I have been a crafty person since I was young, thanks to my mom who was always working on some kind of handmade project. She sewed dresses for me, made holiday decorations, and even sold Cabbage Patch doll knock-offs at local craft shows. I am not so much an apple from her tree, but more like a pretty sizeable graft directly from her roots. So, when my Arkansas Women Bloggers announced it was time to sign up for the annual handmade holiday ornament exchange, I was all over it.

I admit that part of my enjoyment of the exchange is selfish – I love handmade ornaments on my tree. But, I also enjoy learning a little bit about my fellow bloggers and figuring out how to create something that fits their personality and interests and decorating style. I won’t get into how I kind of forgot about the project until about a week before they were due to be mailed to our partners. It’s just been one of those several-months-in-a-row.

Lucky for me, the person I was making an ornament for was easy. Not only because I already know her, but also because she has been talking about a quest she’s on over on her blog which I pulled ideas from as I created. Sarah is such an inspiration to me, as I also want to accomplish a quest in 2015… more on that soon!

But now – on to the ornaments I received! (That’s right! Multiple!!) My handmade ornaments were made by a new blogger friend, Kaylin. Well, she’s my new friend – not necessarily a new blogger. You can visit Kaylin’s awesome blog here. She mainly writes about nutrition and homemade recipes (YUM) and has the college degree in nutrition to make her an expert, so it makes perfect sense that the ornaments she made for me include a whopping punch of cinnamon.

They smell DIVINE, and I love the glitter details that will sparkle when we get our tree put up (No… not yet. Yes, I know how many days are left.) And, since I collect star-shaped ornaments, the little stars will join the rest and fit right in. All the good stuff, in one little package. See the “L” on the stocking? So cute. :)

There will be a link up of all the bloggers who participated in the exchange on the Arkansas Women Bloggers’ website, so go take a look and get inspired yourself. The ARWB is so full of amazing talent. If you are a blogger living in Arkansas, I encourage you to join (it’s free!) and find out what a great support group they are.

This afternoon I am going to get busy preparing a spot for my son and granddaughter to help me make a natural wreath for the front porch and some snow globes using toys and mason jars. And since I haven’t completely unpacked from The Little Craft Show and the table is COVERED, I’d better get busy…

Take care!