Way behind...

I'm way behind on my Christmas in July challenge.  

I've got 9 days left and I've only created 2 gifts.

I'm a terrible challenge host.  

No worries though.  Skip TO My Lou has a tutorial on making some Rice Bag Feet Warmers.

FINALLY, something I can make for the men folk as well.  I just need to find some manly fabric.

Doubt I'll reach my goal of 20 gifts at this point, but I do plan on making a few more gifts before the end of the month.

There may be duplicates of only a couple of items, but I'll get them done.

Polka Dot Picture Hanger

I'm proud to say that this is officially the first item that I thought about ALL ON MY OWN.

Since before I started this blog I would spend my time browsing other crafty blogs for ideas of my next project.  When I purchased these adorable polka dot place mats from the Dollar Tree I really wanted to create something original.  I'm kind of excited that I succeeded.

After creating the polka dot message board I thought about a special little girl in my family that I don't think I've ever given a gift to.  My oldest niece.  I know, shame on Aunt Ashley!  She lives up north and I don't get to see her often.  Anyway, I decided that this year should be different.  She's at the age where it's a bit hard to figure out what to get for her and not knowing her as well as I should makes that difficult as well.  I started thinking about things that I liked when I was her age and these 2 items was the type of stuff I liked.  So, I hope she'll like it.

Materials:
Polka Dot Place Mat from the Dollar Tree ($1.00)

old ancient diskette clear adhesive covers like this from work (free)

White Ric Rac from Walmart ($1.97)

Liquid Stitch - on hand

White and blue ribbon - on hand

blue buttons - on hand

hot glue

needle and thread

 That brings my total to $2.97 for this item.

I plan on making more of these so a PICTURE tutorial will be coming soon!  I found my camera, finally.

2 gifts down 18 to go!

Check out my Christmas in July challenge here and join in!

Christmas In July

Link up at the bottom of this post.

Anyway, I did make it to the Dollar Tree this weekend and purchased a few great finds to get my crafting started.  Here's what I found.

Please excuse the poor photo, I've misplaced my camera.

3 Canvases - these will be created into matching wall decor.  I need some primer before I can start this project.  I can't decide if I want to do "Live Love Laugh" or some trendy phrase like that or a scripture.  I'm still brainstorming on this one.

Wreath form - what else other than a wreath?  Can't decide how to do it though.  I want something that can be year around.  Something welcoming, neutral and elegant... maybe.  I'm searching for more inspiration.  Need all the goodness that will be used to decorate this.

Paper doilies - just because those things were too awesome to pass up.  I'll probably just craft with these for myself.  Nothing to do with Christmas in July.

Candle Holders, and metal plates - a 3 tier display for YUMMIES! Need some paint and glue

"Magic" Wands - I'm going to paint this probably a pretty pink color (cover up "magic") add lots of glitter and maybe some fuzzy trim around the star, some pretty ribbon under the star to make a cute little girl a gift to play with during dress up.

Sponges - I'm going to try my hand at making my own paint stamps and decorating some shirts.  I've done one already for Aaron just playing around.  It turned out really cute.

Blue & White Polk-a-Dot Place mats - not pictured (sorry, I've already been experimenting with my options for these).  I've seen some table runners that were made with these exact place mats and they are very cute and I might be making another trip to Dollar Tree for some more.  But I'm thinking pillows... maybe... still searching for some inspiration.

As you can see I have the beginnings of a few projects but I'm still lacking some materials.  What do you have started?

If you are interested in joining in this Christmas In July challenge?

Make a post about the challenge and what you are challenging yourself to.  2 gifts, 5 gifts, 10 gifts, 100 gifts.  Whatever you think you can do, just set a goal to accomplish.

Link back here to this post or my blog.  I'm still working on a button.

Link up, below to your blog post about your challenge! 

And comment on others and encourage them in their challenge.  

I hope you'll join in!

Christmas In July - Brainstorming

I'm a planner. 

There's no way I could even think about starting this Christmas in July without having an idea of what I want to make.  I'm just not a "wing it" kinda gal.  

I've been browsing lots of blogs and am finding some great ideas for gifts to start making.

Dish Towel Teether Tote by Land of the Misfit Toys

Play tent by Living With Punks

Baby Food Jar Light Strand by Apartment Homesteader

"The homesteader" at Little Apartment Homesteader had this on her site.  I was very interested and just kept browsing, and came across this.  I can definitely do something like this with some scripture, I think.

Framed Silhouette Vignette by Positively Splended

Coke Can Napkin Rings by Positively Splendid!  I'm definitely a new follower, I've fallen in love with her blog.

Decal Penny Pendants by Just Something I Made.

Baby Food Jar Lid Game by Oopsey Daisy

Paper Flower Wreath by Polka Dot Pineapple

I might even make some of these to go on the wrapping of each present...

Bows tutorial featured on Sumo's Sweet Stuff.

Oh, I can't wait to get started!

100th Post - Christmas In July!

It's time to get this party started!

For as long as I've been an adult paying bills and living on my own I've always told myself, "Next year, I'll be better prepared for Christmas and make my own gifts!".  Well, this year I'm staying true to just that.

I'm challenging myself to make 20 handmade gifts for under $100!

I really want to try and utilize stuff that I have on hand, but I'm pretty sure that I can do this.

So, I'm starting this challenge today and if any of my readers would like to join in with me, you are more than welcome!  I'm even thinking of creating one of those snazzy little buttons for this project so others can link up... ooo, link up... how about a linky party?  If you are interested in joining in, leave me a comment.  If I get a good response I'll do a linky party on a certain day each week this month.

20 gifts for under $100

$100 in honor of this being my 100th post!

Thanks to all that follow this blog and comment sometimes.  It's nice to know that someone gets enjoyment out of reading my blog on occasion!