Last Minute Christmas Ideas.......

Here are some great last minute DIY gift ideas.... and they are inexpensive too!

One of my favorite's for almost anyone - teachers, family members, friends, etc - is Hot/Cold Therapy Sacks. They whip up super easy and everyone appreciates them. Personalize them in a monogram, create them in all sizes, colors/patterns, and even create them using old sports t-shirts for the guys in your life!

Be "cool" with the girlies by gifting them arm warmers in a pattern they will love! Customize the length for toddlers to tweens! So easy to convert into leg warmers for babies too!

And to wrap things up there are a bunch of ebooks in the Brassy Apple Shop to craft up something unique, original and fun! You can create custom Shaggy Mosaic Jeans for the Holiday or any other season/occasion! These are great for boys, girls and women too!





Take a peek at the other ebooks and crafty appliques that can be applied to jackets, pillowcases, handbags, skirts and more! Make it Handmade Holiday!

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DIY - Therapy Sacks

(Be sure to upload your photos from trying this project into the Brassy Apple Projects Flickr group!)

This a fun, easy and quick project that is great to give as gifts anytime of the year! and easier on the figure than a plate of sweets. ;)

Hot/Cold Therapy Sacks

supplies needed:
sewing machine thread
fabric - at least a fat quarter
wheat (You can use rice too)
essential oil - you pick the scent

Step 1: Pick the fabric you like. You can create a pattern using paper for future/multiple use or just measure your piece and cut. I usually cut my fabric to be about 14 x10 inches.

Step 2: Fold your fabric, right sides together so you piece will now measure about 7x10. Sew down 2 sides together leaving one of the short ends open. You can trim your corner or any excess fabric if you want to.

Step 3: Turn your fabric inside out so the right side of the fabric is showing. Give it a quick press with a hot iron to press out your seams and make the fabric looks crisp.

Step 4: Pour your wheat into a large bowl. (this can be purchased in the bulk section of your grocery store for very cheap) Add a few drops of essential oil (optional). This creates a nice aroma as the wheat is heated up. Some of the favorites are lavendar, vanilla, lilac, etc. Stir the wheat to help distribute the oil.

Step 5: Fill your sack with wheat. If you are making a sack this size, I like to use about 3 1/2 cups. Anywhere between 3 -4 cups is a good amount.

Step 6: Turn under the top (open) edge about a 1/2 inch. I just hold both sides of the open edge and turn it under lining up the to seams at the top. It's quick and easy ;)

Step 7: Pin the edge you have just turned under and sew

Step 8: You are finished! You can make these in any size, shape or fabric. They work well for both women and men. I made one using the logo and colors of our local football team for a teachers husband who is a big fan!

Step 9: You can package them any way you like but I always attached a little poem with them.

Poem

This little pillow filled with wheat,

Is such a comfort that can’t be beat.

Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes
on HIGH and kiss those aches
and pains goodbye.

Apply it to the troubled spot,

The heat will ease the pain a lot.

Or warm those little toes, so cold.

You'll find this nice to
have and to hold.

Or freeze it for a little while,

And fix that boo-boo up in style.

Instead of a compress made of ice,

Use this pillow of wheat that feels so nice!

These are great for many occasions/holidays to give as gifts. Take a peek HERE at what a fellow blogger/seamstress did from my tutorial.

Thank you!

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Cookin' away......

I had my 5 month ultrasound last week and this little baby seems healthy and just cookin' away! We got to see the baby yawn and even saw the tongue - so fun! My favorite picture was of the cute little tiny feet paired right up next to each other. We looked away so we wouldn't see what the sex was though I was REALLY tempted too! Everything seems good. I still feel pretty limited energy wise and the Dr. said my iron was low. I tried to up my intake like he said but I found myself getting really sick! ugh! So it's been and up and down week as I try to figure out when the best time to take the extra vitamins are before I bag them all together! ha!

Hit the neighborhood pool with the kids this week - eek! But hubby snapped a shot of me as he said I was actually looking pregnant in my suit. I'm being brave and sharing it with all of you. (be kind please [wink])

I've also been trying to get cookin' on a few projects this past week as well. Details to be shared soon! But I'm very excited to get them under and shared with you!!!

And speaking of Cookin' in the HOT weather - don't forget about my Hot/Cold "therapy" bags Tutorial aka wheat sacks. These can be made with rice or wheat, whatever you have on hand or whatever is easiest to get. Make up a couple of small ones and throw them in the freezer! They are a great way to cool off in the summer heat! We love ours!

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