Elf on the Shelf

Have you heard of the "Elf on the Shelf???" This was something I ran across on Pinterest and was surprised I had not heard of it before. Here is a description of just what it's all about. This thing is becoming quite popular and I thought we might just jump on the bandwagon this year!

You can purchase an actual "Elf on the Shelf" from their website or from various retail shops like Target or Amazon.  We are on a tight budget this year, so I couldn't quite justify the price... after searching on Pinterest for ideas on how to make my own "Elf on the Shelf," I ran across Bubbly Nature Creations blog. She shows how she turned an ordinary doll into her own "Elf on the Shelf."

We happened to have a couple of Rosetta dolls (from Tinkerbell) laying around the house, so I thought, "Why not?" Because my kids knew I would be making our own elf, I had to explain to them that once we had her outfit made, she would make a quick trip to Santa Claus so she could receive her instructions and the special magic she would need to stay with us for the month of December.

While they were at school, I made her outfit and then sent her off to Santa. I also registered her on the Elf on the Shelf website and the kids received an adoption certificate and a letter from Santa Claus.

She was back by the time they got home from school and the kids were so excited to see her. For the most part, they have been  behaving because they know she is watching their EVERY move! There have been a few instances when they will be naughty and all I have to do is remind them that Rosie (our elf) is watching.

Here are a few pictures of our elf, Rosie...

 

Her outfit is completely re-purposed.  I took pieces from other dolls to give her a Christmas look and just adjusted them to fit her... basically I altered the skirt and sweatshirt to fit her better. I made her leggings out of an old pair of socks... 

 

To give her an even more wintry feel, I made her a pair of earmuffs out of a pipe cleaner and pom poms and then braided three pipe cleaners together to make her a scarf.

 

 

Over the next few weeks, I will try to update our blog as often as possible so that you can all see just what Rosie has been up to at our house. We've already had an interesting morning with her but all the pictures are on my camera... which is at school with my daughter today... she took Rosie into school for her very first day! I can't wait to see what she comes home with !!!

 

 

We hope you enjoy our adventures with Rosie as much as we do!!!  If you need ideas for your Elf on the Shelf, check out Pinterest! There are so many great ideas out there right now and I am sure new ones are added daily!!!