Made it Myself Monday: Some Handmade Holiday LOVE

So this is what I finished last week:



Eco-Friendly Owl Handbag: Recycled sweater, rescued handle, recycled inner facing and splurged on the new gorgeous Amy Butler fabric.. from a great local shop.

Because shopping local is important too.

Used again, here:


The purse ensemble: check book, tissue holder ( thanks, Cassi) cosmetic bag, and change purse.
( modified, but inspired by Kerry)...

Rose hat, tutu, and wings (modified from the Halloween tutorial from Threadbanger) ..

Did I have fun making all this stuff? You bet I did!

Yes Virginia, Handmade Holiday is worth it. Really Worth It.

But, I better go get cracking on this weeks to do list! I have about 10 more people to make for!
and if I am baking that is about a person a day!

Giddy-up.

WIP Wednesday: The Panic Sets In....

(Spoiler Alert: Family: It is time for you to stop reading the blog from now until Xmas,
unless you want your surprises ruined.)

Here at Bitter Betty Industries,
all handmade gifts are kitten tested for comfort and durability.

okay.. I am about ready to start day-drinking.

Hanukkah started last night...candle free here. Ran out of candles.. didn't have time to hunt down the menorah. If I find it tonight that will be the miracle of the lamp, 2007 style.



I am very nearly done with my Hanukkah gifts for my husband's side of the family. We exchange all in one night, Saturday, this year. I have to make wings for a dress up costume, sew a hat to a birdie's head, press and detail a purse ensemble ( matching tissue holder, cosmetic bag, coin purse and checkbook cover). And then wrap everything and pack it for a plane trip. Only one gift not handmade.
Handmade for my Father in Law turned out to be a hurdle I couldn't jump.

My side... The vastly huger side, still isn't even started. ( Yes, I know 'huger' ( say: huge- r) isn't a word, but sometimes I roll like that ... you know, like, illiterate.) I think I know what I want to make for everyone, which is good... But the list is long and varied.
It will be a very action packed next few weeks.

Last year I told myself I was going to start in January. Make a few gifts a month and then by December just cookies and decorating... What the Hell Happened to That Plan?

I went to get some supplies at Micheal's and Target (of all places) and had a panic attack just being in the stores. It is bugging me a little how much I am buying to make presents. It is supposed to be simpler, less impact on the planet, a better idea.. But I am still shopping quite a bit. It feels ironic, not funny ironic... more like, hypocritical ironic.

Busy Busy Busy.. Consume Mass Quantities... bigger, Better, Faster, Brighter,
More, More, More.

I need to soothe my soul. I need to breathe.
I need Inner Peace on Earth.

Next year I am going to be less like Betty and More Like Lenore.

Tomorrow, I promise: Less Woe.. More HoHoHo.

Tutorial Tuesday: Mexican Hot Chocolate

1) Buy Mexican hot chocolate tablets at the store. Ibarra, Don Gustavo, Montezuma.. they are all great.
Go to a Mexican Groceria if you need to. It will be worth it. Not available in your area? email me. You really should try this. Mexican chocolate has cinnamon in it! You won't get the same experience if you just sprinkle cinnamon on it ... Go Authentic.

2)Heat milk to nearly boiling.


3) Put 2 "pie slices" per cup of milk into your blender and then pour in the hot milk. Not sure how many cups you have? well pour the milk first.. the blender should have measurements on the side. You really need to blend this. It gets frothy and so tasty.

4)Blend for a minute or so..

5) Add marshmallow.. I like the big ones but the minis are okay too.

6)Drink hearty and give yourself a chocolate moustache.