Advent Resource

I know that there was some commenting that people weren't really sure what Advent was or hadn't thought to put some spiritual aspect to it.  I wanted to share some information with you all about Advent. The word advent actually means, "coming," and it is a time when we reflect on the time when Christ came to earth (Christmas).

The other day, Cathi At Granny's House posted a link to another blog called A Holy Experience. The writers of that blog have put together an amazing Jesse Tree free e-book.  I did a Jesse tree with my children 3 years ago, and it was really good.  I think this one is better.  It has scripture readings for every day of Advent (starting Nov. 30, but it's okay to jump in a bit late!) and pictures that go with the readings that can be cut out and put on a tree.  We are making a paper tree to put on the wall and putting the cut out pictures on that.  Anyway, click on the link in the post at Granny's blog or go directly to A Holy Experience if you want a resource for making your Advent idea have a spiritual aspect to it!

Time For Some Links, Methinks

In case you guys are getting bored, here are some blogs and websites to un-bore you.


- My Half Of the Brain has tons of great ideas and tutorials. Look at the cute dahlias made from rickrack. I think I'll try this out for Ella's dress.

- I followed this link from My Half Of the Brain because I desperately need something permanent and lovely to toss trash into in my van. I think I might make it a bit differently but the general idea is really great. Go visit Allyson Hill for a Car Litter Bag tutorial.

- Cottage Magpie has a quick tutorial on how to make a throw pillow cover in ten easy steps. I really like her fabric choice.

- I always love to be inspired to make ugly things pretty. Fresh Vintage has toady's inspiration for just such a thing. She also has a tutorial up for making your own fabric labels to sew into items that you've knit or sewn and it looks so easy.

- I think that if I were to really get into knitting, I'd make these cool dishcloths first, and use them as washcloths since we can never seem to keep washcloths in the house longer than say, 5 minutes. There's a link to a free tutorial for the knit patterns there. I really like Don't Call Me Becky, she's a talented blogger.

- I can't wait to make one of these cute little Japanese coin purses. There is a lot of knitting inspiration at The Purl Bee, but leave it to me to find sewing projects.

- I really like most things Japanese - except for eating a still beating frog's heart, ewwww - and this blog is full of great pictures and simple Japanese style. Plus, her name is Betty Ninja.

- Finally, I know you are all at least trying your hand in making your own bread. Need some good help? Check out Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I want to buy the book so I can keep up with the blog.

Still Uninspired

Well, Joanna, you never cease to amaze me. Your linky list is awesome! Of course, I look at them and think to myself, "Oh, how cute! Joanna should make that." or "Oh, that's sweet. I bet Marie would love to knit that." Never, "Wow! I just have to try that!" Yeah...not happening here. I did get inspired to try one new thing - making a sugar free cheesecake. It's actually not sugar free though because it has some canned dulce de leche in it. That has sugar. Lots of sugar. Anyway, I'll put the link in case cheesecake inspires any of you: Dulce de Leche Cheesecake. I made it to eat tonight for my birthday. My kids think it's too weird if I have no "cake" for my birthday. This is my consession to them. There was a problem though, it has huge cracks all through the top. I know that a slight crack is common in a cheesecake. But what causes multiple cracks? Anyone?

Do We Already Have a Post Called "Inspiration?"

I was thinking about this blog and how busy everyone is and how maybe you all are getting a wee bit bored of the same old girl dresses (that's redundant) that I keep making and posting. For example, if you knit, I can see how it's not all that inspirational to look at sewing posts all the time. So, I was thinking about this and thought that I would share some links to cool things that people are doing around the blogosphere and hopefully this will inspire you to share something, anything, even if it's just a totally cool crafty blog that you found.

-First, Randi got some friends together and started to post often on her Me and My Girl blog. Even if you don't have a daughter (yet) some of the ideas they are posting there are totally cool. The girls and I did this one recently.

-I often want to buy bath bubbles but I never want to spend the money at Bath and Body Works. Angry Chicken has a post up about making your own bath tub melts. I think I'm going to try this soon.

-Wee Wonderfuls has some of the classiest crafts! I think these barrettes are so cool and look very easy to make.

-Katherine Donaldson makes custom counting beanbags. I think this is such a great idea.

-You can use this wrap skirt tutorial to make skirts for yourself, your daughter/niece or their dolls! Neat!

-What She Did Today has knitted so many things I couldn't pick just one to show you. Make sure you scroll down a few posts to see the ruffled dress she knitted. It is ssoooo cute!

-Ever intimated about making different printed fabrics "go?" Vintage Threads has a really good tutorial on how to make it work.

-Turkey Feathers has the most beautiful embroidery work I've seen on the web...not that I have seen everything there is to see on the web. Check it out.

-Check out this really cute idea for wall art at Creative Little Daisy. I think I'll employ this idea if we get the house.

-Having a baby girl? Or know someone who is? Here's a free pattern for the cutest little baby girl dress!

OK, I don't want to overwhelm you. I'll try to get more knitting links in there next time. Hope you get some inspiration from these.