I can't believe it is so close to Thanksgiving. I have started thinking a little about Christmas gifts, because each year I want to make all my gifts. Sometimes I give in and buy things. Economically sometimes it is less expensive just to purchase things. So this year I have decided to try and meet the goal of all handmade gifts. ( again) I have been so excited to really have had the opportunity to craft all kinds of things this year and it has inspired me-I have always loved card making that is a given, but this year I have dabbled a little more in sewing. The fabric store and I are way too good of friends and I need to spend less time there for my financial safety. I make cards with fabric and even though I buy small pieces they really can pile up ( I love this! ) I have been sewing table runners lately and that has been super fun, the whole process from picking the pattern and fabric to the sewing and hand work. Also because I can use up my smaller pieces of fabric- I really am enjoying my craft area. I have put up some pictures and other favorite things to look at which make me happy. As everyone knows we all need a little "happy" each day. Because I am a crafter that involves getting sticky, sometimes glittery, and always messy. Just for the sheer joy of creating! I am working on some cards, bags and tags, for my ladies group and that is always a challenge-but an extremely fun one. I also ordered some new stamps. Let's just be honest, no one NEEDS new stamps, but I couldn't resist their snowman theme and I have big plans for them, I promise! They are from Darcie's heart & home. So, soon you will see the fruits of my labor that only new stamps can produce! My Inkblots stamp group meets next week and we always have a great time, learning new techniques, show & tell. These ladies are so talented and they keep me totally motivated! I have enjoyed beautiful sunshine today (70*) only to be enjoying a more seasonal change tomorrow. But seasonal changes always allow for more crafting and hot cocoa! I am a hot cocoa...um snob, I guess. I like mine darker, with a splash of pumpkin spice flavor and a little eggnog. Yum. Speaking of food, got to run and get dinner started...

It looks a lot like Christmas...

I know it isn't even Halloween yet, but today sure looks a lot like Christmas! We are getting lots of snow we are at 12 inches so far and it is not done yet. It has been a great day to get busy with all my supplies and create-snowmen of course!
I love collecting them and making them. The snow makes me want to put on Christmas music while sipping hot cocoa and enjoying a cozy fire. Part of the fun of creating snowmen is the different fabrics that come together-sometimes it is the "look" on their face when they are done. I like to blush their cheeks because in my mind they are out in the cold and enjoying it! The downside of all this snow is the power keeps blinking on and off-back to reality I go.

The air is crisper now an my red maple is shedding it's leaves quickly. I love the change in seasons! The beautiful bright Summer weather fades into the stunning colors of fall. I love to see the pumpkins and mums on porches and the smell of fireplaces. I get out my fall decorations, and don't you think that it is funny that we spend so much time raking up leaves only to decorate with fake ones in our home? I recently did a craft show with my Mom and as I talked to ladies that were shopping I realized that craft show shopping is a Mom & daughter activity or daughter-in-law, friend. No one goes alone everyone loves to look at all the fun things! I love to make and collect witches, scarecrows and snowmen so of course I keep my eyes peeled for new ones to take home and love. So in the spirit of loving scarecrows and fall I made this scarecrow card and I love to imagine the smile he brings to the faces of those who receive him. Knowing that I have that same smile.