My Christmas Present to Myself...The Christmas Themed Apron (used to make Christmas themed movie/party snacks)

Sewing is hard.  Well it's hard for me.  I'm not super patient.  And sewing patterns are confusing.  When I can't figure out what something means (even after googling it) sometimes I get scary and yell or curse for no reason.  I'm sorry B and Hobie.  Thanks for trying to encourage me not to quit even if I was mean to you at the time, I do appreciate it.  I baked you some cookies yesterday to make up for it.

BUT NOW I CAN CROSS OFF #5 ON MY 30 FOR 30 LIST!!!!!!!!!!

After working on it most of the day on Saturday, I completed my Christmas-themed apron.  It has some major flaws and I cannot sew in a straight line to save my soul (although my sewing teacher did give me some tips-I probably need to sign up for that 2nd class).  I definitely should have used red thread instead of black so all my flaws didn't show as much, but oh well.  It still looks pretty good from far away and most people probably won't even notice the issues it has unless they are looking for them.

So I have decided that I will pull out this apron every year at Christmas and see how much my sewing skills have improved (hopefully).  Now I have to plan my outfit for the Holiday social I'm hosting on Wednesday around this apron.  (I've got to get as much use out of it as I can before Christmas is over.)

How to Make A Personalized Bridal Shower Gift....

1-Buy a plain apron at a craft store (I've seen them in Michaels and Wal-Mart)

2-Figure out the size of your friend.  If your friend is a full head shorter than most of your other friends, then you may not want to go with the one-size fits all apron but maybe instead a junior or kids sized one.  Use your own discretion.  Aprons are for making you look super cute, so you don't want one that is falling off because it's too big.
3-Make up a design/picture that represents your friend and or her celebrity couple name (i.e.: Bennifer, Jam, etc).  Or if your friend's fiance has a name that has to do with a vegetable or fruit then you may want to use that vegetable or fruit in the design.
4-Design a picture that represents your friend on Paint on your computer if you have Windows or if you are cool (I am but not at graphic design) and know about graphic design, use some other sort of high tech program.  You can also add a witty phrase or title.
5-Buy Ink Jet Transfer Paper at a craft store.
6-Follow instructions for the Ink Jet Transfer paper and use your Ink Jet Printer to print out the Image. 
7-Iron it on to the apron, following the instruction on the transfer paper box.

Now for Specifics... I made this apron for my friend, Future Mrs. Acorn, who is getting married in June.  About a year ago on a beach trip we gave Future Mrs. Acorn and her Fiance the couple name, Team A-Corn.  (and side note, it is in NO way related to this)  It totally makes sense if you knew their real names.  Trust me.  So for her apron I designed an a-corn logo using some free clip art I found on the internet and my amazing Paint skills.  I added in a title with her future last name and then printed that on the transfer sheet.  And there you have it, a lovely personalized apron for my friend's bridal shower gift.  I also got her a cookie sheet off her registry.  I don't actually think I've ever seen her bake anything though (and we lived together for over 2 years) so we will see how this goes.

***PS-And on a side note related to aprons.....There is a great apron giveaway over at Building A Kingston Castle if you are also a fan of aprons (like I am).