I am shocked that the holidays are upon us. I am not sure where the time went, or how the time warp happened, but it did (to me at least), and so here we are. Time to stop and breathe and enjoy the magic of Christmas, before it slips away…
I want to share some of my holiday freebies from the last couple of years (I should have done this last week). Just in case you want to make some last minute treats, or print some free gift tags. As a reminder all my freebies are available year round in the "Free Treats" section in my right hand sidebar.
Remember last year's "No Sew Stocking" project I shared?
Post link with ideas, here. And, get your Printable PDF Here. (give it at least 40 seconds to open)
If you want some serious last minute inspiration, you must run over and visit beloved Nathalie of Kennedy & Friends. Look at what she made with my free stocking template (above). Swoonilicious, right?
She added her own silhouette twist, and sewed hers (tips on her blog). A perfect example of how you can run with your own fabulous ideas. I adore her blog, I want to move right in…
As for free gift tags, here we go ~
Click here for the Printable PDF for tags below, give them a few seconds to open~ (as featured in this blog post)
Click Here for the Printable PDF for the handmade gift tags below…
Below are some fun lil' gift tags I shared a couple of years ago as well. Get your Printable PDF here. Again, give it 40+ seconds to open.
Annnnd, if you are in the mood for last minute green craftiness, here is the link to the tutorial for the fused plastic bags ~
Tonight I must make a paper flower chandelier for a little someone in my family, and then…
Back to crocheting some gifts. I pulled out a bunch of my yarn. I have a huge trunk and two cases full of delicious yarn. I was a super avid crocheter, until about a year and a half ago, when I got busy with other things. But this winter, I think it is time to finish the great wall of blanket.
Tools, check…
Longest blanket ever, check…
But first, must make some gifts for my family.
More details about what the lil' crochet flowers will become, after I gift them…
I love squeezing yummy soft yarn.
Oh, and a couple friends asked for these… Eeks, talk about last minute crafting! 😉
I am also getting ready to make candied orange peels, and Vania of Fantasy Whispers' yummy little muffins, which floor me because they use NO flour, but bake up like real muffins that would have used flour. Bafflingly wonderful, and healthy too! I think it must have something to do with the fiber and texture of the dates. (mash up your dates real good)
Recipe -
Soooo, that's the 411 around here. Must get my fabric back from the bandit, and get to work. By the way, Matty really is a fabric bandit – oh the tales I have yet to tell. He took half of my gypsy wagon fabric to his bed the other day. And he collects branches and flowers and things, and puts them all in his bed. And then stares at them and cuddles them… He is SO CUTE!
Remember his short little legs? Oh goodness, I miss that babyness, must go cuddle now…
Growing up…
Holiday madness, puppy love, crafty goodness, Bliss! Oh, and today is my 400th post. I just noticed that. Fun!
Must get busy… See you super soooooon!
🖤 ,V
ps: I Beyond loved American Photography, A Century of Images (rent it from Netflix if you can, it has meaning on many levels, as well as to us as bloggers - and how we share photos and life. Delightful, fascinating and moving!). I think I will watch Wings of Desire while I craft today. It is about an angel who falls in love with a circus performer. I will let you know what I think 😉
Oh, Wings of Desire – one of my all-time favourite films! And can’t believe how busy you are, yet you found time to create shop banners for me! And sharing all your crafty creations with us! You are a true treasure. Hope you enjoy every moment of your Christmas celebrations. Much love to you, dearest V. xoxoxox
Vanessa, your little Matty is such a cutie! I am loving the crocheted pretties! I hope that you and Mister Lovee have the most wonderful and magical Christmas ever! Twyla
Oooooo!
Thank you for the muffin recipe! It looks so yummy!
And I love,love,love your crocheted blanket!
I crochet too! Have since I was thirteen. I love all of the luscious colors you used on the blanket. And love your crocheted hat too!
XXOO
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
As always, you are a generous soul, Vanessa! I hope you and your Mr. have a fabulous Christmas!
Thank you, and many winter wishes for you I hope will come true, you are the sweetest person in blog land.
very colorful
Vanessa, I have a Christmas miracle to share (not really, but I thought it was wonderful serendipity) I have always loved the harp (had one at my wedding), so I shared Lisa Lynne’s video on my Facebook yesterday. One of my very best friends, Wendy Rule is a singer who travels the world, spreading her magic. Anyway, she commented on my post that she knew Lisa, and that she had played the harp on her fairy album! Can you believe it? It is indeed an amazing, magical place this world of blogs…Merry Christmas, sweet friend, and may you and your family have a truly wonderful day x
Ooh, just a little side note, my daughter and I watched ‘Snow Cake’ last night because I saw it on your blog – what a beautiful movie. Thank you for inspiring the way you do x
Greetings O Fanciful One! Your garden arbor looks ever so delightful in the snow. So much so that it makes me want to come out and play. Are you up for a snowball fight and wouldn’t that be so much fun? I think so too! When we could sip some hot cocoa…yum!!
Your longest blanket reminds me of the one in a movie called, “Like Water for Chocolate.” Have you seen it? It was such a sad yet funny scene when the blanket made its debut on the screen, tee hee!! Such a magical movie!!
Oh your little Matty and my Coco are two peas in a pod. I find the funniest things in her favorite spots around my little cottage dwelling, but her favorite spot is the couch…every toy she owns ends up on the couch…oi!
Happy Tuesday my beloved friendling!!!
xoxo cori
Oh my dear Vanessa, life has been way to busy here and my visits have been sorely few and far between….but just now, it’s like a winter holiday spa to visit you, see the bright colors, yummy treats and the sweetest of pups absconding with treasures to hide!! Love it! I hope you are having a merry season of joy, peace and love. You are a treasure, sweet lady!
xoxo
Velvet Brick
Thanks so much Vanessa for sharing all these lovely treats. I definitely want to try that stocking! I wish you and yours the loveliest of holidays full of magic and love. 🙂 Sincerely, Theresa
From craft to food to one of my absolute favorite movies!!! – what a wonderful post.
Your arbor looks like a faery abode in the snow – so fanciful! … and Matty is the most adorable thief ever!
Oh, I forgot to tell you it’s snowing in Prescott. Simply lovely!
Ah it is always so restful to visit your blog. I come away all dreamy. As I write this Nat King Cole is singing Oh Holy Night. I have a glass of wine running through my veins and feel most content. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Can that dog possibly get any cuter? I shall have to write on my resolution list to make one of those bags… I keep meaning to…
Love the wintery picture, and your tags are so cute! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!
I thought I was the only one who squeezed my yarn like Charmin! lol I’m working on a scarf right now, bright red and turquoise; yum-o! LOL
Happy Crafting and Merry Christmas!
this place is daily dose of bliss! thanks for such sweet words!!! i must learn to crochet in 2010!! hugs to you! ps: ordering the documentary on netflix. can’t wait to watch it!
De-Lovely! Love your new Fanciful terminology…Swoonilicious. We shall all be using it now. The snow looks so magical in your fairy land, but then it is magical land down there…everything that you surround yourself with is Magical. A wee little package was sent last Thursday…I hope it makes it’s way to you in time. Ah, the babies grow up so quickly **sighs** Pattern please for the crochet cap thank you very much. Wishing you and the Mister and the fur babies a Most Blessed Christmas. Sending you all of my love, Deb **blows merry kisses**
dear Vanessa, Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family..I so enjoy your Joy and Happiness of life and it rubs off onto me..thanks for sharing..see you in the new year with new adventures awaiting us…
What a wonderful world you live it, Vanessa! It’s so magical and I love visiting! Love your creative projects!! Will you share the pattern for the crocheted cap?! 🙂 Silke
A happy, magical Christmas to you, Miss Vanessa and to the doggies and Mister Lovee, too :~)
Matty is so cute! And all that colorful crocheted goodness – lovely! Congratulations on the 400th post.
Happy Holidays!
Hi Vanessa!
Loved your post! And what an honor to have my recipe on your blog 🙂 just delightful!
The cap looks fab and I love the color 🙂
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Hugs,
Vania
Matty is adorable and he has soulful eyes.
Happy 400th post..that is a milestone.
Happy Holidays, Lady V. Enjoy all the magic the season has to offer.
What a wonderful post. I adore anything crocheted and always so nice to see what others are up to in the world of yarn. Your crocheted cap is adorable and can’t wait to see what you are doing with those flowers. The flower chandeleir is very festive. Thanks for sharing all the wonderful graphics and printable tags. Hand made, handcrafted items certainly are the best. Your little Mattie is the sweetest little thing — feathering his nest like a little bird. Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays. Blessings 🙂 Tammy
Joy
Here the rain is falling softly as Christmas draws near. The owls are gathering as singing voices call “Merry wishes be born and love to all.” The rooms are all ready with candles all lit, ornaments in greens waiting for Alassandra to arrive in the sleigh with Saint Nick.
The moon is shining bright like a peal in the night as the sounds and colors of the season do ring in the forest all-light.
The hands were all clapping and the dogs were a glee when the orchestra started playing under our winter a-lighted trees.
The flowers of seasons come alive on Christmas Eve – Whoo-Whoo-Too-Wee.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with muffins and sparkling orange rinds glee and cotton balls dangling from lighted trees.
Bells ringing and singing the 12 days of Christmas are so dear..from us to you:
PEACE, LOVE AND JOY…..Home for the Holidays is here.
Feliz Navidad to you and yours…thanks for the christmas tags…
Just dropping by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas
and a big thank you for your friendship throughout the past year.
From a very snowy UK
Love
Di (Designers Block)
Oh you truly are an inspiration…such a fun place to visit and escape for a little while. Have a lovely Christmas and I am sure all your gift recipients will be over the moon with their gifties from you.
Merry Kissmas,
Kiss Noises Linda
I get energy just reading your blog. I’ll have to make that a “daily ritual” and do it first thing in the morning ~ I know I would get more done! 🙂 🙂 Love that you are crocheting. I want to learn, really learn. I’ve messed around with it, a bit, but nothing serious. Thx for the inspiration.
Christmas blessings
Kitty
wonderful post – thank you so much for sharing!
i love it all – especially the wreath!
It’s beginning to look alot like Christmas….lalalala!!! Merry Christmas dearest one….love the puppy bandit!! LOL
Hugging you
SueAnn
I love your crocheted blanket but really wanted to leave a comment about your fabric bandit. What a cutie! I just love my dogs so much! They remind me to stop and relax, sit by the fireplace with them and rest a bit. Dogs add so much joy to their owner’s lives, and ask for so little in return.
I have enjoyed your blog very much and will keep returning in 2010 to see what magical creations you come up with!
How fun to relive the past projects…so colorful and fun! It is a snowy wonderland up here this morning and just a joy to wake up to…making it even more festive. Give that little bandit a little hug for me…I just love the thought that he is collecting things and enjoying them so much…funny, he seems to be like the rest of us…
I know what you mean about the holidays creeping up on you! They did come fast this year, didn’t they?
Thank you so much for the great holiday freebies. That’s very sweet of you ^.^
Warmest holiday wishes to you! <3
V~
Oh Matty and Baby and too much…I tell ya..too much cuteness!!
I hope you and Mr. Lovee had a WONDERFUL Christmas and enjoy your time with your family!!
Oh that Matty is a little whimpersnapper isn’t he, tee hee! I’ve got soooo much to do today to get ready for Christmas…thanks for posting your tags again (that will save me some time and make the gifts waaaay pretty pretty 😉 Happy Crocheting, that blanket looks amazing!
Jamie 🙂
Matty is like his momma – he wants pretty things in his nest. Too funny though.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Wow you’ve been keeping busy! Especially with your little furry ‘helper’ running off with your supplies! *giggle* Pets do the cutest things ever 😉
Yay on this being your 400th post! I can’t believe it’s been a year already since you showed us that stocking with the candies on it…how time really does fly.
Don’t forget to enjoy Christmas before it’s gone, you busy girl! Sandy & I wish you & your family a very Merry Christmas! 🙂
happy holidays to you and to yours (including matty that sweet puppy fabric bandit!!!) love the crochet goodies too!
Feliz navidad amiga!!!
THANKS FOR the recipe and a continuous year of inspiration. I don’t always leave comments, but I come here often to share your creativity!
Blessings, KJ
Thank you for sharing all the treats! Your blog is a feast for the eyes. Good luck with all of your last-minute projects and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Matty was a sweet little baby, and he’s growing up into quite the handsome fellow.
Thank you for sharing these tutorials, along with everything else you share here.
That blanket is YUMMY! I want to curl right up in it.
I learned how to crochet when I was about 10…who knew at that time that you could make something this faboo! My potholder turned scarf turned shroud would have made the most wonderful technicolored blanket. I have a knit one like that which was my childhood lovie from my grandmother.
I am so lucky to have found you in my Artful Blogging magazine last year, my dear. You make me smile with your gypsy ways and furry babies and prancing elves (sorry Mister Lovee! teehee!). You don’t know what a blessing I consider you!
I am wishing you a wealth of inspiration in the new year, peace in your soul, happiness for who you are and where you are headed.
Enjoy the day!
xoxoxxo
e
Never a dull moment over here, thanks for all the beauty you share with the world…loving the fuzed bag tutorial, Thank you!
Happy & Merry 🙂
SUCH a cute puppy! When you get a minute and want to view other Christmas things – come see my Gingerbread house!
58 Gingerbread Lane
http://58cherries.blogspot.com/
Happy Holidays – off I go to finish a million things at once!!
Nicki
58Cherries
Wishing you and yours … a Very Merry christmas … filled with magical…. enchanting journeys …..
It has been a true pleasure learning about you and coming to know you this past year…
I lift my glass to you in 2010 for a prosperous and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
LOTS OF LOVE
JO
Hi Miss Vanessa-
Wings of Desire is a beautiful film (the director, Wim Wenders, took Rilke-a favorite poet of mine, by the way- as inspiration). Hope you enjoy it, I think you will.
Have a wonderful Christmas-
Melanie
You are so inspiring. I have used your beautiful gift tags this year. They are so whimsical. I was also inspired by your cute stocking, but sewed mine a little larger. I will try to post the picture today on my blog. Merry Christmas thanks for all of the inspiration.
Hey! That first photo looks just like my backyard! (When I close my eyes – LOL!)
Just wanted to drop in and say MERRY CHRISTMAS!
you know, no matter what kind of “mood” I might be in, all I have to do is come to your blog and escape! It’s a guarantee smile every time!
I have always loved the paper chandelier! And I used your tags from last year this year on packages — thanks!
Absolutely love your blog! I gave you an award over at mine!
http://theswellsideofthepillow.blogspot.com/
Sweet post — and happy 400th! I crave that blanket, even unfinished…
wishing you a fabulous Christmas Miss V!! have fun!!
lovely post to remind us of your goodies…i will be up tonight secretly printing off some tags over at babalisme…my children are getting older and wiser and can recognise my handwriting!! might just have to print off some of your tags to to mix it up a bit!
enjoy this time with those who love you most and know that you make so many people happy with this darling blog of yours.
xxrosey
Yumm, yummm, yummm, goodness yumm! I love the swirly goodies on your blog.
Vanessa, while I do love the swirly crafty goodies on your blog…I do hope you will forgive me if I tell you that I think your husband has very attractive arms!
There I said it!
Merry Christmas!
~TattingChic
V~ thank you for such adorable and magical gift tags….and oh what a whimsical colorful endless blanket of LOVE!
Apricots were rolling in chocolate all pink and golden with orange in the air when a knock was heard from above, upstairs. A silent ear listened and heard the resounding call could it be Alessandra journying to travel on a sleigh with a white beard and all. Whooo could know with all the unexpected wind sand and snow our blessings to lives who fell- they could not know.
Yet Alessandra in her flight with arms holding seashells and seeds and owlettes in sight, landed safely in a warm candle lit room.
Beside her welcoming her, two friends brand new. They were in a small package this Christmas true, gifted-all wrapped in old paper worn, 2 old/young doll sister’s, with tulip skirts and ribbons adorned. One waving to Alessandra welcoming her here, as Alessandra was unwrapped in all her silent beauty, and so adorned with her golden lace crown and rosy cheeks, she was a beauty on Christmas Night. The other maiden the one with a cap and love in her sight felt it was all a lovely winter surprise. The owls who came were crystal, wooden and glass blown.
Merriment and candy cane macaroons were swirling in the air celebrating that Alessandra was finally here, home for the holidays with all cheers and the birds above in all music’s flight sent a song too our hearts on this night. My Grandmother Grace on December 27 turns 101 and Grandpa Al is with her at 98 and I send peace to them – my living saints. And the piano plays its silent tune as their lives are classical in love filling every room. A toast from dusk to dawn living loving arts song….Blessing and Cheers to your New Year Hearts Song.
We/I Thank You…
J’adore votre univers…
C’est tellement magique et féerique.
Je vous remercie pour ce que vous partager.
Bonnes Fêtes de fin d’année!!!
V@lBlub