Lori Seaborg

Crafty Blogs

I'm sorry I've been so quiet lately.  I have been obsessed with 2 things:  Decluttering and Crafty Blogs. 

Our garage is getting more and more empty by the decluttering day.  I moved a changing table and an old desk to the far corner and said to dh, "This is my studio."  I'm hoping that calling it that will:  1.) Keep it more clear of clutter, and 2.) Entice me to use the space.  The kids were fascinated with the idea that a corner of the garage can be a studio, so took them only hours to pull out acrylic paints and wooden objects. 

Now they all want a studio of their own. 

Crafty blogs have been a second obsession of mine lately, and that is where I've been spending the majority of my online time.  Here are a few of the blogs you can blame for me not blogging to you: 

Kiddley - This is a great one for homeschoolers!  Kids' crafts abound on this blog, which is written by many designers.

Craft Apple- Craft Apple is one of my favorites.  Lots of sewing and lately beginner knitting ideas (I'm a beginner knitter, too). 

Heather Bailey:  I love her recent Yo Yo posts. 

All Sorts :  If you want to make last minute Christmas gifts, these criss-cross coasters look easy - and very cute!

Anna Maria:  This blog by a craft designer is another favorite.

I could send many more, but that's enough for you to visit for now.  If you are likewise inspired to craft (even if only in thought, not in action - I can understand that!!!), visit other crafty blogs by clicking on the links on the above blogs.  You will soon find yourself surfing away through crafty blogs that you'll wish you'd known of at least in time to make something for the holiday season. 

Merry Christmas!

St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day is tomorrow, December 6th!  That day is the birthday of the real Santa Claus.  For more information on St. Nicholas, and ways to celebrate the day, go to this beautiful website:  http://www.StNicholasCenter.org .

We will celebrate by making spice cookies from a recipe on the above site, waking to full stockings that were left by someone during the night, who gave in the spirit of St. Nicholas' generosity.  We'll read a story of St. Nicholas (the real Santa Claus), and most importantly, doing something for others.  For the latter, we will make up a tin of Christmas goodies for our neighbors, make Christmas cards, and donate some extra toys to the nearest charity. 

Do any of you celebrate St. Nicholas Day as an alternative to Santa Claus at Christmas?  I'm fairly new to this - only a couple of years ago, I didn't know that Santa Claus was truly a real person at one point who had been significantly changed over time.  As I learned about St. Nicholas, I decided to celebrate St. Nicholas Day as an extension of the holidays, but more importantly, as a way to get the kids to think of others during the season, and not just of the gifts they will receive.  On St. Nicholas Day, our goal is to give in the spirit of the real Santa Claus, who gave freely all that he owned.

by Lori Seaborg 2006