And Now it's Time for some Arts and Crafts

Every year, I make Daphne some Christmas pajamas.  This year, I almost didn't get them done.  I made them the day before we left for New York at the expense of packing and cleaning.  But I am glad I made the time for them...they turned out great and Daphne really likes them.  And they fit.  Last year's Christmas PJs are about 3 inches too short now.

This year's themes:  Scottie Dogs and Owls:

When we were at the Roosevelt Estate, I sneaked into the gift shop and got her a little stuffed Fala to go with them.  I think she liked him better than the PJs, but that's OK.

With Fala by the Tree

Daph got a lot of crafty gifts for Christmas.  This little gadget from Santa makes paper beads:

And this is a needlepoint doggie from Aunt Kimmie:

She also got some yarn and knitting needles (not sure I have the patience, but we will give it a try), some American Girl crafts, a potholder loom, a mandala making tool, and some Shrinky Dinks.  We're going to have lots of fun this year!

Meanwhile, I got a cool crafty tool for Christmas with a very exciting and clever name:  The Kinkajou!  It's a bottle cutting tool, which was some guy's invention that got funded on Kickstarter and was only recently put into production.  I think I have one of the first ones ever manufactured.  So cool!

There are SO many possibilities, but I started (with Kev's help) on these Corona bottles because we didn't care if they got ruined.  We made them into two candle holders, but they could as easily have become juice glasses or bud vases:

Then, I cut a pretty blue bottle that I've been saving and used it for a candle too:

It takes about 5 minutes to recycle a bottle and make it into something cool like this.  And then, if I want, I can etch the glass too!  I COULD PUT A BIRD ON IT!  (heehee)

My parents gave me a wool winder and swift so I can wind hanks of yarn easily into balls.  I haven't tried it yet, but I am so excited.  It will be really useful to have.

And - I guess this can be considered sort of crafty - I got a DIY CHEESE KIT!  Two, actually!  One for goat cheese, and one for ricotta and mozzarella. Did I mention we're going to have a lot of fun this year?

Now, I just need to get organized and make time for all this craftiness.  More on that coming up soon...