beadworkbybetsy

I am surrounded by many crafty people.  Two of my birthday presents involved knitting, a craft I have not allowed myself to get into.  There is just not enough time to try everything that looks like fun to do.

A scarf, knit by Carol, my mother-in-law

Carol spent Christmas in Minnesota and learned to knit.  Then she decided to make scarves for all of her girls.  Mine looks fabulous with my red coat.  This yarn is a special kind that creates the ruffle affect as you knit.

A cuff bracelet, knit by Pete's sister, Molly

Molly actually might have meant it as a Christmas present.  Either way, when I saw her making one in October I told her I would love to have one.  I love having a piece of jewelry made by someone else.  Not store-bought.  One-of-a-kind:)

Ruth (6 1/2) has really taken to crafting.  I am in the process of sanding down a thrift store find (a $15 desk) so I can paint it and fill it with craft supplies just for her.  She'll have her own dedicated space to make cards.  I forgot to take a before picture of the desk.  I planned to get it finished before she wanted to make valentines, but Little League has begun so that didn't happen.  Painting a desk moved down my list of priorities.  Plus, I wanted to make valentines for my kids and hubby (post to come soon).



Because Elijah and I have January birthdays, Ruth made a couple of cards that were for both of us.  Each of these has a picture she drew and colored all on her own.  She followed directions in an animal drawing book to make both the guinea pig and the rabbit.  Notice the use of decorative scissors and also the right side fold?

Me with Ruth and Elijah

Elijah loves birds.  I think it is sweet that Ruth planned a card for him around one of his big loves.  She wanted to have a tree on the front with a surprise inside.  And because she is only six, she didn't know her spelling of "old" made a cute play on words with her drawing.  I love it.  She also taped a nickel to the card as part of the gift:)