I thought I would share a few pictures of my Holiday Decor again this year.

I love a retro Christmas tree:



It get's a little fuller every year. This year I added those huge glittery balls from Target ($4.99) and I have my eye on some super glittery nutcrackers from Pier One. I hope they have some left the day after Christmas!

Jim Shore carved Santa's and Snowmen are my favorite. My mom got me hooked on these and now I like to try and get a new one every year. I couldn't afford one this year, so I'll just show my Snowman again. Don't you love the handmade look? The details on these things are amazing!



I love taking the holiday's into every room, but on a tight budget all I could pull off this year were holiday sheets on the beds from Target ($15) and these adorable hand made present pillows!





Want to make some? You still have time for your big Christmas Eve or Christmas Day party! Check out my FREE pattern below:

Supply List:

Scraps of Fabric: Silk or Designer Cottons OR get 1/2 yard of fabric for the large pillow, 1/4 yard of fabric for the Medium Pillow, and 1/6yd fabric for the small pillow.

Large Pillow: Cut six 8" x 8" squares
-4 yards of ribbon
Medium Pillow: Cut six 6" x 6" squares
-4 yards of ribbon
Small Pillow: Cut six 4" x 4" squares
-3 yards of ribbon
Batting for all pillows
needle and thread

1. Sew 2 strips of ribbon to the right side of one of the squares making a criss cross:



2. With right sides together sew 3 strips together making a row:



3. Sew the remaining 2 squares (squares 4 and 5) to each side of square 2 and sew a strip of ribbon across all 3 rows making it even with ends:



4. Sew a strip of ribbon across squares 1,2, and 3, sewing over the top of the other ribbon strip that goes across squares 4,2, and 5, making a criss cross. Leave and extra 20" of ribbon off of each end.



5. I have no idea how to accurately illustrate the next step, so I'm apologizing in adavance.
Following the diagram below, with right sides together, sew square 4 to square 1, sew square 1 to square 5, sew square 5 to square 3, sew square 3 to square 4. This will make a box:



6. Now you should have a box shape without a bottom piece. Turn the box inside out and with with right sides together sew the first square you made (step 1) to the bottom of the box, only sewing 3 of the sides together. Leave one side open so you can stuff it.

7. Turn the box right side out and stuff it with batting, trying to make each side flat and even (no lumps). Fold the edges of the open sides inward 1/4" and pin it. Next hand stitch it closed. Tie the ribbon on the top in a bow and trim to your desired length. Heat seal the edges of the ribbon. DONE :)

Holiday Giveaway for the HUSBANDS!

I know there are a lot of people out there struggling this year financially and if you're like my husband and I, when money is tight the kids get the gifts and that's enough for everyone to be happy... mostly. We have forgone giving each other gifts numerous times and while it's fine and we don't really care all that much, it still kind of stinks. So how about I give 3 lucky HUSBANDS a chance to win something sweet for his wife! I will be giving away 2 aprons ( similar to the one pictured below) and 1 husband will win a 5 pack of my best selling patterns. Here's the sample apron:

Each gift will also include Promise Vouchers which are redeemable coupons that will include a bunch of things you promise to do for your wife like do the dishes, take her to a romantic movie, etc...

Your gifts come completely wrapped and just in time for Christmas! (I hope). Oh my gosh! She is soooo going to love this.

So sweet husbands of blogland, all you have to do to enter is tell me one reason why you love your wife right here on my blog and leave me your email address so I can notify you if you win. 1 comment per husband please. This contest is going to be a short one so don't dilly dally. I have to ship these out by Friday the 18th so the last comment will be accepted on Thursday night (the 17th) at midnight California time. I'll post the winners shortly after.

Now don't worry if your wife has read this post because I'm going to make a one of a kind apron that has never been done before, so it will still be a surprise!

On a side note, isn't that apron the cutest? I cannot take credit for the design and no, I won't be doing any patterns for it because it's already been done! This apron was based on a pattern kit that I got from KIM of Olive Juice Co. She is the apron Queen! Every time she lists a new one I run over to get one and within a few hours they are always gone. So I finally decided to sign up for her kit club so I don't miss out on anymore and I am totally loving it! I never have to worry about being late because she just sends it my way. I love her aprons so much, I think I could make a hundred! You should definitely look into joining her club. Hey! That would be a great gift for a thoughtful husband to give his wife and it's a gift that keeps on giving. Just a thought :)

Christmas Spirit

This really hits the spot. (PAUSE my playlist first.)


I know this holiday season is financially tough for a lot of people. Including my own family, I know of at least 8 others that are struggling right now and I know there are many more. I think if we all focused on the Savior at Christmas and throughout the year our burdens would be lightened. He will carry us through any trial we may face.

For my Christmas Gift List I'm going to throw in some "gifts from the heart" for those of you who are on a tighter budget. I also have a sewing project that I'll post this week, a give away for 3 lucky husbands in need of a special gift for their wives, and some delicious recipes. Keep Checking in all month long!

I hope this Holiday Season is Merry Bright for you and your family.

Shea Socks

Next up on my holiday gift list are Shea Socks from Bath and Body. I have 4 pair!

I'm taking the description right off their page:

"These super-soft, luxurious socks contain enough moisturizing shea butter to last for 20-30 washes."

I don't think there is much that needs to be added to that, accept for the fact that I love them so much I wear them to bed an sometimes to run errands in. They are just so soft and comfy and they keep my feet toasty warm.

I think they are on sale right now, so hubbys go grab some for your little wifeys feet.

On a side note, do you like to leave comments on my blog? I took it off for awhile because I got a couple of weird ones, but I if like to drop me notes (and believe me I like getting them) I'll leave it open and just keep the comment moderation on. Tell me what you think.

Mish Mash Skirt ~ Pattern Of the Month

Darlings and Divas is the winner for November's Pattern of the Month Contest!

It was a touch choice, but in the end I couldn't resist this adorable Christmas set and the pictures are just too cute! To view all of the amazing entries check out my flickr page! Also, I"m allowing comments on this post so tell me what you think.

She used Michael Miller's Holiday Fabrics to complete this festive set and I just love the way it turned out! If you want to make one for Christmas you still have time and I would still love more pictures for my gallery! I also decided to discount the Mish Mash pattern in my Etsy shop for the rest of the month.

I won't be officially starting the next pattern of the month until January 1st, but I thought I would give you a heads up so you can start early if you want to. So January's pattern of the month is the Nie Nie skirt! If you have already submitted pictures for this skirt you will automatically be entered in the contest. Check back on Jan. 1 for the full details of the contest.

Amazing Artwork

Prepare to have your Holiday Socks blown off!

Truth be told, I am not any where near the most artistic/creative person in my family. You already know that because you know I am related to Lila and Lucy, but you don't know about my mega talented mother in law Kathy. Not only is she a master seamstress, but she is an amazing artist. She surprised me last year with this painting that just showed up on my door step one day, and yes...I cried when I opened it:

This one came a few months ago:

Again...there were tears. How could I not cry? These paintings are beautiful!

The first is an original piece that she did right out of her head. I didn't send her a picture or anything. She captured my boys in their youth at about ages 6 and 3 and just dreamed up that stunning ocean background. I LOVE it! The second is of my girls at about the same age and I did send her a picture to go off of. So you see, she can do it either way, which means your possibilities are pretty much endless.

If you are wanting to order something like this for Christmas you might have to go with a gift certificate and the link to this post to show what they will be getting because I'm not sure there is enough time for her to whip out some portraits. I honestly would love a gift certificate for something like this. All the husbands in the world should be getting one for his wife. She will melt!

For all inquiries on time frames and pricing contact Kathy Andersen at: kathya@prudentialutah.com Or you can email me at vcbdesign@gmail.com with comments and questions and I'll be sure she get's the message.