Christmas Crafts

There are two things I have wanted to make for Christmas for a looooong time.  One is an advent calendar. I have looked at many, thought of buying different ones, but so many have teeny tiny drawers or they are the fabric kind which I didn't quite like, so after much searching, looking at reviews of some build it yourself kinds and finding out you have to sand down every drawer extensively, and other such annoyances, I ran into a handy little idea in the tool section of a store. I put it together, pulled out what little actual scrapbook paper I have left, and my acrylic stamps and old stickers and such, and put this together:

 It is made from one of those tool boxes that hold little screws and other small items. The drawers were the perfect size and I even have five extra to hide fun little goodies from time to time.  It isn't professional quality, but I don't care. I like it, and the kids have had fun with it so far (the two whole days we have done it).

The other project I have wanted to do for a while, and especially in the past few years was a tree skirt. I made one when Jeff and I were first married, but it seems kind of small and boring. So, last year I got around to finally buying material and I found a pattern, cut the pieces, and made the top. Then, as Christmas time usually goes, my life exploded into craziness and I never finished it. After staring at it for months I packed it away and almost forgot about it. Then, last week as we started getting our Christmas decorations out, I remembered the skirt. So, I pulled it out and over a couple of days I finished putting the bottom on, quilted it, and added a binding.

Sorry the photo is so dark - this kind of shows the view with the tree.

The binding from above

Up close on the binding - this is my favorite part - my machine can do these pretty stitches and I actually figured out how to do them (that is half the battle with me).

The view if you were laying down by the tree (you know, because we always do that, right? )

So, I am pretty happy that I have finally done these two projects. Now, if I can only finish the 20 other things I have on my list... :)