Crafty Christmas

Remember when I said I had a long bookmark list of Halloween ideas? Well, my craft ideas list is even longer.

I've decided to take the commercialism out of Christmas this year. I'm going to make all most of the kids' presents this year, cut majorly back on the number of gifts they receive (I'm sick of picking up tons of toys around the house) and turn it into a more Christ centered/giving holiday. We've already started giving stuff away for Christmas gifts for less fortunate people this year. The stake was collecting new or gently used toys for the Bishop's Christmas this year and I thought this would be a great place to start. What a great way to teach the girls to give and get rid of toys they don't play with at the same time. They were a little reluctant at first, but as soon as I pointed out that they 1) didn't play with them any more and 2) would make some kid really happy at Christmas they were happy to do it. Problem solved. We'll probably do some more later in the year.

So, after Alyssa pointed out a great craft blog (see list at right) I decided to see what all I could find in the mom-blog-craft world. There are TONS of great ideas out there. I'm not even going to limit it to Christmas presents. I'm going to make all kinds of stuff that will make my life much easier...and prettier.

After extensive searching, I've come up with a lot of things I would like to share with everyone. Why keep it to myself? These ladies were kind enough to share them, why not pass it on?

"I Spy" Bags and here too.
I love the books. I'll be honest, I checked them out at the library feigning an interest for the girls to get into it. They were really for me. Maybe I'll get some for them.

Monogram Taggie
Seth loves tags. He'll be getting one.

Cloth baby rings and cloth baby blocks. I saw these wooden blocks and wanted a little more "chew" friendly blocks for baby. I'm a little concerned about him slobbering on ModPodge. I might make some wooden ones for decoration or a mobile for his car seat or something.

I love this cupcake stand. I just don't know how much I would use it or where I would store it, but I definitely love the idea. I even saw some awesome antique type plates and cups at a thrift store the next day. Unfortunately the cups were too short and fat to pull this off.  This one might me more practical for a specific party.

I can't wait 'til Seth is older and I can make him this car mat. I loved playing with our huge mat and matchbox cars on the floor at home when I was little. Boy toys are just more fun than girl toys. Maybe that's the engineer in me coming out.

I'll also be making this dry erase board soon, I think. Maybe I'll just put a frame around my existing dry erase board for my dinner menu.

Fortunately I don't have this problem with trash in my car but the girls have been collecting trash in the back. I got a center console for the van. I didn't know they even made them. I saw it at Walmart. It's unbelievably convenient. Tons of cup holders, a couple of trays to hold pens, sunglasses and random stuff as well as a little closed compartment to put a trash bag. I think this little car trash bag would be perfect for the girls in the back. They can't reach the front trash and having them hand me their trash with my arm all bent out of shape is getting old. Do you remember that mom? haha, memories.

With all these awesome ideas, you can use whatever fabric you want to make all this stuff really cute and unique, instead of just buying it from a store. Plus, you an make it cheaper in most cases, if you know how to shop.

I think that's enough for now. I'll post some more of my favorite stuff later. In the meantime, enjoy these sites and look around. I have...for hours.