12 days of Christmas... day 1

MERRY ALMOST THANKSGIVING!

I love Christmas, and was honored again this year when Lisa asked if I wanted to join in on the fun.  Of course I said yes!  I'm trying something different this year.  This year, our Christmas is themed "country".  In fact, we've kind of themed our lives country and I'm fixin' to (like that?) redo my home.  I've been slowly but surely working on it.  I'm thinking upscale redneck chic- what do you think?  I want something that screams hillbilly with money.  No?  Oh well.  And if that doesn't say "merry random Christmas" then I have no idea what does.

So- where do I begin?  Well, if you've found me randomly, welcome!  Please go back to Lisa's blog to start.  I'm #13 on the list, so there's a few to get to before you get to me.  (love to have you, just start at the beginning because you don't want to miss all the amazing blog candy!)  If you're here from Angela's blog then you're in the right spot!

1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

2. Scrappin Madge ~ www.thescrappinlounge.com

3. Beth McGee ~ http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

4. Amy E. ~ http://www.scrapthissavethat.com/

5. Denise ~ www.craftconfectionery.com

7. Cely ~ http://hawaiipaperparty.blogspot.com

8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/

9. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

10. Anna- http://www.stampanna.com

11. An'Jenic- http://anjenicgibson.blogspot.com/

12. Angela- http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com/

13. Heather- www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com <------------------ you are here!

14. Jessica -http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/

15. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com

16. La-Vie Borde-Perry ~ http://www.cestla-viedesigns.blogspot.com/

17. Sandy- http://www.scrapbookblessings.blogspot.com

18. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com

19. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com

20. Ashley W ~ http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

21. Robin L. ~ http://create-a-latte.blogspot.com/

So, what did I make for all of you wonderful people?  Snowflake Ornaments! (oh. Let It Go... HA!  see what I did there?)

What you'll need:
crochet thread
tiny crochet needle
random snowflake pattern
patience and decent eyesight
sugar and water (or fabric stiffener of your choice)
glitter -optional.

Crochet random internet snowflake pattern that you like (or is easiest to follow, as I did!) with the tiny crochet thread and hook. Now, I love crocheting with the next girl, but this was TINY!  It is a wonderful take-along project to things when you're just driving in the car or doing random things that you don't need to spend imense amounts of time on.  Before you know it you'll have several whipped up.

When you have them done, you're going to want to stiffen them so their points stand on end.  I used 4 parts sugar to 1 part water and boiled it making a very heavy, very hard simple syrup.  I saturated the snowflakes in it and then placed them on a styrofoam board covered in waxed paper.  This is where you would add glitter if you want it.  Yes, you may have to actually pin them in place to keep the shape.  Once dry, remove the pins and add a looped thread or a hook to hang them.  TADA!  You're done.


My video camera was MIA thanks to smallish people in my house, so there's no video tutorial for this, but I"m hoping to find it and get the last few days done so you can see them.

Question of the day:  What is your favorite Christmas ornament?

Hugs, and see you tomorrow!!!  Oh, don't forget to follow me!  I don't post often, but that's going to change shortly!