crafts for the big girls

I’ve wanted to throw a craft party for a few years, ever since I saw an invitation in the Paper Source catalog. This year, I finally did it. And I’m so glad I did. It was oh, so fun! It also gave me an opportunity to actually use my craft studio.

I invited my super-creative, talented (and goofy) girlfriends and asked each one to bring a project in kit form for everyone. I love every one of the projects.

Here’s what we did:
Maggie: scalloped paper globe ornament
Marci: wool mittens from thrift story sweaters and a fabric flower Christmas brooch (she couldn’t decide, so she did both. We didn’t mind!)
Jen: wool stitchery
Me: wool flower hair accessory
Marina: fabric Mod Podge ornament

This is Maggie’s scalloped paper globe ornament. I love how simple they are to make and yet so darling. Ella and I are going to make some this size for her tree and I’m going to use my larger scalloped punch for some others. I love the little pearl at the top. There’s a tutorial here.

How cool—or should I say warm—are these? Marci had them all pre-cut and ready to sew. It’s only two seams to stitch them together! She had directions, so I’ll ask her if there’s a tutorial also. I’ll show the brooch when I complete it. Loved the fabrics we’re using!

And here’s a special gift Marci whipped up for Dwight. Merry Christmas, honey! ;) (Just kidding. They’re really little angel wings I used for a prop for some baby photos of Ella. The way they were hanging in my studio made them look like a bra.) Marci is definitely the wild one of the group. We just can’t get her to behave! ;)

Jen’s project was awesome. She even provided the frames! And using a little whip stitch makes it so simple. I’ll show mine when it’s done and give a little tute on the whip stitch now that I’m getting plenty of practice.

This was my project. It would be darling as a little pin like this, but we made them into barrettes. Ella wore hers to church with her new dress and it was perfect. I think everyone said they were going to save theirs as a stocking stuffer. Click here for a tutorial. Note: We hot glued the flower to the base on the last step instead of stitching.

Another note: I purchase an 1/8 yard of wool and got 20 flowers from it by staggering the 3” circle pattern. I felted the wool by soaking it in hot water in the sink for about 20-30 minutes, then dried it in the dryer.

Marina found her project on the Moda Bake Shop blog. It was fun to get messy. We added a little sparkle with fine glitter I had in a salt shaker while the Mod Podge was still wet.

We took a lunch break at about 12:30. I made pork salads and we had homemade Oreos for dessert. Jen also brought some homemade marshmallows dipped in chocolate and crushed candy canes. Yum!

We went back to work and crafted until it was time to pick up kids from school. I went upstairs to clean up from lunch and do the dishes. My amazing husband had already done it! I didn’t have to lift a finger. And he picked up all the toys the girls played with. He rocks my world—every day.

We had so much fun, we’re going to do it again for different holidays. I’ve started looking for ideas already.
I highly recommend taking some time for yourself during the holidays and doing something that’s really fun for just you. It’s always more fun when you include your girlfriends!