Post-Christmas Stressfree Crafting

I found a unique Pom Pom color mix at my local craft store last week, and I’d been debating what to do with them. As I was looking for something easy and simple to do this evening, I had a bag of cinnamon pine cones from Christmas (I never put out) and remembered seeing pictures of Pom Pom pine cone ornaments. As you can see, I didn’t hang them on a tree but found a perfect spot on my new knick knack shelf I bought at a craft show last month. I’ve been trying to fill it with the perfect arrangement of pretty little things and these pine cones make the perfect addition.

This would be a great craft for your kiddos. I used a hot glue gun, but I’m sure any type of craft glue would work. Or if you’re an adult like me looking for a simple, yet very adorable, craft after all of your sweat and labor over Christmas gifts, this is for you!

Materials:

-Pine cones from the store or your back yard. I got my bag of cinnamon scented from Walmart over the holidays.

-Smaller Pom poms (so they can fit in the gaps). My assortment came from Pat Catans and say 10 mm.

-Hot glue (or regular Elmers should work for little ones)

-String or ribbon if you wish to hang them

Directions: Simply glue the Pom poms in the gaps of the pine cone. (Yes, that’s it). Make sure the pine cone is facing the way you want it to before gluing. I did mine with the flat part on the bottom so they could sit up on their own. I liked sticking the poms all in the gaps before gluing so I could plan a nice assortment. If you are hanging yours, tie a piece of string or ribbon tightly around the thick “stem” at the top or wind around the top of the pine cone before tying. 

New Year, New WIP

This past year has been one of the busiest I’ve had. I was blessed with my first full time teaching position (I’d only been a substitute up until then), so the majority of my time has been devoted to thirtern 6 year olds. One of the perks of being a teacher is holiday breaks. I’ve used this time wisely–reflecting, relaxing, and spending time with my numerous hobbies. Of course, most of this time has been spent with a crochet hook and yarn. I got out the blanket I’m about a quarter of the way through, and I just wasn’t happy with the colors. Maybe I’ll get it out in the future and want to finish it, but right now I needed something I could truly enjoy and be excited about (and pour my heart and soul into for a week). Sooo I started a much simpler blanket (rows of double crochet) with happy colors. And let me tell you I have enjoyed these post-holiday snuggles on the couch with my fur baby hooking up row after row. It is going to be a fairly large blanket, big enough to fit me and the Mister. It lays almost all the way across our queen size bed. 

I hope you all are enjoying your holiday as much as I am!