I have always considered myself quite crafty but my new addiction to blogging has inspired me to kick it into high gear. Many of the blogs I check daily are craft or project related, which is why I like them. There are so many ideas out there. And there are just as many people willing to share their cool stuff for free! It is really the most awesome thing ever.

Anyway, Dylan and Diana joined us for some family trimming fun on Saturday evening. In preparation, Stephen and I spent the day being crafty to the crafty. According to Stephen, he spent three hours and four beers painstakingly gluing a paper chain, while at the same time watching football and making chili.

I busied myself sewing a dozen stuffed owl ornaments. I used a bean bag pattern I originally discovered here, but actually found and downloaded here. Stephen was in charge of stuffing and hot gluing. When being helpful, Stephen likes to point out that no other husband in the world is as fantastic as he is. How many husbands do I think actually sit down with their wives to make Christmas ornaments?

Lots. I bet lots of husbands in the world help their wives.

No, no they don’t do what I do!

Okay, whatever, you’re special. I have myself quite a catch. But I still think plenty husbands are crafty and helpful.

I also printed paper owls, intended for a mobile, to use as individual ornaments (I can really think outside of the box!). You may be wondering what is up with the owls. Well, Stephen recently shared his appreciation for owls (it is a longer story but I won’t get into it, lest you all think he is weird). And since Stephen is so fond of owls these days, I thought it would be fun to create an owl themed tree! The fact that owls seem to be the latest and greatest craze made it easy to find store-bought ornaments, and I had lots of luck searching all my go-to blogs for ideas.

As soon as Dylan and Diana arrived, I put them to work making words for my Christmas word chain. It is really the coolest thing I have ever seen. I found the idea here and tweaked it to match our vision of Christmas.

We ate some chili and did a little decorating, although Henry wasn't really into it. I strung the word chain (unfortunately, the photos don’t do it justice).

Dylan was too tired to decorate, but he did manage to do this. And although he is holding a martini glass, he is completely sober. We’ll just chalk this one up to science geek.

The next day I wrapped some presents. I love using real bows and I am completely opposed to plastic ribbon! I found these cute little gift tags here. I love this blog and these tags are my new favorite thing.

It was all a good start to a happy, homemade Christmas.