thejlbs » Crafts

Gift Cards Wrapped In Love

Jim — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:00:08 +0000

Yay! Since this weekend we already conducted Part Two of the many 2011 JLB Christmas celebrations, I can finally spill the beans about a few gifts I was most looking forward to giving this year. Let me introduce you to the fine handiwork of artscow.com…

Quite often, they run insane specials. Like $3 cosmetic bags that are completely personalized by you. Shipped. Crazy, right? And while I do love giving and getting gift certificates, I think they are SO much more personal given this way.

December Birthdays, You Cannot Beat Me

Jessica — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:06:07 +0000

I had this gorgeous piece of high quality flannel in my scrap basket. More importantly, I had an idea. For just the cost of a big bag of rice, and about a half hour of sewing, I was able to whip up two microwaveable, reusable pocket warmers, and a nice-sized heating pack. It is worth learning to sew if only to make these cozy gifts. I made these in particular for my dad’s birthday (tomorrow), but am filing the idea in my brain for next year’s teacher’s gifts as well.

And A Knit Scarf Necklace For Joann

Jessica — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:26:12 +0000

A little eccentric, a lot colorful and absolutely perfect for Jo on her birthday…I am thrilled with the way this came off the needles. And Jo does look fabulous in it, don’t you think?

Two More Advent Knits

Jessica — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:25:34 +0000

A mustache and a weeny flower pin. Just because I can. (And because they fit behind a tiny calendar door).

Two Library Bags

Jessica — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 04:02:19 +0000

People I am tired. This is a lot of making, if you’re keeping track. These may or may not be done yet. It all depends on if I get a fourth wind and decide to appliqué something at the last minute. But. They’re done enough for now. And I am super excited that soon enough my kids might actually be able to carry their own book selections to and from the library, in style no less.

Two Advent Knits

Jessica — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 03:17:27 +0000

Super sweet, super simple little bow tie and hair bow that were easy and quick to knit. I think every boy should wear a bow tie as often as possible. Probably girls too.

Four Ornaments For Grandma

Jessica — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:06:52 +0000

These birdseed ornaments turned out trickier than I imagined. So if you’re trying this one I advise only using cookie cutters that are chunky all around. Skinny ones just won’t release in one piece. Believe me, I tried more times than any sane person would. Also, I tested many a type of ribbon and satin is the only one that really hangs right. Twine would work too, but I prefer the cheer the red ribbon adds. Here’s to happy birds and grannies!

Eight Coffee Cozies

Jessica — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:50:49 +0000

A lot of projects are getting wrapped up around here. Not in the literal sense (yet), but in the sense of gettin’er done. For the teachers in our lives: Their own cozy cup wraps with a Starbucks gift card tucked inside.
Probably should include a note of apology on my children’s behalf as well.

Lisa’s Cowl

Jessica — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 03:00:16 +0000

Confession: I’m on the needles again. My ~~first~~ fourth project of the season was this gorgeous, weighty cowl for my dear friend Lisa’s 30th. Nothing like a huge knitting project while under the gun to give you carpel tunnel. But I am so happy with the way it turned out and even happier that I learned how to cable knit by doing this project. I am beginning to feel like a brave and accomplished knitter!

Lately I’ve been drudging through Hadley’s babushka (two years in the making). I’ve committed myself to an inch a night which has turned out to be a lesson in endurance applicable to other areas of life productivity. Like raking a three acre yard. Just for example.

And since I haven’t had work in months (read: no income), I am also committed to finishing projects already started. Or starting projects for which I’ve been hoarding away yarn. Pictures coming soon as things get wrapped up.

In short, knitting and having no extra money have been the best things that ever happened to my maturity.

Halloweening

Jessica — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 16:00:01 +0000

About a month or so ago, I began to dread winter. Oh the many long, dreary days indoors. So I set a goal to plan an activity-a-day for the duration of the hard months (Jan-March). It turned out to be more inspiring than I imagined; as even though my winter list is complete, I now find myself writing lists for the week on our white board when ideas strike. And we’re not even trapped indoors yet! The ideas are simple, requiring typically only things we already have on-hand – and I plan to introduce each one around 3:00 – otherwise known as the witching hour around here.
Here’s one that was a decent hit. We had a bag of bugs Hadley picked out at a garage sale a while back. We also had a bag of never-before-seen (by our kids) fake spider webbing waiting in our Halloween decor. And the piece de resistance? Scotch tape. Naturally.
I’ll be sure to post all the good ideas in the future, for your swiping convenience.