Elf on the Shelf- Ninja Turtle Hat crochet pattern

When we woke up this morning, the kids and I found that our elves Jinglebella and Cookie Monster must have had some extra time last night-- they borrowed Mama's crochet hooks and yarn and made themselves hats to match our winter gear!
We found them sitting on the mantle showing off their new hats and... we also found their pattern notes. I am sure they wouldn't mind if we shared the pattern in case any other elves out there with the internet would like to look like a Teenage Mutant Ninja turtle too! I wonder-- do elves get dressed up for Halloween??
In any case, here is the pattern!


This pattern is worked in the round.
Use a stitch marker at the end of the round to keep your place.
Pattern was designed for elves that like to hide their elf hat under other hats. If your elf doesn't wear a hat usually, you can probably skip Round 5.
Made using Worsted Weight yarn and a F (3.75mm) hook but please note crochetter is known to crochet rather tight so you may want to go up a hook or two to a G or H.


Terms are in American Crochet Standard
ch - chain
sc - Single crochet


Using Green yarn
Round 1- ch2. 6sc into the first ch (6 sc)
Round 2- 2sc in each sc around (12 sc)
Round 3- *2sc in the first sc, 1sc in the next sc*; repeat around (18 sc)
Round 4- *2sc in the first sc, 1sc in the next 2 sc* repeat around (24 sc)
Round 5- *2sc in the first sc, 1sc in the next 3 sc* repeat around (30 sc)
Round 6- *2sc in the first sc, 1sc in the next 2 sc* repeat around (40 sc)
Rounds 7-12- Sc around in each sc (40 sc)
Cut yarn and finish off.
Round 13- Attach your ninja color (red, orange, purple, or blue) Sc around in each sc (40 sc)
Round 14- sc in the next 8 sc; ch 8, skip 3sc and sc in the next sc around (34 sc and 2 CH8 spaces)
Cut yarn and finish off.
You could attach a bit of the ninja color to the back of the hat to tie a knot (like a bandana would have). This step is optional.

December Bucket List

Newsflash! Christmas is less than 7 weeks away. With December creeping up on us faster than we can say "cottonheadedninnymuggins", I decided to make a December Bucket List with all of the things I am adding to this year's Activity Calendar. Feel free to use some of these ideas or share some of your own! 

Simple Christmas Activity Calendar Banner-Style

This year's Christmas Activity Advent Calendar came together quickly. I was able to get this done in under an hour! 

This was a very simple project:

 1. cut even strips of Kraft Paper

  2. fold in half

3. stamp numbers and stars on the front

 4.write the activity of the day inside

  5. close with Washi tape

 I then pinned them onto some twine that will hang somewhere in the house where my son can take them down each day to read the activity. I am excited to try this more simple version out this year.

A lot of the activities are the same as last year's Activity Calendar, but I changed around a few - we have a couple of events this December and I wanted to try out some new activities. too.

1. Decorate the House and Make a Decoration

2. Write a Letter to Santa (we use the Mega Monkey Mash printable) 

3. Take a Family Photo

4. Order and Make Christmas Cards

5. String Lights Outside

6. Go Ice Skating

7. Visit Santa at the Company Christmas Party (or the mall)

8. Christmas Family Game Night

9. Make Presents (my son makes small things for his Aunts and Uncles. Last year he painted ornaments)

10. Watch a Christmas Movie

11. Make a Christmas Craft (this year I am thinking of some hand and foot print crafts)

12. Dinner Date

13. See the Light Show at our local farm 

14. Decorate the Tree

15. Bake Cookies

16. Check out the lights around the neighborhood, pick out our favorite house (maybe leave a prize at their door!) 

17. Another Christmas Movie Night

18. Write and Draw a new Christmas Story

19. Christmas Date in the City (we live near Philadelphia)

20. Decorate Gingerbread House

21. Winter Walk in the Park 

22. Make a New Ornament for the Tree

23. Wrap the Presents We Made

24. Cookies and Milk for Santa! And go to sleep early of course.

Do you have any fun Christmastime traditions? Please share! I am always looking for something different to try. 

Elf on the Shelf Calendar

Today I am sharing my Elf on the Shelf calendar I plan to follow for 2014. I have been feeling so busy lately I thought it would just be easiest to make my own calendar so I don't even have to think about what to do each night with the Elf. This is only my second year doing the Elf on the Shelf tradition. Last year I tried to stick to my plans but I didn't always follow through - no big deal. There is no pressure in my opinion - do what you can! 

Our elf is getting just a little mischievous this year, but not making too much of a mess. Do you have any elaborate Elf ideas this year? Or does your Elf like to stay put on one shelf? 

Christmas Traditions: A Book a Day

I cannot believe Christmas Eve is only a month away. I am in the middle of moving to my first house so I feel a little lost for time! This year I wanted to keep my book tradition simple.

 I did not buy any new Christmas books and I wrapped everything in brown package paper. After I wrapped all the books I stamped the date I want my son to read the book on the paper- simple and fast. He absolutely loved opening and reading the books last year and I plan to keep it going for many years to come. 

I am working on my activity advent calendar next. I'm trying to figure out how to make a quick and simple version. Here is last year's Book list and Activity Advent Calendar. Have you begun working on any projects for the holiday season? 

Family Christmas Mini Album- Scrapbook Tutorial

I have to confess my addiction for scrapbooking and paper crafts. It is my favorite hobby and I'm perfectly content gluing pictures and paper together in my little free time. When I want to feel like I got a lot accomplished and actually finished something, I work on mini albums. I wanted to share one with you today! After deciding what I was going to do, it took me about 2-3 hours. 

I always start with a challenge. Right now, I've been trying to work on this large pile of 6 x 6 paper pads. I love buying these because they give you bits of an entire collection but for a much lower cost - and it all goes together! Apparently I've been neglecting them so I want to make sure I use them in all of my upcoming projects. Today, I picked an old Christmas paper pad from My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Collection. 

I used my Canon Selphy to print out pictures at a smaller, 3 x 4 size using an app called Pic Frame on my phone. 

There are a ton of chipboard mini books out there. Here are some examples of different shapes and brands. Most of these were around $1.00 - $3.00. I'm going to be using that Crayola one in the shape of a house.

Most of my Christmas supplies were still out in a bin from when I made the Activity Advent Calendar so I just pulled out some stickers and die cuts from the bin to use on this project. I'm determined to finish this stash up! I also took out scissors, an Xacto knife, strong adhesive, some distressing ink for the edges of the paper, a hole punch, and a nail file. 

First, I ran the adhesive over the chipboard. Then I took a sheet of the 6 x 6 paper and stuck it right on top. I flipped the chipboard over and used the knife to cut all around it. I used to be terrible with the knife but it gets much easier with practice. I used the nail file to file any imperfect edges and the hole punch to punch the hole on the top of the house where the binding clip goes. I then distressed the edges of the paper with ink to give it a complete look. After the papers were on each page, I put pictures and stickers wherever I felt it looked nice. 

Here is my completed project: 

Hope you enjoyed the mini album and take a chance making your own! 

Jingle Bell Rock - Free Download

My little girl loves jingle bells-- she loves the songs that talk about bells and she loves the sound. There is a look of pure joy on her face when she comes across a bell so I wanted to make something special for her... especially now that all of the bells out there are on a super clearance!

I took a trip to Micheal's Craft Store and picked up the following materials:
1. Bells of varying sizes
2. Acryllic photo box
3. Super glue!
4. Black card stock

You will also need a Silhouette machine-- it will make it easier and more custom! If you don't have access to one, you could always use chipboard letters or letter stickers. Your call!


Step 1 - Measure your box.  Mine was 3.5 x 3.55. I set that size up in my cut file and loaded in a piece of black card stock.

Step 2 - Glue the card stock cut outs on the inside of your box. This will protect it from little hands. Just be careful to apply the glue to the part that is facing out!

Step 3 - Fill up your box! Be sure to leave some empty space in the box-- you need the bells to be able to move!

Step 4 - Using the super glue, seal all edges. Take your time and do this step correctly. If your child is anything like mine, this box is going to get alot of use and hard knocks!


I have included the cut file I created for this project! Again, this is designed to be used with the Silhouette-- enjoy!

Click here to download the cut file!

I Spy with my Little Eye... Christmas! DIY Ornament Tutorial

 Today we are going to talk about making an I Spy ornament for children. I made a few of these for my daughter and nephews and they love them. For the younger kids, they like shaking the mix to see what pops up and the big kids like the challenge of the game.

What will you fill your ornaments with?

Here are the supplies I picked up at the store. All Christmas is 70% off in most craft stores so now is the time to buy!
You will need:
- Decorative Filler. I used small clear beads sold in the floral section of the craft store
- Clear Christmas Ball with removable lid
- Christmas items
- Spoon
- Tag for labeling
- Pen
- Super Glue

1. Start by opening up the ornament and filling it half way with the decorative filler. Use a funnel or a rolled up piece of paper to help make pouring easier. If you are making these with children helping, I recommended using the spoon as a shovel to help full up the balls.

2. Add in your Christmas items. As you are filling, write down what the kids should be seeking so you have that list-- you'll forget what you put in there, I swear! I like to add in extra items that are not listed for fun and to make it more challenging. Depending on how old the recipient is, you decide what items they should look for!

3. Finish filling the ball until there is a little space at the top. Remember, you will want to leave some space so the kids can shake up the filler and uncover the items.

4. Super glue the lid to the ball. This step is very important as these lids are designed to be removed typically. You don't want a huge explosion with filler all over the place.  Tie the tag you have made to the top of the ball. I used sparkly yarn but you can use whatever you like.

5. Now test your creation! Give it a shake. What do you see?

DIY Ornaments

This has been a hectic week of Christmas shopping, Christmas Parties, and activities getting ready for the upcoming Holiday. In my free time, I was able to make a few ornaments and I wanted to share. 

The first ornament I made was a glass ornament with acrylic paint. I dripped the paint inside the ornament and tapped the sides until it covered everything. I ended up with a cool blue marble look. So easy!

This ornament is an easy one for kids to make. It is Rudolf with popsicle sticks! I used a glue dot to put the red pom pom nose on and those eyes are actually brads, but you could easily use googley eyes, too.

For this ornament, I grabbed some gold and black glitter scrapbook paper and a few sizes of star punches. I stuffed them all into the ornament for a pretty cool look. 

This ornament was super easy. All I did was feed some gold ribbon into the ball and I like how festive it looks. 

This ornament was made with a 6x6 scrapbook paper pad and a popsicle stick. I cut different sizes and lined them up on the popsicle stick to make a Christmas Tree

I love how this melted crayon ornament turned out. I put the tiny green crayon piece and a large gold crayon and used a hair dryer to melt. I turned the ball around and got this cool look. I did end up breaking one of these accidentally when the hair dryer was too strong! You've been warned.

These are my favorite. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ornaments. I dripped green acrylic paint inside the balls, then painted a line around each ball using more acrylic paint and a paintbrush on the outside. After a few coats, I added googley eyes with glue dots. 

This has been all over pinterest lately, so I wanted to try it. I got some fake snow at the craft store and added a tree. simple and festive.

I love these simple candy canes. We used to have them on our tree when I was little. My son helped me make some with pipe cleaners and beads. 

This was a felt reindeer kit by Nicole Crafts that got me thinking you could make so much with felt! Loved how easy it was using just glue dots.

This was another kit by Darice Crafts. It uses a bell, foam balls, springs, and felt to make a cute reindeer. The possibilities of making ornaments with bells are endless.

And another kit by Nicole Crafts this time made of foam. The gingerbread man also includes a bell. Again, all I needed were glue dots. 

Lastly, I made my first beaded project! This is a beaded ornament kit from Nicole Crafts that was difficult for me at first, I will admit. I've never worked with wires and beads before. But I think I got the hang of it and the instructions were easy to follow.

The four kits all cost me .88 each on sale at A.C.Moore. They were fun and easy! 

Have you made any ornaments lately? Please share! We love to see friends getting crafty.  

Kicking off the Christmas Season - Gift in a Jar Ideas

The Christmas Season has officially arrived! I hope everyone has been taking advantage of great ideas and deals for their gift lists. I am happy to report it is already feeling like Christmas here with the daily Christmas books, music, and activities. So far, so good!

Today I wanted to share some of my favorite DIY Jar Gift ideas that I've found around the internet. There are so many amazing ideas for DIY Gifts and the Jar Gifts are simple, quick, and fun!

1. Pamper/ Spa Jar

Here is a great idea for women of all ages. Grab your jar and add nail polish, soaps, nail clippers, wash clothes, lip balm, hand sanitizers, etc.

2. Newlywed or New Home Owner Jar

A jar full of small household items for someone with a new home. That can include cleaner, washcloths, bag clips, magnets, kitchen tools, batteries, etc.

3. Energy Jar

I love this idea for friends who work long or late hours. Fill a jar with coffee/tea packets, nuts, chocolate, energy bars, etc.

4. Sewing Kit Jar

Know anyone who sews or likes to craft? Make them a sewing kit! This idea makes me think of all sorts of crafts to make jars for!

5. Hot Chocolate Jar

Yum- ingredients for hot chocolate. Add a mug and I'm good to go!

6. Playdough Jar

This idea is so cute for kids- especially when their parents tell you they have enough toys! Make your own playdough and decorate the jar for the kids.

7. Snow Globe in a Jar

I've seen this idea pop up all over pinterest this year, and I love it! Make your own snow globe, personalize for your loved one!

8. Apron and Recipe Jar

This one is simple. Put an apron in a jar and add your favorite recipe!

9. Lego Jar

This idea is great for kids! Paint the jars and use a sharpie to make them look like Lego Heads. Add some legos inside and bask in glory.

10. Reasons Why I love You Jar

Sometimes the most meaningful present you can give to your partner is one that expresses exactly how you feel and costs next to nothing. Share each of your reasons in a jar and give to your loved one.

11. Bubbles Jar

Make your own bubbles and give them out to the kids. Fun!

12. S'mores Jar

I love S'mores. They are delicious! Here is a yummy recipe for a S'more Jar.

13.Cookie Mix Jar

Lastly, the Cookie Mix jar. There are a ton of recipes out there and they are so creative. Here's a cute one for Cowgirl Cookies. There are pink candies and oats and chocolate chips. YUM.

Stay tuned for more great gift and craft ideas all month long!  

Christmas Book Countdown and Activity Advent Calendar

I'm excited to share some things I'm doing this year for the Holiday Season. In the past few years I've noticed that Christmastime wasn't the same as when I was young. It feels like Christmas sneaks up on me and I'm thinking, "is Christmas seriously this week? Definitely doesn't feel like it!" Then I feel panic and stress trying to cram traditions and shopping all in one week. This year I have a plan. I am going to make every day special by making some advent calendars! I've planned a Book Countdown and an Activity Advent Calendar. I'm also doing Elf on the Shelf for the first time this year.  I'm going to photograph everything and make a scrapbook album of the holiday season. 

Book Countdown:

Beginning Thanksgiving night, we are going to read a holiday book each day until Christmas. I gathered all of my Christmas books and went to the dollar store to purchase a few more. 

I wrapped all of the books and using a paper punch and some extra Thickers (alphabet stickers), I made tags so you can clearly see which books go with each day. I then put all of the books on an empty book shelf in the living room where the tree will go in December. I think my son (4 yrs) will really enjoy it and he's already been staring at the packages wondering which book will be first! 

Here is the list of books I have for this Book Advent Calendar: 

1. Elf on the Shelf

2. Thomas' Night Before Christmas

3. The Polar Bear Express

4. Sesame Street Snowy Day

5. The Sweet Smell Of Christmas

6. Frosty the Snowman

7. Un Nino Dios 

8. Woody's White Christmas

9. Disney's Christmas Dreams

10. The Poky Little Puppy's First Christmas

11. If You Take a Mouse to the Movies

12. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer- Santa's Big Day

13. Land of Snow and Ice

14. Dora's Christmas Carol 

15. The Little Christmas Elf

16. King of the North Pole

17. Jingle Wheels

18. Guess Who's Coming to Santa's for Dinner?

19. The Animals' Christmas Eve

20. Dora's Counting Christmas

21. Elmo's Night Before Christmas

22. Beauty on Ice

23. The Christmas Story

24. I've Seen Santa! 

25. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer - Rudolph Helps Out

26. Dinosaur VS Santa

27. The Night Before Christmas

For the Activity Advent Calendar, I used a ton of my Christmas Scrapbook Stash that has been sitting around begging to be used. I also used a lot of envelopes. Basically, I came up with different activities that we can do throughout December, starting on the first. Some of the activities are small, free, and don't require leaving the house. Others are events that we've planned or places to go. I'm excited to give this a try and really make it feel like Christmas all month long!

Here is the list of Activities:

12/1- Decorate the House and Make a Decoration

12/2- Write a Letter to Santa using the Mega Monkey Mash Printable

12/3- Take a Family Photo

12/4- Make/Order Christmas Cards 

12/5- Hot Chocolate Day

12/6- Make a Christmas Craft 

12/7- Visit Santa at the Mall

12/8- String Lights Outside

12/9- Christmas Family Game Night

12/10- Watch Christmas Movie

12/11- Dinner Date 

12/12- Go Ice Skating

12/13- See the light show at the farm

12/14- Decorate Tree (we get a real tree so we do this in the middle of the month)

12/15- Bake Cookies

12/16- Check out the Lights in the Neighborhood

12/17- Watch Elf

12/18- City Date 

12/19- Christmas Carols and Dance Party

12/20- Decorate Gingerbread House

12/21- Winter Walk in the Park 

12/22- Make a New Ornament for the tree

12/23- Wrap Gifts

12/24- Cookies and Milk for Santa

I hope this gives you some ideas to make your holiday special this year! Do you have any holiday traditions?