My life has been on hold for the last two weeks as I made the last push to finish the DIY Pottery Barn Halloween countdown calendar my sister and I started a pathetic two children and three years ago:
I love how it turned out and had a mostly enjoyable time cutting, sewing, and ironing the heck out of it, especially with Veronica Mars as my companion. In this case, though, I wonder if shelling out the $100+ for the original Pottery Barn version or better yet, finding the calendar on eBay, would’ve been worth the hours and hours spent on this ambitious project.
On a more bookish note, there is a lot going on this week. The 2012 Cybils nominations just opened, and it’s the 30th Annual Banned Books Week. Amy at My Friend Amy also just announced the All Hallow’s Read Swap, which I’m very tempted to join. Between Maggie Stiefvater’s tour stop in my backyard and attending the UCTE (Utah Council of English Teachers) annual conference headlined by Francisco Stork and Shannon Hale, fall is shaping up to be busy but good so far.
So what about you? Are you participating in any of these events? What other bookish and seasonal things are you doing?
Whoa, that is one awesome calendar. I have a lot of respect for the fact that you actually finished it despite starting it 3 years ago. I tend to be one to give up on things like that (*eyes embroidery project started this summer*).
I am not participating in any of those events (yet). I will take a look though!
I try no to start things I’m absolutely crazy about. I think I’ve finished every sewing project I’ve started in the last few years. I go kind of OCD until they’re completed, so I’m careful what I start.
Hehe, you finish projects like me…I never did finish cross stitching something for my bestie’s first child. That child is now in first grade. *sigh*
Looks adorable though! I’m also tempted to join the All Hallow’s Read stop, but am unsure as this month is shaping up as insanely busy already. I hope you enjoy Maggie Stiefvater and UTCE! I just got to meet Shannon Hale myself on Sunday and it was lovely. =)
Thanks! I don’t think I can spare the time either, nor do I want to a spooky book to the towering TBR. Oh, that’s lovely to hear! I’ve never met SH, and she lives in Utah?! Pathetic, I know.
I’m constantly amazed at how good you are at doing crafts-y things. I would like to do projects like that but I’m too lazy. I don’t have enough time to read and blog as it is.
You’re meeting Maggie Stiefvater and Shannon Hale in person, I’m jealous! And is this the first time you’ll meet Francisco Stork? I bet he’ll be glad to see you.
I’m selective about what crafts I choose, but I guess it’s in my blood. My mother majored in sewing and textiles in college, so I grew up sewing and crafting a ton. In college I didn’t do a much at all, but now that I have kids of my own, sewing and homemaking calls to me.
That looks awesome, Holly! It is still pretty incredible how you two made that.
Thanks! It was epic.
Loved your calendar, Holly! So cute and what a tradition it will be for your children to see this each year. You are a wonderful and oh so creative Mom.