MERRY CHRISTMAS

Jacob and I have had a very lonely Christmas this year. We couldn't get enough time off work to make traveling for the Holidays worth while. Nevertheless, we have had a lot of fun just the two us of. We've been cooking a lot, watching movies till our brains rot and playing chess - I knew I shouldn't have gotten that for him for Christmas...

Jacob got me a replacement black pearl wedding ring, which I have to admit, made me cry. I lost my original the first summer we were married and just never thought I deserved another. I think it's pretty close:

I got Jacob brand new guitar strap from Souldier Straps. It is made out of an old seat belt - recycled and handmade! I picked it up at Renegade. Thanks for the suggestion Johnny and Katie!!! He loves it!

Recycled Ornament Contest

Amy of Things We Make and Amy of Mod Podge Rocks recently sponsored a handmade and recycled ornament contest. I immediately loved the premise of this challenge, so I entered my mini terrarium ornaments, made with Gerber baby food jars, some moss, buttons and wire:

I really thought nothing of it, as I knew there would be plenty of creative entries. But was pleasantly surprised when I found out that I tied for runner up. I was very exciting!! The second runner up was Becca and her paper mache bulbs:


The first place went to Candy and her amazing mod house ornaments:


Check out more entries on Amy's blog. I'm getting some great ideas for next year! Thanks so much Amy and Amy!!

Jacob Tyler Wolfgang performing an unreleased song, due out on the debut full-length "to the moon, kid" in early 2010. Recorded for onesongs.com on 12.03.09 at The Colonade in Sherman Hill - Des Moines, IA.

*Film by Scott Gratton

Renegade

Renegade was a success! It was a weekend packed full of friends (old and new), amazing food, and great sales!

First of, we are the most blessed people in the world when it comes to our friends in Chicago! Angie and Tiffany took the best care of us!! Including complimentary facial masks after dinner on Sunday night! (Thanks Tiffany!)

I have to admit I'm growing rather fond of the idea of moving to Chicago!!


The show itself went well too. We were surround by great neighbors: Jason is an amazing craftsman. I'm secretly trying to find a place in our house for one of this beautiful light fixtures! See more here.


Katie and Johnny and Hope are the most adorable family I've ever met!! So warm and playful and just genuine people. I'm definitely looking them up on our next trip to the Ozarks! OH, oh, and she makes amazing little creatures. The biggest problem was trying to decide which one is my favorite! Go here to see them for yourself!


Leslie and I made some great memories, even thought it cost us her car window! Somebody broke into Leslie's car the night before we left to go home. But no worries, they didn't steel anything and we are resourceful. Who says girls don't know how to use duck trap and plexiglas?

GREAT FUN! I can't wait for next year!

Christmas finally came to the Wolfgangs

It snowed A LOT on Tuesday night. So much, that we were forced to stay home on Wednesday. We ate all day and watched at least 6 movies, including 'Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' and 'Inglourious Basterds'.
I generally don't like snow. It's pretty when it's falling, but otherwise it's wet and cold and turns into slush and makes any commute more difficult than it should be. Snow, in my opinion, belongs in the mountains where you can actually do cool things with it; not Des Moines, where's a driving hazard and just lies around waiting to melt.
Needless to say, I think the snow finally got me into Christmas mode and I spent evening making my paper tree and wrapping presents. (Thanks for the great Scandinavian wrapping paper, Ikea!)

Folkgiving

*photography by Taylor Hiatt. See more here.