of Eclipse now. I seriously thought that the second time around would be different, that I wouldn't get so sucked in, but it's not, and I am. I haven't been on the computer much, mainly due to the fact that my days are a little busier with the day home, and that my evenings are being spent with the Cullens. I ♥ the Cullens.

And one more little update, my daughter turned one on September 15th. I can't believe it. So crazy that my little baby has turned one. I'm sure I'll be scrapping it soon, so you'll get to see some photos sometime!!

I also want to say thank you to every one of you that takes the time to comment on any of my posts, whether it be a thank you for a quick page, a comment letting me know the links aren't working, or just a random comment on my mental garbage spewing. It seriously makes my day knowing that someone takes the time to read what I have to say, and thinks enough about it to leave a comment. So thanks for visiting my blog, have a great day!!

Crafty Bug

Well, the crafty bug done gone and bit me!! Where's my after-bite?? hehe. SO I seriously got the itch to start sewing today, and that led to other crafty material things...I got a few little things done today. First thing, was a an external hard drive case for my sister in law. I made myself one and she liked it and asked me to make her one, so I did! And to be honest I think I did a better job this time than I did on my own! Plus I finally tried out stipple quilting...not too sure about that yet, I know I need lots of practice! So I started out with a material for front and back 15"x8" plus a thin needle punch batting. I put them right sides together with the batting on the bottom, trimmed the corners for my flap with my triangle thingy (I'm all about proper terminology), then sewed around leaving an opening for turning.

I tried my darning foot or hopping foot or whatever the heck that thing is called. (Again, proper terminology). The first try it didn't work (I thought I had it on wrong then realized that I just didn't put the presser foot lever down - duh!) So I ripped it out and tried again.

I did some loop-de-loos and even tried to make a couple hearts.

The front looks OK, for my first try I thought, but something about the way the stitches look on the back bugs me. I found it really hard to keep my stitch length even, since this is free hand, and I'm not sure if that's why the back stitches look that way? I tried adjusting my tension but it only helped a little bit. Any ideas or suggestions? Can you see the stitching? I don't even know if I got a close enough shot of it for you.

Anyways, then I added a couple pieces of velcro to one end where the flap will close over.

Then I folded it in half, to the point where the flap will bend over the top. (Right sides together). I sewed a seam up each side. Then I top stitched around the opening and flap, to give it a nice finished look. I wanted a separate compartment for the cord and for the hard drive, so I used masking tape to give me a nice line to follow (I'm all about using the right tools. hehe. My fabric pen wasn't really showing up on this fabric.) I straight stitched a line from the top of the pouch to the bottom.

I added the other two velcro pieces to the flap to finish off the closure.

And its done!

Ready to go scrapbooking.

Next have I ever mentioned that I love panels?? No?? Well, let me tell you, I love panels. They're the next best thing since sliced bread. Seriously. I went to the fabric store today to get some backing material and Chase came with me and once he got hold of this spongebob material, I couldn't pry it from his grubby little hands! He originally spotted some spongebob patterned cotton, and wanted me to make him a spongebob blanket. This kid has enough blankets to warm half of Alberta. I'm not even kidding, it annoys my husband to no end. So I convinced him to get this little pillow panel instead.

I purchased a little red zipper and a pillow form as well. And let me tell you, that zipper wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, even with a zipper foot. (I mean really, does there HAVE to be a separate foot for every single thing? C'mon.) I probably didn't sew it on the way most people do. The hardest part for me was getting around the zipper pull. Knobby little thing. I attached it to one side of the panel first, then flipped it over and attached it to the other side.

Then I sewed around the other three edges, pillowcase style, making sure to run over the tails of my zipper at the beginning and end.

Flipped it inside out, and voila! Pillow is done, 4 year old is happy, and I got to be crafty. Everybody wins. I think the zipper turned out pretty well.

Finished spongebob pillow. Chase slept with it tonight, and that always makes me feel great when he loves something I made for him.

The last thing I made tonight is something I have been meaning to make since I first saw the tutorial HERE on Ashley's blog. Her button is also on the side of my blog if you ever need to click over there! She has so many cool tutorials for handy things around the house, and done in a way that is cost effective too! Rayna has quite a bundle of little barrettes already, and I mean little barrettes, I'm lucky if they're an inch long. They always end up on the bathroom counter after her bath and I am constantly trying to round them up so I don't lose them. This was the perfect solution! I picked up the frames at Zellers, 3-5x7 frames for $5!!

I had quite a bit of Modge Podge on my hands by the time I was done, and I wrecked half of a fat quarter as I measured incorrectly the first time for my frame, but I'm so happy with the end result! I also added some little purple silk flowers on the corner just to dress it up a little bit. I hung it in the bathroom between the mirror and the bathroom cabinet. It fit perfect! I also managed to cover up a scrape in the drywall as the old metal bathroom stand we had, had a screw sticking out of the back that rubbed a hole in the drywall because the stand wasn't bolted to anything. So I killed two birds with one stone. (Well, no, not really, I love birds!) Please don't mind my mismatched towels, I can't help it if Chase loves Batman lol.

Okay, well that's all folks! Thanks for reading, and if you have any tips for my stipple quilting, I would ♥ to hear them!

MMMMMarmalade

So I made marmalade today.

Doesn't it look yummy boiling in the pot?

I have never actually eaten marmalade, and the tastes that I got out of this batch makes me think my oranges were not very sweet... but I'm giving it away as gifts to family so I hope it's not disgusting lol. I scrapbooked tags to attach to the jars as well as wrapping them in cellophane or covering them with material scraps trimmed up all pretty.

Tomorrow is perogie day at my sister's house. My mom and I are going to go over and help make a big batch for Christmas dinner, which is being held at my sister's house this year. This helps me out as well, as I am going to scam about two dozen to freeze and take to my in-laws dinner. One less thing for me to have to do at home on my own :)

I finished scrapbooking all my Christmas cards and got them organized to send out today, along with my daughter's birth announcements and thank you cards. I still haven't started my table runner. I have a little quicky pattern I want to make for my mother in law as well as a gift, so I think I will be doing a little sewing this weekend. My son Chase helped me make the countdown calendar above, and I use it as a way to explain to him how much longer til Santa comes. He gets a "kiss" every day and when they're all gone, then Santa comes. He loves it. And every day when I log on here, I notice my Christmas countdown, and realize time is slipping away and if I want to have my gifts done I have to prioritize them!! Hopefully I will get it all done, I'm feeling like Miss Molly Homemaker lately with all the crafting and cooking I've been doing in preparation for the holidays! We made sour cabbage rolls yesterday... I think this is the reason God made Christmas only come once a year!