I'M B-A-C-K!!!

For some in denial reason I thought my youngest sons departure to college would be a breeze. I had planned to utilize the so called great wisdom I'd  acquired after barely surviving his brothers send off to college years prior. Like a Hoover I was sucked into this fantasy just like the self induced amnesia I've embraced after the last (college) departure. Unfortunately the bucket of ice cold reality splashed upon my face in a... cold, wet, wave (forming unquenchable tears).

As you could tell since I've been MIA... it wasn't the "breeze" I'd thought it would be. Those suspicious noises you may have heard in the far off distance that were chalked up to wild animal noises were... just the echos of little old me wailing.
Time and several visits from my college student have helped the healing process.
I'm happy to report my creative mojo has slowly made it's way back.
During my absence I've continued to check in with you from time to time.
The holiday spirit has really sparked your creative juices.
I've discovered such grand Christmas ideas!

Craftberry Bush
posted these lovely paper roses, featured as a gift topper.

Craftberry  Bush
shares a lovely variety of styles to wrap  up the holidays

"A gift within a gift"

Taking my found inspiration..... I created ice skates that can be used as an ornament or gift topper.
  Only a few stitches are needed to secure the pieces on these skates, making it easier to snip and use the socks whenever  so desired.

Start with a pair of socks any pattern or size.

Stuff with Polyfill . Be careful not to over stuff, causing the sock to stretch out of shape.

 Insert a sturdy gauged wire through the center of the Polyfilled sock from top to toe.

For a ruffled edge,  run a gathering stitch just below the top of the sock.

Pull the gathers and tie with a secure bow. 

 Bend sock to form the skate then, stitch a crisscross pattern to form shoe laces.

Cut wire the length of your skate, leaving extra for
bending/ curling

I curled the blade, but you can leave a slight bend at the tips following the pattern of a traditional ice skate.

Trim ice skates with your favorite embellishments.