Creative Mom Cafe

Now that the rush of Christmas is over it’s time to start thinking about sending thank you cards. Sending a great card with a heartfelt note of thanks is the perfect way to let someone know their gift was appriciated. Of course with kids you will probably be lucky to get a scribbled “thanks”. At least you can make the cards look great!

One of my favorite ideas is to make handmade cards using the wrapping paper from the gifts. You can use pieces of cardstock cut down and folded into a card or buy a box of blank cards that you can decorate yourself. If you are really organized you could decorate each card individually using the paper that that particular prson used. Though I doubt many people keep track of who sent what gift and used what paper.

This can be a fun project to do with your kids. Cutting and gluing and being creative always makes for ahppy kids, especially if you’re snowed in the house right now. You can be as creative as you want to be. Lay a piece of silver paper down as the background then use red and green paper to stencil out “Thank You”. Cut out images from the paper, presents or snowflakes or Santa Claus and glue them to the front. Or go for a montage of pieces of different paper glued on randomly. Glue on ribbons, add stickers, toss on the glitter. Whatever you and your kids want. It does not have to look perfect at all. This is one case where the thought really does count!

If you’ve already sent back thank you cards to friends and family this is a great idea to store away for future birthdays, baby showers, or any other celebrations.

Christmas cards, thank you cards, cards

We are down to the weekend before the big holiday. Are you ready? How about the cookies?

One of my favorite memories as a little girl was having cookies every year. I thikn that every older woman in my grandmother’s church would make piles of cookies to pass out to anyone. Every day there would be some sweet holiday treats coming my way. So you can tell I am feeling the holiday spirit when Home Ec 101 is sharing a cookie a day recipe. Especially these oh so yummy White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies. However I’m making these no bake oatmeal cookies instead. Mama don’t share her white chocolate macadamia nut cookies. Never. If you have special dietary needs to consider here is a great recipes for Gluten Free and Casein Free Holiday Cookies that you can make instead. My trick: run to your local thrift shop and pick up cute holiday tins. You can usually find them for a dime a piece, sometimes less. Wrap the cookies up nice, place into the tins, and give as last minute gifts.

And just in case you are down to the wire but can’t bake they also have some simple last minute gift ideas you can crochet this weekend. You can also find a lot of easy knit patterns here for some last minute gift ideas. Like this 1 hour scarf.

No matter what you are doing, or not doing, this weekend before to take some time to relax and breath deep. Don’t let the stress of the holidays burn you out before the big day even gets here. Happy Holidays!

cookies, gifts, crochet, knitting

If you saw my picture yesterday then aleady know what I’m going to post about today. I found a huge bundel of felt shets from the local thrift shop and had to buy them. So when my oldest son last night began asking for something to cut and glue I knew just what to pull out.

It started with a basic sketch of a stocking on a small piece of paper. Using that I cut out several small stocking shapes from the red felt.

Once the stockings were cut we glued on small rectangles of white felt to the tops to create the perfect stocking look. Then red/green/gold cord and small pieces of felt of various colors was cut and glued on. I started off using regular white glue but switched to rubber cement to hold all the pieces on. Once they were dry I wrapped a piece of red pipe cleaner into a loop and glued it to the back. We made one for each grandparent and an aunt to hang up on their trees.

It was a really quick and simple craft to make. Felt pieces are very inexpensive to buy, even buying new sheets at the store. Cutting out the stocking shapes was probably the hardest part of the entire thing, and that only took a few minutes. This could be a cute and simple last minute craft to do with your kids.

felt, stockings, crafts, kids crafts, Christmas

Everyone knows how to make fleece hats or knit wool hats, and making a fleece scarf or knitting one is just as simple. But what if your kids need gloves? Can you make simple gloves from warm fleece or knit a pair for your kids to use this winter?

There are several patterns out there for knitting gloves. Including thse adorable mini mittens that would make cute tree decorations. But for functional gloves you will need something bigger. These basic mittens are simple to make and perfect for keeping little hands warm. Here is another pattern for knitting some warm gloves and a matching hat. You can also make yourself some fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm without getting in the way of knitting.

If you would rather sew than knit making warm fleece gloves is no problem. These simple mittens are perfect for keeping hands warm and can be made in no time. And here is great step by step instructions for making a fleece hat and gloves. If you’re feeling really crafty you can try using your own gloves as a pattern to work with. Just be sure to add extra room around for the seams.

If you are wanting a great project that your kids can do this time of year to learn aobut giving this could b the perfect one. Making several fleece hats, scarves, and sets of mittens to donate to your local homeless shelter, church, or any charity that will give them to those in need this winter is a wonderful way to help your children really get into the giving parts of this season. You can reuse old fleece sweaters or blankets to make everything with as a great way to show how to recycle too!

gloves, knitting, fleece

There’s something warm and snuggly about a soft, fleece hat. They are perfect when you’re going out in the cold weather, especially if you are going to be out there a while playing. I mentioned the other day that with the latest cold front that has hit here I rumaged around and found enough fleece to make my nieces each a fleece hat to wear. They aren’t as creative as a dinosaur fleece hat, but they’ll keep warm still.

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There is no better time for mom to show off her creative side than the holiday season. Decorating, making gifts, and putting together a fun holiday get together really flexes that mental muscle. Michelle at Scribbit has the best creative idea I have seen yet for holiday decoration. This felt gingerbread house is the cutest thing, and it looks so easy to make. Every one should have one of these to set up each year!

I love to head over to Etsy and see what others have whipped up there for fun holiday decorating. This small sled would look perfect sitting on my counter filled with candies. And this set of 4 paintings (here, here, here, and here) would give a fun holiday mood to the room by hanging just above my couch. And I would love to snuggle up under this quilt featuring Santa.

If you’re like me and not putting up a big tree this year you can also decorate with smaller trees. Like these adorable Christmas trees that you can make from recycled materials. I love them! Any other moms getting creative this year? I’d love to hear how you’re decorating for the holidays.

Christmas, decorations, holidays

It’s officially December, are you pulling out the Christmas sweaters yet? You know, the tacky, bejeweled, sparkly sweaters. Usually covered in bells, ornaments, and glitter. Blech! I know that some people might like them, but I’m not one of those people. Give me a plain, simple sweater any day.

My friend Christine showed off her mad recon skills by turning a cute sweater into something more fab. I don’t have any sweaters in my closet that are ready to be converted into something cool, so I’m plotting a thrift shop run. There’s nothing like getting a bag of old sweaters for a few dollars to turn into fun. Earlier this year I got a gorgeous, nearly new wool sweater for pocket change and turned it into wool pants for my youngest son. Any moms that use cloth diapers know the joys of wool pants, or wool longies, during the winter months.

Though, if you’re looking for something much cooler to do with a sweater I’d suggest you head over to Threadbanger. Here’s an awesome video from them on turning a plain sweater into a cute shrug and matching skirt. I know some preteen girls who would LOVE this! Are you pulling out the sweaters yet? Or are you attempting to make one?

sweaters, reconstructed clothes

For the last day of November and the last of the gift ideas I am going to suggest something a friend recently posted about on her site. Making your own advent calender. An advent calendar is a small calendar used to countdown the days until Christmas. It is a great way to let children see visually how time draws closer and closer to the big day. And it’s just plain fun! Though not specifically a gift to give for Christmas, you could give them to count down to this Christmas or create special ones they can use time and time again.

There is no one right way to make an advent calendar. You can make yours as simple or as intriquet as you please. Some make small paper loops joined in a chain that they can take apart day by day. Others create wall hangings with small pockets that open to reveal chocolates or small toys. You can be as creative and inspired as you want! If you are creative with paper crafts you could try this cute advent calendar card. It only takes 2 pieces of paper, an exacto knife, and creativity to make. You can find a ton more great creative ideas for making your own advent calendars at Alpha mom.

Making a personal advent calendar can be a wonderful gift to give. It can reflect the recipient’s personal feelings on the holiday and their sense of style. Go ahad and make one this year to give to the kids in your life.

advent calendar, 30 Gifts in 30 Days

Here’s another fun decorative gift idea you can make. A decorative tin candle holder. These are easy to make and fun to have around you home. And they can be made out of things that most people already have in thir homes.

To start you will need an empty, clean tin can, a hammer, and a nail. You can use the cans that soups or beans come in. Just wash it out thoroughly and remove all of the label. If you are having trouble getting the label to comeoff often soaking it in water then using a scrubber pad will do the trick. All you have to do it use the hammer to hammer in the nail into the can. The small holes will let light from the candle shine through creating a beautiful effect.

The best thing to do is to map out your design before you begin. You can create shapes and patterns in the can with the holes. Print out simple images from your computer and tape them around the can. Then just follow the lines as you punch holes into the tin. Remove the image when you are done and you will have a unique candle holder to give. A simple tea light candle or a small votive will fit perfectly in the center. You can also use largr tin cans, such as the ones that coffee comes in or the bulk sized cans of condiments. You can place larger candles in them or use them to create an outdoor light display. Lay out large bulb outside lights going down either side of a walk in your yard. Them place the large carns upside down on top of the lights. It creates a beautiful light effect at Christmas time.

Of course you don’t have to leave the tin can plain. You can tie ribbon around the can, paint it, or attach small decorations. Remember that the tin may get very hot if a candle is left burning in it for too long. So you may want to be catious with how you decorate. Whenpainting the can be sure to paint if before putting the holes in or else the holes may become covered by the paint.

tin cans, candles, candle holder, 30 gifts in 30 days

If you’ve made lots of fun gifts to fill their stocking with now you can make a handmade wreath to hang up next to them. Creating your own wreaths can be fun, and you don’t have to make one just for the holidays. An unique handcrafted wreath can be the perfect decoration any time of the year. In fact, if you are feeling crafty you could make several to be used during the year.

You will need a hot glue gun, a wreath base, and any decorations you want. Wreath bases are fairly common to find. You can even use an old wreath that you have or one bought from a thrift shop. Most are made from straw or grape vines, though if you want to really be unique you can try other materials and make your own. Twist thick wire, rope, or even knit a circle you can use as your wreath base. Just be sure that what ever you choose is strong enough to hold the decorations you plan to put on it.

Once you have your base it is time to decorate. Plan out what theme you want the wreath to have. Will it be a Christmas wreath, one that matches the person’s home decor, or decorated with things you know they will love. Use ribbons, silk flowers, and small ornaments to create an unique style. You can look through the photos of wreaths at Flickr for more inspiration. Make it as big or as small as you want. You can even use pieces from old wreaths to create your new one. It is a great recycling craft idea. The last thing you will need is a way to hang it. Some people buy hooks that they attach to the back, some use pieces of strong wire. Whatever you choose you will need it to be strong enough to hold the weight and secure it tightly onto the back of your wreeath.

wreath, crafts, Christmas, 30 Gifts in 30 Days

Do you know a mom that wears her baby or toddler in a carrier? If so you might know how difficult it is to wrap a normal sized jacket or coat around both mother and baby during the cold winter months. I know I always had trouble keeping us both warm and snuggly when the wind was blasting.

Browsing around online I found the perfect thing! It’s called Seaweed, a name that fits with the color and clumpy design. Basically it is a large, thick knitted square that buttons directly onto your coat. The mother puts her child in the carrier as normal, then places on her jacket. Then she buttons on this extra patch that covers the child where the jacket doesn’t. Instant snuggly warmth on the cold days when you have to get out of the house.

The pattern is designed for a double breasted coat, however there are instructions that allow you to addapt it to be worn with a single breasted jacket. You will need matching buttons to help attach it it on that way.

This is a great gift idea for any moms in your family. Pair it up with a good sling and you have the perfect new mom gift to give. Come back tomorrow when I share how to make a ring sling yourself. It is easy to do, low cost, and a great gift to give!

baby carriers, winter, cold, baby, 30 Gifts in 30 Days

There are some people in my family who love flowers. They love gardening and growing flowers, but during the cold winter months there isn’t much gardening to be done. So one of my favorite gifts to give is flowers that can be grown indoors and brighten up the cold months.

But you’re not just giving flowers. You are also giving them the flower pots. You can be as creative as you want to be painting and decorating flower pots for your flowers to grow in. Use large pots for bigger plants. Paint, glue on, and create unigue designs that make the pots stand out.

Some people love hanging baskets in thir homes for flowers and plants. Taking string, fishing line, or thin wire you can hang beads, shells, or anything else from. One great isea is to hang small metal discs from the bottom of the hanging basket. Then as the weather warms up the basket can be hung outside on a porch or patio and double as a wind chime.

For cooks you can give several small pots with herbs plantd in them. Paint or glue on photos of the herbs planted and stencil in their names. Stencil a letter on each small pot to spell the name of the recipient for a special flower gift. You can even create a beautiful center piece by gluing several small pots around a larger one. Paint and decorate them all and plant with flowers. You can even let kids paint and decorate pots to give to grandparents and other family members.

Of course you don’t have to give just pots. You can search through thrift shops and garage sales for interesting pots and containers that you can decorate as well.

flowers, flowerpots, 30 Gifts in 30 Days

After my craft the other day of making purses from recycled plastic shopping bags I wanted to share another recycling gift idea. Using up items you already have on hand is a great way to recycle and bring someone a smile.

Most parents have a small collection of those small, baby food jars. The tiny glass jars with tin lids can be reused in a though sand different ways. These are perfect for storing tihngs, for decorations, and for fun gifts. Here are a few ideas you can use to crate holiday gifts this year and clear out your old jars.

• Use the small jars as decorative candle holders. Tie ribbon or string around the jars. I have used small, clear glass rocks and glued them around the jars. Add a small tea light candle in the center and you have a perfect decorative gift.
• Create a storage unit with them. If you know someone who has a lot of small pieces, such as nails or beads, you can create a simple storage unit for them. All you need is a large board, a hammer, and nails. Nail the lids of the jars onto the board. Use strong nails so that they will stay in place. You can then fill the jars with what ever pieces and screw them into the lids. Use paint to decorate the board however you wish.
• Turn the jars into mini snowglobes. This is one project that my oldst loved doing last year. Use small figures, beads, or whatevr you want to create a personal snowglobe. Fill with water and screw the lid on tight. Add a few drops of superglue to make sure that the lid stays on.

baby food jars, recycled gifts, 30 Gifts in 30 Days

If you have young children in your life you probably know how much they enjoy looking at picture books. You can easily put together a personal picture book just for them to enjoy. All you need is a good camera and you are ready to go!

There are online photo site such as Snapfish that print your digital photos for you as well as make special gifts with your photos. You can use their services to put together and order a special picture book full of people and things that your little one would love. Family members, favorite toys, important places, and even pets all make great subjects for photos.
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Today’s gift idea is one that I love to make for myself almost as much as I love making for others. Creating your own lotions, soaps, and beauty products is fun, creative, and always good to have on hand. I use the book Organic Body Care Recipes to get recipes from, though there are many more books out there that are full of recipes for making your own beauty treats to give. One place to start at is Make Your Own Cosmetics.

Here is a simple recipe that anyone would love to get as a stocking stuffer.

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Vanilla Velvet Honey Lip Balm

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon soybean or almond base oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon beeswax
• 5 drops vanilla essential oil

In a small saucepan over low heat or in a double broiler, warm oil, honey, and beeswax, until the wax is just melted.

Remove from heat, add the essential oil, and stir to blend. Set the pan in a shallow ice water bath. Using a whisk or spoon, stir rapidly to 30 to 60 seconds until the honey is incorporated and the formula is like thick peanut butter. It will be a pale yellow-brown color.

Spoon mixture into storage containers and cap. Let the mixture sit for 2 hours.

No refridgeration is equired, but for maximum freshness use within 1 year. Store this balm in small plastic or glass jars or in tins.
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You can see three more great recipes for handmade beauty products here. There is a facial cleaner, a pH restorer, and a facial mask. All three would be perfect put together into a gift basket to give.

Making beauty products from home is a creative endeavor that many women are picking up. Even if you do not want to amke them yourself you can still buy homemade this holiday season. You can find soaps, lotions, and other beauty products for sale that are all made at home.

beauty products, homemade, lip balm, 30 Gifts in 30 Days