Poppy's Elves

Every Christmas my Dad comes home from Florida for a few weeks to celebrate Christmas with all of us.

So we have started to go over to his house to decorate before he arrives.  

My Dad doesn't want us to overdo it and he is very particular about what he does and does not like.

Basically, anything made by one of his grandchildren...he likes.  Any other frippery bought from a store...he doesn't like.

Hence, we have started the tradition of making him something.    Last year the grandkids each made him an angel ornament like the one Lindsey is hanging above(see the posts here and here).

And this year we personalized a Merry Christmas message.  It was intended for his mantelpiece but his mantel was too skinny so we placed it on his bookshelf instead...

The girls each took a letter or two and had their way with them...

DH Jim cut styrofoam bricks which I wrapped in paper to serve as the base and we hot-glued bamboo skewers to the backs of the painted wooden letters we bought from the craft store...

I always enjoy the hustle and bustle when we're making stuff.  

The littlest one was thrilled with her "bobblehead" letter.  She put her picture on a spring she made from wire (she's the middle R below).  And her older sister to her right is peaking through her "R" and hugging it from behind...

We used one of those instant pogo printers that you connect to your camera.  That way they could make any pose they wanted and use that picture when making their letter.  This one says she's the queen because 1) she's the only one with a crown and 2) her letter was taller than anyone else's...just so you know.

They were all delightful...

Ellie's our singer...

And both the Ravens and Jack's red hat made an appearance...

Though crafting isn't Jack's favorite thing, he's a sport about coming along for the ride and hanging with everyone.

And I know my Dad is going to love it.  After all, he was elf himself once...

(According to his work colleague, he tried to destroy all evidence of his past history as an elf.  I am so grateful that there are resourceful historians in the world like Helen Hansard so that I am able to set the record straight and post this little known fact here today. *snicker*)

Happy Monday everyone.