I figured it out! and a giftmas rant

I had been wanting to keeps a regular schedule here.  I figured out why I haven't been.
We're sharing this computer, and not just as a computer, but as our tv too.  So when J is home (or awake), I don't like to sit here and type away.

I'll keep at it, and post when I can.

I don't have a planned menu, and I didn't troll the internet much this week.

I Am working on Christmas presents. 

Last night I made home made Lip blam.  I'll post a tutorial soon!

I'm making pajamas, out of sheets!

I'm making packs of 3 greeting cards for my extended family.

Coasters.  and I potted some plants.

We're not buying anything this year.  I *had* vowed not to buy any materials either, but that didn't happen.  I have spent (much) less than $100 though.


My Assistant Store Manager's family has a rule for Christmas presents.  No cash, gift cards or anything homemade.  I kinda get the cash thing.  But eventually you run out of *stuff* to buy, and everyone end up with junk they don't need.  MIL is like that.  I get a big gift bag of stuff.  99% of it I don't need, or even want.

I totally understand the want to give.  That is why I make things.  I can't afford to buy.  And I *would* if I had the money.  I'd be going to local stores, and local craft shows, and buying things that are fun, and that I know people will like.  My favorite story to tell about last years haul, was my 9 bars of soap.  And the fact that that's all I remember about it...it makes me sad.

Chrismas making goal

This year, I don't want to buy ANYTHING for my Christmas making.  I want to use only things I have in the house!

That means Christmas cards too.

I had decided to knit socks for my intimidate family, and I *think* I just might have enough yarn for that.

I also have a few other ideas as well that I think I can pull off.  I will have to buy magnets and glue.  But that's it!  (and I think that's fair right?)

the pig and the pom pom

one of my favourite gifts this Christmas was a salt pig!  with pink Himalayan salt.  I could just eat it on it's own...thats how good it tastes!

*edit*

I was asked why it's called a pig, I guessed the shape slightly resembles one...but it's because "Scots and northern Brits way back when used the word "pig" to refer to a pot, jar, crock, or earthenware vessel. "

and here is a tutorial on how to make pompoms!  this was *my* first time...so...

 first you cut 2 (TWO) circles of card stock (cereal box would work) a bit bigger than you want your pompom.  cut a hole in the middle of each about half the size (so if your circle is 3 inches...the inside should be 1.5 inches)  I have no idea how much yarn you use!!  I brought the 'doughnuts' halfway between a bunch of yarn (leftover from a gift (revealed tomorrow or Sunday!)) and started winding!

 I just kept stuffing it in.  You wind until you cant fit the yarn though anymore.

 Then, you slip scissors in between the two cardboard circles and cut around.

 Slip a long piece of yarn between the circles and pull tight.  I made a reef knot a couple times after winding.  wind once, knot, wind again, knot.  leave a tail for attachment.

the pompom might be a little shaggy, so give'r a trim (I trimmed onto an open book to catch the fluffs)

A knotty joke:  

A rope walks into a bar, and the bartender says, "I'm sorry, um, we don't serve ropes here!"  So the rope walks out all disgruntled.  He sits on the curb thinking for a bit, and has a light bulb moment.  He ties a knot at the top and messes up the end a bit, and walks back into the bar.  the bartender rudely says "HEY BUD!  didn't I say NO ROPES ALLOWED!!??"   and the rope replies "I'm a fayed knot!"