Something new we started this year was a Jesse Tree.  After wavering for several years over whether or not this was a tradition I wanted to start in our family, Ann Voskamp settled my mind.  If you have never visited her site, you are in for a treat! 

I made this bag for a friend, using a bag my sister-in-law made for me several years ago as a guide.  Not being nearly as quick as some of these gals (not to mention, not nearly as talented!), it took me nearly a week to make. 

When I was finished, I used the scraps to whip out these bags.

To dispel the myth that I've been smitten with the blogging blues, I thought I'd show just a few of the things that I've been spending my time on.

 The first is our Advent Wreath.  After 10 years of celebrating Advent in our family, I finally tackled the job of creating our wreath.  We have used various things, but I have always wanted something festive & made of Evergreen branches.  So after several trips to the craft store, I finally came up with this: