Crafty Christmas Gifts

While I'm taking some time to slow down and get ready for baby - here are a few Christmas gifts that I'll be unwinding with...

I can't wait to use my Babycakes Cupcake Maker now that I have this...

I am feeling creative and ready to get some new projects started with The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2, which I know I will love because I have the first one too!

And finally, something that would have come in very handy while I was slaving away over Homemade Peppermint Patties last week - we finally have a Kitchen Aid!!

What new gifts are keeping you busy this week?

(Less than 2 weeks to baby is keeping us pretty busy too!!)

Knit Sweaters Needed for Penguins

In New Zealand, a knit shop has put out a call to knitters to knit sweaters for wildlife that has been affected by the oil spill. The idea is to keep the penguins warm until they can be scrubbed down and to prevent them from ingesting the oil while they preen.  

If you are interested in knitting a sweater for a penguin to donate, please click on the link below. (I wish I knew how to knit but it's on a long list of crafts that I don't know how to do)

Sweater Knitting Instructions and Dimensions

to Help Affected Penguins in New Zealand

(Photos from MSNBC - Today Show)

Crafty iPhone Apps

When upgrade time for my phone finally came around, I was able to convince my hubby that I needed a new iPhone 4S. No, we didn't run out and pick one up last Friday; I pre-ordered it so it would be delivered to the house this week because, well...frankly, I work from home and couldn't be bothered to fight the crowds. So I will wait a few extra days to get it but in the meantime, here are some fun, crafty apps that you might want to consider downloading! 

• Disney FamilyFun's Craft Finder Application
• find crafts by age, time and season
• shopping list generator
• step by step how-to guides
• share your crafts via Facebook and Twitter

•  Stitchminder (for knitters)

• track rows completed
• pattern rows, increase and decreases
• counters can be configured to count upwards or downwards
• counts are always stored when you close the program or get interrupted by a call

•  Coolibah (digital scrapbooking)
• create scrapbook pages on your iPhone, using camera phone photos or other imported images
• save your pages and work on them later
• with upgraded app, you can export high resolution images to use on your home computer or to print
• Free version of the app includes the Coolibah watermark - semi bummer

•  Etsy Addict

• browse the Etsy site, search, browse by category and add favorites
• keep tabs on your stores feedback and sales count
• don't miss out on Etsy shopping opportunities, no matter where you are!

What are some of your favorite crafty apps? 

Lovely Card Creations from a Fellow Crafty Blogger

Today I experienced one of the most touching moments since I've started this blog. A routine trip to the mailbox turned up a package from one of my Twitter friends, Rachel from TwitterRWCrafts. Since I recently shared my pregnancy news, she sent this adorable, handmade baby card.

Also in the package were these cute Thank You cards, which will surely come in handy over the next few months, since we've already started receiving baby gifts!

 

Rachel also used her crafty skills to create this cute photo album - I can't wait to put some pictures of this little one in there. 

It's funny, we went from talking about getting pregnant to actually getting the house ready for a baby! While some of my friends are excited to get their baby stuff out of the house and pass it along to us, I love seeing the house slowly transform. Even though it means I have to start moving all the breakables to higher shelves ;)

A heartfelt thank you again to Rachel - be sure to visit her blog often, for some amazing projects and gorgeous photos. 

Deal of the Day

Today has been a blur of errands and Mother's Day crafting. I picked up my bridesmaid dress for the July wedding of two of our close friends - luckily it needs no alterations and it's beautiful. The bride was kind enough to let us all pick our own style dress, in a gorgeous Horizon blue. 

Of course, David's Bridal is so close to Joann Fabrics that I had no choice but to go in! Actually I needed some elastic ribbon but for anyone who knows me, I had to stop by the 50% off remnant bin. 

I found some adorable cotton monkey fabric, a green & blue light flannel checkered fabric, cotton blue vine fabric, shiny brown see-thru with turquoise flowers and a shiny black, purple and pink polyester blend with sequins. 

The friendly cashier even pointed out what good deals I got. For about $5.20, I purchased all this material - saving approximately $25.50 (regular prices). I told her "sometimes I buy fabric for a particular project and sometimes the fabric picks me." So while I'm not sure what I will be making with these pieces yet, I know I'll be happy to have them around.

Back to my Mother's Day gifts, I have a second coat of paint to work on and some hand scrub...

Deal of the Day

I spent the day out and about since Bunch had some work to do and I need a few accessories for a personalized birthday present that I am working on. (I will pictures tomorrow - my deadline is Monday morning) While I was wandering around Joann's, I came across this nifty little sign for my craft room. 

It was all by itself in the back of the store, for only $1.97! I'm not sure if I will paint it a different color or add sparkly spray paint but I scooped it up. I love adding fun home decor finds to our home.

Have you found any fun deals this weekend? 

Make Your Own Coffee Cozy

Coffee cozies are becoming a popular craft, especially with those who take their coffee drinking seriously - like me! There are many unique and fun cozies on Etsy if you are interested in purchasing one for yourself or as a gift. 

If you would like to make one, fear not - you don't need to know how to knit to make this fun weekend craft project. (Maybe I'll put knitting on my craft bucket list...maybe)

You can also use felt, old sweaters, corduroy, flannel, etc. Here are some examples to inspire you:

• If you do know how to knit, The Caffeinated Crafter has a simple pattern for this cute cozy

 

• For those looking for a simple way to make a cozy, check out some great No-Sew ideas from All Things Heart and Home. You'll want to bookmark some of the winter ideas for next holiday season.

• For all those crafters in-between, the Family Frugal Fun Blog has a fun, easy tutorial on how to make a coffee cozy from an old sweater. Some stitching is required.

Happy Crafting!