I have coined a new term. “Elfwork.” elf·wərk/ n. preparations for Christmas, usually performed in a hurried or hyper manner. Now dear reader, I do no mean to confuse you. This new term “elfwork” is very different from another term I’ve coined: “elf workout.” elf·wərk·out/ n. An exercise regimen consisting of throwing snowballs and jumping over … Continue reading Elfwork
I used to get annoyed by premature Christmas displays in stores. You know what I’m talking about: the lighted trees and robotic Santas that appear in July, before I’ve even thought about school supply shopping. Such an annoying trend! But now I say, “Oh, glad you could make it – I’ve been doing Christmas since … Continue reading It’s Beginning to Look a Little Like Christmas
For Thanksgiving, we jump in the car and drive to see family out-of-state. And of all the real holiday activities, this one little trip is a beloved tradition for me. I’m not sure why. It may be the time of year. Fall is just starting to stagger under winter’s coming cold. Harvested fields are barren, with … Continue reading Give Thanks
Christmas is the time for spreading Christmas cheer and making merry. Peace on earth, good will toward men. At this time of year, I have a compulsion to give gifts that show love to the dear people in my life; blessing loved ones with homemade gifts full of butter and sugar. What I think is funny though, is that while I … Continue reading I Love You This Much
“Baton rouge” is French for “red stick” I learned that in fifth grade. For many people, decorating for Christmas is its own tradition. Most people haul out a box (or six) of beloved ornaments. A mishmash of construction paper/popsicle stick school-made ornaments (with a picture of your kid posited in front of a classroom bulletin board like a … Continue reading Baton Rouge
Incredibly snuggly, this quick-crochet cowl will warm you up in no time! I designed this cowl to have a chic and trendy style, while keeping the pattern easy enough for the beginning crocheter. (No lie: this cowl is a perfect “First Project” if you’ve always wanted to learn how to crochet.) Make one in a bold … Continue reading Soho Bulky Cowl Crochet Pattern
After moving in to our new house which was twice as big as our old house, I found that I had all the lovely Christmas decorations that I’d always had, but with twice the vacant space surrounding each piece. I know that it was a good problem to have: tons more room in my home … Continue reading Merry and Bright
To celebrate the Christmas season, I opened up my home to friends and family for a lovely Christmas Open House last Saturday night. It was a festive evening of food and drink and Christmas shopping: it was wonderful. In preparation I had assembled a great group of artist friends this summer and started planning out … Continue reading Christmas Open House 2010
Handmade by Anne Potter 