A Magical Holiday Tradition: GloWild and Glimmer at the KC Zoo

Happy holidays, friends!

Last week, we continued our "exploring KC" December tradition with a Christmas outing to GloWild at the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium. This annual fundraiser (now in it's fourth year), transforms the zoo into a nighttime wonderland—with over a mile-long journey of dazzling, lighted sculptures. 

🎅Festive Fun Around Every Corner

Visitors can meet Santa, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, ride the Endangered Species Carousel, enjoy live music from local choirs, and savor seasonal treats and beverages. While the animals rest after dark, the KC Zoo Railroad becomes a whimsical ride through a lighted Whoville, complete with the Grinch as conductor. This year’s theme, Time Traveler, takes guests on a journey through nineteenth-century Paris, America’s centennial celebration, and even a sci-fi-inspired future—plus a few delightful surprises along the way. Each display is a masterpiece, crafted by more than 150 artisans using 34 tons of steel and 89,000 feet of fabric.

🎄New This Year: Glimmer

This year, GloWild introduced Glimmer, an adults-only holiday pop-up bar. I couldn’t resist snagging add-on tickets (over a month ago) to experience the festive décor, themed cocktails, and tasty appetizers. The posh private igloos were stunning, and since this unique bar and experience sold out pretty much every night, I felt lucky to get us in!

🌟An Unforgettable Night

Despite the very high winds and extremely chilly weather, we braved the elements—and it turned out to be perfect. With gusts over 40 mph, the zoo was nearly empty, giving us the rare chance to explore without crowds. I captured some incredible photos of GloWild and Glimmer, making the evening even more magical.

📸Come Along for the Journey

From glowing sculptures to cozy igloos, this holiday adventure was unforgettable. Join me as I share the sights, sounds, and sparkle of GloWild—because the season is all about creating memories that shine.

🤶Christmas Is Almost Here

With Christmas just a couple of days away, the excitement is building! The lights, music, and cozy traditions make this season so special, and I’m soaking up every magical moment. Whether it’s watching a holiday movie or braving the winter chill for dazzling displays, these experiences remind us why this time of year feels so warm and bright.

⛄More Holiday Cheer Ahead

The celebrations aren’t over yet—there are still plenty of festive sights and surprises to share! Stay tuned for more holiday adventures, sparkling lights, and joyful memories as I count down to Christmas Day. Wishing you peace, laughter, and a little extra sparkle as we wrap up this wonderful season together.

✨ What about you? 

I’d love to hear your favorite holiday traditions or festive outings! Drop a comment below and share how you’re making this season merry and bright.

Lighting Up December: Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum

Holiday greetings, friends!

I’m back with one of those cheerful December posts I promised! If you’re new here, you might not know that my husband has worked in management for UPS for over 25 years. That means the holiday season is always a little different for us—his schedule is packed, and with family far away, we don’t do much traditional celebrating. But instead of letting that dampen the holiday spirit, I’ve made it my mission to create festive moments that make each season sparkle.

In keeping with my annual tradition, I decided to plan something special every week to get us out of the house and soak up the magic of Kansas City at Christmastime.

Earlier this month, we headed to one of my favorite holiday traditions—the Luminary Walk at Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, now celebrating its 26th anniversary! This year, I bought tickets for the Adults Only Candlelight Stroll. It’s such a beloved event, and this year was no exception. The weather was crisp but comfortable, and the grounds were absolutely glowing with thousands of twinkling lights and candles.

Here’s a peek at what made the evening magical:

• Illuminated pathways lined with real candlelit luminaries in glass enclosures
• A candlelit woodland walk for quiet reflection
• A colorful children’s walk and whimsical gnome village
• Holiday trains chugging through the train garden
• Live musical performances filling the air with festive tunes
• Cozy fire pits, seasonal treats, and warm drinks
• And of course, a visit from Santa

The event is always busy/sold out, but the Arboretum’s spacious trails make it easy to enjoy a leisurely stroll without feeling crowded. We spent about an hour and a half wandering through the glowing gardens, then settled at a fire pit with cocktails and roasted candied nuts. It was pure holiday magic.

As promised, here are some of the photos I captured along the way—because words can’t quite do justice to the beauty of thousands of flickering lights under a winter sky.

And that’s just the beginning! December in Kansas City is full of holiday magic, and I’ve got more cozy, twinkling adventures to share. From dazzling light displays to seasonal treats, I can’t wait to share more merry moments with you. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more cheer coming your way!

Nifty No-Sew Gift Bags

Greetings, creative friends! It’s new Therm O Web tutorial day—holiday edition, and I’ve got the perfect last-minute gift wrapping project for you—quick, easy, and using minimal supplies!

The holidays are here, and if you’re anything like me, you’re juggling last-minute wrapping with a cup of cocoa in hand. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with a no-stress project that will make your gifts look like they came straight from Santa’s workshop: Nifty No-Sew Gift Bags featuring HeatnBond!🍬

This project is ideal for anyone who loves fabric but doesn’t have time (or desire!) to sew. In just minutes, you can transform ordinary kraft paper bags into festive, personalized treasures using HeatnBond UltraHold Iron-On Adhesive. No needles, no thread—just pure holiday magic!

Visit the Therm O Web Blog for a full tutorial and FREE templates in four sizes:
https://blog.thermoweb.com/nifty-no-sew-gift-bags/

✨ Why You’ll Love This Project

• Fast & Easy: Perfect for those last-minute gifts.
• No Sewing Required: Seriously—just cut, peel, press, and go!
• Scrap-Friendly: Use up those holiday fabric scraps you’ve been saving.
• Customizable: Mix and match fabrics, colors, and embellishments for a look that’s uniquely yours.
  
  

✀ What You’ll Need

• HeatnBond UltraHold Iron-On Adhesive
• Fabric scraps (I used assorted holiday collections by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics)
• Kraft paper bags in assorted sizes/colors
• Brown Gift Bags
• Colored Gift Bags
• Oliso M3Pro Iron
• Cutting Tools (cutting mat, rotary cutter, small sharp scissors)
  
  

Find a complete shopping list in my Amazon Shop (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/3KRykhn

🎁 Make It Extra Festive

Want to add more holiday cheer? Try these ideas:

• Add ribbons or trims using HeatnBond UltraHold Iron-On Adhesive Tape.
• Glue on buttons, sequins, or charms for sparkle. (Note: Not for kids, could be a choking hazard.)
• Skip the templates and cut bold motifs from your favorite holiday fabric for a quick, eye-catching design.

BONUS: Pair your bags with my Nifty No-Sew Fabric Tags for the ultimate handmade gift wrap combo! Free tutorial and templates found here:

👉 https://blog.thermoweb.com/nifty-no-sew-fabric-tags-featuring-heatnbond/

🎅 Spread the Joy!

These bags are perfect for making your holiday gifting extra special. Share your creations with me—I’d love to see your festive designs! Explore my blog, website, or Instagram for more creative ideas.

If you are ready to try your hand at making one (or ten!), you can find the tutorial on the Therm O Web Blog: https://blog.thermoweb.com/nifty-no-sew-gift-bags/

Happy holidays and happy crafting!

Snuggle Up with Holiday Mug Rugs

Greetings, friends—and happy Thursday before Christmas! I hope this post finds you feeling joyful, surrounded by kindness, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit.

Today, I’m excited to share a pair of festive mug rugs I created for the Poppie Cotton Christmas Countdown. Each week, Poppie Cotton has been inspiring us with cozy, quilty ideas to make the season bright: starting with Festive Table Settings, then Deck the Halls décor, and now this week’s theme—Snuggle Up!

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than curling up in your favorite stitching spot with a warm drink, a sweet treat, and a cozy project. For the Poppie Cotton “Snuggle Up” Christmas Countdown, I created two adorable mug rugs that bring a touch of handmade charm to your holiday sipping and stitching!

These cheerful designs feature Poppie Cotton’s Rosy Cheeks collection (with a dash of Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes) and are perfect for adding festive flair to your fireside moments. Whether you’re enjoying hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or sharing a smile with a snowman, these mug rugs will make your holiday season extra warm and inviting.

Ready to see some details and make your own? Let’s dive in!

Materials:

• Fabrics: Rosy Cheeks collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton, along with Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes 
• HeatnBond Lite, Fusible Fleece, and Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing from Therm O Web
• 1/4" Buttons
• Heart Button
• Graphite Sequins
• 5/8" Pink Rick Rack

Mug Rug #1: Cup of Hot Cocoa

• Adapted from my own pattern “Sweet Snacks Mug Rug” 
• Pattern available in my Etsy Shop:
  https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148
• Added ¼" buttons for marshmallows.
• Patchwork and machine appliqué construction.
• Replaced the original heart appliqué with a small pine tree for a winter vibe.
  
  

Mug Rug #2: Snowman

• Adapted from my Winter Mug Rug Tutorial for Benzie Design 
• Pattern, templates, and tutorial available on the Benzie Design Blog: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug
• Used all Poppie Cotton fabrics instead of wool felt.
• Added pink rick rack around the perimeter for extra charm.
• Embellished with ¼" buttons, one heart-shaped button, and small sequins for eyes.
• Hand-stitched the snowman’s mouth for a cozy, handmade finish.
  
  

These cheerful mug rugs were created especially for the Snuggle Up theme—ideal for holiday sipping and stitching! 

Now it’s your turn to snuggle up and stitch! These little mug rugs are quick, fun, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday season. Gather your favorite Poppie Cotton fabrics, a few cheerful embellishments, and create something cozy for your coffee, cocoa, or tea moments.

Whether you make one for yourself or whip up a few as gifts, these projects are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home. So pour a cup of something delicious, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the stitching magic begin!

Wishing you a season filled with creativity, comfort, and festive cheer—may your days be merry, bright, and full of handmade happiness!

Introducing "Woodland Series Volume 1"

Greetings, friends!

I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the incredible response to my latest cross stitch Christmas ornament, “Special Delivery!” So many of you have reached out asking how to get the first four Woodland Series ornaments—and I heard you loud and clear! On the very first snow day of this winter season, I cozied up and spent the day formatting the beloved designs from 2021–2024 into a brand-new chart pack for you to enjoy.

By popular demand, I’m thrilled to announce the release of Woodland Series Volume 1, a brand-new counted cross stitch pattern designed for those who missed out on the start of the Woodland Series of Christmas ornaments. This collection is packed with charm and holiday cheer—perfect for your seasonal stitching projects!

What’s Inside Woodland Series Volume 1?

This pattern includes four delightful designs that celebrate the magic of winter and woodland creatures:

• ☃️ My Frosty Friend – A cheerful snowman ready to brighten your holiday décor.
• 🐦 Bundled Up Birdie – A sweet bird dressed for the season.
• 🍬Peppermint Pressie – A festive squirrel with a candy cane.
• 🦊 Festive Fox – A woodland fox showing off his holiday style.

Each chart is provided in full color and black & white, and the pattern includes complete finishing instructions—so you can create ornaments that will look stunning on your tree or as handmade gifts.

Formats Available

You can choose the format that works best for you:

• Digital Pattern: Instant download for quick access → https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678888
  
  
• Paper Pattern: A printed version shipped to your door → https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/4415678605

Both options are available now in my Etsy shop: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com

Why You’ll Love This Collection

• Perfect for holiday stitching and gift-giving
• Easy-to-follow charts and instructions
• Four holiday ornament favorites in one chart pack
• Enlarged patterns in color and black & white
• Designed with care for stitchers of all levels

Don’t miss out on stitching all of the designs in this fan favorite collection—grab your copy today and start stitching some woodland magic!

...and if you missed my 2025 complimentary ornament "Special Delivery," be sure to visit my post from Thanksgiving Day to get your free copy while it is still available!

Happy stitching and happy holidays!