Monday, November 30, 2009

Advent Wreath



I had a wonderful morning so far...I dropped my daughter off to school, headed over to Goodwill to bring items that I no longer need. I also decided to go inside and look around a bit. Didn't see any good treasures today. I headed over to Dollar Tree and was so pleased to hear Christmas music playing when I walked in.
The most beautiful song was on "Mary did you know". I just love this song!

I could not find our advent wreath in our Christmas boxes. We have moved so many times, I am sure it is in a box somewhere! (Bet I will find it on the 4th of July!) ;) Sooo...I thought perhaps I could make my own advent wreath with items I find on my own.
I thought the dollar store would be the perfect place to find the things I needed to put together my special project.

Sure enough, as I walked into the dollar store (love this place!), they had everything a crafty lady could want, and cheap too!
I had to hold myself back from buying the store out. :) There were so many items I MAY need for the future..stickers, notepads, and CANDY too!
I found all the items that I needed and then headed home.

I fired up the glue gun, wrapped wire around the glass votive holders and attached them to the wreath (used packing tape over the wire to hold the wire securely onto the votive holders) I hot glued flowers around the wreath.
I still have yet to make a base for my wreath, but for now a pretty white dish will do.
I put in three purple candles and one pink.

I have the most WONDERFUL bushes in my yard that supply me with beautiful Red berries come every December! As you can see in the picture, the bush has given me enough berries this year to decorate my whole home. I place them on the tables and in wreath's, such as in the center of the advent wreath. :)


For those of you that may not know the meaning of the advent wreath, here is a little bit of what it is about:


The Advent wreath is a Christian tradition that symbolizes the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar of the Western church. It is usually a horizontal evergreen wreath with four or five candles. Beginning with the First Sunday of Advent, the lighting of a candle can be accompanied by a Bible reading and prayers. An additional candle is lit during each subsequent week until, by the last Sunday before Christmas, all four candles are lit. Some Advent wreaths include a fifth, "Christ" candle which can be lit at Christmas. The custom is observed both in family settings and at public church services.

There are several interpretations of the symbolism of the Advent wreath.

The accumulation of light is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in Christian faith is seen as the light of the world. The circular wreath represents God's eternity and unity. Evergreens are a symbol of enduring life.

In some traditions the first candle is called the prophet's candle and is meant to signify the hope of Jesus' coming. The second is called the Bethlehem candle in honor of the city of Christ's birth. The third candle is the shepherds' candle. The final candle is the angels' candle, symbolizing the angelic proclamation of joy at Christ's birth.


Raggedystitches,

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Christmas Tree

Every Year we put up two Christmas trees...
One is our traditional tree, the other our little Raggedy Ann tree!
Our traditional tree is filled with many ornaments collected from over the years.
Ornaments made with my children, their handprints, salt dough ornaments, treasures made at school too..also Hallmark ornaments.

I was very sad that we will not be able to light up our angel tree topper this year. I don't have the heart yet to replace her.
The lights inside were melting the plastic under the angels dress, and I am too afraid of it burning. We Purchased this angel when we were first married..for our first Christmas together.
For now, I will put her back in her place of honor on top of our traditional tree where she belongs. :)


Our Raggedy Ann tree is such a delight to look at! As you all know, I LOVE Raggedy Ann! This tree is just that..all things Raggedy Ann. :) Lots of little ornaments of my favorite doll..with some of her brother Andy too.
Some ornaments I have found on my own..some were given to me by very dear friends.
With little bows of red tied on branches, it is such a sweet festive addition to our home's holiday decor.

Happy Decorating!
With
Raggedystitches,

Friday, November 27, 2009

Thanksgiving




My husband and I



Our Family

Our thanksgiving day was absolutely wonderful!
We had such a great time. :)
It was so nice to be all together sharing this wonderful day. We have so much to be thankful for.
We went to our friends house for a big feast! There was turkey and all the fixings :)
and many, many desserts. They have the most beautiful home I have ever been in, it is absolutely stunning!
I snapped some fantastic photos yesterday, and some were taken of us..I think we have our Christmas card picture for this year!
The family always puts up such a fuss over taking the picture, but this is one thing that is so very important to me. I am proud of my family. We usually only do a picture of the kids every year for our Christmas card..but the kids are getting older now. I think a family photo is so nice to have..(although they might not agree with me!)
I guess I have taken way too many pictures over the years and have worn them out. ;)

I was thinking of starting a new cross stitch today..a Christmas design.
Perhaps maybe! :)

I know for sure that I am staying far away from any store!

With Raggedystitches,

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Raggedy Ann Ornaments


I have had many friends inquiring about my Raggedy Ann ornaments.
I thought I should put a post about them :)
These were quite simple to make, I didn't have a pattern for them..just my own idea.

A lot of you wanted to know how to make your own..
I will try my best to explain how I made them.

I used muslin fabric that I had tea dyed (for a vintage look), I used thin batting for in between the circles
I cut the front, back, AND batting circles with pinking shear scissors to prevent fraying.
I placed a folded piece of ribbon for hanging in between layers, then top stitched all three layers together with a straight stitch.

I went to the craft store and picked out a chunky deep colored red yarn for the hair...
I cut pieces of the yarn and folded them in half, tying a knot in the end.
I hot glued each "knot" to the front face of the Raggedy Ann ornament.

I then used acrylic black paint for the eyes...dipping the end of a wooden dowel in the paint and "dotting" each eye for her face (makes perfect circles!)
I Then used a thin brush with red paint and with freehand painting, painted her triangle nose, and the tiny heart for the center of her mouth.

After the eyes, nose, and tiny heart for the mouth were dry..I then took an ultra fine Micron pen (great for fabric!).... and drew the details..such as the eyelashes, mouth lines, and eyebrows.

I tore red fabric into strips and tied bows..hot glue that onto the face of Raggedy Ann, just under her mouth!

I used my covergirl powder blush with a stencil brush and "blushed" her cheeks!

I think this covers everything..they really aren't hard to make at all...
I enjoy doing anything Raggedy Ann..I just LOVE this doll to pieces!

Have fun and happy crafting!

Raggedystitches,

Sewing Purses


I have been crocheting and sewing!
I just finished up making a pretty sewing purse..which could be used for keeping sewing or stitching supplies, or just to use as a pretty handbag!
I will be on my way out the door to do food shopping.
There is so much to purchase being as I am the designated "Baker" for Thanksgiving!
I make many desserts and I do enjoy doing this so much.
There will be:
apple pie
pumpkin pie
chocolate mousse pie
jello with fruit
pumpkin bread
chocolate chip cookies
gingerbread
my homemade cake with buttercream icing
brownies

and perhaps a few other goodies in store! I am thinking of perhaps making a new dessert to add to the list for this year.
With Thanksgiving coming up, it is not just at this time I know how blessed I am for the good things in my life, it is all year long.
I am most thankful for my family, my wonderful husband.
My children are the greatest gifts to us.
I am thankful for also my extended families, friends, and our health.
I am thankful to God for giving me hands to work with, that I can create and do for others.


I was searching some blogs for Christmas ornament designs, and found a really great blog with some wonderful freebie ornament links!
Perhaps you might want to check this blog out..LOTS of links with charts you can print for the upcoming Christmas holiday!
Thank you to Pinwheel! :)


Ornament Chart Links

If I don't get back to post before Thanksgiving (although I might post a picture of all my baked goodies!) I wish you all a Blessed Thanksgiving day!

Raggedystitches,

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Sewing Box




I have made another small sewing box out of a Whitman's candy tin.
I used a pink tin this time, so pretty!
I stitched up Blackbird Designs "Small Token" on 25 count Lugana..which made the design much bigger in size. It fits the top of the lid nicely.

I used cardboard and cut to size with some batting for the lid and inside of the box.
I hot glued everything. (love that hot glue gun!) :)
I used pretty pink felt for keeping pins and needles..cut into a heart shape. On the bottom I used sticky back pink felt.

I am asking my husband to take me to the Russel Stover outlet again soon..I just LOVE decorating tins! They have so many different ones to choose from there.

My son surprised me and bought me a Juicy Fruit gum tin he found at Rite Aid. Just the perfect size for my crochet needles. :)
I just LOVE tins!

Today is a beautiful day outside.
We are hopefully going to put up our Christmas tree today.
:)

Wishing you all a blessed day today!
Raggedystitches,

Monday, November 16, 2009

Dough Goodies!







I have been busy creating today :)
I pulled out an old book I had from years ago.
It is a book titled "Dough Goodies" with decorator's recipes inside.
I had so much fun today!
I plan on making more items soon..perhaps give these items as gifts for the holidays coming up.
The recipe I used made all of these items pictured here...
The recipe is as follows:

Dough Recipe:
1 Cup Hot Water
1 1/2 Cup Flour
Egg Whites, stirred
1/2 Cup Rolled Oats
1 Cup Salt

Combine hot water and salt. Let stand for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add flour and oats. Work dough with hands, adding more flour if still sticky, until it is easily pliable.
Glaze with egg white
Bake in a 325 degree oven on greased cookie sheets (I used Pam spray)
Let cool. Spray with Crystal Clear Acrylic if desired.


Bagels:
One batch of dough makes about 5 bagels
Materials needed: poppy seeds
Roll dough into 3 1/2 inch balls. Press thumb into center to make a hole. Glaze with egg whites. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Bake for 2 hours or until completely hard...(I baked mine for about an hour!)

Cinnamon rolls:
One batch of dough makes about 8 cinnamon rolls.
Materials needed: ground cinnamon

Roll dough into a 3/4 inch by 12 inch snake shape. pinch one end of snake and wrap around, forming a roll. Dust top with cinnamon. Glaze top with egg whites. Bake approximately 1 hour or until hard.


****I put coarse SEA SALT onto the cinnamon rolls after I glazed them with egg whites :)

This is such a fun craft! Makes a nice gift when put in a basket with a big bow on top...looks pretty as a display on any kitchen table :)


enjoy!
Raggedystitches,

Friday, November 13, 2009

Picnik!



I love this photo editing place on the internet!
You can do so many wonderful things....
My daughter took this picture of me and my dear Peter Rabbit today..
I played around with the photo on this site and this is what I came up with. I just love it!

You too can edit your pictures!
Just click on this link:

Picnik

So much fun!

Raggedystitches,

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veterans Day




This is a very special day for Americans, honoring all veterans of our military. Those who have served to protect us, and continue to protect us so we may enjoy our freedom here in America.
My husband was in the United States Navy , and that is when I had first met him.
I was so proud to have dated a man that was in the military. I must say, he looked so handsome in his uniform too!
For all of the wonderful veterans, I thank you, for everything you are doing for me, my family and America,

As I went driving down the road with my daughter today we saw how the front of her school was decorated. My daughters social studies teacher had asked all the students to bring in American flags to his classroom...(I thought to decorate his classroom)...
I didn't know what he had planned! As we drove past the school, I couldn't believe my eyes! Her teacher had painted the big rock in front of the school with an American flag and he had put all the American flags that the students had brought in to him on the fence! He also put a note on the fence thanking all the Veterans.
We quickly went home to get our camera...we just had to get pictures of what her wonderful teacher had done. :)

Raggedystitches,

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Cute Freebie!


I was looking around some sites on the internet this morning..visiting some sites that I love to see...
I came across a new freebie that I thought I would mention..just in case you didn't know about it! :)
Plum Pudding Needleart has a new freebie out for Fall of 2009.
It is called "Lookin' Like Fall" , and just so cute!

I just may have to stitch this one up myself soon :)
The link for this freebie is here:

FREEBIE


Wishing you all a wonderful day today.
The sun is shining here in NC, it is a bit chilly, but I LOVE the crisp air!
I already went out back to visit Peter Rabbit and gave him a nice big head of lettuce to eat.

I had a dream last night of a bird... a Dove. That must mean something special!
I have heard that doves are the symbols of peace and love. I know I have a lot of that in my life :)
I guess that is something good to dream about. :)


Blessings to you!
Raggedystitches,

Monday, November 2, 2009

My girl


My daughter dressed up as a pirate this year for Halloween. It did rain on and off that evening, but she did come home with a pretty good amount of candy from trick or treating. Lots of kids went out, even with the weather conditions, my husband said back at our house he had about 50 kids come to our door!

Raggedystitches,

Sunday, November 1, 2009

All Saints Day





All Saints Day is a commemoration of All Holy Martyrs and all the apostles, confessors, and all the just and perfect servants of God whose bodies rest throughout the whole world.

In the year 835 AD the Roman Catholic Church made November 1st a church holiday to honor all the saints, known and unknown, and, according to Urban IV, to supply any deficiencies in the faithful's celebration of saints' feasts during the year. This feast day is called "All Saints Day". As part of this day of obligation, followers are required to attend church and try not to do any servile work. Eastern churches celebrate it on the first day of Pentecost.

All Saints Day is the modern name of what was once called in older English "All Hallows Day". Hallows was a word that referred to the Saints; they were the "hallowed ones", in the same sense that we say "Hallowed be Thy name" in the Lord's prayer.

More information and wonderful reading about this very special day can be found at:
All Saints Day

Raggedystitches,

Every Opening Flower

A new start! Every Opening Flower designed by Brenda Gervais. I am stitching this on 32 count cream Belfast Linen with called for overdyed a...