Let's Make Cotton Ball Garlands + Visits from Fairies & Snippets of Life

I was putting up my plushie white tree, thinking, I would love a white felt ball type garland with just a tinge of color here and there.  I immediately thought about taking cotton balls and wrapping embroidery floss around them...

        

I went to my stash, pulled out some delicious colors...

        

And, before you knew it, I was smiling from ear to cotton ball loving ear...

   

So, here are a few tips in case you want to make your own.  I used extra large cotton balls for my garland...

        

Then, I cut a piece of embroidery floss that was about 26" long.  You can use any length you want really.  But I found 26" a good length for going round and round to my liking...

Make sure you leave about 3 - 4 inches of extra thread at the end (like a tail), so you can tie your ball when you are done.

   

Then simply start rolling your cotton ball up, round and round in all directions.  Making sure not to tie up your 3" tail.

   

When you are almost at the end of your thread, simply tie the end piece up, with the 3" tail you left at the beginning.

You will have a little knot on the top now, where you tied the ends together (make sure to double or triple knot it).

        

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you are going to string your cotton balls onto thread to make a garland, you will not be able to insert a needle through the center of the cotton.  It will be too dense.  You must insert your needle underneath your knot, like so...

   

Then simply trim the tails off.

What is extra fun about stringing these under the knot, through the top of your cotton balls, is that you have the option of sliding them close together and they will alternate directions all by themselves...

        

You can also choose not to string them up on a garland, and hang them like berries instead...

        

Or do both ;)

I hope you try these, they are so much fun, and so easy, and so fulfilling to make.

Now, in the fairy news realm.  Some of my beloved fairies are showing their faces this birthday season BIG TIME!  So much so, that I cried bliss and touched to the core tears today, as I quite felt like today was my birthday (even though it's on Friday).

You see, there are these two crafty and artsy fairies, who are super talented, and whose work I see every day in my house...

Krista Komis, together with her lovely Mom Sandy (I love Mom and Dot teams, don't you ?) Have a business called Komis Couture, and they make things like -

        

   

They added huge amounts of magic to Halloween Day with the parcel below.  Did I mention Krista and Sandy make incredible jewelry??  I know.  Amazing.

   

Can you believe that cameo piece?  I am in love with it. 

These girls are so lovely and kind.  They have such giving hearts, and I could never ever express what my and Mister Lovee's faces look like, when we open one of their packages. 

So, you can imagine how I felt yesterday when I opened a box filled with this, and it was from Miss Krista and Miss Sandy...

   

Pinch me!  Swoooon.

Of course, I won't peek at all (and that is the truth, I am good at being patient) until Friday.  I can't wait!!

I feel a bit greedy, but mostly I feel lucky ;)

        

As I was showing Mister these goodies this morning, we heard the dogs go bonkers because Fed-ex was visiting us...

With a great big box of fresh cut dream boats sent by a fairy who I was friends with via the virtual world, before she started blogging.  Her name?  Why, it's Roo (of  Roo's Tree house) of course! (never mind my handwriting done with my mouse ;)

        

Roo is a really special soul.  So special in fact, that you have to e-mail her to believe it ;)  She is clever beyond this planet and on to the next.  She is so so special.  When we first became friends, we talked about things we both love. 

Including bunnies in the sky.  So, I made this for her ages ago, because it really epitomizes what she is like.

  

Bunnies really do appear in the sky in Roo's world.  And they stay for tea, and they tell long tales ;)

I am one who adores words, kind gestures & positive vibes. Those elements are gifts in themselves.  So I am always blown away to actually receive parcels in the mail.  It is icing on the good vibes cake.

I am so, so touched.

        

Thank you doesn't feel sufficient.

So, Mister (as well as I) shed a couple real tears, as an effect of how touched we were.  And he didn't even make me delete this.  ♥ (wipes tears with a hanki...)

      

I shared with him too, btw. 

   

So this morning, with a heart full of joy and thankfulness, I set out to bake.  This mornings eggs were so stunning.  The yolks were enormous, and the shells, so thin with such glorious bisque tones...

   

I made oatmeal, raisin and pecan cookies.  I used giant oats Mister gets at the natural grocery store, so pretty.  These cookies are so outrageous.  You know how every so often, you bake something, and the brown sugar and butter caramelizes just ever so perfectly?

Well, that was today's cookie luck.  I sent cookies to my dear sweet Yodi and Mandy at my old job, and to my friend Dick and his Mom.  My friend Dick (Mister Lovee's friend for 30+ years, and band mate) stops by at least once a week.  He sings like a bird, and is so kind.  I video tape him all the time, and have yet to share.  So, we piddled on the piano a little today and then he was off, cookies in hand...

       

I looked through the photos from Luminaria Nights, where I was with my family this past weekend.  I loved this shot driving down there.  There is a HUGE tree that sits atop a mountain, and I couldn't get a clear shot, but I do quite love this...

        

It was so cold.  I had to buy shoes because my heels were hurting from my feet being so frozen.  We found a little thrift shop (so random) and I got hearty walking shoes for 6 bucks.  Dad paid, and then hollered, "Happy birthday My Love."  He did this loudly, so that all the gals in the shop heard him and giggled madly...  Real funny ;)

   

Lovely shops and galleries...

Then we saw Santa, of course ;)

   

We had the most unreal dinner at Melio's and lights lights lights...

   

Then I reveled today in watching Mister and the pup playing and chasing each other around (Mister is on the floor too, but you can't see him).

        

I sipped coffee made in my coffee press, and watched birdlings fly around...

       

While other winged creatures taunted each other, and practiced karate moves on one another...

        

I was mesmerized by ice formations in the garden.

   

And then, I spent a huge amount of time in Mister Lovee's man chair (of the reclining variety, yes, we have one of those), cuddling with my heart's love of all loves.

Poopsie of my madly in love heart (otherwise known as Matty Matisse).  Although, today we played Little Women, and he had to be the youngest ;) (Do you think he will forgive me for this?)

       

I am so in love with this furry baby.  Canoodling with him is like, like, like.  I don't know.  Free creamy endless, delicious hot chocolate coming out of the tap or something... 
 

 -I just ran outside to give my friend cookies, and guess what she said?  "Ummm, that is some ensemble you got on there, my friend."  Then we both giggled. 

What a funny little day.

A funny little day indeeeeed.

Let me know if you make cotton ball garlands.  I have photos to share of folks who made clothespin dolls and fused plastic.  So much fun I tell ya.

See you super soon.  I am about to fire myself from this blog if I keep inundating you with these long posts, goodness!

 

♥ ,V

ps:  I have listened to this on repeat for two weeks now.  I just adore Carol of The Bells, and performed this way make me so delighted.  Those steel drums make my knees wobbly.  I looove them!

Comments

[Theresa]

Hi Vanessa! What an inventive use for cotton balls - they really look festive. :) Maybe I'll try it sometime.
Have a wonderful birthday tomorrow - you've had such a lovely birthday week so far and I hope the rest of it is lovely, too.
Your sweet puppy is so adorable...how CUTE he is in his Little Women bonnet. I think my pup would have pawed it off within seconds.
Carol of the Bells is my favorite holiday carol. I am going to check out the link you posted.
Have a great rest of the evening!!! :)
Theresa

[Kylee]

V~

Oh I wish I had those cookies right about now.. :-) And little Maddie...and her bonnett...too cute for words. I love love love those flowers above.

Happy Birthday week to you. I can't wait to try out the cotton ball garland!!

[A Forest Frolic]

Matty Mattise is sooooo freakin cute V, tee hee! Those gals are just sweet as can be aren't they ;) I just love that Roo, always thinking of others! Happy early birthday again..sounds like a lovely week so far, yay! Love the cotton ball garland too. We just made one yesterday with pom pom and tinsel in red, green and white and hung it in the doorway to the kitchen. Big hugs...

Jamie :)

[shari]

LOVED the carol of the bells by manhattan steamroller!!! boy, you could get lost there in utube-land listening to all the carol of the bells renditions! and the computerized lights! i do so love your blog and wish you such a very merry birthday week!! thanks for sharing your lovely, full of fun, creative, playful self with us!! you bring smiles to me almost every day. thank you!

[Teresa in California]

Puppy is growing! So cute!
Your cookies look so scrumptious! The photos of the jewelry are to die for! I can't help putting exclamation points after everything!
Sounds like you are having an extra special birthday week! The roses are amazing, I especially love the soft, orange colored ones. You have such sweet friends. Would love to see the photos of the fused plastic bags and the clothes pin dollies.
Lots of hugs and best wishes for a very Happy Birthday! XXOO

[Kim]

Vanessa:

What a colorful and fabulous birthday soul you have. You never cease to amaze me with your positive attitude and loving eyes. You see good in most all things and can make the best of all situations! How I envy that....

Matty is delicious, (and so is Baby). Enjoy the puppy days, as they are the sweetest of all times.

Have a great Birthday week with Mr. and the rest of your family:

Kim
Gerushis'a New World

[FairRosamund]

Love the cotton ball garlands! I will have to give that a try :) Hope you are having a wonderful birthday time! Lovely roses and treats that you got!

[Sarah]

I love your long posts and the way you leap from one thing to another. It always makes a you kind of sense! Love the cotton ball garlands-so clever! I have been trying those Hama beads recently that I only just discovered. THey are another fused plastic activity which is fun! I have been making camels! I love that photo you took on your journey-beautiful effect of the movement! Happy Birthday for tomorrow.Lovely flowers!

[Aymee]

Thank you for sharing such wonderful things! Matty is (extra) adorable in the hat, I had to laugh! Happy Birthday!!!

[Joanne Archer]

Love your blog Vanessa, but your post about the cookies and your friend coming over made me laugh. "We piddled on the piano.." In England "piddled" means peed!

[Joanne Archer]

Sorry, forgot to wish you Happy Birthday.

[Maria-Thérèse]

"(Mister is on the floor too, but you can't see him)."

Now this is almost TOO much.
He can turn invisible?
Your dog is clearly looking at him and I can't see him. Did you do that?

;) :D

[Lisa]

So love the doggy in a bonnet. Too cute! I can't stop laughing at the look in his eyes. It just says "I'm doing this because I love her and for no other reason"
Lovely! Lovely! Lovely!

[ittybittyandpretty]

hippo birdie two ewes!

great post, your photos are the bomb

%*_*%

[Maggi]

That cotton ball idea is wonderful! Happy early birthday, so glad the Post Faeries have been generous this year! :D

[Vickie]

Love the puppy! The cookies look yummy!!! There once was a little fairy who had so much to say that my head whirled away! But she's such a sweet fairy, that once I find my head, I'll be back!

[linnea-maria]

What an great idea! I will share this tip to my little stepdaughter, to make for her christmas tree. Have a wonderful day And happy birthday to you! /linnea-maria

[Laura]

My Red Hot friends and I got together for our holiday get together. We made little gift bags from your tutorial - fusing plastic bags together! Of course, they asked where I came up with that idea, and I told them about your blog! Thanks for the idea - it was fun. Pictures later today on my blog.

[Tristan Robin]

wonderful gifts - adorable dog! - lovely town tour - cute garland - and another fabulous post. I am always transported to a more beautiful place when I read your posts.

[Deborah]

Oh My Magical One, this is so fabulous, so stuffed to the brim with beauty, love, simplicity, everything essential in life. I know not where to begin to comment!!! Rhonda Roo, Oh that girl! De-Lovely!! Fur Baby as the little sister...swoon worthy. Ice in the bird bath-best shot ever. You are pure MAGIC. You are JOY. You are warmth and light on a cold winter day. God danced the day you were born. Have I told you lately how much I adore you. All of my love, Deb

[Erin Prais-Hintz]

So clever and fun.
Thanks for sharing, dear!
Wishing you a bright cheery day with endless sunshine. If you want some really fluffy-ness maybe I can pack up a dump truck and have it shipped to your front lawn?!? It is cold here!
Enjoy the day!
xo
Erin

[Suz]

I feel a deep sweet resonance in your imagery! Who wouldn't? a glimpse into a soul who's living a creative, authentic life is, for me, like listening to angel's giggle :) Abondonment of ego, embracing the moment in which we are forever truly free! So glad I found you! Thanks!
Suz

[Ariane Cagle]

Wishing you a wonderful birthday! I have you have an enchanting day.

[Denise]

Hi Vanessa I love your cotton ball ornaments and your Boho Retreat! Reminds me of my flower power hippie style I had in 70's(my mother would go bezerk finding me standing on my head..yoga!)Wish I could live outside!? Pooch is adorable! Cece won't let me dress her up like my previous divas dogs in past.I don't know what the stars are up to concerning my brother and I as far as our artwork! Your not going to believe this a gallery in Washington State called The Art and Soul Gallery just bought 3 of my pieces and wants more?!! I think you cast a lucky spell on us both! Sooo curious which piece you picked out...Send sprinkles in Jan having surgery..playing Dr.game... its the only way to see things as a child... whimsy doc!

[Deborah]

Oh My Royal Gypsy, I just watched the video link to the music and D E V I N E! Best arrangement ever. You find all the best stuff! **blows kisses** Deb

[Vanessa]

We love your long posts...They are so jam packed full of fanciful goodness and sunshine! Thank you! Awww...little Matty all decked out and looking so demure. He clearly loves his Mama very much! Happiest birthday wishes to you tomorrow...may many fairies come to visit.
....from another Vanessa

[Marjorie]

Oh My!! I think you may have out done yourself this time Miss Fancifulest of all Dearies! :) Cottonball garlands, delicate ice crystals, Christmas wanderings, adorable pups, dainty eggs, pretty parcels, Bunny cloudlings AND roses!?? Oh sigh....what a loverrrrly time!! :)

[Alia]

I just happened to have the materials to make the cotton ball garland so I gave it a whirl and it looks so sweet hanging with my Christmas lights. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas!
ps. happy almost birthday!

[Birdie]

I so enjoy your long posts. Really nice visits with you!

[sadira]

Happy Happy Birthday Dear One...

[kate]

I love coming to your blog, Miss V, and being reminded of all the magic still in the world, and the joy that's hiding in little things and which we only find if we remember to look for it. Plus you have cute puppy pictures. ;o)

It's already Friday where I am, so I'll wish you a wonderful, magical birthday.

Also, I forgot to comment on any of the posts, but I loved the tour of your houses and the gypsy garden. Every time you've posted pictures showing little bits of those spaces I've always wondered what the rest of the room looked like.

[Paris Parfait]

Such delights, charming creatures and farolitos! xoxox

[Lavender Dreamer]

A post full of magical treats for all of us! I love your garland idea...fun to make and enjoy! Love all the photos of fun you are having and a glimpse of your world! Happy holidays to you! Happy Birthday, sweet friend!

[Cindi aka oldblackcatboo]

An early - Happy Birthday!
and thank you, thank you for being you and creating these wonderful magical posts. I've been wanting to paint my floors white forever, I love my pets above almost everything else and I love to look at things in a mystical different way. I live in a world where everyone wants to buy their furniture in "sets" and prefer carpet over pet-friendly surfaces. I just had a good friend call some of my things "junk" and I was feeling so burned out and isolated until I sat down at the computer...thanks so much for sharing your wonderful creative thoughts!

[GG Pinkster]

Choirs of Colors, Congratulations on another birth year - like silk milk from the sun. Good day and baking so sweet, tap, tap, tap, with dancing feet... celebrate as the sentries cry-
"Happy Birthday Vanessa Queen of Beauty and Golden Hair!"
The goblet and garnet the birds homing in flight,
May the eve of your birthday joyfully summon your coming year forward tonight.

Cheers and Blessings-

[Krista Komis]

Ooooo V. your pictures are always the bestest! Aaand you deserve all the birthday cupcakes and fairy dust and pretty things a girl could ever dream of! I'm glad you like the presents..you're being so good not peeking! *If I'm ever anywhere near birthday gifts I might just sneak a peek...heehee* Oooh I can't believe tomorrow's the big day!! Woohoo! Thanks again for sharing, it made my day! xoxoxox

Yay birthdays! :)

[kj]

dear vanessa, first off, how could i not come here after reading deb's tribute to you, her beloved magical friend?

then, i see that your blog and magic and camera and passion is all here in this post.

and, finally, milo will be flying out to you tomorrow. he is glad to be coming but please comfort him if needed since his parting with roweena rabbit has been difficult.

oh, and one more thing: about how happy you make deborah and what a good friend you are to her: what could be more important in life than bringing joy to someone loving and loved....

nice to make your acquaintance, ms. v. if you're so inclined, please feel free to stop by my place anytime.

love
kj

[Rosy Revolver]

I am pretty new as a follower, but am just in love with your aesthetic, writing, and creativity. This garland is such a lovely idea! One that my young son can help me with, too, and inexpensive, and so festive! Does it get better? I think not.

Also wanted to tell you that I was so happy to see your photography in Artful Blogging magazine.

Wishing you a very merry christmas!

xoxo

[Shell]

Early Happy Birthday wishes, Vanessa.
I know you will have day filled with magic, love and all the sweet treats you can eat.
I do love the cotton balls..i can see my cat Mabel doing her best to jump on them.

[Queen of Dreamsz at dream kingdom]

Hello Vanessa,

I read through the "blogvine" that you are celebrating a birthday...Have a lovely day and make all kinds of wishes! ;0)

I love, love the cotton ball garland...so simple and so many threads you could use! Thanks for sharing that.

Have a great day,
Stephanie

[meretgarden]

Here from Deborahs. Happy Birthday. LOVE your blog!

[LiLi M.]

Happy happy birthday to you Miss Vanessa!
Hoping you will have a lot of presents, a bit of magic and a great party with lots and lots of cupcakes today! Enjoy!

[Godeliva from Ariadone]

Hello Vanessa, I've been here before. And now Deborah from Midlife Poet really got my attention because she told in her post that you have your birthday. So Heel Hartelijk Gefeliciteerd= Very much dear congratulations to you. And I think your long post here is really nice. As far as I can see you are a fanciful young woman and I understood that MILO will visit you too ? He has been in The Netherlands with me, so if you like you can find him on my blog.
Have a very nice day today.
Godeliva van Ariadone

[Misha/DawaiOser]

Yay! Another entry from one of my favorite people. LOVE THEM/LOVE YOUR WORDS/IDEAS! Please don't fire yourself from long blog entries...or any at all actually because it keeps the rest of us inspired, laughing and sane.

The luminarias/lights in your Christmas town are gorgeous...*le sigh & wow*.

[amy faldet]

Happy Birthday dear light being. I am happy to celebrate you on my blog today and let you know that light lovers and kind hearts all over Bloglandia are glad you love to create and live a beautiful life...
Blessed days to you and thank goodness you, too, understand that life is such a treat and a Fanciful Twist from Amy

[Casiopea]

With Christmas, your lovely blog is the most magical blog in the world... I love the way the cotton suddenly gets in to a beautiful Xmas decoration. And the flowers... Well as I told you... Pure magic!

[Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio & The Comforts of Home]

Happy Birthday!

[SueAnn]

Happy Birthday honey!!! This is my wish for you!
http://wwwsueann.blogspot.com/2009/12/happy-birthday-vanessa.html
Have a super day!! Week even!!! Keep on partying!!!
Hugging you
SueAnn

[SueAnn]

And now to your post we go....what scrumptious cookies!! I like the big oat flakes as well!! Thanks so much for the tour of the Christmas village...Santa is awesome!!! You know...you are just so precious!!!!!!! Loved the pic of pup!! His hat is too too much!
Hugging you
SueAnn

[Louise]

Dear Vanessa,

Wishing you a day full of magical wishes…

Happy Birthday!

Louise