Haul Out the Holly 2011 Wrap-Up

I can't believe this year's Haul Out the Holly is over already! I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. A great big thank you to all of my guests... you ladies are the best! Just in case you missed any of the tutorials, here are links to all fifteen projects that were shared over the past three weeks:

Day 1: Fussy Cut Quilted Coasters with Gwenny Penny	Day 2: Christmas Tree Twig Art with At Home With K	Day 3: Love Where You Live Ornament with Pickup Some Creativity
Day 4: Jumbo Sequin Christmas Lights with Jane of All Crafts	Day 5: Anatomy of a Fondant Penguin with Fowl Single File	Day 6: Naughty or Nice Pillow with Craftiness is not Optional
Day 7: Santa Pennant Garland with B is for Boy	Day 8: Petite Purse Ornament with Michele Made Me	Day 9: Jolly Holiday Pillow with Ameroonie Designs
Day 10: Christmas Cheer Garland with just Lu	Day 11: Wooden Nativity Ornament with Creation Corner	Day 12: Upcycled Burlap Ornaments with A Simply Klassic Home
Day 13: Felt Christmas Pudding with Modern Country Style	Day 14: Double Sided Polaroid Ornament with Increasingly Domestic	Day 15: Sock Monkey Egg Cozies with let’s go fly a kite

The last three weeks flew by so quickly. I've been sewing. A lot of sewing. But I can't share most of it with you until after Christmas... gotta keep the presents a surprise, right? I am no where near ready for Christmas, but I am happy with what I have managed to accomplish so far. Time to cram in all the last minute shopping and sewing in preparation for next weekend. I'm sure there are many people in the same boat, so good luck this week! Oh, and here's a little peek at some awesome news I'll be sharing tomorrow :)

HOTH Day 15: Festive Sock Monkey Egg Cozies with let's go fly a kite

Hi there! I am KJ, I have a little blog called let's go fly a kite where I post about crafty messes and the odd sewing project. I love Christmas and our tree is full of handmade ornaments that my girls work on together, like these:

I like thrift, nostalgia, and tradition, especially around the holidays. This year, I have had sock monkeys on my mind. Sock monkeys kind of scream Christmas and I was excited to get my hands on some yardage of Moda’s Santa's Little Helper fabric which is very fun and festive. I know Gwen likes fun fabric, so I thought this fabric would be perfect for a Haul Out the Holly project.



When I was little, I lived on soft boiled eggs with messages written on them. For Christmas, I wanted to create a couple festive cozies to keep our eggs warm. For me, one of the best parts of the holidays is enjoying a lazy breakfast with my family - instead of the morning scramble which has become my family’s routine.

An egg cozy is the sort of thing that you do not see very often in North America, so it is perfect for that person who seems to have everything. In addition, the project uses small pieces of fabric (which by December 16th is probably all you have left in that festive fabric stash). I would love for you to drop by let's go fly a kite to find out how to keep those eggs warm.


Gwen, thanks so much for inviting me to join your “Haul Out the Holly” this year. It is a special space over here.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

That fabric is so sweet, and I love how unique this project is. Really cute! KJ has got to be one of the coolest moms on the planet. She always has her girls doing amazing projects that are also great learning experiences for them (like Indian block printing, Japanese dip dying, and cork and walnut boats). Make sure you visit her blog and let her know what you think of her Sock Monkey Egg Cozy tutorial! And check out her project from last year's Haul Out the Holly event... her awesome gingerbread party ideas. Thanks so much for joining me again this year, KJ :)




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 14: Double Sided Polaroid Ornament with Increasingly Domestic

Hello Gwenny Penny readers!

I'm Amy from Increasingly Domestic, where I blog about what I am learning and doing:

I blog about sewing, crafting, organizing, natural cleaning, parenting, furniture refinishing and really anything that strikes my fancy!

I am thrilled to be here again this year for the 2nd annual Haul Out the Holly event!

Last year I shared a Mug Rug Tutorial, but this year I wanted to do something a little simpler so I went with an ornament.

I love hanging pictures on my tree, but the picture frame ornaments are too heavy for the "Charlie Brown Christmas Trees" that we cut down each year.

I love Polaroids, so that's what I decided to make: a Polaroid Photo Ornament!

It is double sided, so that you can see pictures no matter how it hangs on the tree.

My favorite part is that it doesn't weigh down my tree branches:)

Come on over to get the Tutorial on my Double Sided Polaroid Photo Ornament!

Thanks so much for having me again Gwen!

This is a cute way to showcase special photos from the past year. Really sweet. Head on over to Amy's blog to see the colorful photos of her upcycled crayons... love them! Looking for a last minute gift idea? Try Amy's aromatherapy neck heating bag tutorial. And as Amy already mentioned, make sure you check out her project from last year's Haul Out the Holly event... her quilted mug rug. Please take a minute to visit Amy's blog and let her know what you think of her Double Sided Polaroid Ornament tutorial! Amy, thanks for being a part of Haul Out the Holly again this year.




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 13: Felt Christmas Pudding with Modern Country Style

I'm very excited indeed to be meeting you here
at gorgeous Gwen's Haul Out the Holly series.

I'm Sarah from Modern Country Style,

my blog about renovating our English Edwardian home -

pared-back interiors infused with the warmth of country,

crafting lovely projects and a little bitta fashion.

Today, I'm sharing my felt Christmas pudding. 

It's quick, it's easy and it's utterly scrumptious - and, really,

what more could you ask for?!

How can you not smile when you see this plumptious beauty?

I'll be taking you through the tutorial step by easy step...

Come on over - I'd love you to join me!

I love this adorable ornament! A Christmas pudding is just so - well - Christmassy! Sarah is an absolute delight. When reading her blog, you feel as if she is speaking directly to you and that you have known each other forever. Her blog is filled with modern country eye candy. She has done extensive case studies on paint colors and modern country decorating styles. She also created this gorgeous pillow that I hope one day to make. Make sure you visit her blog and leave a comment on her Felt Christmas Pudding tutorial! Thanks so much for being a part of Haul Out the Holly, Sarah!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 12: Upcycled Burlap Ornaments with A Simply Klassic Home

Merry Christmas Gwenny Penny readers! I'm Kristin from A Simply Klassic Home, where I am learning to define self and style on a single mom's budget, and Simply Klassic Blog Design, where I help YOU define your blog style! I was so excited to be asked again to be a part of Haul Out the Holly. I had so much fun partying it up last year when I shared my Christmas Ornament Window Swag.

Then came the dreaded decision making... what do I want to make and share??? I had tons of ideas, but, well, time has been limited this season, so I went for simple and easy. Yes, that works for me!

I decided to go with a very limited amount of green in my Christmas decor this year. I had a bunch of Dollar Tree ornaments that I wasn't going to use, and empty space on my tree. So I upcycled them! Stop by A Simply Klassic Home and I'll show you how I made a dozen "new" ornaments for practically free!

Thanks so much for inviting me to be a part of the fun this year, Gwen! I'm off to start planning for next year...

Love what a quick, easy, and affordable idea this is, and I am loving how the burlap looks hanging on the tree! I've got some glass balls that I don't hang on the tree anymore... I think I'll have to try this. Kristin just wrapped up her 12 Days of Christmas Printables series on her blog. There were some really beautiful free printables, so make sure you go take a look. And as Kristin already mentioned, check out her project from last year's Haul Out the Holly event... her Christmas Ornament Swag. Make sure you visit Kristin's blog and leave a comment on her Upcycled Burlap Ornament tutorial! Kristin, thanks for joining me for Haul Out the Holly again this year!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 11: Wooden Nativity Ornament with Creation Corner

I am super excited to be over here at Gwen's Haul Out the Holly series.  I simply adore Gwen and I am happy to be participating in her fun series.  My name is Tasha (said with an "a" sound as in apples) from over at Creation Corner.  I love all things crafty and generally have 2-3 projects going at once.
 

I love a good tutorial and love when I can share some of my own projects with you.  A few of my favorite tutorials you can find on my blog are: my school zipper pouches, summer tote bag, pointed flower hair-clips, fabric pumpkins, bunting stationary, and birthday headbands.  I hope you will stop on by and visit.  I would love to meet you!  Today, I will be sharing how to make Wooden Nativity Ornaments.

 

Come join me for this fun Christmas tutorial.

I love how simple and beautiful this ornament is. Tasha and I have only recently found each other's blogs, but we quickly found out that we have very similar taste. She likes to use bright, fun colors as much as I do. Need proof? Check out her baby bibs, baby boy shower gift, and her eyeglass case. Make sure you visit Tasha's blog and leave a comment on her Wooden Nativity Ornament tutorial! Tasha, I am so glad that you could be a part of Haul Out the Holly... Thanks so much!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 10: Fun Christmas Cheer Garland with just Lu

Hello there! I'm Lu, or Lorene (rhymes with chlorine), and I am so thrilled to be joining you all here at Gwenny Penny for Haul Out the Holly -- the most wonderful time of the year! Second (and contingent) to Christmastime, of course... :)

I blog over at just Lu about the things that make up my world, which vary at any given moment between crafting and the seventeen other things I have floating around in my head and my life as a full-time mom to two and wife to the best elementary school teacher ever.

I just finished up a year-long "lifestyle" segment called Housewife MacGyver, during which Gwen was my resourceful guest not just once, but twice! She's got this MacGyver thing all figured out.

Today I'm here to share with you my newest favorite Christmas decor: The Christmas Cheer Garland.

This garland is as inexpensive and easy as you want it to be, and it's sure to bring a smile to everyone who graces your front door this holiday season. Why? Because, as much as I hate to disagree with Buddy the Elf, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is NOT by singing loud for all to hear (especially if you sing like I do), but by spreading treats far and near...

Come on over to get the details on how to assemble your very own Christmas Cheer Garland and start spreading the holiday spirit!

Thanks for having me, Gwen, and happy holidays to all!

This is such a sweet idea! I agree... less singing and more treats, please :) Lorene's Housewife MacGyver series was a huge undertaking this past year, and she did a fantastic job with it. There were so many informative posts on such a wide range of topics. Make sure you check it out. And you have to see the paper quilled Christmas tree earrings that Lorene made for last year's Haul Out the Holly... so cute. Go visit Lorene's blog and leave a comment on her Christmas Cheer Garland tutorial! I'm so glad you could be a part of Haul Out the Holly again this year, Lorene :)

Two weeks down, one to go! See you back here on Monday for the final week of Haul Out the Holly 2011!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 9: Embellished Jolly Holiday Pillow with Ameroonie Designs

I have been lovingly called the "Pillow Queen", but my real name is Amy and I blog over at Ameroonie Designs.  And while it's true that I do love to make pillows, lots and lots of pillows, I also make other things, like skirts, figurines and well, pretty much anything and everything. 

So, with that introduction, I guess it's not really a surprise that my project for this year's Haul Out the Holly event is indeed another pillow.  :)  This hand quilted, felt embellished little number will Jolly up your holidays in no time.  Head on over to Ameroonie Designs for the whole tutorial.

Thanks Gwen, for inviting me again this year.  It's a real privilege to be here among so many wonderfully talented ladies!

XOXO,
Amy

This pillow is so cute! I absolutely love it! Amy IS the "Pillow Queen", and every single one of her pillows is beautiful (Take a look at this one, this one, and this one, just to show you a few :) She's a really gifted sewist. You might also be interested in some posts she has done on selling what you make... very informative. Check out Amy's project from last year's Haul Out the Holly event... her holiday ruffle pillow. Make sure you visit Amy's blog and leave a comment on her Jolly Holiday Pillow tutorial! Amy, thanks for joining me for Haul Out the Holly again this year!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 8: Adorable Petite Purse Ornament with Michele Made Me

Oh... Isn't it cozy and festive over here? I am most happy to be joining in Gwenny Penny's Haul Out The Holly. Yep, today it's my turn! I am Michele. My neck of the bloggy woods is called Michele Made Me. I frequently go off on crafty adventures of the recycled kind. I like taking old things and making pretty new things out of them. I have a special place in my heart for recyclables like toilet rolls and greeting cards and things. But I have been known to use a sewing machine, a crochet hook and knitting needles as well, though not all at once. Safety first, you know!



Today I'm sharing my Petite Purse Ornament. I have a couple of older children and every year they ask Santa for... well... cold hard cash, to put it bluntly. In past years I've always resorted to the money-filled-card-in an-envelope scenario. This year I wanted to do something a little different. So I designed this little monogrammed purse ornament just big enough to fill with a bundle of cash. The best part is that we'll be able to use it year after year and it will become part of our family's Christmas tradition. Want to see how I made this baby? Come on over to Michele Made Me and I'll show you how I put it together!

Gwen, thank you for inviting me along to haul out a little holly this year. I must say, it has been a joy to share a wee bit of crafty cheer with you and your readers.

This is so adorable! And I love that it can be used year after year. I don't even know where to begin in describing Michele. I think she's brilliant. You can usually find her making things from recycled materials. Visit her tutorials page and you will not believe the beautiful things she creates from... well, trash :) Amazing stuff, I tell you. Make sure you visit her blog and leave a comment on her Petite Purse Ornament tutorial! Michele, I am so glad that you could be a part of Haul Out the Holly... Thank you!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!

HOTH Day 7: Festive Santa Pennant Garland with B is for Boy

Good Morning Gwenny Penny readers! I'm Erica from B is for Boy and I am one lady living with 3 males... so I started my blog as my creative outlet.  I love creating things for my boys and for my home (and for myself of course!).  Recently, I even ventured out into the Etsy scene so check me out there at B is for Boy.

Here's a snapshot of some of

 my projects and tutorials.

Hop on over to B is for Boy and I'll show you how I made my Santa Pennant Garland.

I love this take on a pennant banner. Very festive addition to a railing or mantel. Erica makes the most adorable things. Check out the owl Halloween costume she made this year... too cute! You should also see her genius trick for getting kids to smile at the camera. Make sure you visit her blog and leave a comment on her Santa Pennant Garland tutorial! Thanks so much for being a part of Haul Out the Holly, Erica!




Click HERE to see more Haul Out the Holly 2011 tutorials!