The City

We had an eclectic day in the city.  Starting with breakfast at a cafe.  Then we parked our car and walked and walked.  I had always heard about the amazing gingerbread houses they have in some of the hotels up there but this was the first time we actually got to see them.  The first one in the St Francis Hotel was the most spectacular.  So intricate. It slowly turned around. On each side, up and down, were characters form the news throughout the year.  The Obamas are featured in this picture.  Then we walked up the hill to the Mark Anthony to walk into the life size gingerbread house.  Not quite as detailed but still cool to see.  We made our way into Chinatown, through to Little Italy and City lights Books.  Going back through Chinatown we bought the mandatory rice candy.  Then back to our car and Grandma and Grandpa's.    

More Handmade

 
There were lots of handmade presents around here and all were busy.  We even went to the local ceramics studio to paint some beautiful pottery.   Ceramics,sewing, drawing, baking, were some of what was given.  I don't have pictures of it all because some was given away and some I just haven't photographed.  Here is a small sampling of some of the things that were made.   And in between the making there was room for dress up.  Duct tape gloves and duct tape sheath.  While sewing, his sword was never far from his side.   

Sewing Napkins

There was some other sewing going on also.  Emily sewed napkins for her grandparents and aunt and uncle.  This went well into the night.  She picked out some beautiful fabric for them, each to match their respective kitchens.  She sewed them double sided which took some doing and some ironing.  They were beautiful, wrapped up with a silk ribbon. With a lot of perseverance and Grandma's sewing machine she got them done just in the nick.

New Stocking

Even though she's 14 it was time for a new stocking.  I had designed this stocking since about last January but of course only started working on it in November.  Still it was a mad dash to get it done.  See all those sequins and beads?  I sewed them all on myself.  It was really very meditative.

Originally I had designed a stocking with cotton fabrics and buttons.  It was going to be red and white with some cute prints that would be on the heel.  When I told her about making a new stocking she said she wanted it sparkly.  That led me in a different direction.  Forget the practical buttons and cute cotton prints.  Sparkly sequins and beads right?  What else.  So instead of big, large buttons I sewed tiny beads on white sequins.  Together that created a sparkly, glittery snowfield.  That's what it depicts to me.  A snowfield under a full moon with a princess twirling on the frozen pond next to it.  Stitching together each bead and sequin to create the whole dream.  Twirling and twirling.   

Clay Decorations

I found this ornament recipe on Soulemama who had found it on . http://woodsidekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/clay-christmas-decorations.html  .  I really liked it because the dough was so soft and smooth.  It also is almost a glistening white.  You make them and bake them right away.  Some kids painted them and some took them home just like this only hanging from a satin ribbon.  They are simple yet so lovely.  My favorite kind of project.    

Native Animal Rescue Project

 

 For his homework project Eli made a batch of cookies here and a batch at his friend's house.  Then I took them door to door to sell the cookies.  It was a cold, cold night.  The moon was bright and I had left my camera at home.  But how cute they were carrying the basket of cookies between them and politely asking for donations to the local Native Animal Rescue.  Almost every house gave them something and they ended up with about $84.00.  Such a good organization to donate money to.  We have brought rescued squirrels there and it is a small organization run in the garage of their house.  Better than sending the money off to some large program.  We will hand deliver it and see what animals they currently have.       

Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread houses.  Part of the perks of the craft fair for me are the leftover gingerbread houses and cookies.  Though it would have been great to sell them all it always delights the kids here to decorate their own house and take it home.  We also had lots of leftover cookies which I froze and decorated with students at school and then sold at a bake sale fundraiser.  The kids at school were stoked to get to do that during lunch and to sample a bit also. 

Craft Fair

The craft fair.  It was a stormy day outside but packed inside with artisans and crafters, photographers, good food and gingerbread house making.  We sold some of our delicious treats which were a variety of barks and divine vegan truffles.  Our biggest seller though was organic soaps.  We bought them from Botanie Organic Soaps and packaged it up with raffia and a fresh sprig of lavender.  There was a variety of scents and all were refreshing and relaxing.   20 in all ranging from Forest Tonic to Montana Prairie.  Eli scored with some buttons he got to make and a new wooden dagger.  However, the pirate sword on his right side is mine.