the story of: the december desktop

All this year, I've shared a story each month, and we've reached the last story. I considered a few Christmas-themed stories, but you really can't beat the original. So for December, our story is...



More about The Stable a little later in the month, but for now, you can decorate your computer's desktop with a calendar wallpaper in JPG or PNG formats. They are one-size-fits-most, so be sure to adjust your settings for the best fit.

I'm really looking forward to December, and I hope you are too!

print: christmas gift tags

December will be here oh so soon, which means lots of wrapping gifts. Or, if you're like my mom, you may already have wrapped most of the presents. (She figures it's safer to have them wrapped and hidden away as soon as possible!)

Well, I thought it would be fun to make some gift tags for you, using a gift that I just received. You see, for my birthday, I got a Bamboo drawing tablet, and I needed to practice using it a bit. So I doodled up these tags!

The style feels a little different from what I usually do, but I like that, and I hope you do too! I left off the "to" and "from", making them a little more versatile.

Download the PDF Gift Tags, and have fun wrapping things up!

winning

As promised, I have some winners from last week's giveaways! Big news here, so a drumroll please!



Congratulations, ladies! I have email addresses for Maneki and Diana (you'll hear from me soon!), but Modern Buttercup, please email me at molliejohanson {@} gmail {.} com with your info.

Also, if you missed out on these, there's another giveaway from me (for some embroidery patterns) over on An Old-Fashioned Girl. Go check it out!

my new lost scarf

I've been loving square scarves lately, and decided that I needed one for the cold weather. I already bought one for my sister and she wears it and looks adorable. So I thought I could make one. And I did!

What you see here is a large square (about 32 inches) of what JoAnn calls "specialty cotton". It's a cotton/poly blend that is lightweight and drapes pretty nicely. I just snipped a bit and then tore the fabric so that thee edges get a nice frayed thing going on.



Then, in one corner, I stitched some simple circles. Like these. They are done in a red that is close, but not exact, to the scarf, and in a running stitch like sashiko style. Look closely and you'll see them.

I love my scarf. You just fold it into a triangle and wrap it around your neck as you see. Simple and sweet.

But did you read the title of this post? After I took these photos, I lost my scarf. This was literally the only time I wore it, and I'm pretty sure that it has to be in my house someplace. It's making me crazy, and all my whining about it is making my family crazy!

Where's my pretty new scarf? Did you come and hide it somewhere? It looks like I may be making another one soon...

my favorite things: my family

The last day of a week of favorite things. Really, I have so many favorites that I could share one every day for a year. And maybe some year I'll do that. But for now, I'll wrap things up with a big one...




There are eight of us in my house (counting the parents), and things get a little crazy. Sometimes a lot crazy. But I love my family sooooo much! Every one of us is different, and yet we all manage to work together as a team. Where would we be without each other?

I'm going to go and enjoy the rest of the weekend, and I hope you do too! Enjoy your favorite things, go find those giveaways that are still open, and we'll meet back here on Monday.

it's my birthday sale!

Just popping in really quick to say, it's officially my birthday! That might not seem all that exciting to you, but it is. Because starting now, you can get 29% off your entire purchase in my shop. A deal this good doesn't come too often (thankfully...otherwise I'd age much faster!).

To take advantage of this offer, just enter the Etsy coupon code MOLLIE29 at checkout. The 29% discount will be deducted from the total immediately. Sale ends Monday night, so hurry and check it out!

talia's favorite thing: christmas

When I decided to do a week of favorites, it was because this month's story is the story of YOU! So even though I've shared some of my own favorite things, I've wanted to hear yours too. Today my favorite thing is...



And I've got Talia from Number 19 here to share one of her favorite things! (I have a feeling many of you may share her thoughts on this too!) Please welcome Talia!



Christmas is most certainly my FAVOURITE time of year! I love everything about it! Where I live Christmas is always very hot and humid, and when I was a kid we always got pool toys that we could use that day! I’m already planning for this Christmas, and these are some of the traditions and things that I’m looking forward to!

1. Decorating the house- I love making my own decorations, and doing things a bit differently. We don’t do ‘Christmas tress’, so I have a wall that I cover in decorations, and put the presents beneath that!

2. The advent calendar- this year I made my own, and I’ve put some pretty fun things to do inside each one, so I’m looking forward to going through that!

3. Christmas music. Confession- I’ve had Christmas music playing since the start of the month. None of this December 1st business for me!

4. Seeing family- I’m pretty lucky in that I see my extended family fairly regularly, but I do love having everyone together!



5. Christmas treats- I love cooking, so baking almond bread, christmas pudding, candy cane rum balls and things like make me feel super Christmas-y!

6. The heat- I love summer, so I love lazing around in a singlet and shorts with the fan blowing on me. Not sure how I’ll go this year being 8 months pregnant at Christmas time!

7. Jacaranda trees in flower- There’s a song that goes “When the bloom of the Jacaranda tree is here, Christmas time is near”. I always think of it this time of year when I drive down the street and there are purple flowers covering the road.

8. Christmas crafts- I love making things for people. For some people that’s just the card, but for a lot of people this Christmas I’ll be making bath salts, body butter, coasters, personalised books and embroidery hoop art!



Thanks, Talia! I think it's so great that you love the heat at Christmas...I love the cold and snow that time of year!

my favorite things: sponsor giveaways

I've had posts all this week, dedicated to some of my favorite things. But one of those things hasn't had it's own post...instead, it's been more implied. It involves giving things to others. I love that! And I love when I get to be a person who helps give things away.

But today, I have a couple posts to share from one of my favorite blog things...



I'm not just saying this because they help support me and my blog financially...my sponsors are wonderful! Friendly, generous, lovely to know. Be sure to give their blogs all a visit. And if you're interested in joining the Wild Olive sponsorship family for December, just send me an email.

But now for a little giveaway from two of these fine ladies.

Liesi from Too Crewel is offering you a $10 shop credit, so that you can choose your favorite thing from her shop!



And Kelsey from Simply Beautiful Thoughts has made a card for the winner, too!

To enter, just leave a comment telling one of your favorite things in life (it could be anything!), and make sure we have a way to contact you. This giveaway will remain open until Sunday the 27th at 10 CST, and a random winner will be announced on Monday.

Also, don't miss the other giveaways running this week: Mollie's Signature Embroidery Colors and Garlands from Pink Olive!

my favorite things: thanksgiving

Having a week of favorite things, and having it be at this particular time of year is perfect. Why? Because my favorite holiday is...





We watched the parade. My sister took this photo today of our pineapple turkey. I've been getting food ready, and enjoying this most wonderful day.

Whether you're in the United States, or someplace else, I hope that you remember to be thankful today. We are all so very blessed.

And I hope you also remember how thankful I am for you! Every comment and email and link I receive means so much to me...connecting with everyone is so very lovely. Thank you!

my favorite things: olives

Day three of my favorite things! Yay! Some favorite things start out small, and they grow into some really big ideas. Who would have thought that a food I enjoy would turn into a name that I've embraced, and bigger still, the thought of being part of a great big family?

Today's favorite thing is...



Yes, olives. I think they are so very tasty. And quite lovely to share with friends. And to wear on one's fingers. And to read about. And to name one's blog and digital items after.

Being someone who loves olives as much as I do, it's wonderful to connect with others who have a similar passion. Recently I met Grace via email. She is the proprietor of Pink Olive, a New York boutique filled with the most whimsical and wonderful things. Can you imagine pink olives! I would so eat those! Truthfully, we haven't discussed our olive loves, but we have shared some of the other things that have in common...far away internet connections are so amazing, aren't they?



You can get a feel for the shop from these photos, and there are more on her site. If you're in the New York City area, perhaps you've been? I know that I would be making a point to visit if I get the chance to go to NY. But the good news is that you can still shop her lovely choices online.

And...

You can enter to win this Petit Collage Garland, generously gifted by Grace! Go give Pink Olive a visit, then come back here and tell us what your favorite item was that you saw.

Leave a comment (make sure we have a way to get in touch with you), and you'll be entered to win. The giveaway is open to all US Residents, and will remain open until 10 CST on Sunday, the 27th. A random winner will be announced on Monday.

Good luck, and thanks Grace!

my favorite things: muppets

Hi Ho! It's a week of my favorite things here on Wild Olive, and you would think that Jason Segel planned the release of his new movie just for me. Why? Because today's favorite thing is...



While I may be getting older at the end of this week, I'm not quite old enough to remember watching the Muppet Show when it originally aired. But my parents must have had a way of showing it to me, because I have very early memories of watching. That said, I can safely say that I have loved all things Muppets for my entire life.

My shelves are filled with the most wonderful Muppet things, including my newly acquired Top Trumps Muppets game. But instead of showing off my favorite Muppet things, I thought you might like to make one of your own!



How about a finger puppet to wear when you see the new movie as it comes out tomorrow?!? (Actually, I'm going to see it on Saturday for my actual birthday, and I'm dragging along my whole family. Including my 6-year-old sister who has an aversion to puppets...it's MY birthday after all! No spoilers, now...mmmkay?)

Here's what you need:
Green felt (mine is a wool blend in a Kermit-y shade from JoAnn)
Small amounts of red and white felt
Embroidery floss
Craft glue
The pattern PDF



Cut out two body pieces from green, two eyes from white, and one red mouth.



Use the patterns in the PDF to stitch on a green collar, the centers of the eyes with black, and a pink tongue. The eyes are just a straight stitch with a big french knot in the center.



Sew the two body pieces together with a running stitch. It's a good idea to take an extra stitch or two at the ends, as they'll get the most stress...although, they don't get much tugging.



Use craft glue to attach the mouth and eyes. Make sure the eyes overlap the top edge a little.



Yay! You're all finished and ready slide your new finger puppet on. Oh, and for some embarrassing info about me and my use of the word "yay", be sure to read this.



Oh yes, I do love my Muppets. They're a favorite thing! Yay!

Tomorrow, a favorite food, that became a favorite idea, that became a favorite name!

my favorite things: embroidery floss

This coming Saturday, it's my birthday! Should I cheer? Should I cry? I'm not sure...but I do know that we like having a "birthday week" at my house. Instead of doing birthday things all week long, I'm going to share some of my favorite things!

A little like Oprah, but not at all like Oprah. You know, because I'm not a bajillionaire. I don't watch her, but you can't not know about her favorite things, am I right? Now...Ready for my first favorite thing?


(Did you read that in your best Oprah voice? I hope so!)

This may come as a surprise to you, but I really like embroidery floss. I do!





I may have a serious problem. I can't get enough of this stuff! Recently I went to the needlework shop and bought all of these lovely types to test. I'll let you know how these go for me once I've given them a try.





That last one is #1 pearl cotton, with regular six strand floss in there for scale. Crazy, right?



No joke, the day I bought this floss, this was the fortune I got in a cookie. "Be careful, you are easily tempted." Really?



I love that floss can be so pretty, just like a bouquet of flowers. Look at all those colors! These happen to be the colors that I've chosen as my "signature colors", and after months of working with them, I'm still loving them.

Perhaps you'd love them too? I've got this set of 23 DMC flosses that I'd like to give away to one lucky reader! (Oh how I wish I could send a set to everyone!)

To enter, leave a comment with your favorite color (the name, or the floss number...I'd love to read either!), and be sure I have a way to contact you. The giveaway will remain open until Sunday, November 27th at 10pm CST. A random winner will be announced on Monday the 28th.

NOTE: International Readers, please enter! I'm happy to ship these anywhere!



Good luck, and watch for another favorite thing tomorrow! (I'll give you a hint...this one will involve some making, and a bit of green felt!)

thinking about december

As this is Saturday, I would usually have a Snapshot Saturday post. A photo with only a few words. But there are too many things to fit in this month, so today I'm sharing some things that are coming up in December. I figured you wouldn't mind a peek at what's to come...

But first, I need to express some thoughts. I've already been seeing so many posts about Christmas projects, and I understand why. I mean, you need time to get things done before the big day. But...I'm still treasuring November...and I'm saving my Christmas posts for after Thanksgiving. I hope you're all okay with that.



Mind you, I've been working behind the scenes on Christmas, because for the three weeks leading up until Christmas, we'll have Christmas Ornamentation here on the blog! We're talking lots and lots of ornaments to make. It's going to be big and exciting, and you're gonna love all that is planned (at least, I hope so!)



And with all the crafty project posts in December, it will be a great time for your blog to sponsor Wild Olive. Details will change for 2012, but for this last month of the year, you can still get an XL ad for $20 (just one available!) or a L ad for $10. Email me at molliejohanson at gmail dot com for more information or to book your spot.

I feel as though I'm running a million miles an hour right now, but it's only because I'm on some sort of crafting high! Things are making me all kinds of excited!

elsewhere: guest post and giveaway

Today you'll find things from me on a couple other blogs!



Printable Thankful Cards over on Whatever Dee-Dee Wants as a part of her Give Thanks series!



A bunch of Cookies for Santa items are up for grabs in a giveaway on Adorkable, along with lots of other goodies!

Be sure to visit these lovely ladies and say hello! (Oh, and I'm getting very excited as I prepare for some special fun coming here in December...a few more details coming tomorrow!)