Fluffy Stuffy Bunny

It's been a year since the Olympics. It is hard to believe! This means some of Shea's friends are having their first birthday parties! Yikes! I am noticing a trend that many of the people are requesting no gifts. The kids seem to have everything they need and so many toys.

That being said, I always feel badly not bringing a little something. So, I decided to use the stuff around my house to make some toys for the kids.

The first idea I had was to make a small stuffie. My first attempt was making sock monkeys, but that didn't pan out. I found them too boring. Then I found this cute little bunny pattern from Jenny over at All Sorts blog. It was so cute and looked simple to make I had to try to make one.

The bunny took me about 2 hours in total to make. Not too bad and I would definitely get faster at making these. Jenny's instructions are great and she had some really good tips. I loved how she used the freezer paper - it definitely made sewing the bunny easy and quick. I did add bells in the ears of the bunny - so they flop a little more (from the weight of the bells). I also made a mess at making the pom-pom because I bought fuzzy yarn rather than regular yarn. The fuzz went everywhere once it was cut. So, I had a pre-made pom-pom that I sewed on the bunny instead.

I am definitely going to be making more of these little bunnies and I plan on making a super hero cape for them. Once I figure out the pattern for the cape, I will post it on here.

Ten Months Old - Shea's Monthly Photo

This is Shea's ten month picture! I got a new camera and had a great time using it for these photos - definitely worth the money!

Christmas Book to look at

Click here to view this photo book larger

Wall Stickers for Kids

Today while browsing OhDeeDoh, there was an amazing room that used wall stickers from a company called e-glue based in France. I really enjoyed their take on larger wall stickers! They are quite expensive, but keep in mind they are quite large. Check out the room on OhDeeDoh that incorporated them in their small room design.


Another post on OhDeeDoh explored various wall murals. I really thought eazywallz had the best design for wall murals though.

All these wall stickers has me itching to re-design the guest bedroom into Shea's playroom!

Tiles are finally hung

DB bought me some amazing Xenia Taler tiles for my birthday a few years ago. They have been sitting beside the stove waiting to be hung. My sister got fed up with them collecting dust and hung them above my stove. They look so great! Now when I am cooking, I have something to appreciate.

Steph and Shea discussing how to hang the tiles

Thanks Steph!

Nine Months Old - Shea's Monthly Photo

With all the Christmas activities, I forgot to post Shea's 9 month photos! This month there has been lots of changes, including one tooth and he now likes to stand. He sure keeps me busy :)

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holidays!

Happy Holidays!

The tree is up. The cards have been sent. Cookies have been made. Presents bought. I think I'm ready!! Are you?

My parents arrive tomorrow for the holidays. Everyone is excited to participate in Shea's first Christmas. I am sure it will be filled with lots of fun and Christmas spirit.

We hope that everyone has an amazing holiday season! I am pretty sure I won't be making anything new until 2011. So thanks for the great year Blog world and see you in the New Year!

I am biased, but isn't he just so adorable??


Merry Christmas!!
<3 Ariane

Christmas Stocking

Some of my friends and I got together and made Christmas Stockings. I used the stocking from Purl Bee for the pattern. I did enlarge it to make a larger stocking and I wanted my seams on the inside, so I accounted for the seam allowance. I used a zig zag stitch to sew on the rick rack and the letters.

My sister helped me figure out how to sew on the cuff as I wanted a folded cuff.

I think it turned out great!

Playing Around...

My maternity leave is going by so quickly! I made a list of things I want to accomplish while Shea is napping and one item is to update my blog. I have been playing around with different formats, header pictures, etc. I am really liking my Christmas header!

So, be patient with me! You may see a different blog each time you visit :)

Happy December - Annual Wreath

Welcome to December everyone! Do you all have your Christmas shopping done? I will admit - I am almost done. I only have my dad to buy for and he is definitely the most difficult to find the perfect gift for. Any suggestions??

One quick side note - Shea went to see Santa! He was so cute! I know I am biased though :)

My Wreath for 2010

Today my friend and I went to the annual wreath making class. This year I had no real inspiration like I usually do and you can tell! I used all sorts of different materials and I now call it the "Spastic Wreath". Hahahaa...

PK's Wreath for 2010

PK's wreath turned out FABULOUS! She used cedar this year with some fantastic accents. I really like the cones in the middle.

Hard to believe last year we were both pregnant and sick during the class! Now we have amazing little people to enjoy this time of year with.

Here are our previous wreaths:
2007: no picture taken - boo hoo
2008: http://arianephillips.blogspot.com/2008/12/wreath-making-class.html
2009: http://arianephillips.blogspot.com/2009/12/yearly-wreath-making.html