Monogram Placemat Purse

Here is one last purse I found in my photo stash. I think I may make a few of these to sell in the etsy shop!

Heather's Handmade Holiday in Review

So, my all-handmade holiday didn't really happen.  I think I committed to it too closely to Christmas to make it a real possibility.  If I had been on vacation for another 3 or 4 weeks before Christmas, maybe it would've been realistic.  However, since I also work full time, have a husband with a long commute, and an adorable, but sometimes needy toddler, this didn't really work out very well.  Oh well.  I'm not too disappointed.  I'm one of those people who won't get a lot accomplished if I don't have REALLY BIG GOALS!  I figure I'll try again next year and plan ahead a little more.  It can only get better and easier, right? 

I did get a lot done though.  I've posted most of it, but here's a few more things I managed to finish before the recipients' Christmas celebration!  Here are some two shirts I made for my cousin's children, Katie and Ethan.  They are both 4.  Both finished shirts cost less than $10.  (The teal and celery polka dot fabric was actually a flannel receiving blanket that I had used with Holden, but it got a stain on it I couldn't get out...so I upcycled it into my fabric bin - YEAH!)

I cut the letters out of the iron-on type adhesive and cut the fabric a bit larger.  Then I ironed them on and used 4 strands of a coordinating thread to sew around the edge of the letter.  When they are washed, they will fray a bit more around the edge.  I used the Pea Mee-Mee font from Kevin and Amanda's Pea Fonts.  I LOVE their handwriting fonts.  I did tweak the e a bit, since I didn't think it would look as nice with some of the "hooks" on it.  This is the same font I used on the Santa Plates I made this year.  Super Fun!  I've considered having my own handwriting made into a font, since I do like my handwriting if I take my time (but rarely do).  I've just never actually taken the plunge.  Maybe I'll put that on my New Year's list.  It would be really cool for journaling and scrapbooking!

Anyway, I added some fun red and green juice boxes to the kids' shirts for Christmas.  This was kind of an after thought to the actual gifts.  Like, you see juice boxes (LOTS of them) and think, why did I buy so many juice boxes?  My son only drinks 1/2 a juice box a day at the most.  Hey those are red and those are green...Christmas present?  Yeah, I'm kind of ADD sometimes!  Anyway, I had Holden color with red and green markers onto some packing paper that came between my junk plates (that I bought for next year's Santa plates) and wrapped them up.  I thought they turned out pretty cute.

And, last but not least, I made these bear mugs for my Dad.  His house is very lodge-y so they'll fell right at home.  I got the mugs for $2.50 each at Wal-Mart.  I think I will fill them all with something different when I give them to him...maybe hot cocoa mix in one, toffee cracker cookies in another, oreo truffles in another and chocolate covered pretzels in the last one...all in cello bags, of course!  I might even make some for my brother down the road as he loves Bear Bows.  As in a bow-and-arrow type bow.  We grew up in the country, k? 

Sorry about the picture quality...on top of not being a good photographer in general, I am REALLY not good at taking pictures of etched glass.  I promise to all of you that taking better pictures is on my list too :)  I might even take a class?!?  Any recommendations?  Online vs. Community College?  Lansing, Michigan area?  Doesn't take up too much family time?

Anyway, now that the holidays are nearly over, I'm hoping to get everything at my house organized, cleaned up and cleared out.  Well, I don't actually want to clear everything out...but I definitely want to get rid of some stuff we haven't used in a while.  I'm hoping that 2010 is going to be the best year yet!  Hope it will be for all of us :)

-Heather

PS - I'm linking up to the Penny Pinching Party over at the Thrifty Home!  Go check it out and stretch your dollars :) 

Glittery and Monogrammed Gifts

These I made using a few simple supplies: sticky back glitter scrapbook paper, plain tags, chipboard glittery letters, and ribbon. I bought everything at Michael's except the ribbon at WalMart.





I also used craft glue and glued a letter to a store bought snowflake ornament. (Target 2 for $1)



This star I bought is a paper mache plain ornament at Michael's. I glittered it myself using Martha Stewart glitter glue and glitter. (I bought a Christmas pack at Michael's...great deal with a 40% off coupon!)

I also bought a paper mache box and decorated it using acrylic paint, a vintage postcard that I cut to fit the top, and glitter.

I have a few more I may or may not add later!

Have a great day! Erin

Personalized Wall Plaques made with foam core

I made this plaque using scrapbook paper, buttons, ribbon, and a felt "E" I purchased at a local craft store. The foam core is used for the base.

I wrapped the side in grosgrain ribbon.



These are buttons I made and glued to push pins to use as wall hangers.




I made this one with fabric wrapped around the foam core piece.



This one is a frame with a tiny clothespin to clip the picture on!

What a great way to use ribbon scraps!

Monogram Tree Topper and ABC ornaments

I used scrapbook paper, a die cut letter and circle frame also cut from paper, foam core board, ribbon, and a vintage button to make this tree topper. It's a little big for this tree but I'm not ready to get my big tree out yet.
I started to make the letter ornaments using the same supplies except I used sticky back eco felt for the back.
My kindergartner is going to love these decorations. He talks about letters constantly!