DIY Christmas gifts

Sustainably Sadie

I previously mentioned that I would go into more detail regarding the DIY Christmas gifts I fashioned…with less than a week until Christmas (how the heck did that happen!?) it seems as good a time as any. 

MSN.com featured on its News Reel, “20 Pinterest Fails—sure the crafts look cute but they don’t always turn out…” I am paraphrasing but thought it was hilarious.  My lesson from my own experience, failing is good, failing is okay.  You don’t learn if you don’t try.  I look up at our Christmas tree and wonder if I’m ever going to fix the paper snowman ornament who’s not-so-perfectly-round and Justin just put the pumpkin-fudge turned caramel sauce in apple pie.  A long way from fudge; I had substituted Peeps for marshmallow cream—I think I’m the only one who’s surprised it didn’t turn out.  The point of this rambling is that in these last few hectic days before Christmas, if you have the time and desire to make some homemade jewelry, try new fudge recipes, or to do glitter projects with the kids, make sure it’s fun.  Shut it down (thank you, Tina Fey) when it stops being fun.  You don’t need the extra pressure of stressing over perfectly crafted body scrub for your 20 best ladies.  Stick to your budget and have fun celebrating the season!

With inspiration from the jewelry workshop I took at the River’s Edge Gallery this fall, I have made necklaces, earrings, and bracelets for friends and relatives.  I saw on Pinterest.com a way to make earring holders using embroidery hoops and lace.  I also used burlap and picture frames to make jewelry holders.  Now I can gift a homemade jewelry holder with a set of earrings. 

Thanks to Kelly Downing’s mixed media adult ed class, I have mixed media snowmen to gift to grandmas.  The mixed media has also been applied to the snowmen ornaments I’ve been making, journals and other decorations.  Wine cork Christmas trees and moustaching clear glass ornaments has been fun.  The older kids both had fun applying glitter glue and paint to the clear ornaments.   I found the clear ornaments at Michael’s in Bozeman.

Now I’m accumulating cookie and treat recipes to make with the kids.  We’re going to have a Grinch party with Grinchy-green treats and Roast Beast.  It is a wonderful time of year, a time to celebrate with your loved ones and to shout about the joyousness of life.  Share your joy at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com or email sustainablysadie@hotmail.com.  

Twin Bits

The River’s Edge Gallery will be open during the holiday season!!  Starting Saturday November 24^th, the Gallery will be open Thursday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm until December 22^nd.  Please contact Therese Hutchinson at the Main Street Market for more information. 

From TBS Calendar:

Wed Dec 19:  Cindy White Dance Studio Recital, 6 pm

Thurs Dec 20:  School Early Out, 12:30 pm; BB w/ Shields Valley @ Home, GGBGB (both gyms), 1 pm

Dec 21- Jan 2:  No School, Christmas Vacation

Thurs Jan 3: School Resumes; GBB w/ Bozeman JV @ Home; JrHi BBB practice begins

Fri Jan 4:  Wrestling Meet @ Bozeman; BB @ Whitehall, 3 pm;

Sat Jan 5:  Wrestling Meet @ Bozeman; Speech & Drama @ Manhattan; BB w/ Lone Peak @ Home, JV B, JV G, Var B

 I’m here to share news and events for the Ruby Valley.  Contact me at 684-5222, at above Sustainably Sadie addresses or snail mail, Box 491 TB 59754.