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Popsicle Stick Christmas Ornaments

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It's November, which to many over-enthusiastic holiday lovers means CHRISTMAS! Yes, I love Thanksgiving as well—it's just one big holiday celebration for me from now to the end of the year. So far, I've refrained from putting up my Christmas tree, but that doesn't mean I can't prepare, right? This past weekend, I spent some time making some ornaments. I love to create handmade ornaments to add to my little tree each year. 
Lately I've been interested in popsicle stick crafts. I found some super cute ideas on Pinterest (see the links to my Holiday Crafts and Food board and specific posts below). I like that such a simple material can have so many possibilities. Just add paint and glue!
I was able to get my kids involved for part of my craft day. They are ages 2 and 3, so they didn't do much beyond just paint a few popsicle sticks. I turned these painted sticks into little Santa Claus ornaments—two for each daughter as they're bound to ruin some of them …
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My Holiday 2015

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It's been a few weeks… I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. My holiday was pretty good. Spent some time with the family, exchanged gifts, ate lots of yummy food…

...Oh yeah... AND I had a BABY!

Adelaide


My daughter, Adelaide, was born on December 30th. So I didn't get a Christmas baby like I thought I would, but she's here now, and my family and I are so thrilled. It has been a crazy couple of weeks recovering from the delivery and adjusting to my new life as a mother. There have been some challenges, and I'm sure there are many up ahead. All of it is worth it, though, to have this little angel in my life.

Anyway, I thought I would share some of the crafty gifts I made this year for the holidays. For many of my family and friends, I put together these treat boxes, which I filled with candy, cookies, homemade Christmas ornaments, and pet treats and toys. I recycled various cereal and cracker boxes to make the packages, and tied them up with some pretty baker's twine.

Christmas treat boxes that I made for various family and friends

For my mother and sisters, I made baking kits with some personal touches. I sewed up some potholders using fabric swatches of my own designs printed from Spoonflower. I also bought some wooden utensils, which I decorated with doodles using a wood stain marker. Lastly, I crocheted pie-shaped hot pads and a pie carrier.

Baking sets for my mother and sisters

Every year, it seems, I stress myself out trying to figure out what to make for Christmas gifts and making sure I have the time to get them done. It is so worth it, though, to be able to give something that's unique and personal and handmade. Gift-giving is one of the most rewarding ways a crafter like myself can share what they love to do with others.

Happy New Year!
Niki



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**UPDATE - 2015** The miniature sweater knitting pattern has been revised.  View/Download the new pattern here:
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