Let it snow!

When you live in Arizona and have winter days with highs in the 60s and 70s, you don't have to worry about snow. Well, that's not true of the entire state. Flagstaff averages 70-80 inches of snow each year. After living in Flagstaff for two years, I've had enough snow to make up for the last three years without it. Still, it is really pretty -when it first falls and if you don't have to be out in it. So, I've found a way to have the best of both worlds (thanks to Family Fun magazine). I get the pretty snowflakes and my warm winter temperatures.

The snowflake directions are on familyfun.go.com. I tried using wax paper, but the wax paper stuck to the snowflakes leaving them less clingy. My daughter got frustrated that her snowflake kept falling off, so we tried again using a Corelle dinner plate. The snowflakes peeled off easily and retained their clinginess. The downside of using a plate is that you have to free-hand the design instead of tracing the downloadable template. It's a fun project and since no two snowflakes are alike, it lets you be creative.

The joy of ear flaps

Living in Arizona, I don't get to make many cold weather items. However, since we now wait at the bus stop most mornings, I am justified in making a few wintery items. We may have highs in the upper 60s and lower 70s, but it's lower 40s while we wait for the bus.

This is my first Drops Design pattern. It was fairly easy and turned out great. My son loves which is all that really matters, right? I let my son pick out the pattern and the color for his hat and scarf. I think he may have picked orange because the photo with the pattern was of an orange hat.

Pattern for the hat The scarf is all hdc.

An Elf Trap

My mom came across this idea by Kayla Lamoreaux and I thought I'd share it. It's an elf trap. Apparently elves are quite curious about the gifts under the tree. So mischievous little elves with extra time on their hands are busy peeking into the presents under our Christmas trees. With an elf trap, the elves get stuck inside of the box and the only way to get out is for them to leave candy.

To make your very own elf trap you'll need a box that can be opened and closed, some candy, and the cute poem about the elves by Kayla Lamoreaux found on her blog. Then find yourself a gullible young child or two and you're ready mess with some innocent young minds.


A note from my daughter who wants to help too:

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