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 -

Happy Thanksgiving . . .

Hello Friends -
I hope you have had an enjoyable day with your family and friends.

I have eaten way too much!

I am a bit behind but here are a few fun things I have made with my kiddies over the last month.  I have just been enjoying being a stay-at-home mom this last month.  And that is what I am thankful for.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

Jack's Turkey

Maggie's Turkey

Jack thought the turkey needed a scene and a hat with a feather.

We made a few cards . . . not sure why the color got wonky?
But of course I am seeing this AFTER they are all mailed.

Pilgrim girl owl was Maggie's favorite.

Happy Halloween

Hello Friends -
Hope you have a spooktacular day!
Mary -

Halloween Chocolate Treats -

Hello Friends -
Hope you had a great weekend!

We are getting ready for Halloween and making treats for our cousins.

I love using Wilton molds to make decorative chocolate covered Oreos.  Pretty quick to make with high impact and yumminess!

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

Autumn is Here -

Hello Friends -
I hope you are having a good week!

I am really feeling fall here in Chicago this week!  Grey sky, leaves falling and cool temps!

I made this card for my mom's birthday this week.  Yes, I like to watch TV and fussy cut out items I stamp - leaves are so much fun!  Don't worry, you will be seeing more.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

This is a 4.25" x 4.25" card.

Stamp Set {Pumpkins and Gourd} - Iron Gate Stamps

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics (Peanut) and American Crafts (Carrot)

Pattern Paper and Soup Label - Jillibean Soup

Ink - StazOn {Timber Brown}

My Stash - Big Shot, Polka Dot Embossing Folder, Twine, Brown Chalk, Mounting Tape

I have linked this card to the following challenges:

Feeling Crafty Challenge - Autumn Theme - http://feelingcraftychallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
The Cupboard Trilogy Challenge - Fall - http://thecupboardtrilogychallenges.blogspot.com/

Happy World Card Making Day -

Hello Friends -
Hope you get a chance to make a card today!  We are in full swing Halloween at our house.







 

 

Stamp Set - Iron Gate Stamps (Halloween)

Cardstock - Bazzill Basics

Pattern Paper - Pebbles (Thirty One)

Ink - StazOn (Jet Black)

Punches, Mounting Tape - My Stash

 

 

 



I used the design sketch from Mojo Monday #313 - http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/

And entering the Cuttin' and Stampin' Challenge Submission #39 Halloween - http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/

Happy Day to you -
Mary -

Garden Talk - Fall Container Gardening

Hello Friends -
I cannot believe how quickly this year has gone by.  Here we are - October!

It feels like autumn today.  Leaves falling.  Overcast sky.  No chill in the air, but that will be here soon enough.

Needed to be in love with my house again so I did a little arrangement on the front porch.  It needs a few bright colored leaves around the base but none of those beauties have fallen yet.

{And yes, I did cringe when I put the pots on the new porch.  I was reminded it is just cement.}

The container has Purple Fountain Grass and Flowering Cabbage with white geraniums that are not in the photo.  I plant containers (my favorite thing to do) that are "all around" so they can be pretty from all sides.  I move them around in my yard during the summer for different looks depending on what we are doing in the yard - entertaining or playing children.

If you think about what you plant you can get many seasons out of a container.

I plant my spring/summer containers with fall in mind.  I use Purple Fountain Grass for height and a different color instead of a spike.

I try to find a 3 - 6 pack of Flowering Cabbage or Kale for a few dollars rather than paying $5 - $8 in the fall.  They will not be huge but stay in proportion to the container.

Then I fill in with summer annuals of our color choice.  Sometimes those plants stay on to the fall or if they do not match, I will remove them and replant with plants from other containers to go with the look I want to achieve.

This arrangement cost about $30 total.  I already had the containers.  There are about $12 in plants for and soil mix in the container (3 seasons).  The mum was $11 and the pumpkin was $4.

Hope this gets you in the mood to rearrange and think about how you garden.

Happy Day to you -
Mary -