New Year's Blessings!

 

Blessings to you all as we begin 2014!

 

From your friends at Fiddle & Frog

 

A Holiday Message

Greetings Friends!

 

Here at Fiddle & Frog, we're taking a break from working to spend some time with those we love.  Hopefully you're able to do the same.  We'll still be busy though, assembling and playing with the new handmade (!) gifts the little ones have received.  Best wishes to you and your families as you celebrate.

 

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

 

 



Cowgirl Birthday Party = FUN!

Hi Friends,
First, my apologies for not posting very regularly.  My goal is weekly, but sometimes even that doesn't happen.  It is one of my resolutions for 2014 to be more consistent with blogging!

On another note, I threw my oldest a cowgirl birthday party this past weekend...and it was a blast!  I thought I'd share some pics of the fun.  (Thanks to Pinterest for some of the ideas!)

 

The birthday cowgirl!  Cannot believe she's already four years old!

We had a photo booth (made from a large box!). 
I made props...see below for a great shot of the birthday cowgirl and Grandma!

The General Store!  Every guest received a small packet of play money when they arrived,
and the got to 'shop' for goodies (including treats and tiny toys) - gotta love dollar stores!

Refreshments at the 'Watering Hole'...decorations included tiny straw bales, horses and cowboy hats, burlap and bandanas.  Pretty easy, really, once I had the idea!

The cake and party favors.  Yes - it's actually a doll inside that cake!  Tons of frosting, but really yummy! 
(I did not make this cake...it came from a great bakery in Appleton WI!)

Gold Mine = messy fun!  The kiddos dug for gold coins in a box of sawdust.  So simple, but turned out pretty fun.

 

I had loads of fun planning and preparing for this party.  Probably went a little overboard, but I think every kid deserves a great party to celebrate their birthday!

Thanks for reading!

Kristin at Fiddle & Frog

Our Advent Calendar

Hi Friends!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Ours was great!  So good to see lots of family and have some yummy food.

I can't believe it's already December...and since it is, it's time to begin our Advent Calendar.  I made ours from felt and a bunch of holiday fabric scraps.

 

Close-up of pockets

 

 Underneath each number is a pocket.  For the last couple of years, I filled each pocket with treats and small presents.  This year, I found this great felt nativity set at a craft store (for like $1!), so I'll be dividing up the pieces and the girls will add a part of the nativity scene each day.

 

 

What are some of your ideas for Advent Calendars?  I've seen so many cute ones on Pinterest and elsewhere...I'd like to do a new idea each year!

Have a crafty day!

~Kristin at Fiddle & Frog~

Happy Thanksgiving! (plus Tube Turkeys)

Hi Friends!

With Thanksgiving only one day away, and a crowd of people coming over to help us celebrate, we thought it'd be fun to share a super easy and really cute craft with you. 

 

Tube Turkeys HOW TO:  All you need to make your own little turkey is a cardboard tube (from toilet paper, etc.), assorted colors of construction paper, a glue stick, scissors and a crayon (for the eyes). 

 

1.  Cut out a number of multi-colored tail feathers (I did six, then my oldest decided she needed both pinks on hers...do any number you like.)  Also cut out two feet, a beak and a wattle.  Cut a brown piece of construction paper into a rectangle to fit around the tube, with a little overlap.

2.  Draw eyes on the brown rectangle, about one inch from the top, and centered from side to side.  (The eyes on the turkey on the right are there...they're pink, so they don't show up very well!)

3.  Glue one short end of the brown rectangle onto the cardboard tube, then roll the rest of the paper around the tube and secure with glue (trim if needed so you don't cover up your eyes!)   Glue the wattle onto the brown rectangle about one inch below the eyes.  Bend the back side of the beak and glue it on top of the wattle (so it sticks out).  Add the feet to the bottom of your tube and fold them out (in the picture, our feet have about 1/2" additional orange paper glued inside our tube). 

4.  Add the feathers!  Any arrangement is fine...just glue them on to the back of your turkey.

5.  Enjoy!  Maybe a cute centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table?  We also did come coloring work, so these will probably be displayed on the fridge tomorrow :)

 

 

We wish you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving...

please take the time to enjoy and appreciate one another!

 

~Your friends at Fiddle & Frog~

 

 

Why I Insist on Making Things More Challenging During the Holidays

Hi Friends!
Each year as the holiday season approaches, I think to myself "Maybe I'll just buy the Christmas gifts I need to give this year and save myself some time."  Save time making my own gifts, that is.  Save time brainstorming that 'perfect' gift for each person on my list and save time running around town looking for supplies.  (It adds up to a lot of time.)

But then I remember why I give handmade gifts:  it's like giving a little piece of myself.  I have spent hours (sometimes HOURS) on a gift, and that is time I can never get back.  I do it because it's my way of showing someone how much they mean to me.  I take great pride in my craftiness, and I love sharing what I've made.  I love giving gifts that my family and friends will remember from year to year, instead of the gift that goes directly into the closet after Christmas and is never seen (or thought of) again.  What better way to show someone you care than by coming up with an original project just for them?

So, although it takes me a lot of time and sometimes frustration during the already busy holiday season, I insist each year on making most or all (if possible) of my holiday gifts.  It's usually a challenge that I begin in late summer.  But to be honest...I love it!  I love coming up with new ideas each year, and figuring out how I can make what I've come up with.  It's a blessing to me to be able to use my always-active-creative mind for this purpose.

So this year, why not give handmade to your family and friends?  You don't have to go as crazy as I do, making things for everyone on your list, but maybe just start with one person.  I think you'll be glad you took the time to make something yourself.  Or, if you are totally not into being crafty yourself, maybe you can find a local crafty person that can help you out.  Here's hoping for a little more handmade going around the holiday season!

Have a crafty day!
~Kristin~ at Fiddle & Frog

Happy Halloween!

Hi Friends,
Happy (belated) Halloween!  While we aren't as into this holiday as some people, the girls do dress up each year.  The bonus is that they end up with a fun dress up costume for later in the year!  Here's a little peak at my two ladies for Halloween 2013.

Here's a couple of oldies, just because.  :)

Have a crafty day! 

Don't forget to visit us at the Mayo Employees Craft Show on November 16 at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, MN, or online at www.etsy.com/shop/FiddleandFrog.

The Holidays...They Are A-Comin'!

Hi Friends!

That's right...the holidays (meaning Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) are right around the corner, and we've been busy whipping up some delightful holiday merchandise!  Here's a peek at what we've been working on.  (By the way, you can purchase some of your own holiday goodies at the upcoming Spring Valley Holiday Craft Show in Spring Valley, MN on October 26 - 9am to 3pm.  We'll be there!)

 

P.S. - Don't forget to use your Etsy coupon code online

for 10% off your order!  Offer good through October 31st, 2013. 
www.etsy.com/shop/FiddleandFrog
Enter FALL 2013 at checkout!

Mitten Pillow

Snowman Pillow

Quilty Totes



Quilty Ornaments

Clothespin Ornaments - Elf, Angel, Santa

Happy crafting!

 

Your friends at Fiddle & Frog



New & Improved Etsy Shop! (PLUS: coupon code for you!!!)

Hi friends!

 

Although it's only October, it's not too early to start thinking about Christmas.

For this reason, we've updated and added to our Etsy shop,

and we're offering you, our loyal readers, a special discount!

(Make sure to read all the way to the end of this post for your coupon code!)

 

Here's a sneak peak at some of the new items we've listed.

 

 

Want to see more?  Check out www.etsy.com/shop/FiddleandFrog

 

Be sure to enter the coupon code FALL2013

when you check out to receive 10% off of your order!

 

(Coupon code valid through October 31, 2013 only.)

Fun with Leaves

Hi Friends!

Looking for some fun crafts to try with the abundance of lovely leaves and other natural supplies out there?  We've been busy collecting and pressing, and today we finally got to get crafty with our autumn collection!  Check out what we made:

Leaf fairy and doggie friend.  Woof!

Classic!  Waxed paper leaf art. 
These'll definitely be hanging up somewhere...so pretty!

Leaf rubbings.
 

We wanted to do some splatter painting with the leaves too, but ran out of time for today.  Maybe tomorrow!  There are so many fun things you could make with leaves and the other natural stuff we collected...what are some of your creative fall crafts?

That's all for now...see you soon!

Your friends at Fiddle & Frog

Clothespin Doll & Bag GIVEAWAY!!!

Hi Friends!

We're so excited to be hosting our first Giveaway! 

Enter for your chance to win this cute clothespin doll

and carry bag!

 

 

How to enter: 

Just go to our facebook page at www.facebook.com/FiddleandFrogCrafts

and leave a comment for us including the word 'autumn'. 

 

We'll randomly draw a winner on Sunday, October 6,

and we'll contact the winner via Facebook. 

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

UPDATE:  CONGRATULATIONS TO CHERYL L. FROM ARIZONA...THE WINNER OF OUR CLOTHESPIN DOLL GIVEAWAY!

 

Apple Fun

Hi Friends!

Apples are plentiful right now, so we decided to share a couple of our favorite ways to use 'em. 

* Go apple picking!

 

 * Paint with apples!

We sliced some apples in different directions (from top to bottom, side to side, etc.) to try to get different shapes, and especially the little star shape that is made from the seeds.  Unfortunately, this shape didn't show up very well when we painted with our apples.  Oh well!  Still fun to get messy and use a painting tool other than a brush!

 

 * Make pie!

 No explanation needed :)


* Craft a doll!

We haven't made a doll yet, but it's on my apple crafting bucket list!  These instructions are from a book called Fun-to-Make Nature Crafts which I got from a school book order ages ago.  I've also seen other books with instructions, craft books and otherwise. Check out your library for some other examples!

 

We've had lots of fun with our apples - what apple crafts do you enjoy doing? 

 

Stay tuned next week for Fiddle & Frog's first giveaway!!!

 

 

Your friends at Fiddle & Frog

Travelling with the Kiddos

Hi friends!

I'm sure most of you have gone on a long car ride with your kids or grandkids at some point.  It's a challenge!  Keeping the little ones entertained and happy throughout any car trip (whether it's cross-country or just to the store) is a huge undertaking.  But it doesn't have to be unpleasant (as in "Are we there yet?  I have to go to the bathroom!  He's touching me!")  Although you'll still inevitably get those classic questions, the time will pass much quicker for everyone involved, and your smallest passengers might even have a good time in the car!  As our own summer vacation approached, I decided to make Travel Kits for each of my girls - L is three-and-a-half and N is sixteen months.  Originally, I had planned to purchase a plastic tote with a lid to contain all of the activities, but I chose to be thrifty instead and use diaper boxes covered with kraft paper.  See what I added to each Kit below!

 



N's Travel Kit
Books (mostly board books), tag blanket, quiet book, mirror, finger puppets, small doll, snacks

 

 

 

 

 

 A sampling of the pages in N's Quiet Book: 

Paper Doll Make-over, Hoo!  Hoo!  Peeka-a-boo!, Pocket Ocean Waves, Sleeping Bag, Buckles

L's Travel Kit
Books, stickers, activity and coloring books, Tag reader and books,
Color Wonder markers and papers, car games (I Spy, Slug Bug, ABC Find-it),
lacing cards, Little Kiddles paper dolls, busy bags, crayons, card games, snacks

Lacing Cards from L's Kit
(Watch for a tutorial on how to make these!)
 

So there you go.  Some fun, actually educational activities that can keep the little ones entertained and content on a car trip.  I tried to fill our Kits with things the girls had not played with before, or hadn't played with for a while, so I would have the added benefit of 'new stuff excitement.'  There's so many other options of things to put in these Kits...what a great way to get crafty and creative!  Are you going on a road trip soon?  Did you go on one this summer?  What activities did you bring along for your kiddos?  Please share your ideas ('cuz I'm sure I'll have to do all different Kits for the next trip!). 

 

Happy crafting!

Kristin at Fiddle & Frog

Pinterest is Fun!

Hi friends!
 
Yes, we have joined the Pinterest phenomenon.  It's just too fun! 

Check us out at www.pinterest.com/FiddleandFrog  (Button is coming soon...couldn't get it to work this morning!)  You'll find pins that inspire us...things like Fabric Crafts, Kid's Kitchens and Accessories, Classic Games and Dolls.  Stop back frequently, as we update (and pin more fun stuff) weekly!

 

 

Happy Crafting (and pinning)!

Fiddle & Frog Home Parties

Hi friends!
If you love home parties (and let's be honest, who doesn't!?!), consider hosting a Fiddle & Frog Home Party!  It's similar to Tupperware or other home-party businesses, etc., but with a few differences.  Read on for more info on hosting your own Fiddle & Frog Home Party!

 HOME PARTIES

 

Host Requirements

- Have enough available open space in your home or yard (in appropriate weather) for guests to be comfortable and merchandise to be displayed.  Our usual craft show booth is 10’ x 10’ square, but we’d prefer to spread out a bit at each home party.  The area available does not need to be square, and we’re happy to display our products in a number of areas in a room.
- Provide names and addresses of guests.  All you have to do is fill out a Guest List with the names and addresses of your guests, and we’ll take care of sending invitations.
- Provide one snack item for your guests.  This is a party, after all, and guests like snacks!  We provide light appetizers for up to twenty guests (see more info below), and we ask that you supply one additional item.

Host Incentives
- Choose a Host/Hostess Gift.  Choose from a list of beautiful handcrafted items.  This is our way of saying ‘thank you for hosting.’ 
 - We bring snacks.  That’s right – we bring light appetizers for up to twenty guests.  The menu includes a cheese and cracker tray, one sweet treat (cookies, etc.) and beverage.  Yum!
- Earn discounted items.  If your party earns more than $300, you get to choose one item for 50% off. (Kid’s Kitchens and custom Initial Quilts are not included in this offer.)

 Purchasing Information

- All items on display at your home party will be for sale, and your guests can take them home directly after your party.  This means no delivering items later for you, and no shipping fees for your guests! (unless they order a custom item)
- Custom orders are available.  Guests will be required to pay in full, plus shipping and handling.
- We accept cash or credit/debit cards as payment.


Please contact us via email if you think you'd like to host a Fiddle & Frog Home Party, and we'll help you to get it all set up.  fiddleandfrogcrafts@gmail.com

Have a crafty day!

~Your Friends at Fiddle & Frog~

Get Out Your Calendars!

Hi friends!  Here at Fiddle & Frog, we have a busy schedule for the fall, full of craft shows, home parties and more!  Mark your calendars now for the following fun events (and please feel free to contact us for details on any of the following events)!  We're looking forward to seeing you this fall!

August & September:  Display at Simple Soaps for Simple Folks in Dover, MN 

August 10:  Private Home Party in Shawano, WI

August 24:  Trunk Show at Emmanuel Methodist Church in Appleton, WI

September 7 & 8:  Marigold Days in Mantorville, MN

October 5:  Private Home Party in Appleton, WI

November 16:  Mayo Craft Show in Rochester, MN

New Ideas, Anyone?

Hi all!  Here at Fiddle & Frog, we are constantly working on new products and updating old ones.  I've said it before, but we both better live to be well over 100 so that we can make all of the fun things we think up!  Here are a few of the new things we're working on these days.

 

 

Games

An update to our MEMORY GAMES makes them less sticky (I used ModPodge as a finish before, but the pieces turned into one huge piece if they got warm).  I'm using a spray-on finish now that works much better.

 

HOPSCOTCH BOARDS are so fun!  I got this idea from a custom order on Etsy, and have since been inspired to make more.  It works best on a carpeted floor (as tile or wood may be slippery).  So fun to be able to play hopscotch all year round!



 

 

Everyone has probably seen the plastic FISHING GAMES with the little pole and fish with a magnet in their mouths.  Our take on it includes felt fish and a little wooden pole and net.  Too cute!


For the Boys

We've had requests to make more items for little boys, so we've come up with a MINI TOOLBOX SET that includes three little tools and carrying box, all made of wood. 

 

 

For the Girls & Grown-ups

To be fair, we added a little something for the girls too.  QUILTY TOTES come in two sizes, small for the little gals and large for the grown-ups.  All of the totes feature a colorful handle and lining, and are embellished with a little quilt patch on the front.  Some have a little message ('G' is for Grandma, 'M' is for Mommy, etc.) or a cute little picture (sunglasses, bugs, etc.) and all are fun and functional! 



 

Home Parties & Craft Bees

In addition to the new products we've been working on, we're adding new events to our repertoire as well.  HOME PARTIES allow you to invite your friends and family to your own home to enjoy our crafts.  (Tupperware can do it, right?)  We bring everything to you, and even provide some snacks! 

 

CRAFT BEES are similar to a Home Party, but include activities for the kiddos to make and take home.  We held our first Bee in July, and had a blast!  Contact us for more info on Home Parties and Craft Bees, and how to host your own!

 

Have a crafty day!

Your friends at Fiddle & Frog