Aliens + Xmas + Minis + Sakura

Sometimes you put on garments that haven't been worn in a year and there's an old momento, or even a five dollar note (yay). This reminds me, a person once told me they would purposely stuff their winter jacket with bits of money so that the following year they would get a lovely surprise.

Today I was looking at the backdoor of my blog and noticed the blog reading list. I completely forgot about this list. I wiped the dust off the list by clicking on a few of them. Of that list there were only two blogs that are currently active on a weekly basis. Most of the blogs hadn't been updated in ten years, or had been deactivated completely.

This brought mixed emotions. But I reminded myself that many bloggers, same as me, made the transition to Instagram. Admittedly I do not blog as much as what I used to, which is perfectly fine. I come here when I need to. For the most part these days I use my blog to house the links to my craft projects that are floating around out there with other publishers.

And so, without further ado, let me show you some of my craft tutorial highlights.

Xmas tree alien ornaments
Mini Xmas tree	Mini bookshelf	Sakura paper lantern

Tutorial Christmas Door Decor

 

Christmas door decoration tutorial

It looks like I had another Christmas craft project in the tank. 

With just a few left over crafting supplies the kids bedroom door can be decorated to look like a jolly snow face. 

To access the tutorial, illustrated reference and template simply click on the below three links.

Tutorial

Illustrated reference

Template

Tutorial paper craft gingerbread house

Paper craft gingerbread house tutorial

Hands up all those wanting to make a gingerbread house without the hassle of actual baking.

For more information visit the above link, and download this template.

The Xmas Craft Post

We are just a few days away from the big boom of Xmas day. Or as the kids like to call it, Krimmas Day. If you're interested in making a few last minute crafts to the tune of Xmas/Krimmas then I've got a selection for you.

Happy holidays everyone!

Felt Ornament

Felt Tree Ornament

Recycled Book Angel

Santa Brooch

Santa Cone

Paper Angel

Paper Snowflake

Pyramid Gift Box

Bauble Wreath

Candy Cane Earrings

Sequin Bauble

Orange Pomander

Fillable Glitter Bauble

***

***

Busy as Ants and Bees

I've been spending a lot more time in the garden. It takes effort and care to tend to a garden, but it's the kind of work that has a calming affect on the mind. If you're feeling overwhelmed, lost, or even without momentum, taking care of the nature that surrounds you can help your mental health.

In between trying to make things grow in the backyard, I have busily been creating content, and preparing for an art exhibit. There will be more information about the exhibit down the track. For now I wanted to draw to your attention other works of the past couple of months. Such as the...

My Poppet Bookmark, celebrating the Chinese New Year. It's now the year of the Rat, don't you know.

{My Poppet link}

I produced a Kidspot craft video, showing how to make a 'Dummy' Fairy Home.

{Kidspot link}

My pride and joy, for the Christmas period, was the My Poppet – Santa Face Pin. How adorable is this?

{My Poppet link}

Xmas Crafts

2019 runs it's final lap as we head in toward end of year celebrations, revelations, relaxations, considerations, contemplations...

The Xmas spirit can be fun, but for some it is not always a jolly time. With the cultivated image of what we think Xmas Day should look like, the postcard view can be hard to live up to. It shouldn't matter if there's only one present, or if the Xmas tree is a drawing on piece of paper, yet we do worry that we aren't able to recreate picture perfection on this one day of the year.
For me, the take away of Xmas Day is having a moment of relief, and kindness. Kindness to the stranger on the street, kindness to those we care about, but also kindness to ourselves. It's not always easy, but somewhere between the rush of 'life' traffic we can get lost along the way. So, this season, whether you celebrate Xmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ōmisoka or the New Year I hope you are able to find something in yourself to love and appreciate.

{My Poppet link}

In other things Xmassie, if you're looking for decorating and present ideas that are ever so easy to make, and inexpensive, head on over to My Poppet – a pretty and clever craft resource. Top of my list is this Xmas Tree Ornament, which is actually a miniature Xmas Tree. Can you imagine a Xmas Tree completely decorated with Xmas Trees?

Here are some other Xmassie nuggets on My Poppet:

• My Poppet – Advent Calendar Coloring Page
• My Poppet – Modern Crochet Calendar
• My Poppet – Paper Christmas Angel
• My Poppet – Scrap Fabric Twine Baubles

Before heading off I also wish to highlight another Xmassie craft project which I produced for Kidspot. It's of a refurbished book which I converted into an angel. For the tutorial video and details head on over to Kidspot. If you so wanted you could use this tutorial as a basis for making a miniature model Xmas tree or even a Dalek. Or, how about a Xmas Dalek. What do you think? Too much, or just enough?

Whoosh + Rocket + My Poppet

{doll box}

“I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” – Douglas Adams

This week has seen a massive surge of productivity. What a difference it makes when you put things to paper and set yourself actual deadlines.

Pocket Rocket Moment

I received an uplifting note, in regard to the doll box that I recently made. Little things like that become huge motivators for me.

My Poppet

I have illustrated a printable coloring advent calendar for My Poppet. Head on over to My Poppet to get your own calendar and find other wonderful inspirations in the lead up to the festive season.

{My Poppet}

Tree Top Flamingos

my poppet.com.au

Here it is! My latest design-craft tutorial for My Poppet. It's got everything you would want for this time of year – flamingos, pom-poms, with a Xmassie twist. So come along, check it out here. More importantly, try it out.

Twice the Magic

Handmade Issue 36-7

The latest issue of Handmade magazine has landed. In issue 36-7 you will find a smashing stash of enticing  Xmassie craft projects. In and amongst the creativity you will find two projects that I have produced. Check it out now at your local news agency and library.

© Melissa Gaggiano

Handmade Feature

Handmade 36-6

The latest issue of Handmade is landing. I am so proud to announce that I am one of the featured contributors for issue 36-6. Look for it at local news stands and check out my Santa doll design.

All Depends on the Mood You're in

© Melissa Gaggiano
Merry Christmas

© Melissa Gaggiano
Bah Humbug

I'm Excited & You Should Be Too

I have just updated my Red Bubble portfolio to include a few new cards. My new illustration has been entirely inspired by the possums who live in my neighborhood, as well as my little baby, whom I consider to be a little possum.

So if you are looking for something a little different to send as a holiday card, then check out these little babies over at www.redbubble.com/people/Emjie