How to Build a Snowman *<[]:{D

Many years ago I bought a fabric snowman somewhere.. and of course.. as you who are craftspeople would understand.. I thought.. I could make that!  So, I got some white cotton material, buttons, small amounts of red and green plaid, orange pipe cleaners and some red and green cotton knit.  I cut out cardboard circles in 3 sizes, and cut out the white fabric circles, basted around the edge, pulled it up, stuffed it with batting (after placing a small cardboard circle in the bottom so the snowman would stand up) and tightened up the thread to make 3 "snow balls".  

Then I used my hot glue gun to glue them into a 3 part snowman. 

I found some twigs outside and poked a hole in the side and glued the "arms" in, glued the buttons on, cut a little pipecleaner "nose" and poked a hole and glued it in, ripped a little plaid scarf and frayed the edges, made a hat out of the knit, and used a waterproof marker to make the coal eyes and nose.. and a little bit of pink to make the cheeks.. and "VOILA!".. my own snowmen.  I made some for gifts too.  I still love my snowmen. 

A few years ago I went to the Pittock Mansion in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon.. and they had a lovely gift shop - the house was decorated for Christmas and it was gorgeous.  In the shop I found this wonderful pair of Fenton, frosted glass, Mr. & Mrs. Snow people. 

On the table now is my gift from Dayle.  I do know what it is, as I found it and ordered it -- but he paid for it.. :-)  But he thinks I should wait until Christmas day to open it.  What do you think?

Here is a close up of the face of one of my snowmen. 

And the other. 

I want to tell you about my last two days.. yesterday I joined my 2 sisters for lunch at a small independent restaurant called "The Country Cat" - they specialize in food using local produce and meats.  After lunch we exchanged gifts!  I gave both sisters a Cath Kidston chamber candlestick and a polka dotted candle!  My older sister gave me a garden banner with a K on it.  My younger sister gave me a wonderful scented candle and 3 different Christmas fabrics and a yo-yo maker!!  I'll show you what they are after I make some.  Then we went on to a nice theater and watched the new "Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows".  Do click on that link to see the trailer.. it was a GREAT movie!!

Today I met my "best friend from 7th grade", Shirley, for lunch.  We exchanged gifts and had a nice time catching up.  She was a half hour late as her GPS gave her some bad directions.. and wow, it was not a good day to be out and about - the Saturday before Christmas weekend?  I was glad to make it home and settle in.  On my drive home in the sunshine, I stopped to snap this photo of my beloved Sandy River.  This is the Stark Street Bridge.  I love where I live!

I hope you're enjoying your holidays.  Take time to relax and appreciate all the little details.  

****************************************
 *H*A*P*P*Y* * *H*O*L*I*D*A*Y*S*!*!*!*
****************************************
((hugs)), Teresa :-)