Advent Begins!

So, we're off to a good start with Advent this year. Although it was a busy weekend making this cake on Friday:

and celebrating mister evangelist's birthday Friday night by going out for fantastic mexican food and then to Meghan Smith's concert, I managed to get the house tidied on Saturday in time for Saturday afternoon nap time when Isaac took a nap and Zoe helped me decorate the tree (Simon happily played on the computer uninterrupted). Decorating the tree was Advent Activity #1.

Advent Activity #2 was Watch a Christmas movie with popcorn. We chose two movies: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Two of my favorites.

Today's activity is making cinnamon dough ornaments. I used this recipe here, except I forgot to check it ahead of time and used pumpkin puree instead of applesauce because I'm out of applesauce. The dough is all made and ready for when the kids get home from school. My hands smell like cinnamon and soon our tree will, too!

Tomorrow is letters to Santa. I found some cute printable stationery to use that other bloggers have graciously provided. Here's the link. If you use Google image search you can find more Letter to Santa print-ables.

Argyle Applique

This probably tops my list of cute things that I really like, but will probably never actually make.

Though, you never know. It could happen. Maybe you could make one though. And then you'd have a nice Christmas gift for me... or someone else, I suppose.

It's very similar to this idea which the crafty internets were all over in August:

While I also think this is incredibly cute, it is probably less likely that I would make this because I don't know where I would put it. Maybe in Z's room. Maybe I would give it as a gift. I guess it might make a nice housewarming gift, hmm?

Nope, nothing happening over here

Actually, quite to the contrary. I know it doesn't look like I've been all that busy lately, what with all the posts of old things that I've done and give aways, but the crafts that I've been working on are gifts. Gifts for people (or the children of people) who may or may not read this blog. What's a girl to do?

Link to other people's wonderful crafty ideas with their how-tos. That's what!

Whip Up posted this really great link to this german star tutorial. I love stars and snowflakes at Christmas, even though they're not that overtly Christian. The star is, though. Warning: there is music playing on the tutorial website.