Competing

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas! I know I did. It was crazy with family, but so much fun to see everyone! My oldest told me that Christmas was "off the hook" and my oldest daughter even loved her joke gift (a table cloth we decided to wrap up for giggles).
But now with Christmas over, I'm looking at what the New Year will be bringing.

I don't remember exactly when I found the sewing competition. Looking back through, I remember parts of season 3 and 4, but it wasn't until season 5 that I really got into it. 

At the beginning of season 6 I saw the the call for entries and asked about it. I was told that I would need a blog or someway to upload photo's, so a blog was born. 

That entry is my very first blog post.

A Giving Christmas: Erin from Tea & Olive

Today I have Erin from Tea & Olive to finish up 'A Giving Christmas' series. Erin is a fairly new blogger (her blog was started in May) but she has some really cute things going on over there! Thank you so much Erin for being over here!! 

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Hi everyone! I am so happy to be guest posting over here at the fabulous Paisley Roots today for our homemade Christmas gift for my mom. Since Leila's first Christmas last year I knew that I wanted to make sure that we taught her that Christmas is just as much about giving as it is receiving, but as a baby and young toddler giving can be not as easy to understand, so I decided to keep it simple.

A Giving Christmas: Jeanine from Crafting Fiend

Hello, my name is Jeanine! When Karly first told me her idea for getting kids involved in crafting to give to others I couldn't help but want on board with that! I mean who wouldn't, am I right? I get to teach my kid that giving is fun, keep her occupied for an afternoon, and have something cheap memorable to mail to grandparents and aunts and uncles.

We have relatives that live all over and across an ocean too so I wanted a nice flat and non fragile craft. So  popsicle stick Christmas trees seemed like the way to go! It really is as simple as sticking 3 popsicle sticks together and putting a string in between 2 of them. 

A Giving Christmas: Simple Simon & Co.

Today we get the awesome sisters, Elizabeth and Liz, from Simple Simon and Co.  They have a ton of amazing ideas and are so sweet! I was able to meet them In real life this last September and man oh man! They really are the sweetest people. I actually came home and told my husband that I felt like I had just met two first ladies, cause they just seemed so regal and amazing. Thank you so much Elizabeth and Liz for coming over here!!

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Hello Paisley Roots Readers!

Isn't Karly great?  We got to meet her "in real life awhile back".  And besides being nice, which she is, and fun to be around, which she also is, Karly is super model tall and thin!!!!  Seriously, super model built I tell you.  Super model.

Unfortunately we are not super model built but we are happy to be here today.

We, by the way are Elizabeth and liZ from Simple Simon and Company and we are big fans of handmade gifts.

We couldn't decide on just one thing to share today so we settled on 12 of our favorite gifts that your kids can help you create.

Top Row (left to right): pom pom garland, fabric paint tee shirt, felt bow jewelry, peg girls
Second Row (left to right): fleece scarves, homemade crayons
Third Row (left to right): handmade notecards, scrappy heart
Bottom Row (left to right): craft stick puppets, square necklace, boys' peggies, felted wool necklace

Kids love to be involved in making gifts for others and take pride in telling those who receive the gifts what part they played in making it. 

Today we tried to pick projects that they could help out with the cutting, designing, stringing, gluing, or tying.

Thank you Karly for inviting us over here today.

We just love series like this!

 

A Giving Christmas: Ajaire from Call Ajaire

Today I have the lovely Ajaire from Call Ajaire here today! I have followed her blog since I started blogging and I just love everything she makes. She has the most adorable daughter too! Her project is so fun and I know the birds certainly love this one too! 

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I'm Ajaire from Call Ajaire and I'm happy to be here today at Paisley Roots to contribute to Karly's A Giving Christmas series.  I met Karly through a sew along and I've followed ever since.  I really can't be more excited for her to compete this season; it's going to be a lot of fun to see what she comes up with.

When I started thinking about how I would share the spirit of giving with my 2 and a half year old, Bean my thoughts immediately went to animals.  She is obsessed with animals and talks often of how she needs to take care of them (true story - she's convinced me to buy her a new stuffed animal by saying "I need to take him home and take good care of him" on more than one occasion).  So I thought the idea of giving would hit closer to home for her if we started with some animal care.

A Giving Christmas: Jenn from A Jennuine Life

Today we're picking up a Giving Christmas with Jenn from a Jennuine Life.  She is so talented. Thank you so much Jenn for coming over here today! 

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Hi everyone!  I'm Jenn from A Jennuine Life and when I'm not sewing for my two daughters Arden and Hadley, I'm trying my hand at all sorts of creative pursuits - I'll give pretty much anything a try!

A Giving Christmas: Jacq From Begins with B

Up next is Jacq from Begins with B. I am so thrilled she said yes to guest blogging for me! Jacq makes some of the coolest boys clothes! Her boys are just adorable too! Read on for a super yummy snack that your kids will LOVE to make!

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My boys love our garbage dude.

We wait for him weekly and he knows us by name.

This time of year we are always looking to give so he was the first to come to mind.

We made a christmas cookie that I remember making growing up because they are so quick and easy.

Just like rice krispy treats but honestly so much tastier.

My boys helped make the wreaths and they couldn't be more thrilled.

Of course sampling was their favorite part. 

A Giving Christmas: Autumn from Cottingtons So Crafty

Today I have the very awesome Autumn from Cottingtons so Crafy. She puts me to shame with her resourcefulness. Did you know she makes her own deoderant?? She bikes tons and I am always in awe of all the stuff she does with her daughter, and super jealous. Can we say "Super mum"? (she would disagree but we all know she is way more awesome then she would ever admit.) She also has one of the most amazing fabric collections and makes the most adorable clothes for her little miss.
I was so excited when she said that she would be on my series and wait until you hear what her adorable daughter came up with! Thank you Autumn!! 

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Hi, y'all!  I'm Autumn from over at Cottington's So Crafty, and I'm here today to show off a pretty ghetto rendition of a Christmas tree!  Please don't laugh at this un-fancy tree.  This is what you get when you live in the high desert and use the lone branch found in your yard ;)

When Karly asked me if I had an idea for giving for the holidays, I consulted the giver herself, my daughter, Camden.  She immediately said we should make a tree - and give it to our friend, Summer.  I am sure Summer will be tickled pink when she sees her fun gift next week.

It pretty much went like this....

Me:  "Camden, what would be such a nice thing to do for someone for Christmas this year?  Something friendly?"

Camden:  "We should make a Christmas tree!"

Me:  "Who should the tree be for?"

Camden:  "For Summer!"

Me:  Thinking I totally should have used a different tactic....approached it in terms of giving to the less fortunate and such.

I then remembered there was a wee branch outside....and thankfully, this was a day or two before the crazy snow hit, so, we didn't have to shovel out the yard to find it.  Clearly, the branch needed a little assistance in standing up, so, my husband ran out to the garage to find a base for it, but I wanted to keep this as simple as possible - meaning, not make it MINE, as it was Camden's to give.

A Giving Christmas: Teri from Climbing the Willow

Today I have Teri from Climbing the Willow here today. Teri has a great blog and a lot of fun tutorials that you should check out! I love how she is getting her kids involved with spreading joy this season. Thank you so much Teri for sharing!!

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First, I'd like to say hello to all the Paisley Roots readers! I'm Teri from Climbing the Willow.  And second, I can't help but add that I just recently discovered the Paisley Roots blog and I love it already!  Especially the Popover Jacket ... I can't wait to make one for my little Mae :)

When Karly asked for bloggers to participate in series called A Giving Christmas, which helps kids focus on giving (contrary to the more popular "I wants" that run rampant this time of year), I was quick to sign up.  Although I grew up with very generous parents who still give every chance they get and taught me to do the same, I sometimes find that the chaos that comes with a large family distracts me from focusing on what really matters, especially this time of year :)  And I want my kids to experience the same joy of giving that I did when I was little.  In other words, I want to see this level of joy on their faces without presents just out of the picture :)

A Giving Christmas: Brianne from Ali Cat & Co.

Today I have the lovely Brianne from Ali Cat & Co. I just love Brianne and her adorable family. She is a hoot and just plain amazing and I absolutely love the craft she has to share today! It's her very first pattern! There's also a link to places you can donate.
Thank you so much Brianne!!

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 Hello all!  I'm Brianne from Ali Cat & Co. You can follow my blog or like me on Facebook.

Thank you, Karly, for having me over today!  I'm excited to share a wonderful story of selflessness.  

Back in August, I saw a request on a Facebook sewing page asking for handmade stocking donations to give to children. I messaged the woman stating I would be happy to make some.  After further chatting, she sent me a link that spawned her desire to donate stockings.  All stockings are being donated to children at Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello, ID,  Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, and to McKay-Dee Hospital in Utah.

If you would also like to donate stockings, please contact Kelie McWilliams at
Kelie (at) boostedhearts (dot) com for the mailing address.

I encourage you to read the news article.

http://www.idahostatejournal.com/members/teen-marks-birthday-with-friday-fundraiser-fun-run-helps-kids/article_5136b292-15f7-11e3-8fe2-0019bb2963f4.html

Stockings are so easy to sew and perfect for little learners to help with.
When Karly told me about the Giving Christmas series, I knew combining these two project would be perfect.

Introducing Stockings for Sweeties!

A Giving Christmas: Scary from The Shaffer Sisters

I am so excited about this series! For this joyful season, I wanted to spotlight the giving side and how to teach our children to be charitable. I have such an amazing line-up of bloggers sharing with us how they got their children involved with giving this season and they have some very fun project ideas that you can do with your children.

First up is the wonderful Scary from the Shaffer Sisters. Scary is so lovely and one of the most sincere people I know. I am so honored to have her up first! Thank you so much Scary!! 

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Hi, Paisley Root readers it is Scary here from Shaffer Sisters. I am happy to be visiting one of my favorite blogs to be read today and talk about one of my favorite seasons, Christmas. I have so many good memories as a child and feel really grateful for the wisdom of my parents and grandparents in teaching me the "reason for the season". Christmas feels like a mommy tight rope walk with wanting my kids to be able to enjoy the magic of the season but not wanting all of the magic to distract them from the simple message, He has given us the greatest gift and as we serve others we are showing His love to them.

Paisley's Birthday

Today is my little miss Paisleys birthday. 

Popover Jacket Tutorial

In last season, I won the first weeks sew along challenge with my Popover Jacket Remix. I've been meaning to get the tutorial up for it, but life has been crazy. When is it not? Anyways, I finally found some time to make it up. Here's the boys version.