Here is one table of chicas working:

The other table declined a photo opportunity I think they were afraid I would blog about ‘em! Imagine that.

Here are the blocks everyone made. I think they turned out fantastic!

And here is a funny picture of “Sister Mary Sara Paigey.” That’s what we call her when we are taking off her shirt off for a bath because she looks like a nun.

The other day I thought Kate was taking a while in the potty so I went to check on her. I found her reading “Technology Review!” ha.

Have a great week!

This year I wanted the group to have a clearer focus so we’re having a quilting bee (squeal)! Last night was our first meeting of the year and it was a blast. Most of the group are newbie quilters, so we started with a basic block, a 9 patch:

Everyone did a terrific job making their first block (next time I’ll have to remember to snap more pictures). Each month we’ll make a different block pattern (log cabin, chevron, etc) so by the end of the year we’ll have a fun sampler quilt.

I loved looking at the fabrics people chose for their quilts! I was a little worried about fitting 12 people and their sewing machines in my dining room and hallway. But we managed and didn’t even blow a circuit. Thank you, surge protectors

If you have been thinking about starting a craft group, I would really recommend it. Let me know if you have any questions about it. Sarah hosts a craft group as well and has a *ton* of great ideas.

Last year I made this advent calendar while on bed rest. Kate loved counting the days until Christmas and eating a chocolate Kiss each day with breakfast. I was excited for this month’s McKinney Marthas craft because I knew Kate would love changing the blocks each day. As opposed to an advent calendar that marks the days of December, this craft counts the days left until Christmas.

To make your own Christmas countdown, you will need:

* two 3.5″ wood cubes (I had Home Depot cut a 4×4 into cubes. Did you know a 4×4 is actually 3.5″ and not 4″ ? How confusing).

* one wood piece for base measuring 3.5″ wide x 8″ long x 2″ thick (I had Home Depot cut a 2×4 for this. Again, the 2×4 is only 3.5″ wide. Who named that?)

* Mod Podge

* twelve coordinating scrapbook papers cut into 3″ squares

* one 1.5″ x 7.5″ scrapbook paper rectangle

* 2.5″ tall vinyl numbers or stencils (you could also freehand the numbers with a Sharpie)

* 1.25″ tall vinyl word or stencil for base (again you could freehand with a Sharpie. Mine says “Merry Christmas”)

* acrylic craft paint

After you have your materials, let’s get going

1.  Paint cubes and base with acrylic paint. Let dry.

2.  Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge on all sides of cubes and place a 3″ square of scrapbook paper right side up on each side. Also apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the front of the base and adhere the 1.5″ x 7.5″ scrapbook paper.

3. Add vinyl numbers or stencil cubes. Important note!!!

For the first block you will need: 0,1,2,3,4,5

For the second block you will need: 0,1,2,6,7,8

Please make sure your number 6 is a font that can be flipped to look like a 9

4. Add your vinyl word or stencil to the base.

5. Add a thin layer of Mod Podge on all sides of the cubes and base! Let dry

PS – Quick shout out to Melanie and Leah in Tulsa!

If you want to make your own, you’ll need:

-  4″ clay pot

-  4″ clay saucer (normally the bottom of the pot)

- 1.5″ wood knob (holes are optional)

- 1″ wood doll head/finial

- E6000 glue

- pencil

- acrylic craft paint

- ribbon if your wood knob has holes

Step One:

Paint the inside and lip of the pot black. Paint the rest of the pot green.

Step Two:

Thread ribbon into your wood knob if it has holes.

Paint entire saucer black. Glue knob on top of saucer.

Step Three:

Glue doll head/finials on the side of pot. Refer to picture for approximate placement.

Step Four:

Draw a silly monster face on your pot with a pencil. Paint pot and knob.

Step Five:

Fill with candy!