Made it to Summer Break!

Hello there! 

Oh my goodness, what a crazy time it's been for our family these past several weeks. Not bad, for the most part, just busy with the end of the school year approaching at breakneck speed and mom furiously trying to keep up and get everyone where they needed to be at the right time. I think this year has been the busiest yet in terms of activities. Friday was the last day of school and now we can all release a huge sigh of relief along with a heaping feeling of accomplishment. Yay! I know I have been very quiet and I am really hoping to be able to sit down and create  projects to share now that our summer vacation has started. Fingers crossed!

Hope you don't mind a photo heavy post right about now. I thought I would share the gifts I created for the teachers and staff at Jessica's school. This was her last year in elementary school and I wanted to give a gift to a few more people than usual to let them know how much we have appreciated them over the years. 

First up, though, Amy and the girls in her Girl Scout troop had worked very hard most of this year on earning the Silver Award and upon running a weekend encampment for Junior Girl Scouts in April, they succeeded. The award is service based and the girls planned the activities so that the Juniors would earn various badges by the end of the weekend. Amy taught the girls about making campfires. Amy and her troop had their end of year meeting and awards ceremony last week where she officially received the award. Yay, Amy! 

Here is Jessica with her teacher. 

I think great minds must think alike as she was coordinated outfit wise with her teacher, her best friend and the principal! *Ü*

This set was for Jessica's teacher. She had kind of a tough group of boys this year and when I saw this counted cross stitch pattern, I thought she'd appreciate it. I have tried to crochet a lion (school mascot) for most of the teachers over the years. Jessica liked this one with the cute belly button for her teacher. 

I 

The school had a new principal this year and she has been an amazing addition to the staff. I had to make her a lion, too and love the loopy mane. :)

After lots of thought and searching and trying out different ideas, this is what I came up with to give to some special people at the school. 

I used a technique called needle tatting to create the bracelets and earrings. 

Tatting has been around for a very long time and is more commonly made using a shuttle (or two). I don't know how to tat that way(looks way too confusing to me), but a few years ago I came across a book on needle tatting. I really like the lacy look. It's not hard as there are only a few "stitches" to learn, but it can get confusing figuring out which way to turn this or that. Thank goodness for You Tube videos! :)

Detail shots

Jessica and Amy both helped decide what color would best suit each recipient. 

Thanks so much for stopping by.

I hope you have a relaxing Memorial Day weekend.

Keep a thought for those who have served and sacrificed so that we can enjoy our many freedoms. 

Hope to see you again, soon!

Jeanne