Santa. One for you, and you, and me.

 

My Mom made this Santa over 30 years ago. It is one of the few Christmas decorations that has survived and still manages to make it out of the attic every year. He's just missing the bells that used to be on his boots. Isn't he ADORABLE? I love him. Every year when he gets unpacked Mom says, "Someday I'll make another one." She was never really happy with the fabrics she chose, but at the time she was a young married with little money. A few years ago I uncovered the pattern. And since then every year have said, "I'm going to make my OWN Santa." Well . . . last year we set aside Thanksgiving weekend to each make a Santa. That's 3. One for Mom, one for Desiree and one for me. 

 We bought our fabric before the big weekend and I pre-cut it so all we would have to do is assemble them. I also crocheted little circles to use for cheeks.

 

Beards are tricky things!

 

Face and arms DONE. Now to stuff the body!

 

Desiree was never too excited about this project, but she walked right into the fabric store and chose hers in 5 minutes. I secretly had her type of Santa in mind for my own, but let her have first fabric choice.

 

Mom wanted hers to match her living room. She also went a little bit crazy with the fringe for Santa's beard.

 

My Santa is still missing the pom pom for his hat because I can't find the right color yarn to make it. I named him Thaddeus.

 

I absolutely LOVE the fact that we all used the same pattern, but each Santa has his own personality.

 

And somehow my Santa turned out to be the shrimpy one. Appropriate since I am the runt of the family.

It took ALL weekend to finish. There was some minor swearing, but memories were made nonetheless. Now I'm the one saying "Someday I'll make another one."

Custom Christmas

I thought I was done making for the year when I got a custom ornament order 1 week before Christmas. I couldn't say no to a friend of nearly 30 years. Turns out it was my favorite project of the year.

FlyAKite Giveaway!

FlyAKite's motto,"Share love and spread happiness around. Everyone can use a smile." Keeping with that theme and the fact that it's almost Christmas . . .

We're excited to offer this FlyAKite prize pack.

1-Tall Snowman Ornament with hand crocheted scarf
1-Tall Christmas Tree Ornament
1-Short Christmas Tree Ornament
1-Christmas Tree Greeting Card, blank inside for your personal message
1-BRAND NEW to FlyAKite Love Birds Greeting Card, also blank inside
Over $30 value! Plus other fun festive stuff!

AND it's easy to win. Just visit FlyAKite on Etsy, come back and leave a comment about your favorite FlyAKite item.

Additional ways to enter:
* Follow this blog 1 entry
* Tweet about the giveaway 1 entry
* Like FlyAKite on facebook 1 entry
* Share on facebook 3 entries
* Blog about FlyAKite 3 entries

PLEASE leave a separate comment for each activity you have done so you get credit for your additional entries. Also, leave a way for us to get ahold of you (email, twitter, etc). This contest ends Tuesday December 13th. Winner will be picked randomly and announced December 14th.

EXTRA bonus: Use coupon code CELEBRATE at FlyAKite to save 10% on all purchases thru December 31

This contest is open to everybody, but we can't guarantee that international winners will receive their prize pack before Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Thank you to everyone who entered & for your feedback!

Tis the Season

I've been waiting for this day for months. Not this particular day, but I've been in the Christmas spirit for a really long time. Maybe because I started making Christmas stuff in August. I've been anxious to start listening to Christmas music. (I gave in and started singing carols last week).

For me, stretching out the holidays makes me feel less stressed and I get to enjoy them even longer. I know many folks out there get bent out of shape when Christmas is displayed before Halloween, but I would have been sad out of luck for the Christmas orders we've had since September without those jumping-the-gun retailers. Maybe it's my retail background, but I look forward to the festive displays and merchandise---regardless of when it starts.

The point of me telling you all this you ask? FlyAKite is fully stocked with ALL NEW Christmas ornaments and greeting cards. We've been busy little elves and the results are ADORABLE! (if I say so myself)

Share love and give a smile! Let us help you spread the holiday cheer!

A Christmas Lesson

Some years ago, I was given a gift. It was a gift that I didn't appreciate. It taught me a valuable lesson I've never forgotten.

Here's the setting. My sister wanted a particular CD. My brother gave it to her. He gave my Dad something he was excited about. My Mom got something equally impressive. I got this ornament. Naturally I was gracious, but disappointed. How could everyone in my family have gotten a great gift while I got something you hang on the tree?

I seethed most of the day. Especially after my sister listened rapturously to her new music. I'm not a greedy person by nature, I just expected some degree of fairness. I felt cheated. Slighted. 

It was some time later that afternoon. I don't recall the exact details of the blowup that ensued. It wasn't really a blowup, but I did let my brother know that I was not happy with his gift. Maybe he left his shopping too late? Maybe he spent all his money on everyone else's gifts? What possible reason could he have for giving me such a gift?!

"I saw it. And I thought it would be something you would like."

I felt about 2 inches tall. I'm tearing up just recalling his response. His gift was from the heart. And I had completely missed the point. Every gift should be given with thought and love---his was. I don't know what CD he gave my sister, or what my parents opened up, but I will never forget this present. I took it with me when I moved out and went away to college. It never even makes it the Christmas tree. I keep it on a shelf of keepsakes and souvenirs on my bedroom wall. It stays out year round. I love it's heart cheeks! I love his buttons! I love his scarf!

  

I love this gingerbread man!

Thank you Steele. Thank you for a Christmas lesson I will never forget. This ornament has become one of my prized possessions. I know it didn't cost much, but it's value is beyond measure. 

Merry Christmas!

NEW NEW NEW

FlyAKite is expanding! We've added handmade Christmas decorations. ORNAMENTS! And STOCKINGS! I had so much fun making these. I'm hoping they are a success because I have lots more ideas. We hope to have more gifty type items in our shop on a full time basis. So head on over to the shop. If you haven't started thinking about Christmas yet, get started on your tree decorations. And pick out a few Christmas cards for those special people in your life.