Idees

Happy first day of Advent everybody.  We have the added excitement here of SNOW!  My daughter is at school right now, but I bet she is exploding with excitement.  If I wasn't in the holiday mood before, I am now.

OK, Molly Chicken, I may have found a Japanese craft book you don't have yet, ISBN# 4529041808.  Wonderful potential Christmas gift ideas.  Like this wool appliqued/embroidered scarf-

Tissue holders (although I'd love to get one of these) and wallets for the cold-infected person in your life who has pocket money-

Appliqued felt totebags-

And these mittens....the model can't even look at their extreme cuteness, it hurts too much.

These little bags would be so great to hold gifts, or whatever, really.  I do so love pretty storage of most any kind, especially for all those tiny little Legos.  There are instructions on how to get the smocking-type effect by connecting the polka-dots.

Thanks for the great response to my proposal of an ornament trade.   I would love to make this an annual event!  My plan is to do all my mailing on Monday (or Saturday if I'm really on top of things).  (And, yes Jen, I'm saving one for you.)  Can't wait to see them on my tree.

Halls have been partially decked.  We have put up our kid-Christmas artificial tree, which holds, you guessed it, all kid ornaments, non-breakables, and the "mom, can I take this off the tree and play with it for a little while" type.  We will get "Mama's tree" this weekend.  The one that is looked at and touched with one finger, (being the mean mom I am).  Emma and Ian both get a small Christmas tree in their room too, it serves as their nightlight throughout the holidays.  I hope to post pictures on Flickr of my favorite holiday vignettes around the wise.. craft house.  I'm really enjoying seeing every else's.