Paypal Link For "Behold Him" Kits

**Limited number of the original paper kits are available as of August 2013.  More info on this post here or use the Paypal link located  on the left side of blog to order your kit.**  

Hello folks!  Response to the "Behold Him" kits have been wonderful!  I'm so flattered and happy to get you a kit so you can have this in your home. Your words have been so kind to me!  After taking the Paypal button off of my website to go on maternity leave, I've since realized that it would be best to leave it up.   Kits are off the site right now.  Email me if you would like more info at megitys@gmail.com.  I'm so flattered and happy to get you a kit so you can have this in your home.  Your words have been so kind to me! 

You will find the Paypal buttons on the left side of my blog.  <-------------------------- 

There is a Paypal link for the paper only kits and the full wood kits.  Please note that I will not be ordering wood or shipping kits until November 1st.  Next wood order date Nov. 21st.  Pre-ordering now will guarantee your a kit of your choice.  I'm always happy to combine shipping costs whenever possible!  Email me at megitys@gmail.com for a customized invoice or send me a note on your order and I will adjust it for you. 

Here is a refresher of what is available in your kits: 

Option 1: A Complete Kit

This kit comes with wood, pre-cut paper, letters and embellishments. All you need to finish the kit is craft paint, Mod Podge, sponge brushes, dry adhesive (Glue Dots and/or hot glue works great!) and brown distress ink. Kits must be pre-payed and are $28 + $10.95 shipping through USPS flat rate shipping. If more then one kit is needed, shipping will be consolidated for the best price I can find for you.

Option 2: A Paper Kit

Have the ability to cut your own wood? I contract my wood out so I'll be happy to pass along the savings to you. This kit will include pre-cut papers, letters and embellishments. The wood block dimensions will be included with your order. What you need to finish the kit is craft paint, Mod Podge, sponge brushes, dry adhesive (Glue Dots and/or hot glue works great!) and brown distress ink. Kits must be pre-payed and are $15 plus shipping and handling of $3.50. If more then one kit is needed, I will be happy to combine shipping charges to find the best rate for you.

Payment options:

Kits available for purchase with the Paypal button located on the left hand side of blog. Need more than one kit, I'm always happy to combine shipping. Either contact me or leave me a message with your purchase and I will adjust the difference.

Other details:

• The set measures roughly 17 1/2 W x 8 3/4 H.
• Due to the handmade nature of the product, please note that some substitutions may apply. 
• Ribbon rings are sold out. Not able to find anymore but a simple knot of the ribbons will give you a similar look.
• Pine cone embellishment shown with picture has been sold out. Substitute jingle bell embellishment will be included in your kit.  Pinecones were sold at Hobby Lobby in the Christmas craft section.  They came in either gold or snow flocked and were $3.99. 

poinsettia with jingle bell embellishment

Again, thank you for all of your support! It's been such a blessing in our lives. 

Sincerely,
Megan

"Behold Him" New Embellishment

**Limited number of original paper kits available as of August 2013.  Please go to this post here for more information or use the Paypal link located on the left side of blog to order your kit.  Thanks! **

New Poinsettia Embellishment

I've sold out of the pinecone embellishments in the "Behold Him" kits.  Kits will now include a single jingle bell embellishment for your poinsettia.  Also looks great without an embellishment!

**Kits available now! Please click here for details about kits. Paypal links are located on my left sidebar.**

"Behold Him" Kits Update

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UPDATE AUGUST 3RD, 2012 - Paypal button is located on the side bar for immediate payment. Paper only orders are available to ship within a week. Full wood orders must be prepayed before wood can be ordered. Next order date will be 8/21/2012. Thank you for your support! Any questions? Email me at megitys@gmail.com. Thanks!

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Thank you to all who ordered a kit from me!  I've placed my wood order and will be sending out kits in the next week.   Kits mailed as of August 1st. 

There is one full kit left in my Etsy shop and can be found here.  Kit sold - thank you!

Paper kits are still available at anytime and are great cost saving option for those who can cut their own wood or have someone who can do it for them.  Please email me at megitys@gmail.com if you would like to be added to the list for more full kits or to order a paper kit.

Christmas in July - "Behold Him" Kits Now Available

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**UPDATE AUGUST 2013**

Limited number of original paper kits available as of August 2013.  Please go to this blog post here for more information or use the Paypal link located on the left side of the blog to order your kit.  Thanks!

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With the impending delivery of our new baby girl, I've felt it was time to get some Christmas stuff done. 

Announcing the Christmas in July event! 

I'm thrilled to let you know that the ever popular "Behold Him" kit is now available in a limited number of kits.  This first batch of kits must be ordered soon!  I will be putting in an order for my wood on July 21st.  Orders after that are first come, first served.  First batch sold out!  Next wood order will be placed August 21st.  Full kits will be shipped out up to two weeks after this date.  Since I don't cut the wood myself, you must prepay by August 21st to ensure a kit.  Next order date will be 11/01/2012.  All wood orders must be ordered by this date to ensure you reserving a wood set.  Paper only kits will be shipped out within one week of purchase. 

These kits are fun to make because I've already done the hard work for you!  I'm offering two kit options for you. 

Option 1:  A Complete Kit

This kit comes with wood, pre-cut paper, letters and embellishments.  All you need to finish the kit is craft paint, Mod Podge, sponge brushes, dry adhesive (Glue Dots and/or hot glue works great!) and brown distress ink.   Kits must be pre-payed and are $28 + $10.95 shipping through USPS flat rate shipping.  If more then one kit is needed, shipping will be consolidated for the best price I can find for you. 

Option 2:  A Paper Kit

Have the ability to cut your own wood?  I contract my wood out so I'll be happy to pass along the savings to you.  This kit will include pre-cut papers, letters and embellishments.   The wood block dimensions will be included with your order. What you need to finish the kit is craft paint, Mod Podge, sponge brushes, dry adhesive (Glue Dots and/or hot glue works great!) and brown distress ink.  Kits must be pre-payed and are $14 plus shipping and handling of $3.50.  If more then one kit is needed, I will be happy to combine shipping charges to find the best rate for you.

 Payment options: 

Kits available for purchase with the Paypal button located on the left hand side of blog.  Need more than one kit, I'm always happy to combine shipping.  Either contact me or leave me a message with your purchase and I will adjust the difference. 

 *Please note that some substitutions may apply. 
**Ribbon rings are sold out.  Not able to find anymore but a simple not of the ribbons will give you the same look.
**Pine cone embellishment shown with picture has been sold out.  Substitute jingle bell embellishment will be included in your kit.

poinsettia with jingle bell embellishment

Thank you for all of your support! 

"Behold Him" and "Let It Snow" kits available

**UPDATE AUGUST 2013**
Limited number of original kits available as of August 2013.  Please go to this post here for more information or use the Paypal link on the left side of blog to order your kit.  Thanks! 

There has been a lot of interest in my "Behold Him" Nativity blocks and "Let It Snow" blocks.  I am able to reproduce a limited number of kits and am currently taking a list of people interested.

Kits must be pre-payed and will be shipped unless other arrangements are made for local people only.  Please click on this link here to find further information about these kits or feel free to email me at megitys(at)gmail(dot)com.  Thank you for your support!  Big hugs!  Megan

**Behold Him kits available for pre-order now! Please click here for details about kits. Paypal links are located on my left sidebar.**

Christmas Eve

Wow!  It's amazing to me that it's already Christmas Eve!  I hope I'm all prepared.  I keep thinking and re-thinking what I have done to make sure.  I'm sure you are doing that too!

I got some last minute wrapping done.  Very simple with a beautiful red satin ribbon.  I think the packages turned out beautiful!

I added pom-poms to my banner.  (Hello neighbor washing your car.  Would you like to wash mine too?)

We got a darling package from my sister that included this little handmade pine cone elf and a delicious treat! It was a fun surprise!

The house is clean and I've got cookie dough thawing and dinner started.  I'm sure I'm missing something but I'm enjoying these few free minutes I have.

Wishing you and your family a very, Merry Christmas indeed! 

xoxo, 

Megan

Christmas Eve Eve

Today it's Christmas Eve Eve!  We are planning a sleepover in the front room under the glow of the Christmas tree with Christmas movies and treats.  It's our first year and I'm hoping to make it a tradition.  Let's see if I can handle the crazies.  They are extremely excited for it!  All except for my oldest who got sick yesterday and is really whiney sad about it.  It sounds like strep throat so we are headed to the doctor today.  It's strep throat again, oh my!  It wouldn't be Christmas if somebody wasn't sick.  It's a tradition that I don't enjoy.

I'm in the mode trying to remember who I'm forgetting and getting the last bits done.  I may be guilty of adding a little more here and a little more there.  It's hard for me to let some things be.

I never did share my Christmas banner with you.  It's been up for weeks!   I'm blessed to have a friend who gives me fabric and she chose a festive red and green color scheme.  I think it turned out cute!  I never added the pompoms to it.  Maybe I'll put them on today? (*Update:  Banner got pom-poms! )

Love the carolers...

And the flower is so fun and unexpected that I think it's probably my favorite.  Well, next to the poinsettia, and the carolers and the holly toile.

I got this gold wreath, that I love, from Home Goods.  I realized how nerdy I am when I tried to take a picture of it.  My son, however, is a little bit nerdier then me being that he kept opening the door and laughing at me.  My poor kid has strep throat and is pale with dark under eye circles, but he just can't stay down.  He may or may not be shooting me with darts right now.

We are super excited for Christmas to come!  We are all ready and I'm thrilled to give the kids their presents this year!  We will have a little time before church to enjoy them which I'm so happy about.  We usually go to Gram's house right after our Christmas morning for breakfast and a BIG present opening fest for the kids that makes them forget all about what they got from us.  Gram likes to spoil which is perfectly fine to do.  I'm sure I'll be the same way when I get grandchildren!

So, are you ready for Christmas?

Behold Him

**Update August 2013!**
Limited number of original kits available as of August 2013.  Please refer to this blog post here for more information or use the Paypal link located on left side bar to order your kit.  Thanks! 

This year, I have had a great time designing and teaching my craft classes.  After my last class, I decided to not continue on due to the store closing that I was teaching at.  My darling niece called me up one day and begged me to make her a set of blocks for her shelf for Christmas.  I'd been asked before by others and had come up with a few ideas, but nothing that I was too excited to finish since I wasn't holding the classes anymore.  But Kaylin had the best idea and I couldn't say no.  She requested a nativity scene and we settled on the words "Behold Him".  I think that it turned out elegant and beautiful and I'm thankful for the opportunity to design it.

The blocks look great without any decoration, but I wanted to add a little something.  The simple green poinsettia was my choice.  I love the way it turned out.

Christmas Cheer

This year, I played four Christmas concerts with my flute choir group, Flautissimo; one concert with the Davis Arts Council (which I played just ten measures but the concert was so amazing!) and one 3rd grade Christmas program.  Phew.

I'm so happy that I got the opportunity to do it.  Listening to Christmas music is festive, but playing Christmas music and enjoying live Christmas concerts brings a warm, happy holiday cheer to me.

In the famous words of Buddy the Elf:

"The best way to bring Christmas Cheer, is singing  loud for all to hear."

I think it's true.  Watching your child sing Christmas songs wearing a silly little collar is one the best ways to bring Christmas cheer.  Laughing at how much she would not show any emotion while she sang.  Enjoying my husband at her concert because miracle of miracles, he was off early that night!  (Seriously a miracle!)

Have you been enjoying Christmas concerts this year?  

Marshmallow Bits and Peppermint Hot Chocolate

It's snowing today.  When it snows, it means it's time for hot chocolate.  The kids and I found these Mallow Bits this week and we are in heaven!  Little mini marshmallows just like the ones in the hot cocoa packets but even better because you can put as many as you want in your delicious peppermint hot chocolate.  We bought vanilla Mallow Bits but there are also peppermint Mallow Bits.  Why didn't I just get both?

Hot cocoa + Christmas tree lights + snow = cozy.  

It's these little things that I am really enjoying this Holiday season.  

Pretty Tiny Initials

I found these tiny initial rings on Etsy and fell in love with them.  I would love to have a stack of them with my childrens' initials. 

I think it would be the something personal without being as obvious as an initial necklace or the dreaded vinyl family decals you put on your van.  You know, these stickers.  (Sorry if that's your cup of tea.)

Our Christmas Tree

This year, I really, really, reeeeallly wanted to love my Christmas tree.  My trees have always looked nice, but nothing special.  One year, I bought a bunch of brown ornaments.  Fail.  Do not use brown ornaments unless you have a white flocked tree to show them off.  Instead, use brightly colored ornaments like chartreuse and hot pink and turquoise!  That will ensure some happiness in there.

I scored the pink vintage pink ornaments for 75 cents at the thrift store!

Add lots and lots of glittery things! Even those doily snowflakes sparkle.  Those silhouette ornaments are my favorite!  I would love to buy some more this year, but it's just not in the budget right now.  I will be sure to get some more when I can!  

Our book advent is under the tree in that basket.  The kids are loving the book advent.  They are so excited to read them with me and are being really good about taking turns.  Even my nearly 12 year old loves it!  He loves Christmas.  He still believes very strongly in the magic of it all.  Looks like it's time to wrap some presents up.  My kids have been enjoying wrapping up their old things to give to each other.  Funny babies!

So this is our tree this year.  I'm wonder what it will be like next year?  Are you enjoying your tree now too?

More Christmas Advent Calendar Ideas

I thought I would do a little more hunting for some more advent ideas.  

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I love the display of this one.  This tutorial has some great ideas for daily activities. 

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The Christ book.  I think that this would make a nice gift too.

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My kids would love this gum advent!  Be sure to check out the tutorial on this one.  It would make some fun little Christmas gifts for my kids friends too. 

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This flip book would be a great space saver.  I love the design of it.  

Today, as silly as it seems, I'm thankful for Pinterest.  It's the quickest place to find a lot of great (p)inspiration!

Christmas Advent Calendar Ideas

As much as I don't like to admit it, it's that time of year to start thinking about making an advent calendar.  This year, I'm digging:

Pottery Barn inspired ornament countdown.  This is the one that I'm hoping to recreate this year.

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Little presents all displayed sweetly in a box.

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Unwrapping and reading a Christmas book each night.  I've been collecting vintage Golden Books Christmas books all year.  I don't have enough for every night yet.  I hope to find a few more to finish up the books.  I also want to add a scripture to each night.  Here is a great source for a list of scriptures and questions to ask.

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Simple bags that have a little ornament you move along each day. 

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Love the little gnome and the red and linen color scheme of this one.

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A simple DIY envelope display that you can list some Christmas activties in. 

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Prettied up paper cones strung on holiday lights. 

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So many ideas and not enough time or space!  I hope to chose a new one to make this year to add to the book tradition that I've been working towards.  I do have to admit that I'm thankful for the cheap chocolate countdowns that you can buy at the grocery store.  My kids LOVE these!  

So, what about you?  Do you like advents?  Any new ideas?  Check out my advent idea list from 2010 here.

Merry Christmas!

I'm so happy to announce that I'm all ready for Christmas!  Presents are wrapped and ready to go.  I even had time to help a friend finish making her gifts.  It was fun to do!  Now, we are enjoying each others company, watching holiday movies and playing in the snow watching it rain.  Looks like we won't be having a white Christmas this year but rather a really wet, muddy and leaves strewn about Christmas.   So festive!

Since posts aren't fun without pictures, here's some photos of some of the Christmas tassels I made this year.   Photos aren't great since I always am hurrying to finish them up before they are due, but still I thought they turned out pretty cute.  (Hah!  These are the only photos I have of the ones I made this year.  If you are reading this and you bought a new tassel this season, will you send me a picture?)

doesn't he look like he's popping out the chimney?

custom made to hang on a festive cross stitch

I hope your holidays are merry and bright!  Merry Christmas!

Holiday Favorites

Since I drastically cut down on my decorating this year, I thought that I would document what made the cut this year.   

Something old:  These little Santa and Mrs. Claus salt and pepper shakers were my Grandmothers.  They were given to her by my brother and I when we were too little to know better.  I even have the box that was given to her. 

Speaking of Grandma, all these elf ornaments were hers.  This year, I decided to showcase them on their own little tree.  I think it would be really fun to add to this collection. 

And an original Elf on the Shelf that was also Grandma Retas'.  (Interesting what I took from her belongings after she passed away since I was only 12.)

Something sparkly:  My three favorite silver trees given to me by my brother-in-law that I'm pretty sure really came from my fabulous sister-in-law.  And the wooden "Merry Christmas" blocks made by me a few years back. 

A large sparkly, jingle bell snowflake hanging from my armoire.

And something new:  This adorable paper wreath designed (which she taught in Portugal no less) by my ever so talented friend Tiffani.  We had a good time staying late after work putting them together.

Of course the kids favorite stuffed Santa.  He's played with constantly and is happily resting now on Daddy's old rocker enjoying the soft light of the tree and smiling at wrapped gifts eagerly wrapped by the children of the home.

All that was decorated in the family room was the mantel.  One of the only Santa decorations I kept made it along with a pretty metal tree that has a tree tassel hanging on it that I made just this year. 

I still really like my banner I made for this spot last year even though I didn't bother to iron it.

And that, my friends, is it.  Much simpler this year which has been so much better!  

Merry Christmas!

Same ol' story

We all know that this time of  year is busy, busy, busy.  Of course, this year is no exception.  With holiday parties, holiday work hours, a birthday for my littlest, dance recital, choir concert, deadlines, my work closing (sniff), working overtime, motherly duties and never ending housework, time just flies by.  Doesn't it know that I need more time this year?

And even though my days are busy, I still wanted to approach my Christmas a bit differently this year.  I'm not in any hurry this year.  Simplicity was desired, if not completely needed.  I cleaned out my Christmas bins and donated a trunk full of decorations that weren't loved like they should be.  I only put up what I loved and didn't put it out until after the 4th of December.  I completely changed my tree without spending any money.  I put out my decor in different places.  I made a point of making sure a Nativity was out. 

My goal is not to be tired of my decorations by Christmas day.  And even though there are few decorations that I know will be put away the second the day is over, I am in love with the simplicity and warmth of my home.

Walking down the stairs to the front room at night, I am greeted by this inviting, softly lit view. 

I love my tree this year.   It's soft and neutral adorned in champagne, brown and a touch of weathered silver.  The tiny glittered birds, my metal silhouette ornaments of my children, the champagne glittered sprigs and weathered silver locket are some of my favorites about my tree.

My children helped decorate the tree and the front room.  I love this little tablescape that my oldest boy put together.  He was so proud of himself and I think it's adorable.  Those nesting Santa dolls get played with everyday.

Our book basket is full of Christmas books, some still waiting to be read.  Our sofa is full of soft pillows that are welcoming.  We are almost ready for Christmas and that is okay by me.  In the meantime, I think that I will enjoy the warmth of our room with my littles all snuggled around reading a Christmas story together.  Of course, it's not perfect, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Happy Holidays to all from my home to yours.

Advent Calendar Ideas

Why is it that I always find myself on December 1st without an advent calendar?  I'll tell you why.  It's because I don't want to think about Christmas before December 1st and even then, it feels a bit early.  Yes, I'm one to go about happily ignoring the Christmas in the stores that have been out since August.  I just don't want to think about it any earlier.  A hefty dose of good ol' procrastination.  Consequences are, no handmade advent, yet again.  Curses to my procrastinating ways! 

There are so many darling advent ideas out there.   Here are a few that stand out to me. 

Pretty layered stamped snowflakes and numbers make this festive paper envelope advent.  I admit, I would love to be the lucky recipient to eat all those yummy looking chocolates packed inside.

How cute is this house? 

I love this snowing presents one!

A birdie advent simply adorning a pretty branch.

This pocket advent would be simple and quick.  And even cute made out of festive scrapbook paper. 

I regret missing out on the advent calendar sew along that homemade by jill has done. My favorite is the wreath.

I've loved this envelope advent ever since it first came out in 2007.  That's the year that I first discovered blogs. 

I realize now that if I don't make it now, it's not going to get done next year either.  Tis' the season to last minute craft! 

But do not fret that my children aren't enjoying an advent!   This year, I'm happily indulging my children with their own classic chocolate advents.  Proud of myself for buying it ahead of time so they could enjoy it from day one and dare I say that possibly, they'll love it even more then something I made.

Soooo....did you get an advent made this year or are you a procrastinator too??