It’s that time of the year when everyone seems to have the sniffles- especially the little ones. I had made these tissue holders for that little craft fair a couple of weeks ago and only sold two. So, I’ve decided that these would make great stocking stuffers.

I made these using Craftapalooza’s nifty tutorial. They are super easy and quick to make. I added a button closure and twill tape that says “Salud! Bless You! Gesundheit!” I ran twill tape through my printer using double sided sticky tape. Simply type the wording how you want it and print out onto a piece of plain paper. Next, cover the wording with the sticky tape and then the twill tape. Run the twill tape covered paper through the printer again and wha-la! Fancy twill tape! And, if you are interested why people say “Salud! Bless You! Gesundheit!” when you sneeze, check out Sneezes Around the World.

Lastly, because I’m a nurse and am totally anal about NOT spreading germs, here are a few tips to keep you healthy this season.

#1 (and most important!) Wash Your Hands! Your hands are the number one way that germs are transfered from surface and air into your body. To make hand washing effective, you must wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. No fancy soaps needed. A mild soap and warm water will do fine.

#2 Cover your coughs and sneezes. It is now recommended that you cough into a tissue or into your arm-sleeve. Try not to cough or sneeze into your hands (see #1).

#3 Avoid close contact with people who are sick- especially when they have a fever. Fever time is the most contagious time. Also remember to keep your distance when you are sick to protect others. (It’s hard to avoid close contact within your own family home circle- chances are the germs have already been shared, whether you like it or not. See #5)

#4 Stay home when you are sick- to keep from passing along the sniffles and sneezes. Get lots of rest, drink lots of fluids and do a little quiet crafting.

#5 Prevention is the best medicine- Get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, eat a healthy balanced diet, and exercise regularly. The healthier you are, the better your body can defend itself and you can decrease your chances of getting sick.

Okay, I’m off my soap box now.

Here’s to you and a healthy season!

So, a while back I needed some plain white polymer clay. I was very much busy in the middle of something and kinda begged my hubby to run to Michael’s and get me some. He had to pick up our little guy from school anyway. Without really thinking, I showed him a pictured on-line which just happened to be an 8lb box. All I really needed was a 1lb box. So here he comes home all sweet and smiley with this HUGE box of polymer clay! Oops. Thank goodness he was able to get a 40% off coupon from the cashier. So what do you do with 8lbs of white polymer clay? Why you make more button bracelets of course! This time I added some candy red stripes to make them sweet.

I also made this little sugarplum fairy ornament for the swap *hostess with the mostest*. I sent it away with my ornaments and ATCs. It’s for her little bun in the oven!

It’s made out of white polymer clay - painted with acrylic paints and covered with sparkly fairy dust. I also used some of my small candy buttons for her jacket too.

This is my postcard for Nikki’s Holiday Postcard Swap

I spent a lot of time on two other designs. By the time I decided on this one, I was running really low on time and energy and was depressed that I had spent so much time with very little results. So I scanned it and had them printed into postcards. Now, I’m feeling really guilty about not making each one individually. I just couldn’t crunch it with the time I had left myself. Is that cheating? Yes, probably. I did add a spicy hot chocolate recipe (southwestern style) on the back . I hope no one feels cheated. I apologize if that’s the case.

Here is my recipe for my favorite Spiced Hot Chocolate(serves one):

3/4 c. milk of choice (I always use soy)
1/4 c. hot water
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp vanilla
a pinch each of cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper
1) Dissolve sugar and cocoa powder in hot water.
2) In small saucepan, warm milk on medium heat.
3) Add sugar/cocoa mixture and spices~ stir.
4) Remove from heat, add vanilla, stir and enjoy.

The pinch of cayenne doesn’t add the tongue burning hotness you might think. It actually accentuates the chocolate making it especially rich. It really warms you to your toes.
The candle is vanilla buttercream. It smells amazing. It’s a soy based candle which I love. I bought it at the craft fair last Friday. It was the only hoppin’ booth.

I think I definitely bit off more than I could chew with these swaps. I guess the holiday spirit swept me away. I did get everything out pretty much on time, but I’ll never do more than two at one time again.

These are my ornaments for Amy’s Ornament swap and The Holiday Ornament Swap 2006. There are 17 total (2 are for me). They are made out of brass, copper and aluminum art sheets (36g)- cut out and painted. No two are alike. I really enjoyed making these and might even make more in different shapes some time in the future.

I have not been sitting idle for the last week. Oh no, on the contrary. I’ve been crafting like a crazy lady. I’ve been making stuff all week for a craft fair at my work today. Let’s just say that I’ve got stocking stuffers and gifts for almost everyone in my family covered. I sold only one thing! Well, two. But it doesn’t count because I sold it to the person who I was sharing a table with. I tried to give it to her, but she insisted. A pity buy. So, no big money for me. That’s okay- it just wasn’t the right kind of venue for me.

I’ve also been making tons of stuff for my swaps. Ornaments, postcards and ATC’s. I’ll share them all eventually, but for now, here are my ATC’s for Amy’s Christmas Swap 2006.

I have lots more to share. So, to keep me on track I am commiting, to all of you out there in cyber-craft-world, to do 12 posts before Christmas. They wont be consecutive posts because I work 12 hour shifts and don’t get home until 8pm. I think I’ll call it the Creative Kismet’s Christmas Countdown as suggested my Moki. (thanks Moki) She’s got a pretty cool little countdown goin’ on herself.