I know of this fabulous little school doing amazing things with their kids. (I am so lucky.)
Last week for class, they went into the woods. The kids stood on a tree stump and yelled out their poetry.
When was the last time you did that?
Archive for the 'cool ideas' Category
I love to give presents. I love shopping for presents. I love to make presents.
Sometime’s it’s just so overwhelming, I can’t stop. Sure, I make my lists throughout the year, but so many good ideas and not enough resources, and the whole thing falls apart, and the gifts are late or don’t make it.
Well, I keep remembering this post from the fabulous herself, over at . And it’s just so freakin’ simple.
Here’s amazing rule: Something to read, something to wear and something to play with.
Keep in mind, if you have kids, this is a great guideline, and it can certainly apply to the adults you give to as well. This was also written with holiday gift giving in mind, but I’m going to try to remember it all year long.
This wonderful advice will also help me stay focused and make sure the gifts I make/purchase are useful and will last. There’s nothing worse than a pile of chotchkes that collect dust or end up in the bin (or even re-gifted!
Isn’t that such a great word. Say it out loud. Pom Poms. Nice. I’ve been making a few myself, and squealed in delight when I found them a top beautiful .
She’s written up a lovely tute for you to make your very own! Ho Ho Ho!
I am very much in love with . These are just so precious. Perfect gift to make for the stitcher in your life. .
Turn them into beautiful and delicate lace creations like .
or delicate wall adornments
or cushions.
I’m glad someone out there is making those nasty plastic bags pretty. I’m glad they won’t be in the landfill and can still be useful. I think the organic shapes are very pretty, I’ve always been inspired by lace, so delicate and carefully made.
Thanks to for introducing me to.
I’ve been thinking about my holiday cards this year. Actually, I haven’t sent any out in the past few years, I start too late, and making most of my gifts, the cards get pushed aside. This year though, I have an idea, a greener idea, that involves email, but hopefully won’t be deleted. (Not that any of my family or friends would EVER delete one of MY emails) I’m thinking a “card” that can be emailed, and printed out and hung on the tree, or mantle or framed to be KEPT FOREVER.
Then, this morning, while clicking around, I found these:
I would keep these forever, wouldn’t you?
found at
I’ve always been fascinated with charts and information. I love how each item is carefully placed on the page, either illustrated amazingly well or photographed beautifully.
The two images above were found on , which is an extensive collection of images and information, prepare to spend HOURS.
From .
I could pour over the antique and vintage wall charts.
Have you seen the , a Flickr group where you can find similar charts and collections of curious things. Also, , another Flickr group, perhaps the modern version of the older wall charts. . . . . . .
From the super creative . They are designed so you can add your own rags and clothes. I also love , , , and check out their, very cool.
Every year I talk about doing it, but this year I’m going to talk about it now instead of 2 months from now. I want to make my Christmas gifts this year. I have a list of ideas (not matched up to the recipients mind you..)but a list of wonderful useful projects that I’m using as a starting point. Of course it will evolve according to wish lists and such, but I’m excited about it none the less.
Felted Sweater Coasters : and and , oh and , gosh I love
Blankets: I love , this ,
Napkins: because I LOVE bias tape. Here’s not using bias tape.
Freezer Paper Prints: The ideas have been percolating over here (in my head…), I’m eager to attempt a few….here’s a cute , and a on .
Pillows: In a perfect world I’d love to and make some groovy pillows. But I have other ideas for pillows too. , , and all of these .
Bags: The possibilities are just endless. But this season I’ll probably focus on fabric shopping bags….. I love my , but I think I love my more, it’s easier to carry…., but I also love making bags out of found clothing/bedding/fabric.
Looking for your own ideas? Check out . There are so many , you are sure to find something for everyone on your list. But start now. Or the list over at .
You don’t have to sew to make your gifts either. I’ve been cooking up a storm and have been tossing around food gift ideas, maybe a collection of my fave recipes, or ingredients in a jar for my fave soup or cookies.
The possibilites are endless, so I’m making my list and checking it twice, going through my supplies and doing a little bit every week. I’m hoping to get together with some of my fellow craftettes and plow through the project list so I’m not late!
What are you going to make for the holidays?
Lisa emailed me this photo after she introduced herself and asked if I could help with her project. Lisa has started – you can read the story on her site. She said she would do a cartwheel if I said yes. So I said YES! – now show me that cartwheel…I LOVE THAT!! (when was the last time you did a cartwheel?)
Lisa has a great idea and what I love is that it’s very SMART and GREEN! (those 2 seem to go hand-in-hand – don’t you think?). She’s making pants for the 3-4 and under set that will cover diapers. Of course – how many of us have scooped up the back waist of our kid’s pants to hide dipey?
It gets cooler… fabric is either found or donated and RE-USED!
Ok – ready for even more coolness… a portion of the sales goes directly to the cancer foundations that have helped Lisa during her cancer survival. YOU GO GIRL!
Our initial meeting was a consultation. I do those because it makes it easier to say no to a project for both parties. It’s hard to say no once you’ve collected or spent money. How could I say no to this? I LOVE IT! I’ll give Lisa some pattern making and sewing tips so the SmartyPants Project does it’s own cartwheels.
I love it – another cool mom doing cool things. ROCK ON!
PS – SmartyPants Project needs your fabric donation. !
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