becoming tinkerbell (or at least creating a tinkerbell inspired running costume) isn’t all that difficult.

today i’ll hold your hand through the entire process, making sure you’re totally & completely prepared to fly through your next race.

whether it’s a runDisney event (like the princess half, disneyland half, tinkerbell half just to name a few), or any other event you might need some wiiiiiings for…

i’ve found that the key to a good running costumes is in the “details…” the little touches that make a costume for running really stand out from the rest.

tinkerbell’s signature bun is one such detail.

going for the full “effect” is easy if you’re already blonde, if not you can always dye your hair blonde or even wear a wig. but the easiest way to achieve the signature tinkerbell bun is the sock bun.

the key is to wear the sock bun high on your head, & for a little extra pizzaz! – tie a lime green ribbon around the sock bun.

* don’t want to dye your hair or wear a wig? no worries, just sport your sock bun with confidence. or, you could always wear a yellow hat, or the tinkerbell ear hat.

okay, okay… if you want to get technical, tinkerbell’s wings are sometimes white, sometimes pale blue & sometimes lime green.

personally, i prefer the lime green because they “pop” more in pictures. & let’s be honest, if you’re dressing up in a tinkerbell running costume, you want great pictures. so go with the lime green team sparkle wings – you won’t be disappointed.

worried about running in wings? have no fear! i’ve ran two half marathons wearing wings.

yep! yep! i’ve ran 13.1 miles while wearing wings TWICE. and along the way i learned a few tips on how to wear wings while running. follow my suggestions & you’ll be a wing-running-pro in no time at all.

i don’t know about you, but i’m not all comfortable running in a tube top…. but pair a lime colored running shirt (i got mine at target), with a matching lime green team sparkle skirt & you’ve got very run-able outfit the screams tinkerbell!

if you’re trying to be as authenticate as possible, take some scissors to that brand new lime colored running shirt & give it a more “jagged” feel. i’m sure tink would approve.

remember earlier when i said the key to a good running costume is “details?” well tinkerbell shoe pom poms are one such detail.

pom poms are totally easy to make, even someone who claims they aren’t crafty can make pom poms. all you’ll need is some yarn & a couple of minutes.

once again with the technicalities,  tinkerbell’s shoe pom poms are actually white. but, lime green pom poms look so much better in pictures & really grab your eye. but in the end, it’s really up to you!

once you’ve gathered all the necessities for your tinkerbell running costume, be sure to sprinkle yourself with a little pixie dust to ensure that you are able to fly through your race!

the pixie dust has finally started to settle from what was truly a magical tinkerbell half marathon weekend, filled with fairies, princesses, lots of sparkle, & thousands of runners headed “second star to the right & straight on ’till morning.

i spent most of the tinkerbell half marathon weekend in the team sparkle booth, helping literally hundreds (maybe even thousands) of women (& a few men too) embrace their inner sparkle & learn to fly, or rather run while wearing wings.

luckily, i wasn’t alone – i got to spend the entire weekend with a few of my best friends… snow white & aurora.

& while i love spreading the sparkle love, working the tinkerbell half marathon expo for two straight days, carbo loading on nothing but cookies, & getting no more than 3 hours of sleep – isn’t exactly optimal pre-race strategy.

and yet, that’s exactly how i prepared for the inaugural tinkerbell half marathon.

that’s right, i’ll openly admit that i was more concerned about my “running costume” than i was about about my sleep.

so, i spent my last few pre-race hours putting the finishing touches on my captain hook running costume.

when preparing a “costume for running” i’ve found that it’s the little details that matter.

for example, i couldn’t possibly run dressed as captain hook without my glittery pirate shoe (& belt) buckles, pirate sword, and ruffled ascot.

and while i decided against running in an actual pirate hat, my nuun-pirate hat worked just fine. although, i do feel that i “mustache” you a question. now what was it? arghhhhh – now i remember…

have you seen peter pan? afterall… it was a cruel thing he’s done – feeding my hand to the crocodile?!

that cursed beast liked the taste of me so well he’s followed me ever since, licking his chops for the rest of me.

i’ll get you for this, pan, if it’s the last thing i do!

finally…. a finish line sword fight with peter pan?! i’ve waited years for this.

fly! fly! run! run! you coward!  do you dare fight old hook {wo}man-to-{wo}man?

although, having chased peter pan for over 13.1 miles, i don’t know if i have enough energy for a sword fight. after all, i just set a new PR (personal record).

you wouldn’t do ol’ hook in now, would you, lad? i’ll go away forever. i’ll do anything you say.

except give up my golden treasure….

tinkerbell half marathon {by the numbers}

* total “chip” time 1:41:56, with a pace of 7:46 minutes per mile
* 10th place out of 1,717 women in my age group
* 41st place overall out of 9,386 women
* 5K split time 23:36
* 10K split time 47:57
* 15K split time 1:12: 23

not a bad race for a {wo}man with a hook & a sharpie mustache. what do you think?

hopefully, i have just enough pixie dust left over from the tinkerbell half marathon to help my fly & sparkle through the princess half marathon later this month.

i guess there’s one benefit to being addicted to facebook, twitter & blogs… otherwise, i might have missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime – the runDisney tinkerbell half marathon meet-up.

an early-morning run through a deserted disneyland & california adventure with former olympian & runDisney training consultant jeff galloway, not to mention a promise of several surprise guests? wow! what an amazing adventure. & amazingly, i was selected as one of 30 runners lucky enough to participate.

so early saturday morning, the day before the tinkerbell half marathon, i laced up my running shoes & attached my wings (you can’t attend a runDisney meet-up without a costume) & headed to the disneyland parks, where i met up with carrie & the rest of the tinkerbell half marathon meet-up crew.

with the sun rising in the distance, we ran through downtown disney & into the disneyland park… down main street, through adventure land, around the caroseul, through the castle & right into california adventure .

the entire 2 mile run was completed in true jeff galloway fashion, using the run-walk-run method. & i have to admit – this whole run-walk-run strategy was new to me. but i was thrilled when i realized, that the walk breaks provided the perfect opportunity for photo ops!

after our quick jaunt through the parks, we were able to sit down, & finally catch our breath in the animation academy at disney’s california adventure.

there we had a chance to sit down with john phelan, show director for disney sports (who spoke about the magic behind a runDisney events), lori lovell the runDisney member of the walt disney world moms panel, & “rules of engagement” actress megyn price, who talked about training for her first 13.1 mile race – the tinkerbell half marathon.

finally, jeff galloway took center stage to talk about the benefits of his run-walk method, give advice & answers questions.

after learning how to run injury-free (something that definitely caught my attention), we posed for pictures & were treated to an extra special treat – a tour of the disney dream suite.

all-in-all the experience was absolutely amazing, and definitely once-in-a-lifetime. although, i must admit, i’m secretly hoping that lighting strikes twice.

that’s right, i’m crossing my fingers, & hoping that with a little bit of pixie dust, & a whole lotta luck – somehow, someway, i might manage to get invited to the princess half marathon meetup later this month.

people often ask “have you always been a runner?”

& the answer is always the same , a resounding “no.”

i didn’t choose to be a runner.

to be perfectly honest, i think very few people actually choose to be runners.

we’re talking pre-dawn runs, ice baths, the constant aroma of bengay, blackened toenails (& a few that were lost all together).  a diet of energy bars, gels and goos. the oddest tan lines you’ve ever seen, thanks to the KT Tape i wear around my knees.

these are the sort of things that happen when you are a runner.

no, running chose ME.

why i run…

looking back, i’ve ran for different reasons, at different points in my life.

i’ve ran to mend a broken heart. to clear my head. to escape and to feel in control.  after my father passed away, i ran to feel connected to him, to remember him… to be with him.

but most recently, i run to combat post-partum depression, i run to survive, i run because it’s cheaper than therapy.

i’ve never claimed to be super-mom.  i’m the first to admit that i’m far from perfect. but, once upon a time, i at least felt like i had life figured out.

since then, ppd has thrown a wrench in the well-oiled-machine i once called my life – sending me into an out-of-control, downward spiral.  leaving me trapped in a hole so deep, sometimes i wonder if i’ll ever be able to climb back out.

having babies is supposed to be a joyous occasion and… it was.  it’s just the aftermath, i’m not so sure about.

when i think about it, it’s actually kind of funny. i’m surrounded by the chaos of three young children every single day & yet sometime i’ve never felt so alone.

for the past few years i’ve watched life happen as an observer, instead of an active participant. slowly but surely, i’ve managed to shut everyone out, and burn every bridge along the way.  activities i used to love, hobbies i used to look forward to, now just seem like a burden.

not to mention, i now find myself totally and completely unmotivated, out-of-touch, & overwhelmed… i dread getting out of bed in the morning. i am constantly feeling like life has given up on me, or maybe i’m the one who has given up on life.

i’ve been living life in a deep, dark tunnel, constantly trying to reach that itty bitty light i see peeping through. the drugs have helped a bit (prescribed of course), taking the edge off, and making the light a wee bit more obtainable. but running has helped me more. running is the one thing i look forward to each & every day. it’s helped me reach out & actually grab that pin prick of light at the end of the tunnel.

without even noticing, i’ve managed to build a fortress around myself, an incredible thing that rivals the great wall of china. c can’t expect it to come down overnight can i? but, with a little help from my friends & a whole lot of running, this fortress of mine has slowly started tumbling down.

that is why I run… because it has the ability to break down walls & build bridges.

i’m gearing up to run my first race of the year… runDisney’s inaugural tinkerbell half marathon.

& while i’m busy finalizing the last minute details of my “running costume” (unlike my last disney race, wings will not be involved – however i’m pretty sure i will be involved in a sword fight or two), i thought i’d share with you my running essentials…

the best part though? not only am i sharing my running essential favorites, YOU have the chance to win it all! one lucky person is going to win the whole kit & caboodle.

trust me when i say, this is one giveaway you don’t want to miss. whether or not you’re a runner, i’m giving away some pretty fabulous goodies – have i mentioned that there’s chocolate involved?

according to kelly’s running essentials

* endorphin warrior: i love my CONQUER warrior training bracelet – i must admit, i rarely take it off. just as it did when i was running hood to coast, my CONQUER bracelet has continued to inspire & motivate me. i honestly think i need to order another one – i think BELIEVE is next.

* go sport id: i often run at night. i often run alone. i can’t help it – that’s just the way it works out. so, i want to be prepared, i want to be protected. that’s why i wear my go sport id - in case of an emergency (crossing my fingers & knocking on wood it doesn’t come in handy anytime soon). my go sport id contains contact information for loved ones, allergy information & more, so i can get possibly live-saving medical treatment asap.

* inperspire: i love what inperspire says… “you supply the sweat, we supply the motivation.” so true. my “stronger, faster, better” towel has become my mantra – i can’t imagine working out, or running without it.

* kt tape: another one of my must-have-can’t-leave-home-without-it products. i carry kt tape in my purse, that’s how much of an ubber fan i am. i honestly believe, that it would be impossible for me to run without this around my knees. i don’t know how, but after applying kt tape, something magical happens, the pain goes away, & i’m actually able to run.

* nuun: i never leave home without it. i’ve already waxed philosophical about nuun on mulitple occasions – but just in case you’ve been hiding under a rock & still don’t know how i feel about nuun – with 0 sugars, 0 carbs, only 8 calories & tons of electorlytes, it’s my secret weapon, it’s what powers me through workouts, races & every day life.

* onelove collections: all of the headbands are amazing, although i do have a soft spot for the tye dye version. i don’t know what i loved more about it – the way this headband matches my team sparkle skirt perfectly, or how fabulous it feels on my head. this headband is definitely a staple. not only does it hold my hair back & keep the sweat out of my eyes – but it actually looks cute too (which very few headbands manage to do).

* run like a mother & the highly anticipated train like a mother: these books are a nightstand essential for any mother runner, soon-to-be-mother, or runner in general. it’s my go-to guide book & often reminds me that “i’m not alone.” i love this book so much i give it away, constantly. in fact, i no longer even own a copy, because i keep giving it away. &, i am literally counting down the days until the new book is released.

* run pretty far: a technical tee that’s cute & comfortable?! i was immediately sold! but this particular shirt is just awesome… “run happy. run grumpy. run speedy. run slow. run a little. run a lot.” – whatever you do, just RUN!

* team sparkle: skirt & race legs – as team sparkle says… run hard. run pretty. there is NO better feeling than passing a guy while wearing a team sparkle skirt. seriously – being passed by a girl, has got to hurt. being passed by a girl in a skirt, must suck. but being passed by a girl in a team sparkle skirt? i can’t even imagine the humiliation guys must feel.

* tommie copper: i may love running, but my body doesn’t. for a long time i was worried i’d have to overcome my addiction to running, because of all of my injuries. but then i discovered tommie copper compression. i can often be found wearing my tommie copper knee & calf sleeves – i don’t know how or why they work, they just do. it’s a modern-day miracle.

* utah truffles: let’s be honest… while it’s true, i do love to run, it didn’t start out that way. deep down, i run for one reason – to eat. i want to be able to enjoy cupcakes, cookies & chocolate without feeling “bad.” so i run. & my absolute, most favorite treat ever? milk chocolate mint truffles. ask my friends – i’ve been known to hoard these, & hide utah truffles in my purse. they are absolutely to-die-for, & are always my post-run treat.

according to kelly’s running essentials giveaway

ready to win? you have the chance to win all of my favorites! yep! yep! one lucky person will win…

* endorphin warrior: winner’s choice of one endorphin warrior bracelet

* go sport id: $25 gift card to go sport id

* inperspire: winner’s choice of one inperspire workout towel

* kt tape: one roll each of lime, pink & turquoise colored kt tape pro

* nuun: mixed 4-pack of nuun & a nuun bottle

* onelove collections: winner’s choice of onelove collections headband

* run like a mother & the highly anticipated train like a mother: one signed copy of the book run like a mother AND a certificate for the soon-to-be-available book train like a mother

* run pretty far: “just run” technical tee

* team sparkle: winner’s choice of team sparkle skirt & race legs

* tommie copper: winner’s choice of tommie copper ankle, calf, knee or elbow sleeves

* utah truffles: $50 utah truffles gift certificate

ready to enter? with over $300 worth of fabulous running essential, i’m giving you 15 different ways to enter. luckily,rafflecopter makes it easy-peasy to enter.

but don’t dawdle, this giveaway closes on tuesday, january 31st at 12am EST.

confused about how to enter a giveaway using rafflecopter? here’s a video on their site explaining how to use rafflecopter to enter giveaway.

FYI blog comments are closed on this post due to usage of rafflecopter… you can comment via rafflecopter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

nitty-gritty details:
1. no purchase necessary.
2. giveaway ends 1/31/11 at 12am EST.
3. only US residents can enter.
4. winner will be chosen via random.org.
5. winner will be contacted via email. winner has 48 hours to respond with mailing address or another winner will be chosen.
6. void where prohibited by law.
7. this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. i hereby release Facebook of any liability.

if you have any additional questions – feel free to email me at accordingtokelly@gmail.com

i often get asked: how to wear wings while running? having done it twice, (& even PR-ing while running in wings) i’m a self-proclaimed wing-running-expert… and it’s surprisingly easy.

in fact, it’s so comfortable, i tend to forget i’m wearing wings while running, unless i accidentally hit someone with one of them (which may have happened once or twice).

the key to an easy-breezy-wing-running-experience? it’s all in the attachment…

don’t be lured into wearing the elastic arm straps “back pack” style. that’s guaranteed to be uncomfortable & you definitely won’t be flying thru any race.

not to worry though – proper wing-running-attachment is easy peasy.

how to wear wings while running {supplies}

* one pair of Team Sparkle fairy wings (available in a rainbow of colors)

* one tank top, preferably racerback. if tank tops aren’t your “thing”, wear a racerback sports bra under your shirt of choice.

you can also wear wear a “normal” sports bra, however it’s a little more work.

* 2 safety pins

how to wear wings while running {instructions}

best done with the help of a friend, but attaching wings can be done alone.

1. while wearing your tank top (or racerbrack sports bra under the shirt of your choice), attach the wings to the racerback, using the elastic arm straps.

a racerback tank top or sports bra’s shoulder straps form a “v” or a “t” between your shoulder blades, making it super easy to attach the wings to.

if you do choose to wear a “normal” tank top or sports bra, attach the elastic arm straps to each of your bra/ tank straps.

basically, you want to secure the wings to the middle of your back as firmly as possible.

2. wrap the the straps around the racerback several times, until it’s tight, making sure to double knot it.

* if you’re performing this act solo, you may want to attach the wings before putting on your tank top.

* if you’re wearing a sports bra under the shirt of your choice, you’ll want to pull the back collar down as far down as possible, & attach the wings to the straps of your sports bra.

3. arrange the wings, in the preferred position/placement on your back.

4. pin each wing to your tank top or shirt at the top of your back, at your shoulders, using the safety pins, to prevent major “wing-bobbing” while running.

* you may want to quickly dab the area where you are going to pin with clear nail polish to prevent any major runs in the nylon wings.
5. once you’ve attached your wings, be sure to slightly bend them “backwards,” near the top, for aero-dynamics (& to ensure they don’t hit you in the face as you run).

how to wear wings while running {review}

see?! i told you it would be easy-breezy. but, just in case you need a refresher already…

1. do NOT wear the wings as backpack using the arm straps.

2. DO attach the wings to a racerback tank top or sports bra.

3. DO pin wings to the top of each shoulder.

4. give the wings a slight bend BACKWARDS, to ensure aero-dynamics.

now, all you need is a little bit of pixie dust (& your Team Sparkle skirt) & you’re ready to wear wings while running.

new year’s resolutions have never exactly been my strong suit.  quite frankly, they’re hard to write, & bound to be disappointing.

& let’s be honest, i don’t think i’m ready for any disappointment quite yet – the year has just begun!

i’d like to think, make that i KNOW that twenty twelve is going to be a year of adventure, opportunity & success.

so instead of making a list of things i’m going to do, that deep-inside i know i probably won’t… i’m making a list of things that i will NOT do in 2012, in no particular order.

* i will not stop being grateful.
* i will not pretend i’m super mom.
* i will not stop crafting.
* i will not compare myself to others.
* i will not stop saying hell & damn, but i can promise you – that’s the worst of it.
* i will not let fear stop me.
* i will not cut my own bangs.
* i will not stop telling people my mom & sister are my best friends.
* i will not stop loving the target $1 aisle.
* i will not let anything stand in the way of my happiness.
* i will not stop blogging, although i won’t promise that it will be daily.
* i will not maintain my eyebrows on my own.
* i will not stop wishing i could wear my team sparkle skirt daily.
* i will not use my husband’s razor to shave my legs.
* i will not stop loving mocha almond fudge & mint ‘n chip ice cream.
* i will not stop trying to teach my children to be kind.
* i will not stop wishing i had a maid & a cook.
* i will not be afraid to get dirty.
* i will not stop going to disneyland nearly weekly.
* i will not stop looking for ways i can serve others.
* i will not stop wishing all my friends lived next door.
* i will not stop loving my dr. pepper chap stick

* i will not stop believing in myself.
* i will not forget the truths about motherhood.
* i will not stop traveling. (even if i never travel past utah, at least i’m traveling.)
* i will not let life get me down.
* i will not stop craving crushed ice.
* i will not stop {loving} the oc.
* i will not let having children, stop me from snowboarding.
* i will not stop watching general hospital.
* i will not become a professional karaoke-er.
* i will not stop loving green smoothies.
* i will not leave the toilet seat up.
* i will not stop my virtual friends from becoming real life friends.
* i will not be afraid of being real.
* i will not stop reading.
* i will not stop eating cupcakes.
* i will not stop wishing i could sleep more.
* i will not stop running, biking, swimming,or exercising in general.
* i will not be afraid to be me.
* i will not stop making spontaneous purchases.
* i will not stop ohhhing & ahhhing over my little girl.
* i will not stop eating cookies for breakfast.
* i will not stop trying to break my addiction.
* i will not stop thanking christ for all that i have.

so what will you not do in 2011?

13 mountain bike races, 3 half marathons, 2 triathlons, 2 5Ks, 1 10K, & 1 relay (& that’s just me).

jeffy completed 13 mountain bike races (that he can remember), 4 criterium bike races, 2 road bike races, & 1 half marathon.

&, the boys finished 6 mountain bike races, 2 2K’s & 1 triathlon.

surprisingly we didn’t spend the entire year racing or training. we also squeezed in a hawaiian holiday, one broken nose, a little bmx action, roller skating, LOTS of skiing & snowboarding, a vegas trip (or two), several weddings, little league, an last minute european adventure in ireland, amsterdam, brussels & paris. not to mention more trips to disneyland than i can even count.

and while 2011 is full of excitement & adventure, i can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store for us!

these quick & easy, 10-minute DIY no-sew scarves are totally fun, & completely fabulous.

& honestly, you could probably make this DIY scarf in just 5 minutes. it’s the perfect yarn craft. plus, it’s a no-sew, non-crochet, non-knit scarf tutorial – so EVERYONE can make it (including me).

you probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear me admit i have a wee bit of a craft addiction. my cupboards are overflowing with craft supplies, including dozens of spools (or is it skeins?!) of yarn. the funny thing? i don’t knit or crochet! any craft involving a needle or hook terrifies me.

so i’m terribly excited to announce that i’ve partnered with lion brand yarn, and some of my crafty bloggers (like this mama makes stuff & little birdie secrets), to create easy, non-knitting, non-crochet yarn crafts featuring the fabulous & fun lion brand yarn products…

10-minute DIY no-sew scarves tutorial {yarn crafts}

once i laid eyes on lion brand’s amazing yarn (& it’s rainbow of tweedy stripe patterns, truly are amazing), i just knew i had to create something.

it’s soft & cuddly, the colors are absolutely amazing (21 colors to choose from?! i guarantee you’ll have a hard decision on your hands) – it’s perfect for a scarf.

10 minute DIY no-sew scarves tutorial supplies:

* one skein of lion brand amazing yarn (for this project i used aurora)
* scotch tape
* scissors
* 2 chairs

10 minute DIY no-sew scarves tutorial instructions:

tape the end of your yarn to a chair, leaving a 2″ yarn tail.

place the two chairs next to each & wrap. if you want a shorter scarf, i’ve also “wrapped” a piece of cardboard, a picture frame & several household items, while making scarves.

although, i’ve found that two kitchen chairs make a perfect double (& possibly triple wrapped) infinity scarf (or circle scarf).

i just love how pretty the yarn looks… it’s a rainbow of beautiful perfection – i could stare at it all day.

but don’t stare too long, after all i did promise you could make this scarf in just 10 minutes.

after you’ve wrapped your chair to a thickness of your liking (i wrapped my chairs approximately 52 times – i wanted to see the entire rainbow), carefully remove your scarf from your chairs, and lay it down on a flat surface.

make sure your two loose ends are in the same place (or cut one end, so that they match up).

using a piece of yarn approximately 4″ long, tie a double-knot around the entire scarf, (securing your two loose ends) & then trim the yarn tails to approximately 1″ each.

using a double knot, secure the remainder of the lion brand skein approximately 1″ from the knot you just tied (to secure the scarf), & wrap.

wrap all of your loose ends, wrap the knot you used to secure the scarf, & continue wrapping approximately 1″ past the securing knot.

once you’ve wrapped the scarf approximately 2″ (making sure to secure all of the loose ends), finish your “wrap” by tying a double knot around the scarf.

cut a tail approximately 3-4″ long, & finger weave the yarn “tail,” hiding it among the other strands of the scarf.

ta da! you’re done. i promised it would be quick & easy, and i delivered.

the 10 minute DIY no-sew scarves are the perfect accessory. & the lion brand amazing yarn provides a definite pop of color that will instantly brighten up your day.

i like to twist the scarf (one hand holding the “wrapped” securing knot & one hand on the middle, and twist, twist, twist), then wrap the scarf around my neck two or three times (depending on my mood & how sassy i’m feeling), with the “wrapped” knot in front…

i’m definitely making another scarf (or two) in some of the other amazing yarn colorways. although, the lion brand homespun yarn in ambrosia is also calling my name. i just love how quick & easy this works up – yet, it looks just like scarves i’ve been seeing in the stores lately!

disclaimer: this is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of lion brand yarn. the opinions & ideas expressed by me do not necessarily reflect the view of lion brand yarn. we been compensated for writing this post & hosting the giveaway. however all opinions are 100% our own, and we really do love lion brand yarn & i have an excessive number of spools/ball/skeins of yarn to prove it.

ps. hope you have fun making your very own 10 minute DIY no-sew scarves.

i’m loving this yarn pom pom tutorial from mandy of little birdie secrets it’s a perfect yarn craft. plus, it’s a no-sew, non-crochet, non-knit tutorial – so EVERYONE can make it (including me).

you probably wouldn’t be surprised to hear me admit i have a wee bit of a craft addiction. my cupboards are overflowing with craft supplies, including dozens of spools (or is it skeins?!) of yarn. the funny thing? i don’t knit or crochet! any craft involving a needle or hook terrifies me.

so i’m terribly excited to announce that i’ve partnered with lion brand yarn, and some of my crafty bloggers (like mandy), to create easy, non-knitting, non-crochet yarn crafts featuring the fabulous & fun lion brand yarn products.

by the way, if you haven’t met mandy, check her out… she is one half of the duo behind  little birdie secrets which is a place where two friends share their ideas, knowledge, and finished projects with fellow crafters. their mission is to share fun and creative crafting projects, tips, and tutorials to make crafting easier and more fun.  “like” her on facebook,  or follow her on pinterest.

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Hello! It’s so great to be back guest posting for Kelly! I’m Mandy from Little Birdie Secrets, and I have a confession to make. I am a yarn addict. I go to the yarn aisle every time I’m at a craft store, even if I don’t have a project in mind. I love the colors, the textures, and the possibilities of something soft and handmade. Mostly I crochet, so when Kelly challenged me to make something non-crochet or knit using some of Lion Brand’s newest yarns, of course I jumped at the chance to stretch myself!

I love yarn pom poms, so I decided to try stringing a few together to make a holiday garland. I loved it so much, but with my Christmas Advent calendar already hanging on my mantel, I decided to let it rest on the mantel as a non-hanging garland, and I love how it turned out! Here’s a simple tutorial showing how to make a pom-pom garland with a pom pom maker (or you can do it without!).

Yarn Pom Pom Garland Tutorial {yarn crafts}

Supplies:
*Yarn in different colors–here are the Lion Brand yarns I used:
Silky Twist Yarn: Olive
Silky Twist Yarn: Cherry Red
Silky Twist Yarn: Linen
Silky Twist Yarn: Cactus
Martha Stewart Crafts Lofty Wool Blend: Red Dahlia
Martha Stewart Crafts Lofty Wool Blend: Snowdrift
Nature’s Choice Organic® Cotton: Dusty Sage
Homespun® Yarn: Candy Apple
*Pom Pom Maker (or use rectangular pieces of cardboard or chipboard, cut into different widths from 1″ to 5″)
*Scissors
*Yarn needle

1. I used Lion Brand’s tree pom pom maker and it was such a breeze! There are holes at 1″ intervals, so you can easily move the markers to make pom poms from 1″ to 7″. If you don’t have a pom pom maker, cut different rectangles of cardboard or chipboard about 5″ long and varying in width from 1″ to 5″.

Or lay them flat along your mantel like you would a greenery garland. I love the splash of color all those gorgeous yarns give! These would be darling for birthday parties, too!

yarn pom pom tutorial giveaway

want to make your very own yarn pom pom garland? even better, want to WIN all the supplies needed to make your very own garland? mandy is hosting a giveaway featuring EVERYTHING you need to make your very own yarn pom poms (including the lion brand yarn & pom pom maker). all you have to do is visit her blog HERE, & leave a comment.