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Christmas Crafts: Diy Elf on a Shelf with Outfit Tutorial

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Thursday, December 4, 2014

Stash Busting for the Holidays

Christmas is getting dangerously closer every day, well maybe “dangerously” is too strong a word.  Anyway, I haven’t done much crafting yet so it’s time to get into high gear.  I decided to try something slightly different this years.  I won’t have a list, at least not one I can post here.  It lists only those I’m crafting for so it would probably ruin the surprise this year.  So instead I will post this…

craft stash overload

…my craft stash.  Well actually a small portion of my stash, probably about a 4th of it all.  This pile is made up of leftover fabric from recent and not so recent projects, bits of lace and other trims, flowers, buttons, Christmas stuff I got for free, stuff from my recent thrift store haul (see Bagging it on Black Friday), fleece scraps from several years ago, t-shirts I wanted to alter, and several items I got on a whim that I haven’t touched since.  I decided to challenge myself.  For this Christmas, these are the only supplies I will allow myself to use with the exception of stuff like thread, my glue gun, sewing machine, etc.  So just these and basic supplies on hand.  I will not spend any money either.  Who needs more supplies when I have plenty already.  So far I have several ideas for Christmas ornaments planned because it just isn’t Christmas without handmade ornaments.  Plus I do plan on making a new dress.  Look forward to it. :)

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Monday, December 1, 2014

Bagging It on Black Friday

Thanksgiving and come and gone, so has another “holiday”.  Black Friday, the craziest shopping day of the year.  Now here’s something totally shocking.  For the first time ever, I actually bothered to go shopping on this day of all days.  I always dreaded the thought of it, I heard too many horror stories.  But I found a sale that I couldn’t pass up.

Epic Thrift shopping bag

The Stuff It sale at Epic Thrift store.  You basically get a paper shopping bag from the store, cram a bunch of stuff in it, and as long as it isn’t ripped and the handles still touch, etc. you get the whole thing for one price.  What was that price?

Epic thrift receipt

Twenty dollars. Here’s the receipt as proof, I only paid $20 plus sales tax for that bulging bag.  I got a ton of stuff for it, would have cost about $110 normally.  Plus it was so much fun stuffing the bag which was the main reason I went in the first.

lots of clothes

Most of what I got was clothing, it’s easy stuff in especially if you roll it very tightly as opposed to folding it up. 
What I got by the numbers:
  • 1 pair of shoes
  • 4 t-shirts
  • 6 tank tops
  • 3 skirts
  • 2 cardigan sweaters
  • 1 knit dress
  • 1 pretty vest
  • 1 shrug
  • 1 belt
For a total of 20 new(ish) items to add to my wardrobe.  Now for some of my favorite pieces.

lacy white skirt

My sister actually picked out this skirt for me.  It is tiered with lace at each tier and some pretty lace at the hem too.  Of course it is lined, thank goodness.  The best part is the fullness.  I could probably fit a petticoat under it for added poofiness, or just leave it as is for casual days.

Hello Kitty Ninja t-shirt

When I saw this Hello Kitty t-shirt I lunged at it.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have an almost unhealthy love for just about anything Sanrio.
 
lacy blue tank

This tank top was just calling out to me.  It’s basically a plain ribbed tank, but the trimming makes so much difference.  Rows of lace and velvety ribbon down the front with ribbon laced up, plus the wide lace at the hem is surprisingly fitting.  I figure that I can used this tank for inspiration as well as for wearing.  

I think it’s important for those who sew clothing to spend time in stores and occasionally make purchases as a way to gleam ideas for designing and embellishing their creations. 

lacey shrug

This shrug was just perfect.  It’s so pretty and it will look wonderful with all the tank tops I bought as well as many of my sleeveless dresses.  

Some may think it strange that I bought so many warm weather items since it’s December now.  I believe in planning ahead for things, like seasonal clothing.  If I can save a bundle buying spring clothes in winter, then I am a happier person indeed.  Plus, I live in Arizona, so much spring/summer clothing can still be worn in colder weather especially when layered appropriately.  Fashion-wise I actually love the look of layers, so there’s another bonus for me.  :)

Alice manga

Now in addition to clothes I got this graphic novel.  It’s Alice in the Country of Hearts.  It is actually very amusing, but I won’t spoil it for you with too many details.

crafty supplies

And of course I got a few craft supplies.  A couple of bags with ribbons and random trims and two types of fabric.  The floral one is so pretty and I think I’ll save it for spring.  I think it will be perfect for my next Easter dress.  But knowing me, I might make a dress with it sooner than that.  As for the red plaid, I plan on using it right away.  It will be perfect for a new dress for Christmas and maybe for some extra holiday crafts.  

Speaking of holidays crafts, I have to start cracking at them right away.  I have some interesting ideas for this year that I will talk about later.  Look forward to it. :)
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