Holiday Crafting

So, growing up we had these little glitter houses that came out every year at Christmas.  I remember my sisters always telling me to lay under the tree and look up at all the lights.  I always wanted to be on the side where those little houses were.

I've come to know now that those little houses are called "Putz Houses".  These houses are heavily rooted in the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, which makes sense that we had them, since my mom's side of the family is PA Dutch.

Since the houses from my childhood are probably lost in Dad's attic, I figured that I'd take a shot at making my own.

I started with the trees.  Got a big pack of green flocked bottle brush trees from Michaels and followed Ms. Polly Roger's tutorial on how to bleach and dye them different colors so that they look vintage.  You'll find lots of different trees out there.  The kind with the little round wooden bottoms work the best.

Then I made the houses.  I will caution you, this is a time consuming project.  All in all it took me like 2 weeks off and on (maybe a total of 8 hours for the whole project).  I got templates from the Inspired Ideas Christmas Issue and also from retrorenovation.com.  The cutting is both time consuming and boring.  When you first assemble the houses don't be discouraged.  Glitter solves everything and makes them look absolutely fabulous.  I promise!

Here's some shots of mine in the various stages

Holiday Yarning

So last year everyone pretty much got scarves.  This year I wanted to make something to match the scarves from last year but knew I wouldn't have enough time to make hats.  I decided on wristers which were really quick and easy.  I used a pattern from "The Chicks with Sticks Guide to Crochet" and I have to say it was super quick, easy, and fun!

Here's what I made for my nieces

I used Sensations Angel Hair yarn from Joann Fabrics, and a 5mm hook instead of the 4mm hook that the pattern calls for cause I tend to be a tight stitcher.  Each one took me only about a half hour to make and these are great practice for working front loop only stitches as well as learning how to keep your work even.

More Asheville!!!

Ok so, obviously this post should've happened a few weeks ago.  Better late than never huh.  Catching up now that presents have been wrapped and opened; cookies baked and eaten; crafts done, and well partially done at least.

I wanted to post the rest of my photo picks from Asheville.  It was such a great time of year to visit.  I've really missed seeing the leaves change and feeling the crisp Autumn air.  I think I've realized just how much I miss the fog and the misty mornings.

Since we visited during what was pretty much the last weekend of the peak fall color, there was lots of activity downtown.  These buskers "Thirteen Strings and a Two Dollar Bill" were awesome!

another shot of downtown

We were lucky enough to be there right when an early cold front came through.  While we were out sightseeing in the Pisgah National Forest it actually started snowing!  The further we climbed the more snow we encountered.  The boys LOVED it!

Going up the mountain just when it started snowing

At the top of Cold Mountain

Snow clouds

Snow!!!

The way back down was just as beautiful

We even got some snow at the cabin the next morning

On the last night we walked downtown and did some window shopping.  It was cold and crisp and I loved every minute of it!