Then Sings My Soul Saturday - 1982

#6 Contemporary Christian Song in 1982.

Amy Grant - El Shaddai

Children of the '80s!

We are the children of the Eighties. We are not the first "lost generation" nor today's lost generation; in fact, we think we know just where we stand - or are discovering it as we speak.

We are the ones who played with Lego Building Blocks when they were just building blocks and gave Malibu Barbie crewcuts with safety scissors that never really cut.We collected Garbage Pail Kids and Cabbage Patch Kids and My LittlePonies and Hot Wheels and He-Man action figures and thought She-Ra looked just a little bit like I would when I was a woman.

Big Wheels and bicycles with streamers were the way to go, and sidewalk chalk was all you needed to build a city. Imagination was the key. It made the Ewok Treehouse big enough for you to be Luke and the kitchen table and an old sheet dark enough to be a tent in the forest. Your world was the backyard and it was all you needed. With your pink portable tape player, Debbie Gibson sang back up to you and everyone wanted a skirt like the Material Girl and a glove like Michael Jackson's.

Today, we are the ones who sing along with Bruce Stringsteen and The Bangles perfectly and have no idea why. We recite lines with the Ghostbusters and still look to The Goonies for a great adventure. We flip through T.V. stations and stop at The A Team and Knight Rider and Fame and laugh with The Cosby Show and Family Ties and Punky Brewster and what you talkin' 'bout Willis? We hold strong affections for The Muppets and The Gummy Bears and why did they take the Snorks off the air? After school specials were only about cigarettes and step-families, the Polka Dot Door was nothing like Barney, and aren't the Power Rangers just Voltron reincarnated?

We are the ones who still read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, the Bobsey Twins, Beverly Clearly and Judy Blume, Richard Scary and the Electric Company. Friendship bracelets were ties you couldn't break and friendship pins went on shoes - preferably hightop Velcro Reeboks - and pegged jeans were in, as were Units belts and layered socks and jean jackets and jams and charm necklaces and side pony tails and just tails. Rave was a girl's best friend; braces with colored rubberbands made you cool.

The backdoor was always open and Mom served only red Kool-Aid to the neighborhood kids- never drank New Coke. Entertainment was cheap and lasted for hours. All you needed to be a princess was high heels and an apron; the Sit'n'Spin always made you dizzy but never made you stop; Pogoballs were dangerous weapons and Chinese Jump Ropes never failed to trip someone. In your Underoos you were Wonder Woman or Spider Man or R2D2 and in your treehouse you were king.

In the Eighties, nothing was wrong. Did you know the president was shot? Star Wars was not only a movie. Did you ever play in a bomb shelter? Did you see the Challenger explode or feed the homeless man? We forgot Vietnam and watched Tiananman's Square on CNN and bought pieces of the Berlin Wall at the store. AIDS was not the number one killer in the United States. We didn't start the fire, Billy Joel.

In the Eighties, we redefined the American Dream, and those years defined us. We are the generation in between strife and facing strife and not turning our backs. The Eighties may have made us idealistic, but it's that idealism that will push us and be passed on to our children - the first children of the twenty-first century. Never forget: We are the children of the Eighties.

Author unknown

E.T. Phone Mr. Wilhoit

The Spotted Sparrow has posted yet another super cool '80s inspired tutorial on her blog!

Check out part one of her E.T. address book tutorial, here. 

The one person I think of whenever I see or hear anything related to E.T. is my high school principal, Mr. Wilhoit. He was obsessed with E.T. and had E.T. stuff all over his office. And yes, I was in his office only once when my parents came to school to talk to him and my math teacher because I was failing math. Ugh, what a nightmare.

Anyway, I'll be making one of these this weekend since my old address book has several dozen teeth marks in it thanks to Drusilla! I am a little nervous about the math in the tutorial, but it doesn't seem too difficult so we'll give it a try, for Mr. W.

"Through the Years"

I've had a very crazy week including having to purchase a new car and taking Desdemona to the vet, nothing bad with my little girl just a booster shot. Needless to say, I have had very limited time to work on my '80s crafts. 

I was starting to sweat a little thinking about what else to post this week when I was tagged! What a perfect time to be tagged by a fellow blogger. So, thanks to Laurie at Indulge Your Shelf. The bold items in the following list I have accomplished through the years: 

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars - in Girl Scouts many years ago
3. Played in a band - does a make believe one with your middle school friends count?
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disney World - around 70 times and I'm going again in a couple months.
8. Climbed a mountain 
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo - several times in high school chorus
11. Bungee jumped - uh no! I'm afraid of heights.
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child 
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty - been there but not to the top because of the height thing.
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train 
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill - several
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset 
31. Hit a home run - do the batting cages count?
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors - one set
35. Seen an Amish community - Lancaster, PA
36. Taught yourself a new language - trying to learn Polish
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke - in a booth at the mall before it was known as karaoke 
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris - seen it but again the height thing!
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling - with sharks, on purpose!
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie - I was almost in Ace Ventura Pet Detective
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies 
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving - no way!
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp 
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter - nope!
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar - it was super gross!
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle - not speeding!
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book - working on it
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car - Yep, on Monday
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible - I want to do this
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating - Absolutely no way!
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous - A couple and they happen to be '80s stars - Kirk Cameron and Danny Wood from New Kids on the Block.
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

Not too shabby! Since I am running low on time, I am tagging anyone who reads this list. Go ahead and copy the list and choose the items you have done. 

Have Fun!

Tattoo You

I don't know how many bands can have hits spanning almost 50 years, but the Rolling Stones have done it. Their 1982 album, Tattoo You, produced one of the most memorable songs and '80s video, "Start Me Up".

I so remember that video. It had Mick Jagger in a purple shirt and white pants walking around with his hands on his hips and his lips puckered singing, "Start Me Up". Ha! What a funny, '80s video.

I think the Rolling Stones' logo is one of the most well known, so I made a felt and embroidered Rolling Stones tongue pin.

I had the opportunity of seeing the Rolling Stones when I was at The University of Florida in the early '90s. I never really liked them, though both my uncle and mom do, but they put on one heck of a show.

'80s Hair Bow Pattern

Remember those huge '80s hair bows?

Madonna wore them as did I, because pretty much anything Madonna wore I did too. Mine was pink and purple, which went perfectly with my shocking pink neon lace fingerless gloves!

Want to rock one again? Now you can with this very easy crochet pattern.

Abbreviations

ch = chain
ea = each

hdc = half double crochet (UK: half treble crochet)

rep = repeat

Materials

US H-8 (5.0mm) crochet hook

Red Heart Kids (acrylic) yarn - This is the best yarn for this project, because it comes in bright, neon colors. I used orange for my bow.

Instructions

To begin: ch 150

Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc in ea ch across, turn. (147 hdc)

Row 2: ch 2, hdc in ea hdc across, turn.

Rep row 2 for 5 more rows.

That's it! When you are ready to wear it, just tie it on the top of your head like your tying a ribbon on a present.

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© 2009 Missie Zee

Please remember that items made using my patterns and tutorials are for personal use only and can not be sold for profit. Thanks!

Hair Nation!

I am really surprised that all of the children of the '80s are not bald. The things we did to our hair were insane!

I mean how could we have thought the Flock of Seagulls look was cool.

Or how about when the lead singer of Bow Wow Wow had the sides of her hair shaved and then teased the rest up, like this.

And who can forget hair crimping.

I used to crimp my hair all of the time. I am surprised my hair doesn't look and feel like straw.

And no one could compare to Madonna.

Okay, I still think Madonna looked cool!

My craft for the day is to go along with today's topic of hair. I made myself a little Bow Wow Wow "I Want Candy" Hershey bar scissors case.

I will be able to keep my sharp, hair cutting scissors in here. Though I don't cut my own hair, I am known to trim my bangs every now and then. Yes, I still have bangs, though I no longer tease them!

Lost '80s Item

I know everyone remembers this jewelry accessory, right? 

I do, and I had so many of them in all different colors!

I went to a Christian elementary and middle school where we had to wear a uniform, but for some reason we were allowed to wear big earrings and jelly/gummy/rubber bracelets. 

The coolest girl in the school, Heather, started the trend. She used to wear all black gummy bracelets up and down her arm. And I so wanted to wear all black ones too, but they were always harder for me to find than the colored ones. So, I had a mixture of black, white, solid colored, neon, and glitter ones.

Didn't we think we looked cool too? I remember wearing them with every outfit I had and making designs with them, by taking two bracelets and weaving them together. 

And remember the gummy rings?

I had a few of those too. I don't think I could get one on my pinkie now let alone on my ring finger, but they were the cool thing to wear.

I see they are making a come back, along with other '80s items. I saw them recently at Target, WalMart, and even at Claire's in the mall. 

And being the '80s freak that I am I couldn't resist, so I picked myself up a pack of black ones. Take that Heather!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - 1981

Top Contemporary Christian Album from 1981.



Keith Green - He'll Take Care of the Rest

Another '80s craft

Here is another totally rad '80s craft from The Spotted Sparrow. 

Who doesn't love paper dolls, and '80s paper dolls are even better. She's even included a tutorial for this one. Click here to make your very own. I'll be posting pics of mine soon!

Thanks, Spotted Sparrow. You are totally boss!

She's Got Betty Davis Eye(s)

Yeah, I know. I should have made two eyes, especially now that I have two cats, but crafting four to five items a week for 10 weeks is not an easy task. That is why most of these projects are small, quick, and simple. But, I do have some pretty complicated & pretty awesome projects coming up, so stayed tuned!

My crocheted "Betty Davis Eye" cat toy came out pretty cute. Drusilla tried to play with it as I was stuffing it, so I know it will be a huge hit for both little kitties.

The '80s produced a plethora of great one hit wonders, including Betty Davis Eyes from Kim Carnes. I think Kim Carnes might have had a few other songs on the charts, and I know she sang in We Are the World, but none came close to this mega hit.

And when MTV started on August 1, 1981, this video was played all the time.

Here's a peek at some of the '80s other mega one hit wonders:

Porky's and other "dirty" '80s movies

How do you like my "Porky's" pig chip clip? I was originally going to make a felt pig pin, but I thought this was more appropriate. Plus, looking at that pig help keep me from opening up the chips!

As I was cutting out the felt pieces for my little pig I started to think about some of the "R" rated '80s movies. Compared to the movies that are being released today, these movies are so tame they could probably even be classified as PG-13.

I remember as a kid, I was never allowed to watch Porky's, Stripes, Caddyshack, or even Desperately Seeking Susan because of the language and/or nudity. Wow, how the times have changed. 

Just a few years ago we had NYPD Blue showing naked shower scenes, and now all of the shows on prime time use, pretty much, every dirty word in their dialogue. 

I wish we could go back to the time where TV and movies were just a tad dirty. Those were the funny movies and shows. Blatant sex and dirty language, to me, isn't funny, it's disgusting and completely unnecessary. 

What the movies need are better writers. No more like Seth Rogen, we need more like John Hughes!

Winter Wonderland

I just had to post a few pics from the big North Carolina snowstorm.

We don't get snow here very often, and definitely not this much, so this was a big thing.

This was the second snow day for everyone, so it was nice to get out and enjoy the snow. The kids have all been out of school, so they were taking advantage of the snow by sledding down the golf course! I tried to make a snowman, but the snow just wasn't right. :(

"Fame" ous door star tutorial

Did you ever dream of being famous, like the kids sang about in the television show, Fame? Well, now you can feel like a star with your very own "Fame"ous door star.

Materials:

Black and gold felt

Matching embroidery thread

Embroidery needle

Instructions

1. Trace a star pattern onto tracing paper and cut out pattern. I found mine here.

2. Using the star pattern as a template, cut one star out of black felt and a slightly smaller star out of gold felt.

3. Embroider or cut out felt letters for star's name. I traced "Fame" out of black felt.

4. Use a running stitch to sew name on gold star.

5. With embroidery thread, sew a little loop onto the back of black star for easy hanging.

6. Use a running stitch to sew gold star onto black star.

7. Hang your star on your bedroom door.

There you go! Now you have your very own gold star!

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© 2009 Missie Zee

Please remember that items made using my patterns and tutorials are for personal use only and can not be sold for profit. Thanks!

Puzzle: '80s Cartoons & Animated Shows

I hope you enjoy today's puzzle, '80s Cartoons & Animated Shows Word Jumble.

A few hints, after every space is a new word and all of the letters for each entry are jumbled together.

Puzzle

You can check your answers via the check answer key button under the puzzle.

Have Fun!

We're going to the Super Bowl!

Congrats to the Steelers - AFC Champs!!!

Pumpernickel Pickle

I don't know exactly how many people hide a pickle in their Christmas tree, but we always did. Well actually it was a giant cucumber, but I guess that, technically, still works since pickles are cucumbers, right?

Anyway, I realized that although I have dozens and dozens or Christmas ornaments, I don't have a pickle. So, I made myself my very own felt pickle. 

I prefer sweet gherkins to dill pickles, so here is my little sweet gherkin for next Christmas.

By the way, does anyone remember where "Pumpernickel Pickle" comes from? Need a hint? It was the magic word spoken to a genie in an '80s cartoon where little blue creatures lived in giant mushrooms and sang all day long. 

Yep, you guessed it. It was the Smurfs!

Lost '80s Item

Do you have an extra $3,000 just lying around? If so, why not pick up a 25th anniversary Brookstone Pac-Man cocktail table. 

This is super cool and reminds me of going to Pizza Hut on Friday nights!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - 1980

#1 Contemporary Christian song from 1980.

Don Francisco - Gotta Tell Somebody

Save Handmade Crafts

Please click on the cute softie button to read more about this totally absurd law that is going into effect on February 10! 

We now return to the '80!

Puzzle: Movies & Songs

Are you ready for your first '80s puzzle? I'll be posting one a week with different '80s themes. This week's theme is songs from movies. Have fun!

Match the song with the movie that it was featured in.

1. Up Where We Belong
2. Holiday Road
3. Into the Groove
4. In Your Eyes
5. Take My Breath Away
6. When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going
7. Don't You (Forget About Me)
8. I'm Alright
9. Glory of Love
10. Mind Over Matter
11. What a Feeling
12. Land of a Thousand Dances
13. Arthur's Theme
14. People Are Strange
15. The Heat is On

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     a. The Breakfast Club

     b. Summer School

     c. Arthur

     d. An Officer and A Gentleman

     e. Flashdance

     f. National Lampoon's Vacation

     g. Beverly Hills Cop

     h. The Karate Kid II

     i. The Jewel of the Nile

     j. Desperately Seeking Susan

     k. Top Gun

     l. The Lost Boys

    m. The Great Outdoors

     n. Say Anything

     o. Caddyshack

Find the answers to this puzzle here.

The Rose and the other huge hits of 1980!

It's not too hard to figure out what inspired this craft. Bette Midler' song, The Rose, has always been one of my favorite songs. It was also a huge hit in 1980. I remember a girl in my high school chorus class singing it one year at our concert, and she totally nailed it. 

I'm normally not a huge fan of Bette Midler, but I really do like this song. I have yet to see the movie though. I might have to use one of my free Blockbuster rentals for this one.

Let's take a look back at some of the Billboard Top 100 songs of 1980. How many are your favorites still to this day?

1. Call Me - Blondie
2. Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd
3. Magic - Olivia Newton John
4. Rock With You - Michael Jackson
5. Do That to Me One More Time - Captain and Tennille
6. Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
7. Coming Up - Paul McCartney
8. Funkytown - Lipps, Inc.
9. It's Still Rock and Roll to Me - Billy Joel
10. The Rose - Bette Midler
11. Escape (the Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
12. Cars - Gary Numan
13. Cruisin' - Smokey Robinson
14. Working My Way Back to You - The Spinners
15. Lost in Love - Air Supply

Want to hear more 1980 top 100 billboard tunes? Click on the music player below!

Our first '80s inspired craft

The Spotted Sparrow has joined the '80s craft-a-long with a super cute and totally '80s inspired set of "Friday I'm in Love" Valentines Day cards. I just love them!!!

Not only are they available in her Etsy shop, but she is also giving away a set on her blog. I've already entered to win a set. You can too, here.

I'll be posting pictures and links to all of the crafts throughout the craft-a-long, so keep the '80s crafts coming!!!

PacMan & Ghost Perler Bead Magnets Tutorial

Wow! I have two patterns/tutorials to share with you this week. This one is perfect for the little ones in your house, as it is super simple to make.

Materials

Perler beads in yellow and orange

Circle and square pegboards

Ironing paper

Iron

Magnets

Super glue

Instructions

1. Assemble your PacMan (on the circle pegboard)

And your ghost (on the square pegboard) - I used green beads so you can see the pattern better.

2. Follow instructions per the Perlerbeads website to fuse the beads.

3. Add glue to back of the magnet and press onto the back of each design. Let dry.

4. You now have your very own PacMan and Ghost refrigerator magnets!

If you have left over beads, why not make three more ghosts in red, pink, and blue for the entire PacMan set or maybe even a little Ms. PacMan. Enjoy!

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© 2009 Missie Zee

Please remember that items made using my patterns and tutorials are for personal use only and can not be sold for profit. Thanks!

1980 Events

I was only six in 1980, so I didn't pay too much attention to the events of that year. I was really surprised by some of the events, births, and deaths of the first year of the decade, especially the start of Post-It Notes!

You can even make yourself a cool Post-It Notes holder, like I did, from Jen Tapler Designs' super easy tutorial.

Events:

• Ronald Reagan is elected President.
• Post-It Notes are sold.
• CNN is first all news network.
• Mt. Saint Helens erupts, killing 60 people.
• Bill Gates licenses MS-DOS to IBM.
• US hockey team defeats Russia in the Winter Olympics.

Births:

• Alicia Keys
• Christina Ricci
• Jessica Simpson
• Macaulay Caulkin
• Christina Aguillera
• Jake Gyllenhall

Deaths: 

• John Lennon
• Colonel Sanders (KFC)
• Mae West
• John Bonham (Led Zepplin)
• Bill "Buckwheat" Thomas
• Peter Sellers

Welcome to Crafting Through the '80s!

Time to put on your oversized sweatshirts, acid washed jeans, jelly shoes, gummy bracelets, and Swatch watches (and don't forget to spray your hair with lots of Aqua Net), because we are traveling back to the '80s!

I will be posting, every day, for the next 10 weeks my '80s craft projects, as well as '80s facts, trivia, memories, and other fun '80s info.

I'll be covering each year as follows:

1980 - Jan. 12 - 18

1981 - Jan. 19 - 25

1982 - Jan. 26 - Feb. 1

1983 - Feb. 2 - 8

1984 - Feb. 9 - 15

1985 - Feb. 16 - 22

1986 - Feb. 23 - March 1

1987 - March 2 - 8

1988 - March 9 - 15

1989 - March 16 - 22

Feel free to play along as little or as much as you'd like. I'd love to read about your favorite '80s memories, see funny '80s pictures, and ooh and ahh over your totally awesome '80s crafts!

If you need some crafty '80s inspiration, check out my '80s craft link, or some '80s embroidery patterns here and here, or these super cute patterns.

If you do decide to play along, please leave me a comment on any of the posts, or shoot me an email with a link to your post. I'll be sure to add you to the '80s blogroll so everyone can see your rad posts.

I'll also be posting a new '80s quiz question every week for you to answer. This week's quiz is to name the actor that appears in all four films. Have Fun! And to those of you who played along with last week's question, the answer was "Sixteen Candles"!

Now onto my first '80s craft project. . .

I love '80s music! From hair bands to new wave to love songs, I can't get enough of '80s music. And my iPod can attest to that. I have several different '80s playlists on it including, "Slow Jams", "New Wave", and "All About the '80s". So, it was only fitting that I make an '80s iPod case.

If you've ever read my blog or seen my craft projects you know I tend to use a lot of felt. I like it because it is quick, easy, and cheap! This little iPod case cost me a whopping $0.60 and was finished in about 45 minutes.

Want to make one for yourself? Here is how you do it.

Materials

1 sheet of colored felt

felt scraps

matching embroidery thread

embroidery needle

Instructions

1. Cut two pieces of felt, the size of your iPod, and contrasting colored felt scraps for the bottom part of the cassette tape, the the part where the tape is wound, and the label. I used one sheet of pink felt for the case, grey felt scraps for the bottom part of the cassette and the back part of where the tape is wound, black felt for the notches, and white felt for the label, cassette reel, and center of tape.

2. Embroider four lines on the cassette reel (white circles on the tape).

3. Embroider your mix tape message on the label. I embroidered "I", "the", and "'80s" and then cut a heart out of red felt.

4. Use a running stitch to attach all of the pieces to the front of the iPod case and whip stitch the case closed. Don't forget to leave the top open for your iPod to slip in.

That's it! It's such a super simple project that you can make some for yourself, family, and friends. If you do decide to make some, please send me a link to your pictures. I'd love to see them!

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© 2009 Missie Zee

Please remember that items made from my patterns and tutorials are for personal use only and can not be sold for profit. Thanks!

Here Comes the '80s!

I am totally gearing up for the '80s craft-a-long! The blog just got a very '80s makeover, and I am just putting the finishing touches on some great '80s tutorials for this week.

Check back on Monday for the beginning of the craft-a-long, some fun tutorials, '80s trivia, and our first year, 1980!

Kitty Update

I am happy to update that my two little girls are finally starting to warm up to each other. 

Desdemona spends the evenings roaming around the house with Drusilla and sleeps very close to the bed (not on the bed yet, but probably soon).  She also slept on my lap last night and licked my hand, and then bit it! I think that is her way of kissing :)

I am still not comfortable enough to leave them alone together in the house while I am at work, because Drusilla is still hissing a little at her, especially when Desdemona swats at her tail. 

So, Desdemona is spending her days in the downstairs bathroom. I hope this can change next week. It will be a while lot easier for me than chasing Desdemona around the house every morning before work!

Want a button?

<a href="http://craftingwithcathair.blogspot.com/search/label/crafting%20through%20the%20%2780s%20info"> <center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/3148359986_d51105a76e_o.jpg" /></center></a>

Last minute craft-a-long ideas

Still trying to decide what to do for the '80s craft-a-long? 

Check out Tricia Rennea's totally awesome '80s stickers? They'd look great on your favorite pencil case or Trapper Keeper!

Or how about this super cute rocket ship pillow. You could snuggle with it while you watch the Great Space Coaster. 

Maybe you'd like to make an '80s fashion statement with some felted fingerless gloves.

Remember, you don't have to be a crafter to join in. You can blog about your favorite '80s memories too!

Are you ready for the '80s?

Monday (January 12) starts the crafting through the '80s craft-a-long. Are you getting ready to travel back to the '80s yet? I have been gearing myself up for the craft-a-long by listening to '80s music, watching '80s movies, and playing some '80s trivia. I got some pretty fun craft ideas this way.

And did you see my totally rad button from Reallifedesign?

Feel free to add it to your blog.

This week, I'll be working on my 1980 and 1981 posts plus revamping the blog, so I won't be blogging much. But to get you in the '80s mood, I've added an '80s movies music playlist and an '80s trivia question.

Enjoy and check back next week for the start of the '80s craft-a-long and 1980!

Project List

I find way too many cute and awesome craft projects that I just have to try, but that's what makes crafting fun! Hopefully most of these will be completed by the end of this year.

last updated: 11/23/09

Spring:
whale baby blanket (completed 3/19/09)

breakfast club (completed 2/9/09)

unicorn pattern (completed 1/23/09)

made in the '80s (completed 1/18/09)

tile coasters (completed 1/17/09)

Summer:
bulletin board (completed 5/18/09)

pom pom garland (completed 5/24/09)

decoupaged letters (completed 5/24/09)

Fall/Halloween:

dangly spider picture

pennant rubber stamp

black cat pillows

batkin rings

bunting (completed 9/6/09)

felt table runner

easy halloween banner (completed 7/27/09)

autumn embroidery

little pink house (completed 11/1/09)

feather wreath (completed 7/18/09)

night & day wrap

Winter/Christmas:
5 Christmas stockings (wip - 2 of 5)

winter village

winter village #2

pet portrait cards

fabric headboard

holly gift tags

red & white tablecloth

tea towel crocheted edging

fleece throw

advent calendar

townhouse gift boxes

crocheted headboard

crocheted pillow

hooded cowl

felt garland

cape with shell

one hour softie

tealight holder

fabric wreath

All Seasons:

patchwork pillow

dollhouse potholders

stickers (completed 1/27/09)

bag toppers (completed 3/6/09)

record player card (completed 5/24/09)

guitar bag

computer table revamp

tooth pillow

home sweet home birdhouse
cake stand

bird coin purse

water bottle tags

fabric basket

felt pillows

fleece scarf

embroidered clock

Welcome 2009 and a new fur baby!

Drusilla and I spent the new year welcoming a new fur baby into our house.

Say hello to Desdemona! She is such a pretty little calico kitty. And don't you just love her new pink, teacup shaped princess bed? I do, plus I got it super cheap!

My vet said she would have been disappointed if I had not picked another unusual name. Hee Hee! And as an English/British Lit major, I just had to choose the name of a character from my favorite Shakespearean tragedy.

I had been planning on adopting a second cat sometime later on this year, but Desdemona had a different plan. She showed up on my doorstep one cold night, and I just had to take her in.

Drusilla is welcoming her into the house too, by hissing at her under the door and sticking her paw in her face. Let's hope this is just temporary.

I am trying to do exactly what the vet and everyone else has told me to do, by keeping them separated for at least a week and then slowly easing them together. There has been a little hissing under the door, so I don't think they are ready to play with each other just yet, but I am confident that they will, eventually, become best buddies.

New Year's Resolutions

I know this time of the year everyone makes tons of New Year's resolutions, many of which are never kept. I am no exception. I always make several resolutions that are usually broken or forgotten by February. But this year, I really want that to be different.

For the past several months we have all heard that this is the year for "change". Well, I am going to jump on that bandwagon. No, not "THAT" bandwagon, but the "change" bandwagon.

So, my new year's resolution is, change. I am going to change my habits, behaviors, and my way of thinking. I am going to think less negative thoughts and more positive ones. I am going to attend church more regularly and get involved in community activities. I am going to think less of myself and more about helping people less fortunate. 

Don't get me wrong, like everyone I'd like to lose a few pounds and work out more. But this year, instead of focusing 100% on my outward appearance, I will focus 100% on my inward character. That is what truly matters after all.

Matthew 5:3-12

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, 

for they will be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, 

for they will inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 

for they will be filled. 

Blessed are the merciful, 

for they will be shown mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, 

for they will see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, 

for they will be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, 

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.