Overall, it was a good year . . .

Hello Friends -
Happy New Year's Eve!

It has been a fun 2013!   And I am looking forward to an eventful 2014!

Just a quick look at 2013 that never got blogged . . . I am always making something.

Stay safe today and I'll see you in the new year!
Mary -

Graduation card for my niece, Paige.

Birthday card for my nephew, Dan.
I sent live ladybugs as his gift.
When I plan a bit, I can make more detailed cards.

New neighbor card to go with an Apple Pie.



My attempt to replicate a beautiful
Fourth of July banner from my sister, Stephanie,
with Halloween fabric.

Canning entered as a new hobby this summer.
Organic strawberry freezer preserves in vanilla yogurt
is quite yummy!

Part One - Birthday card for my niece, Anna.

Part Two, what a pop of color can do.

Birthday present for my sister, Stephanie.
I tried to get it in the sunlight so you can see
the gold mist spray on the brown paper.

A trio of gifts.

My roasted pumpkin seeds for adult trick-or-treaters.



Halloween card that I made in mass.

Birthday card for my nephew, Alex.



Turkey shaped pancakes.
I do weekly art with pancake batter.

From the Garden . . .

Hello Friends -
I hope you had a great week!

Crazy as usual here.  Still on the house hunt.  We will know Wednesday if we get the one we put an offer on last night.  Seriously?!  Do I not have other things to be doing!  And if you know me, I do not like suspense.  Must be why I was up at 4:02 this morning.  But the dining room table is cleared off!

So last week I was really in my element.  Crafting with materials from the garden.  I taught 2 classes with two helpers at the Wreath Class and just me at Arranging A Winter Container.

It was a lot of fun.  It smells so wonderful.  I got to meet many people that do not realize they can be crafty.  And it puts me in the holiday spirit.  A win, win for all!

I teach basic floral arranging principles for the Container Class and the bundle technique for the Wreath Class.  And how to make a bow with tails at both.

Please enjoy a few photos of my samples.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

Sample Wreath For Class

Sample Container For Class

Outdoor Undecorated Container For High Traffic Area
{ie, outside so could be stolen, used scraps from class.  Guess I should have swept up my mess before I took the photo?}

Entry Way Container

Class Attendee's Container, I made the bow.
Didn't she do a great job?!
And she thought she would not be able to be creative.

Let It Snow Blog Hop . . .

Hello Friends -
I hope you have had as great of a week as me.  Two nights of teaching floral design with evergreens - containers and wreaths {photos next week}.  Paper crafting with a new friend - {Hi Erika!}.  Made a huge dent in my shopping.  Though some of it was online and that stresses me out a bit.  I hope it arrives on time!  And all of the usual stay-at-home mom stuff.  Whew!

If you are new to The Tool Shed - welcome! Thank you for stopping by. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here.

Lisa had the great idea to have this Let It Snow Blog Hop where we are showcasing winter-fun projects.  If you came from Jessica - http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/ you are on the right path, if you started with my blog, please hop over to Lisa's Blog to start at the beginning, so you don't miss all the fabulous projects!

I really enjoy needle felting.  Sometimes I have pieces in my etsy store.  I am sold out this week.  Will try to get some pieces in next week.  I may have some time if we get a load of snow . . . so cold these last few days I should make myself some wearable mittens!  Hope this card makes you feel warm and cozy!

This is a 4.25" x 5.5" card.

Snowflake Stamp Set - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Embossing Folder - Sizzix

Ink - Staz-On {Timber Brown}

Felt Mitten - My Etsy Store

Corner Rounder - Fiskars

My Craft Supplies - Big Shot, Adhesive Pearl, Mounting Tape, Glue Dots

Your next hop is:  Aisha - http://londonskyedesigns.net

Here is the complete blog line up:
1. Lisa ~ http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/
2. Julie (Cricut Chick) ~ www.simplysilhouette.com
3. Tricia - http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/
4. Lori ~ http://scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/

5. Sarah~ www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
6. Heather ~ http://paper-junkie.blogspot.com
7. Cindy - http://www.cindys-greencricut.blogspot.com/
8. Pam - http://lovebugcreations3.blogspot.com/
9. Melisa http://melisascraftycreations.blogspot.com/
10. Elecia - http://creationsby-kahaulani.blogspot.com/
11. Jessica-http://craftinandstampin.blogspot.com/
12. Mary - http://irongatestamps.blogspot.com/
13. Aisha - http://londonskyedesigns.net
14. Alicia ~ http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
15. Nadja ~ http://nadjarobbins.blogspot.com
16. Carla ~ http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/
17. Inga ~ http://mommahobbit.blogspot.ca/
18. Christine ~ http://hotberrydesigns.blogspot.com/
19. Debbie W ~ http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/
20. Carolyn S. ~http://www.grandmacarol46580.blogspot.com
21. Elizabeth ~ http://www.ejoym.blogspot.com

Thank you for stopping by and have a Happy Day!
Mary -