So I created my first diaper wreath this summer.
A friend of mine's wife is due in July.
His friends were asked to participate in a Diaper Shower for him.
I figured this was the perfect time to try my hand at the Diaper Wreath.

I started by Googling; "How to make a diaper wreath".
I used this WikiHow link to get a basic idea.

I purchased a 16" Styrofoam wreath from Michael's.
Unfortunately, they didn't have any smooth Styrofoam wreaths.
So to make it nicer, I wrapped the wreath with white Duck Tape.

I continued by wrapping the Duck Taped wreath with some
Offray 2.5" Floral Ribbon in Cosmic Glitz Purple and Citrus.

Here's a close up on the Purple Cosmic Glitz.

I started attaching the diapers.
I used eighteen size 5 Luvs diapers.
I loved the purple and green zoo motif.



I used rubber bands to secure each diaper.
Then I tied 3/8" Offray satin ribbons in Regal Purple and Kiwi to finish them off.


I completed the wreath by attaching two Offray Perfect Bows in Purple and Apple Green.
I attached a couple matching teethers in purple and green at the top.
The final touch was to tuck travel sized Johnson's baby products and washcloths in the diapers.


Needlessly to say, the wreath was a HIT!

This Christmas was very tight (financially) for me.

So, being the crafty girl I am, I decided to make all of my gifts this year.


I first decided to create some fun accessories for my teenage cousins.
I used this pattern as a starting off point to create these.

This first one was made for my fifteen year old cousin, Heather.

I used Duck Brand duct tape in black and chrome.

This purse was specially made for my 17 (almost 18) year old cousin, Felicia.

Once again, I used Duck Brand duct tape in green and white.

Both bags were made almost completely with duct tape,
they do include a cardboard bottom base and
rectangular metal rings to attach the strap to the purses.


My next gift idea came from Jo-Ann.
I found this project sheet at work and thought, "Hey! I can do this."
I cleverly used my employee discount and coupons so I could afford the materials.

The checkerboard was created using scrapbook paper and sealed with Mod Podge.

The checkers are painted wood circles decorated with scrapbook paper.

Here's the back and...

It includes storage for the checkers!

I hope my 13 year old cousin Alex enjoys it.



I used skills I learned from my first swap to create these next three presents.

These were made with IKEA's MALMA mirrors,
scrapbook paper, embellishments, and sealed with Mod Podge.

Maria and Crystal loved them!

I also made these adorable Cupcake Ornaments for each of my aunts,
but I forgot to photograph them.

I enjoyed making presents for everyone,
but I definitely should have started earlier.

At least I've learned something for next year.

Well, not really, but I'm still super excited.

My last post caught the attention of
Connie G. Barwick at About.com: Cross Stitch.
She liked my Giraffe so much that she decided to feature it on her blog today.
She also offered me a trade. I sent her my Giraffe and Monkey.
In return she sent me three great kits.

This is Scenic Lighthouse (65057) from Dimensions' Gold Collection.

This one is from The New Berlin Company.

This cute little Santa (4150) is from NeedleMagic Inc.

She even threw in something a little extra.

John James Gold Plated Tapestry Petites.
I've never used "fancy" needles before.
I always use the needles that come free with my kits.


I am so glad that others enjoy my work.
I think I'll be stuck on Cross Stitch at least through the spring.
Be sure to watch for new posts and new projects.

Well, for right now, I am storing my knitting.
I go through phases in my crafting and after almost a year of knitting,
I am on to cross stitch.

In the past month I have finished four mini cross stitch kits.
Here they are...

Raccoon
Item 4645 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 18 count aida fabric.


It's A Zoo
Item 4129 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 14 count aida.



Monkey
Item 4105 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.


Say Cheese
Item 3856 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 18 count aida.

I purchased all of these kits from JoAnn Fabric & Craft.

I love to work on small projects.
It gives me the instant gratification that I need.
They are also nice to carry along with you,
they fit nicely in a small sandwich bag in my purse.

I haven't abandoned knitting forever.
I will be participating with the MN Rollergirls during
their Knitting for Charity events.