Thursday, December 1, 2011

December Shenanigans {and a tutorial thrown in}

All bets are off, friends.
It's December and time for some Christmas blogging.
And photography.
Santa with mascara.
Shocking, right?
I can explain...

One of the perks of being me is that I'm unemployed at the moment which means I have time to devote to a free-12-day-online-photography-class offered by CJ. {Not that being unemployed is a perk, but I'm dealing with it...} Assignment #1 was to post a festive self-portrait. I originally just took a photo of myself wearing a Santa hat {see profile picture} but when I saw what some others were posting {over-the-top-clever-and-funny} I knew I had to step it up.

I searched the internet for a Santa beard pattern, and the rest is history...


The whole DebSanta thing was a little weird, so I called on Doug for some help. {I know, I know, poooorrrr Doug...}. As soon as I put the Santa beard on him I started laughing. Oh my gosh. I'm laughing just typing this. His body language was screaming "I DON'T LIKE THIS..."  Ok... ok.... his voice was saying he wasn't real crazy about it either, but he's a good sport and he accommodated me.


I could go on about the quality of the photos not being what I'd like it to be, but these are some really fun photos so I'm going to post them anyway...  {BTW, I uploaded them to Picnik and did some basic editing and they are much better. Thanks, Carrie!}


This next picture totally cracks me up. It's like I'm all excited and giddy because I'm next to... well... SANTA!!!

Ah! Just couldn't help myself...
♥ !!!!! 


Ok, so here's the tutorial part. I got the pattern here and changed it up just a little - made it about an inch longer and added some curves around the bottom edge.

I used two layers of white felt, traced the pattern using a disappearing ink pen, sewed around the lines and then trimmed the pieces out cutting close to the stitching. Carrie will argue about pinning every time {she hates it}, but it really makes a difference in your finished project.


I hand-stitched the moustache in place, and used a 9" piece of elastic to complete the beard.


Even if you just print the pattern and cut it out of paper, this is a really fun piece to have around. I made a couple extra for some little people in my life, but I'm keeping this one:


Weird.
Santa with girl eyes again.
But this is the one I used for my photo
assignment self-portrait so I had to include it.
:o)
Get your jolly on - apparently I have.
 * * * * * * * *

14 comments:

Ruth said...

Deb! You and Doug have brought festive cheer to grey London! I love, love, love this post. Doug is such a sport (love that he's wearing a red t-shirt) and the photo where you are whispering in his ear is worthy of becoming a Christmas card.

Valerie Lynn said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE these! I still think you should use one for your Christmas cards!!! I can't wait to see the beard on the kids!!

Sian said...

This is such a lot of fun! Ruth is so right - it's a bit of perfect Christmas cheer. You have reminded me about the entire santa suit a made a few years ago - I must see if I can find it..

Great post!

Mom said...

Oh, yeah--Christmas card worthy! This post is so adorable! How wonderful that a girl like you with tons of creative talent married a good sport like Doug who will do anything in the name of love! Bless you both! Love this and you! xoxo

scrappyjacky said...

Just a wonderful post,Deb.....I've smiled the whole way through it.Love the photos....definately christmas card material!!

Unknown said...

These pictures totally crack me up, but you already knew that. And I'm glad to see that all of your blog friends agree with me that you need to use them for your Christmas cards!

furrypig said...

Fantastically fab festive fun! I have really smiled a huge smile throughout the reading of this post. I love all those photos and I am so grateful to you for sharing all those wonderful snaps xxx

Amy said...

Oh you cheeky minx!
I'm winking right back at you!

Good on you Doug ... posing on your wife's blog and using the apricot facial scrub, what will she subject you to next? ;-)

Rhona said...

I absolutely love this post, I bet Doug didn't mind too much in the end :) I have to say I agree about the Christmas card too ;) xx

Beverly said...

love, love, love this, guess now the calendar says December I can embrace the season!

Maria Ontiveros said...

These pictures are sooo cute - especiallly the ones of you and Doug.
Rinda

Irene said...

Seeing these pics made my day jolly.

Anonymous said...

You two are TOO CUTE!!! Love the photos.

Jennifer said...

How fun!! I love it!!
Thanks for linking this awesome post to the Christmas Soiree!

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