Like I said in my last post, my two little guys are like two totally different creatures.  Super-E loves constant interaction (boy can he talk!).  So you can imagine how great it is to give him something that will keep him quietly busy and keep his mind buzzing with ideas.  He loves drawing (oh! how I love this) and he loves making stories, so naturally he needed a creative notebook.

I had meant to embroider his name on the front, but time quickly escaped from me.

Inside: a space for scrap paper, pencils and a Star Wars notebook.  The recycled paper notebook had a plain cover that I covered with this printout.

The other side has a pocket for handmade paper books and more scrap paper.

He just couldn’t be more pleased with his notebook.  He carries it around wherever he goes, just in case he has a really great idea he needs to right down.

My I-guy is kinda hard to give gifts too, because he really doesn’t need much. He will very happily play by himself, with whatever he finds, for long periods of time. He is so different from my first guy. I finally decided on felt food which ended up being perfect for him and it goes perfectly with the play dish set that Grandma C gave him. The colorful dish set is Austrian made and fits his cute little hands just right.

To kinda go with the felt food are these little sock puppets made from two odd socks. I had to make these because whenever I-guy would find a stray sock (dirty or clean) he would shove his arm in and play puppet. Now he has two (one to share with his brother) whom he named Roxy and Ruby, complete with eyes nose and mouth. Maybe now, he’ll leave the stray socks alone.

Roxy and Ruby love feasting on salad with carrots and tomatoes, pancakes, mandarin oranges and an assortment of yummy cookies. I already have special requests to make strawberries, cherries and watermelon.

This little Christmas Mouse is making his way to Great Grandma Glennys.  She is always saying that a little mouse must’ve been eating her cookies (cake or other goodies) when they are running low.  She, of course, is the real little mouse, but Super-E thought this little yellow guy could keep her company while they munch away on all sorts of sweets.

These were such a treat to sew up (the original pattern HERE) that another one appeared shortly after the first.  Then right after that, a certain little I-guy came in my room demanding a bed too.  I know a third little mouse will need to be made and quite possibly a forth (filled with catnip for kitty).

Some of these bird cards were sent out with my bird ornaments. I’ve also been making gifts cards sets with them too.

These house cards were made up today, also for gift cards sets. The stamps have been used to decorate envelopes and also the packages for my little house ornaments that were sent out.

I love notecards. They can be so handy when wanting to send a message or add to a gift. I always try to have several different cards on hand at all times, just in case. They just make the gift or message a little more special. Which reminds me that another notecard swap should be in order (maybe Jan, Feb?)

These will be sent out tomorrow. I just loved the collage of my guys on the last post, so that’s how I printed them up. I love how they turned out. I also did a little tree/ornament illustration for this year’s card.

I’m sure you’ve seen these boxes and these little paper books. Of course I had to copy and make two boxes for two little friends of ours (sisters). They are such a great idea and super easy to whip together.

I added probably an hours worth of work time to these by painting them. I wished I hadn’t the minute paint brush went to wood, but there was no going back. I did a single coat of acrylic craft paint, so you can still see a little of the wood grain.

Inside are a bunch of goodies to keep the creative mind working. Stickers, scented colored pencils, glue stick, 4 multi-sized paper books, and in the envelope a few smaller envelopes and blank note cards. I would have LOVED one of these as a young girl. I may be doing a more boyish set for my little guy. Such fun!

My grand plans for merry making seems to be falling way short of what I had originally dreamed up. I am announcing now, that it really doesn’t matter. I’ve cut my list in half and I’m just gonna wing it. Whatever happens happens. No shop update, no handmade gifts for everyone, no excessive baking. I’m going to chill like a penguin. I’m saying this in hopes that it REALLY will stop bothering me. Like, maybe getting it out there will make it all okay. Really okay. And I’ll stop silently and internally stressing about it. Deep, deep breath…Ahhhhhh

Now on to better things.

These are the ornaments I made for the Holiday Ornament Swap and for Amy’s ornament swap. I know I said I’d only do two swaps, but I thought I’d just make a bunch of ornaments (which I had been planning to do anyway). Plus, I can’t resist a swap hosted by Amy. I always try to do her swaps–they’re the best.

These ornaments are somewhat similar to the ones I made last year. Painted metal, different subject. This large group of little houses are only halfway finished. I had to take a picture before I lost my light. They didn’t take as long to paint as you’d think, maybe because I was enjoying myself and not rushing. And of course they have glitter. Love, love, love sparkles!

AND because I love the birds I made last year so much, I made more. I had originally planned to have these done over a week ago and put them up on etsy. But, I just can’t imagine spending all that time listing them. So, I’m giving a couple away. One house and one bird. What am I going to do with the rest you ask? Well, if anyone wants one, you can buy one from me through paypal. Six dollars for a house and 8$ for a bird (shipping included for US and Canada orders) add $2 for international. Please send me an email to regina AT creativekismet DOT com and let me know if you would like one. There are 8 birds  and 5 houses available.  Thanks!!!

Don’t forget to leave a comment to win one of these ornaments. I will pick two names on Thursday night (Dec. 13th) so I can mail them on Friday.

These ornaments are made from polymer clay and took way more time to craft than I care to admit. They aren’t even for my ornament swaps, which I should have been working on instead. These are gifts for friends and babies of 2007. I had meant to buy clear crystally glitter but accidentally bought this snowy stuff instead.

Tomorrow has been set aside for last minute ornament swap making. I know what I’m making so it shouldn’t be too bad.

Lastly, Chara tagged me with listing 5 random things about myself. So here I go. You can read on and be completely bored to tears or skip right on to the five lucky gals I am tagging (insert evil laugh).

1. I have two tattoos (small–shoulder & ankle) that I got on the same day.

2. I ALWAYS eat breakfast. You don’t want to see me without it.

3. I haven’t put any Christmas decor up yet (slacker). Big plans for that this weekend.

4. When Harry Met Sally is my favorite Christmas movie. I watch it every year around this time.

5. This song is my favorite Jingle Bells version. My grandparents had the record when I was little and my middle sister and I would play it over and over trying to sing just as fast. Then we’d fall on the floor laughing hysterically.

I am tagging Michelle, Rebecca, Karyn, Cindy, Lexi

putting stuff up on my etsy shop, that is. Here’s what I’ve got so far:

Tissue holders. I made them last year and had a special request to make more.

Notecard sets. Two lino-cut designs and two watercolor illustrations. These are printed on 100% post-consumer waste, acid free paper. Love that!

Shopping totes made from thrifted pillowcases.

I love the whole process of making and photographing my items, but the listing part, GEEZ! At the rate I’m going, the holidays will have come and gone, before I’ve been able to list everything. There’s more, go check it out (thanks!) :).

Sent this to Elizabeth for the Fall Swap.  On the front of the tote is a pocket and a beaded/embroidered button.  There are more goodies tucked into the tote as well.

And this is what I received from Elizabeth.  Isn’t it all lovely!!!  More gorgeous wristlets with pretty yo-yo buttons can be found at her shop.  AND (gasp!!!) Moda Bloom fabric squares!!! I’ve already cut into them to make this.  I just couldn’t resist.  Then there is the pretty notecards (how did she know?), ribbon, trim and gold pen.  I am so lucky to have received her wonderful package!  Thank you so much Elizabeth!!

These are my wonderful buttons from the Embroidered Button Swap.   Can’t wait to do another button swap because they are the most delightful little treasures.   I hear there will be another button swap in the beginning of next year.  Keep your eyes peeled.

Speaking of swaps,  despite my immense love for them, I have promised myself and my husband to do only 2 for the holidays this year.  Last year I think I did 4 or 5 which resulted in a couple of melt-downs, which I am hoping to avoid.  I’m trying to take the “less is more” approach for the holidays this year.

Pincushions are the theme for today. Have you seen it yet? Sew,Mama,Sew’s 30 days of gifts to sew. I’m not making everything on the list, but it is a pretty great list of handmade gift ideas to inspire and get us through the season. I’ve already printed out the list so I can circle and check things off as I go.

Pincushions, check!

And speaking of handmade, I am also pledging to “buy handmade this holiday season and request that others do the same for me.”  Not that I was expecting anyone to go out and buy me anything, except for maybe my husband, and he knows what I want–don’t you baby.  Um, sorry about that.  I’m also not trying to tick anyone off either.  It’s just important to me and my family to only buy quality handmade or thifted items.  Books, I’d have to say are the only exception, although used books are always good too. I also have a few choice things to say about plastic toys for the kids, but I will save that for another time and place.  Or you can see this great post that says it all so nicely!

On a completly different note, I have to point out this very nice post.  Carla over at Feathered Fibers did a “featured blog” post about me and my creative kismetness.  It’s so dang nice that I got a little choked up about it.  Thank you so much Carla!

P.S.  One of those pincushions is for a certain Fall swapper who is probably anxiously waiting for her package to arrive.  The other pincushion was made from the very fabric squares that this said swapper sent to me already.  I will post about my most wonderful package that she sent on Monday.  (sorry to be teasing you like this, Elizabeth)

Have a fabulous weekend,

~Regina