Merry Christmas

This time of year is truly my favorite time of year, as I am sure it is for many. I love the music, food, traditions, decorations, everything about this glorious season. But often we get so involved in Christmas preparations that the true reason of celebration can be lessened or neglected.

Last year there was a beautiful display at the Mesa Arizona LDS Temple Visitor's Center called "Reflections of Christ". I know many already know about the display and have seen the pictures. However, today I stumbled across the slideshow again and truly felt the spirit of Christmas and the love of my Savior. Although we celebrate the birth of Christ as this time of year, Christmas truly is the celebration of Christ; His birth, ministry, and everlasting atonement. I hope you all have a truly glorious Christmas with your famlies and friends.

So simply put, Merry Christmas. I hope we all remember the true reason for this season. I hope this beauitful slideshow helps spread the spirit of Christmas a little more.




I will be enjoying this season computer free until after the 1st of the year. Until then happy wishes and see you all later!

Merry Christmas,

LeAnne :)

Christmas Pretzel Treats

Shelly has a marvelous idea; and did last year too! A holiday recipe swap! You can go here to read all the details. I have been a slacker at blogging about it because of the show then the following orders. So here is my recipe for this week and I promise to do a bunch next week.

This is one of my new favorite Christmas goodies! I found the recipe last year on Family Fun. They are super easy and super yummy. :)

Christmas Pretzel Treats

Bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels
Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug
M&M's candy

1. Heat the oven to 170º. Set a number of bite-size, waffle-shaped pretzels (one for each treat) in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then top each pretzel with an unwrapped Hershey's Kiss or Hershey's Hug.

2. Bake for 4 to 6 minutes (the white chocolate will melt more quickly), until the chocolates feel soft when touched with a wooden spoon. Remove the cookie sheet from the oven and quickly press an M&M's candy into the center of each Kiss.

3. Allow the treats to cool for a few minutes, then place them in the refrigerator to set, about 10 minutes. Place handfuls of the candies in clear plastic bags and tie on colorful ribbons.

Quick, easy, and oh so yummy!

My First Craft Show

My mom did craft shows when we were little. I remember going and setting up the tables and sitting outside all day. They were always fun because we did them year after year and we saw the same people and got the same crazy bean bag frogs every year. (In different colors of course.) Plus we always got yummy food...funnel cakes, homemade cookies...the good stuff. So I kinda knew what to expect on the day of. I had no idea though as to the amount of work required to get ready. I knew it was going to be work...but I still had no idea. :)

Life got a little CrAzY last week...hence the lack of posts. By Friday I was beyond tired, having pulled all nighters for far too many nights. I snapped some pictures of my table, which was a little tight, but it worked. :)

The stockings were a huge hit...the personalized reindeer ones came out looking adorable.

I love the cuffs!!!! The red at the top and zig zag stitch makes it perfect!

The quiet books. Weren't quite hot sellers. I redesigned my Nativity Quiet book, I was crossing my fingers it didn't sell...and it didn't! (I want it for us. Maybe if you ask really nice I will sell it to you!)

Crayon Rolls. The sleeper hit. Truly. I sold every last one.



The owl totes. A blue one was made at the last minute. :)

And lastly a Santa bib. A last minute idea...super cute.

Overall it was a success, far more than I expected. It really boosted my confidence and I met lots of nice people. I was asked if I was doing some of the various city Craft Shows in the Spring, which I had no idea about, so I am encouraged to apply and the larger shows out.

I was hoping to post more of the items I made for the show in my shop, but they sold! I made a whole "pirate" line...and it was gone fast...even before I took pictures. :( So hopefully I can recreate it after Christmas. I also had my advents, they were behind my table...on a pile of chairs.

All the remaining items are up in the shop. All are made and ready to find a home...

Thanks for all the support from my family & friends, I couldn't have done it without YOU!

Owl Tote Bag

This is a fun one! I was going to wait to list it and share until after the craft show this Friday, but I couldn't wait. I saw an owl pillow and was totally inspired to try and make my own version. Then I decided it was far too cute to keep sitting on the couch, so it became a tote. A little sketch, then a pattern, and four hours later I had this little creation.

The bag is corduroy and cotton fabrics, with two giant felt eyes.

I love the little wings. Yes, they are "flapable". Zig zag stitching makes anything fabulous, just like ric rack!

I love owls, and I love that they are the "in" thing in accessory land. This little tote is perfect for a little girl for a preschool, library, or church bag. More colors will be arriving soon. Including blue for boys.

Happy Monday everyone!

me :)