lifeingrace

Decking, Wrapping, and Christmas Card Woes

2009-12-19T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm still decking the halls in preparation for Christmas Eve Brunch (I'm hosting my extended family), which includes a little cleaning, a little table setting, and a lot of snipping from my magnolia, holly and pine trees. It took all morning to clean the gum drops and toothpicks off my kitchen floor from crafting day (yesterday). You can visit here to see the crafts we made and I'll post about it soon. I'm collecting recipes for the brunch (which shall include the lightest fluffiest angel wing biscuits and my blueberry coffee cake among others yummies) and wondering if I should add homeade waffles to the already bulging menu?! I'm gathering my hodge podge of dishes and adding festive touches with Christmas napkins and mugs.

And then there's the wrapping. Did I mention we have eight kids? And every year, we purpose to scale down the commercialism and focus our attention on the blessed work of Christ on our behalf. But we also want to use this opportunity to give with a cheerful heart to our kids and to our family. So, there's a certain amount of commercialism that creeps in, despite our best efforts. If all goes well, most of the 'work' will be done this weekend, which will leave plenty of time for movies and board games and 'rocking around the Christmas tree'. We're looking forward to 'time off', Christmas and Advent services, time to knit and read and enjoying the company of those we love most.

I'll likely be about as scarce around here as I have been at the gym lately. I'm sure I'll miss you more though. Actually, I already have a couple posts ready for next week so I take that back---I'll definitely be more scarce at the gym! Hope you are enjoying your weekend.

P.S. I need your help. I ordered Christmas cards from Vista Print and they arrived 2 days ago, in perfect time to quickly mail them out. However, the picture on the card is very distorted and makes us look like we're standing in front of a fun house mirror. The cards themselves are so perfect and I really wanna send 'em anyway. Vista refunded my money but couldn't get any new cards to me before Wed. Dec 23rd. So here's my question. Do I?

1. Send the fun house picture and hope the recipients enjoy the wee bit of Christmas entertainment they provide.

2. Upload a picture to Walgreens and pick one the their photocards that can be printed in an hour.

3. Don't send anything at all and use the cards we have to make paper airplanes to throw at each other on Christmas morning.

4. When the family is together for Christmas, take a picture and do New Year's cards instead. (I've done this before and it's not so bad)

Please advise.

The Bridegroom

2009-12-17T02:15:00.000-08:00

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” C.S. Lewis

Yesterday, he:

Went to work, just like every other day, and tried to make a difference in someone's life--if in no other way than to relieve suffering.
With great interest and love, made sure that our girls know that their daddy is on their side, that he is their biggest fan, their protector and their provider.
Came home early, gave out smooches and hugs galore, read most of the afternoon from Paradise Lost by Milton and commenced to draw parallels between C.S. Lewis, George McDonald and John Milton.
Discussed Issues like this and this and lamented the large gaps in our education.
Decided to take us to dinner out and then to our churches' third Advent service.

And walking out from church, that's when I felt the weight of it----a glimpse of true joy, of complete contentment, a transcendent and yet very physical reassurance that this moment is a foreshadowing of the fullness we have in Christ. And this man, this husband and father is a picture of Christ---the very means God uses to nurture wives and children. A tangible, wonderful taste of what Christ ultimately gives us in Himself.

I receive it all with gratitude, take mental note of how handsome he looks in the white shirt (and the well- fitting jeans) and close my eyes to bask in the light.

Because we love air smooches at our house!

2009-12-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

and real smooches too.

Now that I think about it, we're a smooch-y bunch.

Hope you get lots of smooches today.

It'll ease the stress of all those things you need to do before Christmas!

Mu-waaaaaah!

And I'm sending a smooch out to my 'in real life' friend Patty, whom I love dearly, who's hosting a 12 Days of Christmas party. Just leave a comment on any of her Christmas posts to join the party.

Patty is probably my friend with whom I share the most in common. When we get together, we talk a mile a minute about photography and lens and lighting and blogging and reading and children and 'Edward' and stay-at-home-momming, and cooking and organizing....and, and , and.

You'll love her. She'll make you laugh. And cry.

And you'll thank me for introducing you.

Go ahead and send your air smooches of thanks now.

A Sparkly Christmas Tour

2009-12-13T14:02:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my warm and cozy and very sparkly Christmas tour. This year I have simplified my festive decor and hope you'll enjoy the lights, fresh greens and the smell of wassail on the stove! Come on in y'all.

Saturday Ramblings

2009-12-12T12:40:00.000-08:00

I started a bookclub two years ago in an attempt to continue my own education as I simultaneously teach my little ones. We loosely follow the reading list laid out by Susan Wise Bauer in her book The Well-Educated Mind. The reading list is divided into genres and is composed of a sampling of the Great Books of Western Civilization. This is not a bookclub for the faint of heart. The reading lists are demanding and this semester alone, our group has whittled itself down to a faithful few. I have a love/hate relationship with bookclub. I'm so thankful for the very smart group of friends that shares my passion for reading classic literature. If you have a friend who'll read Plato's Republic with you and not call you names or throw things at you, then you have a friend indeed. But because the books are tougher reads than say, Twilight, which I also enjoyed, I find myself feeling so relieved when bookclub is over. Similar to the way I felt when I finished a Microbiology exam in medical school.

"Whew, glad that's over. I think I'm gonna bake all weekend!" (my classmates loved me)

With that sense of relief is also a very palpable sense of accomplishment. And since we moms live in a world of neverending/never completed tasks like laundry, dishes, and meals, actually ticking something off a list that is finished---is well......... just a dandy thing to do. I keep my list on my blog and though I won't make my goal of 52 books this year, I'm so grateful for the books I've read. And grateful for the friends who've read them along with me.

We just finished All the Presidents' Men on Friday---and yes I finished. I downloaded the 12 hours of audio on Monday and listened to the 'the end' 2 minutes before I needed to leave the house. It was a fascinating story but never EVER a book I would have read without the pressure of bookclub. And some things that are important---like to me, reading classics works I never read in school, or 'read' but don't remember----are not urgent. So they easily get laid aside for things that are more pressing, like laundry and dinner and mindlessly surfing the internet. I guess I've always functioned better with structure and guidelines. Our genre for the spring is 'plays'----so January's read is Medea by Euripides. If I know myself, I'll read 2 or 3 books before I start Medea and then get the 'eye of the tiger' in the last two weeks and read and study for Medea like I'm gonna have to take a test on it. And then I'll search the net and you tube and see if I can find some brilliant Yale professor giving a lecture on greek plays. I like the way the bookclub forces at least some sense of urgency and structure to my reading life. Though my decorating schedule and my nightly menu may have suffered slightly.

In non-literary news, I love this cheese and I love those cute little bowls (from Walmart). I can't help it if this really yummy cheese that's been marinated in wine is called the Drunken Goat. I blame my neighbor Sue.

And I'm slowly adding lights...

....and other festive sparkles to my still slightly Thanksgiving-ish house. I'll show the rest on Monday at The Nester's Christmas Tour. I think.

In non-sparkling news, my laundry became the ace-in-the-whole hiding place for the afternoon hide and seek.

The pony tail gave it away. The laundry was at least clean.

And I must quickly consult my fairy godmother to work some magic for me because I'm going on a date tonight. With an honest to goodness babysitter and reservations. And lipstick and high heeled boots. And other adults. If there's an awkward lull in the conversation, I can always bring up the Drunken Goat.

Christmas Front Door Wreath

2009-12-09T14:23:00.000-08:00

I feel like I'm moving in slow motion. I can't seem to get anything done. I piddle around with this and that, decorate a little, teach a little, wrap a few gifts, read a little, bake a little and look around and wonder how it's all possibly gonna get done by Christmas. And what on earth we're gonna eat for dinner. I'm supposed to be finished reading All the Presidents' Men by Friday---so I can somewhat intelligently lead a bookclub discussion on the subject---- and I'm currently on chapter 5. Alas.

In a small feat of Christmas decorating victory, I did remove the Halloween pumpkins from front stoop. I also decided that maybe the audiobook version of All the Presidents' Men was my only hope for possibly finishing---and it's still seems hopelessly doubtful (it's 12 hours of audio!).

So as I removed pumpkins and leaves and added holly, magnolia and pine clippings to my front planters, I listened to a convoluted mess of political jibberish about Watergate, trying to keep track of the very long list of characters, and wondering if my brain is just too old and full to work like this anymore.

At least it looks like Christmas from the outside of my house. The inside is still a work in progress. Dinner will likely be from Taco John's. And maybe with a latte or two, I'll figure out what G. Gordon Liddy had to do with the Watergate scandal.

Oh and we're three days behind on our Advent readings. Already.

Ever have those slow-motion days....or weeks?

Please advise.

P.S. I've already had a bubble bath.

P.S.S. And a glass of wine.

P.S.S.S. And painted my front door blue.

Post Edit: The color of the door: sunwashed blue by Ralph Lauren.

Lindsay from Living with Lindsay is having a similiar week. Here's hoping we all recover our creative selves. Until then, click here for some inspiration.

The Lightest Fluffiest Angel Wing Biscuits Ever to FLy Over Southern Skies

2009-12-07T03:03:00.000-08:00

I have made it my personal mission in life to per-fect the biscuit. You can't even graduate from high school in the South until you demonstrate proficiency at biscuit making----so I've been making biscuits a long time. But I just took the recipe that was passed onto me and never questioned it. You're not supposed to question a long line of Southern biscuit makers.

But.......

What if I want the lightest fluffiest angel wing biscuits ever to fly over southern skies? What then? Well, I scoured the internet---an a few cookbooks---and made a few dozen biscuits----using various biscuits methods---and I think we have a winner folks. So, put on an apron, roll up the sleeves on your flannel shirt, put on some bluegrass music and let's make biscuits.

First, you must start with 2 cups of self-rising white lily flour. There shall be no substitutes. It has a lower protein content and says on the front 'a southern tradition since 1883'. Don't mess with Texas. Then add 1/4 c. sugar, 1/2 t. salt, 1 1/2 t. baking powder (I know, you're not supposed to need it with sr flour but these are the lightest fluffiest angel wing biscuits ever to fly over southern skies, so just add it).

Now with a pastry blender, cut in 1/4 c. shortening. Or use a whisk if you tend to be hard on pastry blenders.

Now, add 2/3 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of buttermilk and stir. The mixture will be very wet.

Add 1 cup of flour into a casserole dish or onto your working surface and then with a medium sized ice cream scoop--or whatever sized biscuits you like---scoop a few scoops onto the flour. Flour your hands and then lightly shape the biscuits---adding flour where there really wet---but shaking off any excess flour. They will be coated with flour on the outside, but the inside of each one will still be quite wet.

Spray a round cake pan with cooking spray and then place the biscuits very snugly into the pan. This step is key. These are southern bisuits so they're invading each other's personal space and hugging and back-slapping like crazy. If you're from the Midwest, where personal space is recognized and respected, this step might be hard for you. But trust me, I made my first batch with biscuit-boundaries---and they were flat and boring. Scooch 'em close together and they'll sing the hallelujah chorus when they're done.

Then bake at 425 degrees for 18-23 minutes or until they're golden brown on top. When you take them out of the oven, they look like this----like they're happily snuggled under an afghan watching an SEC football game. Then invert them onto a plate--and then turn them right side up onto another plate. Brush them with butter. And that's when they start singing the hallelujah chorus. Take a knife and cut them apart and notice how some of them are kinda shaped like angel wings.

Butter them generously and enjoy. And then of course, sneak a bite to the dog that has no doubt when lying at your feet while you make them.

I used Darby's cinnamon butter, which is most wonderfully delicious and easy. I mistakenly added one more stick of butter than she did but it turned out yummy just the same. I used 3 sticks of softened butter, 1 cup honey, 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 t. cinnamon and beat it well in my electric mixer. You can give it away as gifts----and she has hers decorated up so cute---or if your 7 year old tastes it and begs to keep it all at home, you can do that too!

Y'all enjoy! Get the pdf file for the recipe here.

Notes from my cookbook:

1. These are so light and fluffy that they may require a fork. These would not be the biscuits that would hold up to a sausage-biscuit sandwich. Unless you use a fork.

2. I will still use my other biscuit recipe when I need more substantial biscuits. These are like biting into a cloud.

3. I will most definitely make my traditional biscuits (that I roll out with a rolling pin) with white lily flour. Also, with any biscuit recipe, if you start out with a very wet dough and don't over mix/beat/knead, they will be lighter and fluffier. They just won't have angel wings like this one.

4. I used a recipe from the website Project Foodie and added baking powder to it---after my first batch didn't rise quite as much as I would have liked. Thank you to their experts for these wonderful tips.

What I love about homeschooling: edition 1

2009-12-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

1. Going on field trips with 2 of the most well-behaved and fun-loving girls I know. (The Kingsport Ballet performs the Nutcracker---great performance)

2. The spontaneous holding of hands that still occurs, even at ages 7 and 9.

3. Teaching the girls how to absolutely enjoy an afternoon in an antique store. (it helps when they serve Oreos)

4. Hearing them say, "Mom, you're gonna love these aprons!"

5. Listening as the oldest tells the youngest, "Daddy would love these birds."

6. Deciding together that you most certainly must have the vintage '12 Days of Christmas' cookie cutters......

........and the vintage bread box and canister set---and then commence to have a heated discussion about whether the canister set will house varieties of chalk and markers or varieties of flour and cereals.

7. Making the decision that photographs will do just fine when we find things we love but can't buy.

8. Going to the local Christmas parade

and counting our blessings

that we have been given a special gift----

of spending long days together with the ones we love----

and wishing it could stay this way......forever.

Thanks to Grandma Evadne for the beautiful knitted caps that still fit perfectly!

Great Advent Resource

2009-12-02T17:48:00.000-08:00

I downloaded this awesome Advent application last year on my iPhone called simply, Advent '08. It's a collection of daily readings, prayers, and hymns that correspond to the liturgical reading cycle for the Advent season. One of the things I loved so much about the application last year was the historic christian art that was used with each daily reading and the deep, rich devotional quality to the readings/prayers.

This year, the author/editor of this wonderful compilation is not releasing Advent '09 as an iphone application but is posting daily advent readings on this advent blog. I think you'll enjoy it completely. I've been reading version '08 to my kids and then reading the '09 version on my own.

The introduction to the Advent blog says this:

Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Advent is a time of sobriety in the face of His return. The rhythm of American life, especially in the holiday season, seldom leaves time for adequate preparation. Adequate, however, does not imply the amount of time spent, as much as it refers to focus and attention. It is more than just a way to count down the days to Christmas; it is a way to help transform Advent into a journey of faith. It is a way to help prepare for the coming of Jesus to live among us, so that the good news of Christmas morn lingers on long after the packages are opened. It is our hope and prayer that the Holy Spirit would lead you through the Scriptures to a newfound wonder of Emmanuel, Jesus Christ, Savior of the world. May the Lord bless you on your journey.

sampling from Advent '08

God of Love, You made Your home among us. By faith we believe in You and in baptism we have received You and from Your hand we have received grace upon grace. Grant us, by that same grace, Your truth to dwell within our hearts that we may live in Your peace, not as the world understands, but that peace which only You can give. This we are bold to pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

sampling of Advent '09

Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy,
Lord have mercy.
O Lord hear my prayer.
And let my cry come to You.
Lord God of heaven and earth who alone is worthy to judge all peoples according to their deeds, have mercy upon us for Christ’s sake! We cannot attain to the standard of Your righteousness as You have revealed it to us in Your Law and through the mouths of Your Prophets. Merciful God hide us beneath the banner of Your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ and by His blood wash us so that we may be whiter than snow and cleansed from all unrighteousness. Merciful Father You delayed Your final judgement of our sin until in the fullness of Your time our Lord was revealed. According to Your steadfast love towards us You placed the burden of our guilt upon the shoulder’s of Your Son, so that having warned us of the judgment yet to come You have called us not fulfill the requirements of the law ourselves, but to trust in Your Son who has done so on our behalf. For His sake preserve until You yet again bring time to completion and send Your holy angels out to gather the last harvest. Father, You have grafted us onto the Vine, continue to change our hearts we pray, by making us ever new after the fashion of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One Holy God, both in this world and the one that is to come. Amen.

So, go here and be blessed.

Thanks to Rev. Scott Ryll for this rich devotional tool.

All hymns used in the devotional are taken from the Lutheran Service Book and scripture readings are taken from the ESV.

Girls' Bedroom Metamorphosis and a little Christmas Cheer

2009-11-29T17:06:00.000-08:00

This is what I see now when I walk out of my bedroom door. The little girls' bedroom---freshly painted and freshened up. It makes me wanna dance a jig. Or to quote Pioneer Woman, it 'makes my skirt fly up'. And it's every girls' favorite color: tiffany blue. I know, I know--I'm teaching 'em early. I'm not sure what I love best, the tiffany blue walls, the currant-red beds, or the very large vintage multi-colored lights. Oh, or the vintage butterfly prints. I can't decide. I love it all.

Here's what you can do in a week with $150, a wonderful inspiration photo and numerous cups of the best coffee ever. I saw this amazing guest bedroom {first featured in Domino magazine} on the Little Green Notebook blog---and fell in love instantly.

Jenny did a copy cat design of this room, giving tips on how to get the look for much less. And though her tips were extremely helpful, I settled on an even cheaper/less authentic version than her copy cat version. But it turned out beautiful and my girls love their new 'grown-up' bedroom. And if you don't already read Jenny's blog, you should. You'll love it and her and you'll learn stuff.

Domino guest bedroom

I started this project by painting the beds. These are actually bunk beds that I 'debunked' many years ago. I also previously painted, distressed and glazed them about 8 years ago.

In the Domino guest room photo, those upholstered beds can be found at Target online---and I LOVE those beds. But alas, painting our existing beds red was not a bad alternative. I chose 'Currant Red' from Benjamin Moore and after sanding the beds twice {to remove the previous finish} I painted them in semi-gloss with two coats of paint. I actually used Behr Paint and Primer and just had them look up the Benjamin Moore color in their computer. I adore this paint---it's thick and luscious and goes on like butt-ah! And as someone who paints things frequently, I say that with a fair amount of personal experience.

I then used this little rub and buff product {from Hobby Lobby} to give them a more antiqued look. I used my fingers to rub it on and then used a damp cloth to wipe most of it off. It's kind of subtle but I like the beds much better with this addition. The color is called Spanish Copper.

By the way, I painted the beds in the room. I just put butcher paper on the floor underneath them went to work. It's a little tricky to paint the very bottom of the bed posts but it can be done.

Next, I started on the walls. I chose 'Robin's Nest' from Benjamin Moore and again had the paint mixed at Home Depot using Behr Paint and Primer {did I say thank you to my friend The Nester for this tip? I owe you a debt of gratitude}. This paint goes on so well that it covered in one coat on these walls!! And those letters on the wall that spell GRACIE----those must stay forever. When I tried removing them, sheetrock began to peel as well---so I just painted right over them---again. My painter Rick---whose number I have on speed dial---helped me with the 20 foot ceilings in this room. And my somewhat-afraid-of-heights-self was thankful.

I then took Jenny's advice and printed these vintage butterfly prints from Village Printables and framed them in my $6.99 frames from Ross {a lot better than the $625 each for the prints in the Domino room}. They are exactly the perfect complement to this room and it reminds me of the metamorphasis that will all-too-soon take place in these little girls. I want to cherish the days while I have them.

Scooter, our 4 year old Maltese, sleeps with the girls so we found him a coordinating dog bed--which will, I hope, prevent him from rubbing his dirty paws all over these white quilts {Target--shabby chic collection}. The zebra print pillows are also from Target {$14 on sale} and are a fine and enormously cheaper substitute to the beautiful IKAT pillows on the Domino guest room beds ($240 each I think). I also just happened to be moving this winerack---which I've been using as a nightstand---out of my bedroom, so I moved it in here because it was just the right size and shape. Any ideas for what we could store in there, aside from wine bottles of course?!

I then finished it off with a beautiful Christmas cactus, some pine garland and the big-bulb Christmas lights.

This room has the softest glow at night and is the perfect spot to snuggle up with some good reading and our Advent devotionals. I have to take turns sitting on each little one's bed {"you were on her bed last night"} and have to make sure to give each one the same amount of kisses. I will hold on to that as long as possible!

So there it is: the sort of grown up little girls room---where butterfly kisses and tooth fairy visits are still welcome! But pink is not.

I should also mention that moving the beds toward the center of the room has been a huge advantage. The girls can easily make their own beds. And for now, they LOVE the job.

Before After

What I still need to do:

1. Add a brass-type rub onto the side table/winerack.

2. Find a cheap black and white striped rug.

3. Keep Scooter's grubby paws off those white quilts.

4. Tackle the very messy closet.

5. Find the perfect 'thing/s' to store in the winerack.

6. Read a million more pages together---before they get tired of me.

You can see more photos on my flickr photostream.

Thanks a million to Jenny for making this room seem possible for the average mom.

Oh and come visit me at Blissfully Domestic today where I'm posting my sweater stocking tutorial.

I listened to this episode on Issues Etc---on Luther and Calvin and how you know you have true faith--while working on this project. It's well worth a listen!

p.s. I'm adding this project to Kimba's DIY day. Visit the most fantastic DIY'ers here.

Advent Begins

2009-11-29T05:21:00.000-08:00

Our most gracious God, we pray for your blessings as we begin our Advent journey. Turn our hearts toward You. Forgive us our selfish preoccupations. Quiet us with Your words of comfort and peace and hope. And as we anticipate Your coming in glory, remind us of Your humble 'comings'---as a baby in a manger, on a donkey into Jerusalem, as our Savior on a cross, in ordinary bread and wine at Your table, in the waters of baptism, and in Your most Holy Word.

Why do you come to us in such lowly means? Because You come in mercy. To restore us and reconcile us to Yourself. To show Your boundless love and compassion for wretched and miserable sinners like us. You come to bring us life and peace and forgiveness.

In our sin, we often take Your 'coming' for granted. We fail to receive the instruction of Your Word. We doubt You at the supper. Our hearts are hardened toward You and closed to our neighbor. We beg You to come---to find us, to rescue us from sin and death, to pursue us in our depravity and wandering. O come O come Emmanuel.

Thanksgiving Replayed

2009-11-28T04:03:00.001-08:00

We gathered around the table and prayed a Thanksgiving litany--written by Pastor Bill Cwirla.

The food was served buffet style----and if I do say so myself---it was pretty yummy!

Some of the crew (my brother was sick this year and we missed him dearly----he always does the dishes!)

Let the feasting begin!

The 'teens and tweens' table and their beloved sparkling grape juice.

A sneak peek at myspace....

...and a whole lot of football!

Apparently my sister has rescued her husband from his ten year old worn out Carhartt (?acid-washed) jeans---I thought it was picture-worthy.

The cute couple Marcus and Katilin (and a sneak peak at my freshly painted tiffany blue door)

I was a little disappointed with my performance on desserts this year. Pride comes before a fall and I sorta pride myself on serving a plethora of yummy desserts. They were just 'ok'. Next year, I promise to bring back 'chocolate crusted creme brulee'----and red velvet cheese cake. Accept my sincerest apologies.

It was a glorious day altogether and we counted our many blessings.
Friday I took the kids to see Blind Side and cried through 75% of the movie. Steve was 95% sure I'd come home with a 250 pound homeless football player. I seriously pondered it and may be in an adoption 'funk' for weeks. Today, I'm thinking about resurrecting the fresh Christmas tree tradition. Hope your weekend is marvelous.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T15:02:00.000-08:00

chocolate-pecan pie

from the Lutheran prayer book:

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. Lord God, heavenly Father, You have created me and endowed me with all that I am or have as a pure gift of Your fatherly divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. You sustain me from day to day with the gifts of daily bread in the food that I eat, the family that surrounds me, the friends I enjoy, the country where I live, and countless other benefits that I constantly receive from Your open hand. On the Day of Thanksgiving, cause me to gratefully remember the good gifts that You shower upon me. Deepen in me the knowledge of Your goodness, and awaken my heart to praise You for all of Your gifts, especially the forgiveness of sins that You have purchased and won for me and the whole world in the atoning death of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Keep me mindful of Your mercies every day, and grant that I may thank, praise, serve, and obey You not only with my lips but also with a life dedicated to the service of my neighbor. To You, O Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, praise and thanksgiving, now and forever.
Amen.

Wishing you and those you love a most blessed Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Tabletop Tips

2009-11-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Every year I swoon at the Pottery Barn catalogue and their many varied and luscious Thanksgiving tabletops. Have you ever calculated how much money it would cost to do a table exactly like theirs? A lot of money. An obscene amount of money. So, every year I set out to make my tables comfortable, fresh, and inviting. I took Darby's tutorial on making Christmas stickers and made Thanksgiving 'cards' that I tied to pumpkins.

Then, I printed out the names of my guests {in elephant font at 36pt}, taped them to these cute Martha Stewart tags---that I found in the scrapbook section of Walmart---and tied them with twine to the pumpkins stalks.

Then, I took all my mismatched gold goblets and white dishes and set my table.

I lined the center of the table with 10 votive candles {I bought the votive holders on clearance at Pier One for $1 and then put 'ember' votive candles in the holders--also from Pier One. 'Ember' is a most wonderful combination of orange, cinnamon, and cloves.

I used different colors and words at everyones' place setting and you can download the words in sets of two in the form of pdf files. For the words joyful and thankful, click here. For the words lovely and wishful click here. For the words merry and cheer, click here. For the words grateful and cherish, click here.

Voila! A fresh Thanksgiving table for under $30 (unless you count the printer ink)!

And because I don't know when to stop with a good thing, I printed my Thanksgiving menu and my current 'to-do' in the same way. I'm pretty certain that I'm more motivated to finish my 'to-do' list when it looks like this.

Then, I officially declared this 'Home-Economics' week at Logos School and rallied the troops to help me

1)Bake the sweet potatoes {I'll add the brown sugar, cream, and butter and then bake them again before Thursday}

2) Peel the russet potatoes---all ten pounds of them----for the chive mashed potatoes. We'll doctor these up later too but at least the peeling and cooking are done!

3) Bake faux-made bread. I use this Rhodes brand all the time when I need homeade bread in a pinch. You just spray a muffin tin with Pam and put two of these frozen dough balls in each tin. Let them rise for 5-6 hours and then bake them. I'll be making my standard Parker House Rolls for Thursday too but this way, we'll have plenty for my family to take home with their leftovers.

And then we sat down and spent a couple hours reading about the Pilgrims and their amazing journey across the Atlantic---and how they landed in a foreign country---tired, sick, hungry with no ready available food or shelter.

We are so blessed. With so many brave people for whom to be thankful.

Check over at Kimba's DIY day for more creative solutions that are easy to do yourself.

Projects Unfinished and Children Unplugged

2009-11-23T02:57:00.000-08:00

painting my bedroom/bathroom/bedroom ceilings (and don't you love the lamp that I rescued from my own yard sale and painted blue?)

Last week, I started 37 projects. That's kinda how I roll. And I should have learned by now that when I do that, I end up sick. So, now I have 37 half finished projects and raging bronchitis. And our family Thanksgiving just happens to be Thursday----at my house. I am blessed to have been able to hire a painter who's coming today to help me finish. But I'll show you a few pics from the week and we'll all cross our fingers that we get all our 'stuff' done in time to relax and enjoy our families. Keep in mind, NOTHING is finished. And while I coughed and painted, the little girls played a lot of American Girl fantasyland and the 'big' girls made the cutest shirts.

a new wall of frames and the cutest pillows (TJ Maxx for the geometric and Target for the birdies)

a spruced up mantle for Christmas--did I emphasize unfinished?

new paint for the girls' room

new paint for the girls' beds

Christmas lights for the craft room

Check our my tumblr site for a peek into some of the yummies I'm making------in between coughing and painting. I promise I'm not coughing in the food. My brother in law may no-show when my sister reads this post to him.

And for finished Thanksgiving projects, visit Clover Lane!

Whether the projects all get done or not, this I know: I am profoundly blessed, beyond anything I could ever hope for or ask. And I will pray for a heart of thankfulness, for myself, for my family and for you.

Stages of Blog Friendship

2009-11-21T04:02:00.001-08:00

1. Infatuated

Day 1: You click on a link to a new blog. Hmmmm. You make the following mental notes.

"Nice header."

"No opening music---that's good."

"Awww, she looks sweet. Cute kids. Cool project."

You click to a link within her post and get lost for a period of time on Martha Stewart's craft site trying to figure out how to make those origami ornaments. But you make a mental note to visit again.

Day 5: You remember that there was a new blog that you might potentially add to your reader so you rack your brain to try to remember how you got there. Was is from Melissa's link list? Or maybe BooMama's blogroll? Or Nester's lamp party? While trying to find the link, you get sidetracked 40 times and wander around in the blog wilderness confused as to how you ended up on a page that says 'The four stages of falling in love"---but you make mental note of how similiar the stages seem to blog crushes---and you determine to write a post someday about the stages of blog friendship.

Now back to our search. You click around to blogs that you know have good blogrolls and pray you'll recognize the name when you see it. Finally, 237 clicks later, you find it! Aw, the relief. You thought you'd 'lost' her forever. Her newest post is a tutorial on how to recycle old sheets into a gorgeous table runner for Thanksgiving.

"And she's industrious. I think I like this girl."

You bookmark her site and vow to visit again in a day or two when you have more time.

Day 10: You remember the bookmark you saved and sit down with a cup of coffee to get to know your new friend a little. You learn that she's a reformed Baptist, has five kids, bakes a lot, has a brother serving in Iraq, wants to adopt a baby, loves to make her home beautiful, and takes incredible pictures. Yep, we're definitely gonna be friends.

2. Smitten

Day 20: You have periodically visited her site and searched a few different categories. You love what you see and decide that sometime in the next few weeks you're gonna read some of her archives. You carve out some time between 11-1a and devote it completely to your new friend. You skim most of her blog posts and are enamoured with her photography, her fresh view of the world, her creative life and make a decision---despite the fact that she seems to be quite outspoken on certain issues----that you will most certainly add her to your reader.

Day 40: You are smitten. In the last 3 weeks, she's posted about making Texas sheet cake, the struggles she has with her strong willed toddler, the amazing Super Bowl party she threw last year, her 10 year love affair with her husband, and the reasons why she loves reformed theology. You forgive her for being in the wrong political party and decide that the blog posts you 'skimmed' late one night are gonna have to be read word for word. You usually read her blog outside the reader because when you're on her actual site, you feel like you're at home--and it allows you to comment when you want and read the comments of others.

3. Head Over Heels

Day 60: You start from her first blog post ever and read nearly every word she's written. You see how she's developed as a writer/blogger/woman. You respect her for the boundaries she hasn't violated. You know that if you met her in real life you'd be the best of friends. You don't agree with her on everything. She can be sarcastic and self-deprecating at times. But you are sure that you have never known anyone quite like her. She's a remarkable woman. She inspires you on so many levels. She has shown you that being a woman, a mother, a wife is honorable and noble and good. She makes you a better person. She has been gracious to open her life to you. And you are forever thankful.

You finally decide to introduce yourself to her. You become pen pals. Friends.

You start to read her comments and feel the need to defend her if someone---who doesn't 'know' her---seems to misunderstand her. You learn what her 'community' is like and decide to become part of it yourself.

4. Just Old Friends

Day 432: After months or years of 'following' her, you feel like you know her. You probably do know her better than some of her friends who don't read her blog. Her posting has been a little 'off' lately. Is she okay? Is she struggling with something? You pray for her and hope all is well. You send her an email encouraging her. And you say a prayer of thanksgiving. For this connection---for this fellowship. That has changed your life forever. You ponder C.S. Lewis' quote, "Eros will have naked bodies, friendship naked personalities."

No wonder this medium fosters friendship.

We bare our souls, expose our fears, confess our frailties and pray that those who receive our words do so with compassion and understanding----just like old friends. She is not perfect. But she is your friend and you are blessed indeed.

Sound familiar? Please tell me I'm not the only one.

The Theology of Harry Potter

2009-11-20T02:51:00.000-08:00

::Spoiler Alert::

Though I'm guessing that most of you who are going to read them

have already!

The first Harry Potter book, The Sorcerer's Stone, was released in 1997, when my son Taylor was 7 years old. I bought the first book and we read the first five or so chapters aloud before I began to hear the siren calls that the book was demonic, full of witchcraft, and ought to be renounced by christians. I obeyed the cry of James Dobson and others to keep the book safely from my children-----until last Monday. I'm also ashamed to say that I likely criticized J.K. Rowling during the last twelve years without knowing much about her and certainly without reading the series or watcing the movies for myself---all the while, secretly wondering if I was misguided in my uneducated summation of her work. In retrospect, I don't think that was a very academic or even a very christian thing to do. I've had to do a similar sort of eye-opening on many subjects since I've become Lutheran, so I'm accustomed to the routine of relearning, of challenging old dogma that once ruled the day in my life.

So, after twelve years in exile, I resurrected the first book and the little girls and I are reading it ravenously. Perfect for the upcoming Thanksgiving holidays. I'm not sure what first kindled my interest in Harry Potter again but I think it has something to do with the fact that I'm taking my 17 year old to see New Moon tonight----another series of books with themes that some have called 'questionable' for christians. You can listen to a distintively christian review of the Twilight Series here, which I highly recommend, but that'll have to be another post for another day.

Imagine my surprise when I find this series of interviews between Todd Wilken and Dr. Rick Stuckwisch on the Harry Potter books; both of whom are Lutheran pastors I highly respect. And whether or not you've read the books or renounced them from your lives, I think you'd find the interviews enlightening. First, J.K. Rowling is not only an extremely well-educated and brilliant writer, but she is a christian. She has openly admitted to the christological themes in the books and not unlike C.S. Lewis, has purposely set out to be subtle with these themes so that the books would have a broader reach and appeal---possibly to engage those who would otherwise be repulsed by a book with overtly christian ideas. Furthermore, she has been harshly criticized for using magic {which she uses as a literary device---akin to the use of technology in the Star Trek series} by the same christians who gladly let their kids read Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and Tolkeins' Lord of the Rings; both of which are full of 'miracles' and magic.

And given her christian heritage, it shouldn't surprise us that in the 7th and last book {the number of completion in the Bible} Harry dies, giving himself up out of love and mercy for others----then rises again----not unlike Aslan in the Narnia series. It also seems that even without the themes of mercy and self-sacrifice, the story is compelling in its' own right----a story of an orphan boy who grows up in a world full of good and evil and his journey in learning to navigate his often treacherous circumstances.

As I thought about all the hype surrounding these books, especially ten years ago, I found it sadly ironic that had I chosen to continue with the series at the time, I might have found more theological truth in them than I found on any given Sunday at the church I attended. {I've since changed churches}. At the very same time that I was so critical of Harry Potter, I tolerated regular preaching and teaching that more often than not, was much more pop psychology than it was Christ-centered theology. I condemned Harry Potter---who turns out to be somewhat of a Christ-type character while sitting by unaffected, watching the oprafication of my church take place. "7 Steps to a Better You" or "40 Days of Purpose" is not the gospel. If I had been as critical of the handling of God's Word as I was of Rowlings' handling of magic, I might have spared myself some years of agony. But then the themes of the scripture that run so clearly through our lives, and often so clearly in good literature, are unchanging. We struggle for truth. We wage war----often at the wrong enemy. In the end, it is only in dying that we are raised to life. The true enemy is defeated. Not with swords. Or magic. Or by 'my best life now'.

But by the vicarious atonement of Another.

Redemption is really the only story of mankind. {to paraphrase C.S. Lewis}

And perhaps we should rejoice wherever we find it.

* I saw these owl cupcakes online after doing a google search and just used chocolate cupcakes decorated with oreos for eyes, pecans covered in chocolate icing for ears and candy corn for nose. The Hogwarts students often have owls for 'pets'.

Making a Jesse Tree

2009-11-17T06:23:00.000-08:00

Oh, come, strong Branch of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save

And give them vict'ry o'er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

Shall come to Thee, O Isreal.

The first Sunday in Advent falls on November 29 but with the all the yummies to be made and tables to be decorated for Thankgiving, we're getting a head start on our Jesse Tree. A Jesse Tree is an advent tree---decorated with symbols of our spiritual heritage---a way to celebrate the coming {advent means 'come'} of our Lord Jesus. He comes to us in several ways; first as a baby in a manger, then in Word and Sacrament on every Lord's day, and finally in His last 'coming' in judgement.

How to make a Jesse Tree

Purchase a small Christmas tree to use as your Jesse tree.

2. Order this book from Amazon which has all the symbols and scriptures that you can cut out and personalize/bedazzle/glitter-up.

3. Tear the pages out.

4. Cut out the Jesse Tree decorations which will have the appropriate scripture on the back.

5. Bedazzle the front of the ornament.

6. When the time comes to hang the ornaments on the tree {they are labeled by week and day} read the appropriate scriptures and readings.

7. Hang the ornament on your Jesse tree and await His glorious coming.

8. Have your children sing "O Come O come Emmanuel" and your heart will melt into a puddle.

The Story

2009-11-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

I find that there's a certain sense in which things are more than they appear. On the surface, I'm just painting another room. But then the emotions rush in and I wonder if this color therapy is one of many ways the creative heart heals itself. Am I forging a safe cocoon where the boundaries are clear and the dark days must be embraced for the beauty and transformation they inevitably bring? Am I declaring to my life-love that this space, these days, this passion is important. I won't take it for granted. I won't give it what's left over. I will boldly declare----with strokes of painted love----that I am in this-----heart and soul.

So, maybe it's just walls and brick and mortar. Maybe it's just paint and pictures and 20 year old furniture.

Or perhaps it's more? Perhaps it helps to tell our story. The story of loss and love and passion and triumph and forgiveness and brokenness. The story of one deeply stained who has been graciously redeemed. The story of one who has been baptized into death, to walk in newness of life.

What if your walls could speak? What story would they tell?

This project is still in progress so I'll be forthcoming with colors, etc. I listened to Brandi Carlile's new album while I painted this weekend----another form of wonderful therapy. Her song Pride and Joy is unbelievably powerful and speaks of the complicated relationship we have with our children and parents. She's coming to the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville Feb. 10th. Girls night out anyone? The first time I heard her song 'The Story' , I was reminded that there is something in music and art in general that touches on the divine. And everytime I hear this song, I'm so thankful for Steve---who knows my story----and loves me anyway.

OH, and the winner of the 'live life in grace' necklace: Sara from Upon Suggestion! Congratulations Sara. Send me an email with your address and I'll mail you your lovely necklace!

Thanksgiving Banner

2009-11-13T04:09:00.000-08:00

Do ya'll miss the 12 days already? So do I. Thus, I've decided to accept ideas from anyone who'd like to do a tutorial similar to the '12 Days' tutorials on this blog anytime between now and before Christmas. If you have something you think we just MUST know how to do, let me know and we'll feature them randomly in the next few weeks. It'll be kinda like an encore.

And, in the spirit of creative living, I thought you might enjoy my first attempts at Thanksgiving/Christmas decorating. I took Darby's idea from day 12 and made the cutest banners ever. I just printed these wonderful letters on regular paper and stapled them to a ribbon and then hung them from my cabinets.

It reminds me to be thankful for all the little things I so carelessly take for granted.

It reminds me that gratitude is not automatic. It must be exercised and cared for and sought after.

That thankfulness is a choice----and leads us to see ourselves and others in a new light.

Gratitude changes us. And learning to be grateful takes effort and discipline.

So, I thought this giant sign would be perfect for my stubborn, crazy brain.

Like someone is screaming----in a sweet southern voice----'remember to be thankful'. I think it may help. And let's face it, it's a nice change from gourds and turkeys.

Visit The Inspired Room for more inspiration and reasons to be thankful!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas Tutorials Day 12 {Christmas Tags}

2009-11-12T03:07:00.000-08:00

Whew!!! I don't know about you but I'm kinda sad it's day 12! I've had so much fun with this series and am most grateful for the wonderful contributors who have given of their time and ideas to make it all happen! Let's recap:

On the 12th day of Christmas, my blog friend gave to me
12 Christmas tags
11 pounds of fudge
10 coffee cozies
9 Christmas pillows
8 monogrammed candles
7 skirt aprons
6 luscious tassels
5 burlap buntings
4 fabric birdies
3 tile coaster
2 ragamuffin garlands
and a dishmat made by Dar-by!

And today, Darby's back to show us how to create beautiful sticker tags from Microsoft Word so that our packages will be just perfect! I first saw this on her blog a couple months ago and made it right away. Her directions are flawless and even my sometimes technically-challenged self could follow right along. You must give it a try!

The following is a pic-tutorial of how to create your own labels in Microsoft Word.
A few words to the wise:
1. Print on plain paper first
2. Use solid sheets of “label paper” {so they will be stickers--that you can cut out in your desired shape}. Be sure you get ink jet paper for an ink jet printer or laser paper for a laser printer.
3. Make your margins smaller so you can squeeze more on a page

Start by inserting a shape/object onto your document and then size it according to your preference.

And just to prove to you that you can do it, look what I made yesterday! Thanks so much Darby for your endless inspiration!

Note: For all you who are considering bifocals {like me} here's the link to the post on Darby's blog. You can click on her pictures to enlarge them! You're welcome.

Enter a comment on this post to win this beautiful hand-hammered brass necklace with a daily reminder to live life in grace, made exclusively for us by Susan from SusanEllenDesigns. She has just opened her Etsy shop so if you aren't making any handmade gifts yourself, you can buy some of her wonderful creations, while helping to support the cause for mom artists. She also happens to be wonderful language teacher and is currently teaching my girls Spanish and Latin. You should hear them conjugate!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas Tutorials Day 11 {Fudge, Peppernuts, and Baskets}

2009-11-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

The 12 Days of Handmade Christmas ends tomorrow with another great tutorial and a giveaway, so hang in there one more day! I'm excited about todays' goodies but make sure to visit the other 10 days beginning here. Hasn't this been fun? I'm so thankful that you've joined us and for your kind and often helpful comments! Today, we're doing some food gifts and then giving you some inspiration for making your own baskets in which to put them! Welcome Richella and Nancy!

Hello to all fellow fans of Life in Grace! I'm Richella from Imparting Grace, and I'm so glad to be part of Edie's 12 Days of Handmade Christmas! Wife to my college sweetheart and mother to three wonderful boys, I'm a woman who is blessed beyond measure. I am passionate about making a home for my family and living a life with God, learning to receive and impart grace as I go.

I'm excited today to be able to share with you one of my favorite Christmas projects. Each year, I like to give a little something to many people: neighbors, teachers, service providers. That list can grow long, but it's important to me to be able to share a bit of the joy of the season in some small way. Like many of you, I bake cakes, make cookies, and roast nuts. But one thing I do every year is to make fudge. Lots and lots of fudge: at least 12 pounds every year.

My fudge recipe is special, I think. My mother's family has lived in Kansas for many generations, and I inherited a few old Kansas cookbooks. My fudge recipe comes from one of those cookbooks. The body of the cookbook is long since lost, so I don't know the name of the book; all I have is one yellowed and tattered page. The name of the recipe is Mamie's Fudge, and under the recipe name is this note: "She made this to woo Ike." Yes, indeed, this recipe originated with Mamie Eisenhower. President Eisenhower was from Abilene, Kansas, and Kansans proudly claim this family as their own. Just imagine sweet young Mamie Doud making this fudge for the handsome young lieutenant.

::Mamie's Fudge::

4 1/2 cups sugar
pinch of salt
2 Tablespoons butter
12 ounce can evaporated milk
12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
12 ounces German sweet chocolate, broken into pieces
2 7-ounce jars marshmallow creme
2 cups chopped nuts
Butter a pan for the fudge. A 9 x 13 pan works well for thick fudge; a small sheet pan is good for slightly thinner fudge.
Place semi-sweet chocolate, German sweet chocolate, marshmallow creme, and chopped nuts into bowl. Set aside.

Combine sugar, salt, butter, and milk in heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil, continuing to stir, for six minutes. Remove from heat and pour immediately over chocolate mixture; stir until all the chocolate bits are dissolved.

The mixture will look pretty goopy for a moment, but you'll soon be rewarded with the delectable aroma of those chocolates and the look of smooth, satiny fudge.
Pour into buttered pan. Let stand one hour before cutting.

The fudge costs me about $13 per batch, which seems like a lot, but it makes more than six pounds. Mamie's original recipe actually says that it makes seven pounds. Six or seven, the per-pound price is pretty low.

I keep a eye out for containers for my fudge, such as pretty gift boxes, tins, or ceramics. Just last week I found this cute mitten plate at my thrift store for $1.

My favorite presentation of all is simply to put some fudge on a plate, cover it in plastic wrap, tie a bow with some pretty ribbon, and attach an ornament.

::Peppernuts::
This yummy little treat is of German origin and they are so wonderfully addictive! This makes a huge batch but they 'keep' forever---like months! Steve's mom made these with the girls when she was here and then we made them again on Reformation Day.

2 1/2 c. butter (marg or shortening also work)
1 1/2 c. molasses
2 c. sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. black pepper
2 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. cloves
1 t. allspice
1 t. salt
9 c. all purpose flour
1 qt ground walnuts
The dough should be stiff but not overly dry so add the last 1/2 c. of flour slowly to make sure the dough isn't too dry.
Roll the dough into thin ropes, using a little flour to keep them from sticking to your surface. {the ropes should be about the size of your first finger---unless you have unusually large fingers} Apparently little Elea is unsure of this process---but I can tell you from experience that she loves these little cookies.
Then freeze the 'ropes' so that they cut easily. It takes less than an hour for them to harden.

We took one tray out of the freezer at a time and cooked those---then proceeded to the next tray.
Then slice them into little coin size pieces and bake at 350 until they no longer 'give' when you press them (in my oven--about 12-15 min). The longer you cook them, the crunchier they'll be and my family likes them crunchy. I prefer them on the less crunchy side but you'll have to experiment.
Then, wrap them up neat and pretty and Merry Christmas! Or Happy Reformation Day!

And Nancy from Basketmaster's Weavings has a great tutorial on her blog for how to make a Christmas basket, along with many YouTube tutorials on the different steps of weaving. She lists directions for where to buy the stakes and what kind you'll need. This would be so much fun to learn how to do with my girls----and we love a good YouTube video. That cute little basket would be a great handmade gift all by itelf---or you could fill it with fudge and peppernuts.

12 Days of Handmade Christmas Tutorials Day 10 {Coffee Cozy}

2009-11-10T03:06:00.000-08:00

I regret to inform you that the person scheduled for Day 10 could not make it due to unforeseen family circumstances. Guess you're stuck with me today. But don't forget to visit the first 9 days, starting here. Love my new sign? I think Todd Wilken may need it for the studio.

Even before I purchased my espresso machine, I had an impasssioned love affair with coffee. There are currently no words to describe how this torrid love affair has evolved. So, naturally when I saw this coffee cozy tutorial, I was compelled to try it. Kinda like making a quilt for someone you love. And well, I had to show off my new embroidery/sewing machine----which is NOT a piece of cake to figure out.

Gather your supplies:

1 coffee mug cozy template {I used Starbucks}--make sure to use the kind that overlap

2 pieces of fabric ~ 5 x 12 inches

Insul-Bright or batting {I used warm and natural quilt batting}

1.75 inches of 3/4 inch velcro

I followed the tutorial pretty closely but found out too late that not all coffee mugs are made alike---so make sure that the template you use {I used a Starbucks coffee cozy} fits your mug--making sure to allow for the seams. For my travel mug, I should have made mine 1 1/4 inches longer than this Starbucks template. Just put your template around your mug and make sure it fits and if not, adjust---making sure to make allowances for both end seams.

Trace the template onto the wrong side of the fabric {right sides of fabric together} allowing for the seams. {I left about 1/4 inch for the seams on all sides---and as you'll see later, I should have lengthened my cozy by 1 1/4 inch----so make sure it's long enough by wrapping the template around your mug}

Cut a piece of batting the same size as well.

Now, sew the velcro onto the fabric. To figure out where to put the velcro, it's best the pick the fabric up {pretending like its' sewn together} and wrap it around a mug so that you can see where the velcro needs to be. It's easy to see if you lay the Starbucks template out and see where the adhesive has been. I read the directions here {which are good} but I'm a visual learner---so I just had to pretend like the cozy was sewn together and then wrap it around the mug. It's easy then to see where the velcro must go---then sew it onto the right side of the fabric about 1/4 inch from the seam. Sew the other velcro piece onto the bottom fabric in a similar fashion.

With right sides of the fabric together and the batting on the bottom, sew all three pieces together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance---leaving a 2 -3 inch opening at the bottom center---so you can turn it to the right side. After turning it to the right side, fold in the raw edges and then topstitch at 1/8th of an inch all the way around to give it a nice finish and closure.

And after all that, here's what happened to me! So beware: make sure the Starbucks template fits your mug and if not---adjust.

So what do you do with your cute little cozy if it doesn't fit your coffee mug?

I guess you'll have to decide for yourself.

Note to the domestically challenged: I'm no seamstress and definitely not gifted in writing tutorials so I highly suggest you check out the one I followed, making adjustments for the size of your mug. I also took these pics before I topstitched my cozy. I'm overanxious like that.

12 Days of Handmade Christmas Tutorials Day 9 {Pillows}

2009-11-09T02:50:00.000-08:00

If you're late to this party, don't fret, just grab a cup-a-joe ,start humming the 12 Days of Christmas and then visit Day 1--dishmat, Day 2--garland, Day 3--coasters, Day 4--birds, Day 5--buntings, Day 6---tassels, Day 7---apron, Day 8--candles, and the sweater stocking tutorial here.

And now without further delay, welcome Autum from Creative Little Daisy to the party. Autum and I just 'met' a few weeks ago because of this party and I'm so thankful she joined us and did this awesome pillow tutorial. You'll enjoy snooping around her blog where you'll find this wonderful kitchen redo and all these lovely purses she's made. She's also a board member of Sew Mama Sew! So welcome Autum and thank you for showing us your tricks on these adorable pillows.

Perhaps the easiest way to get your feet wet in the sewing waters is by making simple pillow or cushion covers. Once you know the basic construction, you can get as fancy as you wish with embellishments and trim. You can update the look of a room quickly and inexpensively by simply adding some pretty throw pillows or recovering existing ones.

For this tutorial, I’m going

to show you how I I saved at least $75.00 by making my own pillow covers instead of buying them from Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs.

I had everything I needed so I didn't spend a dime. If you don't have an embarrassing stash a few things lying around, like I do, I think you can buy what you need for less than $15.00.

First gather your supplies,

You will need pillow forms to cover. You can buy inserts fairly inexpensively at the fabric store, especially when you catch them on sale, or like I said above, you can just recover pillows you already have. One of the pillows I'm covering today came from Walmart. I was there to buy a pillow form, but noticed that I could buy an 18 inch pillow cheaper than a 16 inch pillow insert, so I went with that.

I am using a rotary cutter, but you can make your cuts with scissors. If you plan to do much sewing, I recommend getting one and a self healing cutting mat. You will also need something to measure your fabric for cutting. I have a clear ruler and my cutting mat has markings, but a tape measure or yard stick would be sufficient.

You will also need a few pins, something to mark with is helpful ( I use a water soluble fabric marking pen), an iron and of course a sewing machine.

For the first pillow, I used a fabric called osnaburg, it looks very much like linen but is much cheaper. You can find it at JoAnn or Walmart for around $3/yd. I pre-wash my fabric before sewing to get any shrinking out of the way.

Measure the pillow or form you want to cover. Cut one piece for the front of the cover the exact dimensions. My pillow is 16" square so I cut one piece of fabric that size. Normally when you sew, you cut the item larger, taking your seam size into consideration. For pillows I cut the fabric the same size so that the insert will fit snugly into the cover. Otherwise you end up with a saggy baggy pillow.

For the covers I'm making today, I will be adding a little something to the fronts. I could have chosen a pretty fabric and skipped the embellishing part and gone on to the next step. Since I am embellishing, I will do that first.

I want to recreate this Pottery Barn pillow, cause I think it's really cute, but I don't have $29 (plus shipping) to spend on a pillow- especially since I really like the set ($29 plus shipping times three- YIKES!)

To make the LOVE pillow, I took my 16" front piece and found the center by folding it in half then in half again. I made the little pocket by cutting a pieces of the same fabric 6" x 8". I machine embroidered the word LOVE in the center, but you could just as easily paint the words on using regular craft paint- if you have a nice steady hand- which I do not. You could stencil it on using regular stencils or the freezeer paper stencil method or use iron on transfer paper and iron it onto your pocket. Once you have your word on your pocket, turn under all four sides 1/2" and press.

I bet I just lost half of you
didn't I? When I said press? Pressing gets such a bad wrap, no one
wants to fool with ironing. It takes too much time. I don't like to
iron any more than the next guy. In fact, I think that may be what
turned me off to sewing when I was young. My granny tried to teach me
to sew and once she got all preachy about pressing after every step and
showing me the propper way to press an item, I started hearing Charlie
Brown's teacher "wa wa waaa waaaa...." If I have to do all that, I'm
not messing with it! Well, fast forward to today, and I'm probably a
bigger preacher on the merits of pressing as you sew than my granny
every thought of being. It really doesn't take much time, and it not
only makes the sewing easier, it makes what you sew look so, so, much
better. Have you ever seen a handmade item and just it just screamed
"homemade!" I bet it was because it wasn't pressed. So please, please,
if you are going to take the time to make something, take just a tiny
bit more time to press. OK, off my soapbox and back to the tut.

Find the center of the pocket and place it on the center of the pillow front. To keep this extra secure for stitching I used a little bit of stitch witchery (fusible web) under the sides and bottom. Once it's nice and secure, I used a quilting stitch on my machine and red thread to give it a hand stitched look ( not necessary, you could use a regular straight stitch, just increase the stitch length). You could also hand stitch it if you like.

This pillow cover will have an envelop closure so I cut two pieces for the back. I don't have an exact formula for cutting the back pieces, I just want them to be large enough to allow for about a four inch overlap. I also allow extra to hem the outer edges (the pieces that overlap) That sounds confusing, but it will make sense. For this pillow I cut one piece 16" x 12 and one 16" X 14".

On one short side of each back piece, turn under about a 3/4" hem, press, and turn it under again. Yes, again with the pressing. Sorry.

Sew a straight stitch close to the edge of the fold on each back piece.

Now lay your front piece right side facing up on your work surface. Lay each back piece on top with right sides facing down, lining up the outer edges of the back pieces with the outer egdes of the front pieces. You will be overlapping the back pieces. This creates your envelop back.

Pin in several places to hold everything in place for sewing. Be sure to pin the edges of the back pieces so they stay put while you sew everything together.

Now sew around all four sides, I used a 3/8" inch allowance because it looked like enough for the fabric I was using.

Clip your threads, turn your cover right side out, stuff your pillow in and admire your work. Take a picture of your lovely new pillow so you can share it with all your friends!

I also made the JOY pillow (didn't get to PEACE yet, maybe today) and this gift box pillow like one Ballard has for- are you ready for this? $75.00!!!. I used the same construction method, you just embelish the front piece any way you like first.

Want to know how I made the Ballard's pillow? OK I'll tell you. It was really easy and didn't take very long at all.

You will need a printed fabric, burlap, ribbon or double fold bias tape, freezer paper and steam-a-seam lite.

Cut your first piece to fit your pillow. Mine was 18" this time. I happened to have a piece of green fabric almost exactly like the print on the Ballard's pillow.

Next, cut a piece of steam-a-seam 9" x 9" and fuse it to the back of a piece of burlap. Do (this before cutting the burlap to size, that way you have less fraying) Cut the burlap 9" x 9", remove the paper backing and fuse to the center of the printed fabric.

Go around all four sides of the burlap with a zig-zag stitch in dark brown or black thread.

With the stitch witchery, (or any fusible tape- or you could use a glue stick) secure a piece of red ribbon or bias tape down the center of the burlap box, turning under the raw edges.

To make the gift tag, cut a piece of freezer paper 8.5" x 11" (the size of printer paper) and iron the shiny side to a piece of light weight cotton fabric. Cut the fabric 8.5 x 11 after adhering the freezer paper. Now you should have a piece of fabric that will run through your printer. I had to fiddle with mine a bit, but it worked nicely. I am not guaranteeing this will work in your printer. I simply googled free printable sheet music, found and image I liked and printed it on the freezer paper backed fabric. After printing the image onto the fabric, remove the freezer paper. Next fuse a piece of steam-a-seam to the back and cut it out in the shape of a gift tag. Remove the paper backing and iron it in place on the burlap box. Stitch around the edges with a zig-zag stitch. (sorry for the blurry photos)

Construct the pillow following the instructions above, then tie a bow from your ribbon and attach it to the front. I used fabric glue, but you could hand stitch it in place.

Stand back and admire your pillow and brag to your husband that you saved $75.00!

A little bonus tip~If you are limited on space where ever your sewing area is, you can make a little portable pressing board instead of putting up a big ironing board. I made one yesterday with a scrap of wood, it wasn't plywood, just some sort of paneling stuff Mitch had that measured 16" x 24". I covered it with 2 layers of cotton quilt batting and a layer of fleece interfacing then a layer of cotton fabric. I stapled it all to the back and now I have a surface for pressing I can keep right next to my cutting area, saving me steps to the ironing board and clearing up some floor space in my sewing room.

For more crafty goodness, visit Kris' blog for 'I can make that' day!

12 Days of Handmade Christmas Tutorials Day 8 {Monogrammed Candles}

2009-11-08T04:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's Day 8 already. And I can't believe it's November already. And I can't believe I have a son in college and I can't believe I'm almost 40 years old. Does time ever catch you by surprise like that? Amy from Playing Sublimely will cheer us up! She is a beautiful new mom blogger with adorable kids and great creative ideas to share with us. I think you're gonna love these candles. I can't wait to try them myself. Take is away Ms. Amy and welcome to lifeingrace!

Don't you just love candles! I love them so much I light them year round. My husband comes home from work in the middle of the summer when it is 95 degrees outside, and goes around the house blowing out all my candles...and I follow right behind him relighting them all.. I always buy candles that have a fragrance to match the season. Year round, I just cannot get enough of them. Well you can imagine my delight when I learned to paint and monogram candles. These lovelies make beautiful gifts: birthdays, baby showers, Christmas, weddings, etc.. Here is what you are going to need:

Glass and Tile medium, black acrylic craft paint, and a tiny paint brush

A candle (my current favorite is this brand from Bed, Bath and Beyond). Candle manufactures come and go, as soon as I fall in love with one they will stop making it. Try out a few and see what works best for you. There are lots of great, affordable candles out there.

Now that you have your materials, print out a letter (or letter's' if you would like a triple monogram) off the computer in the font that you would like for your monogram. Position and center the letter on the candle. Hold the letter in place and trace the letter onto the candle with light, but firm pressure. I like to use the point of a mechanical pencil for this step because it carves a thin line onto the surface of the candle. Remember, some candles are softer than others, so take care to not press too hard which would result in large, deep lines in the candle.

Next, paint on a very thin coat of the Glass and Tile Medium over the monogram on the candle as shown below. This coat will dry slightly "milky" so be sure to use a thin coat. Allow about 15 or 20 minutes to dry.

Using your thin paint brush, paint over your carved letter with black paint. Keep your hand as steady as you can, and paint the letter to look as much like the letter you printed off the computer as possible.

Once you are satisfied, allow the paint to dry for at least 30 minutes before wrapping the candle. These candles look lovely wrapped in clear plastic cellophane wrap, tied up with festive ribbon. I keep lots of ribbon on hand, by simply changing the ribbon it becomes a great, unique gift for lots of different occasions.

Don't be afraid, you can do this! This is a simple way to create lots of affordable and personal gifts. People will love receiving them and they will enjoy many hours of the calming serenity that candlelight can bring into a home. Have fun!

Blessings to you all,

Click here to hear all about the square dance I went to this weekend!