crafts are not just for old ladies.

yes, i said it. and i believe it: crafts are not just for old ladies (although i did just turn 30... so maybe some people would consider me to be an old lady...)

when i was little, i always had creative projects going on. always. i cross-stitched. i colored and drew. i loved to bake. and i had multiple notebooks that i would write stories in... i wanted to be an author (which, by the way, is something i've been thinking more about lately. i mean, apparently all you need to do is write a book about vampires falling in love for a bunch of teenaged girls and you are set for life. LIFE.)

over the years, i became guarded and self-conscious. i didn't want to create things unless i knew that i was going to be good at it... ahhhhh, perfectionism. such a kill-joy.

perhaps one of the greatest challanges to me since becoming a stay-at-home mom is finding ways to not lose my identity and sense of who i am. i always want to be growing, creating, and finding new ways to enjoy life and evolve in the woman i am. not just the important ways (growing more in my love for and knowledge of jesus, finding ways to minister to others, becoming a better wife, growing as a mom, etc) but in little ways too.

so... i decided to bite the bullet and, in turn, i got bitten...by the craft bug.

{yes, craft bugs do exist}

when christmas was coming around the corner, nick&i looked over our finances and decided we would need to be real creative with christmas gifts this year. so, i decided to make things. and it was really fun. and i think it was special to those that recieved our handmade gifts (again: i think so).

here are a few of my creations...

- flower hair clips!

some organza ones...



and some felt ones...




- a picture frame (with an organza flower, covered button and some rosettes... don't be fooled: that's NOT bel and me in the frame. just wanted to clear up any confusion.)

- a cake plate stand (i forgot to take a picture of the one i made, but this is what it looked like; minus the crystal knob in the center)

- hand-stitched felt pillows for my nephews

a texas rangers one for wyatt...

and an owl one for jude...

bella's naptimes became very productive for me... although not so productive for my chores around the house. oh well. i'm hoping to perfect these creations soon and add others so i can start an online botique with my sis! we've already made some really *cool* jewelry and we're trying to build up an inventory to "open" in time for christmas shopping next fall. jude&bella coming soon... you will SO want to shop there.