Holidays Archives - Page 17 of 62

It’s Christmas Time!

December 8, 2012 jennifer Christmas

The wind howls outside and the Christmas music is blasting within. A plate of orange rolls sits on the counter and boxes clutter the couch. The lights twinkle and the children laugh and plan as they take over the task of decorating the tree.

We all sing aloud and smile with recognition as familiar ornaments are removed from the box, especially those they made themselves. My six year old laughs at the ornament he made last year in kindergarten. They save a few and scurry upstairs to decorate miniature trees in their rooms.

It’s a happy day, one that feels like the holidays are here and promises they’re going to be fabulous.
We are so very blessed.

Jennifer

Christmas Mantel 2012

December 5, 2012 jennifer Christmas, Decorating

I decided to place just a single Nativity on our family room mantel this year. In my head the decor was going to be different, but now that the season is here my heart just wants simple.

After all, the only thing I really want for my children during this season is to have as many moments as possible when, in their hearts, they are kneeling beside the manger because the angels are singing in their hearts.

The log that constitutes the mantel presents some interesting challenges. It’s not nearly long enough to use those adorable stocking hangers, especially with a family of ten. My solution has been to hang a garland of some kind from it and put the stockings on that. In the past I’ve used greenery but I wanted to keep the white theme, so I made a simple white burlap garland instead.

I started making these stockings years ago when we were adding a child to our family every 18-21 months. I never knew how many we would end up with so I started making each stocking out of a different plaid fabric with their name embroidered on it in my handwriting. That way I could make as many as we needed over the years. My baby is three and I’m working to finish hers right now… finally!

The final touch is a simple bow in the center of the burlap garland. Last weekend I was shopping with my mom and found this awesome text print linen ribbon. Too often I “save” the things I like the most so I’m very proud of myself for cutting into this within two days. I am kind of wishing I’d bought two, though. It’s just so pretty!

And so the stockings are hung and the children filled with excitement. Welcome, Christmas!

Linking up here .

Chevron Christmas Pillow

December 4, 2012 jennifer Christmas, Quilting and Sewing

I wanted to sew something Christmasey for my sister this year, something she could enjoy in her cute house. Knowing she liked Aneela’s Cherry Christmas line, I snapped up a charm pack and started cutting. I did have to add a few gray scraps to make the pattern work how I envisioned it.

It seems the Utah gray clouds have descended, thick and heavy, making photos difficult. I was operating with a deadline, though, so this is as good as it gets!

The pillow is made almost entirely of half square triangles, with a few solid white squares here and there. The squares finish at 1 and 5/8 inches across.

I quilted only on the white in lines 1/4 inch apart. I like the way it adds detail and movement to the pillow and makes the colors stand out. I finished the quilt with a simple white envelope back and bound it in a red polka dot print.

I’m hoping she enjoys it. The pillow measures 20 inches square, the same as this pillow I made for her birthday. I’m toying with making a second one with rest of the charm pack (I only used half of it!)

I have loved sewing some holiday themed gifts this year. This weekend I also sent my Vintage Holiday quilt off to a new home. It’s fun to give them early so they can be enjoyed during December.