It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

The elves aren't the only ones busy making toys. I spent some time making a glove bunny from this tutorial featured on the Martha Stewart show. These adorable toys are the creation of by Miyako Kanamori, author of Sock and Glove.

I snagged several pairs of gloves on the clearance rack at Target. It was so cold last year, the kids wore a couple of pairs of them, but I did find two pairs that escaped teenager grasp. It's not easy to find gloves in Florida. I still have an orange pair leftover, so a dog might be next.

If you're looking for some neato patterns for softies, this link has several options. I plan on using the bunny for The Toy Society's World Wide Christmas Drop.

The felt owl was an experiment. He's only four inches. Maybe a pincushion? My daughter has a thing for owls, so maybe I'll use him as a stocking stuffer. She'll probably like him better than the neti pot I got her. I know, I know, mother of the year. I'm hoping it will help with her allergies. It should provide entertainment at the very least.

A Toy Society Christmas

If you haven't heard of The Toy Society, it's a fun organization that started as a small street art project by an Australian crafter named Bianca in 2008 and has spread around the world. The Society encourages crafters of all skill levels to make a handmade toy and leave it as a gift for a lucky recipient to find. The drops and finds are documented on their blog. These "Random Acts of Craft" are fun for everyone.

The Toy Society is having their third annual World Wide Christmas Drop the last weekend before Christmas (December 17-19). If you'd like to play along, sign up to get more information.

I've done three drops, but the recipients have never recorded their finds. Maybe I'll get lucky this holiday season. Now what to make? Any ideas (i.e., easy tutorials) you can share?

Drop #457 -- Hubert the Sock Dog

Hubert at High School

Drop #458 -- Square Bear

Square Bear at Chik-fil-A

Drop #1208 -- Matryoshka Doll

Here she is chilling at the library. Really. It's freezing there!

Baby Needs New Shoes

I always get so distracted reading blogs. Luckily my friend Kathy's daughter is having a baby. It's giving me all kinds of excuses to avoid housework and make silly stuff! To make the baby shoes, go here. I got a little turned around and meant for the sole to be the lining, but oh well. I know what to do next time! And it's me, not the tutorial. I just don't normally sew "stuff." I made the little businessman onesie from inspiration all over the web. I couldn't find an actual pattern for the tie, so I had to eyeball it. I modified it after the fact, but I ran out of onesies. I'm thinking of making a pocket protector version next. Nerd baby.

I also finished my final Pay It Forward gift. Not exactly my usual style, but these fabrics were part of an ex-quilter's collection. Can you imagine being an ex-quilter?! For my Pay It Forward gift I was lucky to receive a beautiful piece made by my art professor V at Bumble Beans. I hope my recipients enjoy their little pieces as much as I enjoy V's.

Here's a neat blog with awesome photography of children and Kenya. I've sometimes wondered about those organizations that sponsor children. Like whether the children ever benefited. Apparently they do! Having my faith in mankind renewed is just what I need when I obsess over horrid things that happen in the world.