RWOP: Behind the Snowball

So, you know the phrase behind the eight ball? I don't know what it actually means, but I often use it when I am trying to convey feeling behind, as if I'm scurrying around, playing catch-up, disorganized, caught unaware, bordering on overwhelmed, etc. Hope that's right. All of December, I've been behind the eight ball or, rather, behind the snowball. Actually, make that a snowflake.

Today's (late) Real Women of Pinterest post is the perfect holiday craft for a rainy day in December (I'm not exactly complaining about these warm temperatures in the Midwest, but I'd take a little snow). This project is another "use what you have, make it up as you go along" endeavor, but I'm finding that to be the best kind of Pinteresting. Especially if the kids are involved, it's the process that matters more than the product. My kids and I are definitely having fun! Here goes ....

Puzzle Piece Snowflake Ornaments

First, you'll need some puzzle pieces. Years ago before Bub was even close to ready, I ordered a pack of color-your-own puzzles from Current. He undid all the pieces, and I've never had the energy to put back a bunch of blank white puzzles, but I did save the pieces because I am hoarder-ish like that. If you don't have white puzzle pieces, you could totally paint puzzle pieces white or be creative and form your colored puzzle pieces into little holiday wreaths or trees.
We were out of Elmers glue (did we ever have any?) so mommy's job was to glue gun the puzzles pieces together to form snowflakes. I found that four to six pieces was the sweet spot for a cute, but not too clunky snowflake.

The boys' department was adornment. My oldest is obsessed with glitter pens so we got those out.
They would squeeze some big glops of glitter. Even the little, middle guy could do that.
Then, they'd spread it around. We had a couple baby wipes on standby for clean-up between snowflakes.
Excuse the blurry smartphone photography, but here's the close-to-final product. Something was missing ... ribbon, of course. I'm obsessed with ribbon.
Hole punch each snowflake. Pull a ribbon through (I used silver on some, brown on others). Before I tied the knot, I stuck in a short piece of teal ribbon and secured it with the long ribbon.

Pretty cute, right?

No, really, pretty cute, right?

Because one of the bonus features of our new home is no working power outside in the yard (until the electrician comes on Monday), we can't do any Christmas lights this year. So, I talked hubby into a second tree to put in the front window. It looks good, but a little bare as most of our ornaments are on the family tree. I have to say that the snowflakes have perked it up.

What about you -- any Pinteresting? Are you behind the eight ball this holiday season?

Bloggers, link up your Pinterest-esque posts below. Others, feel free to email me pics of your creations at mep AT nottobrag DOT net.

Be sure to check out the links below and to visit Small After All and my other bloggy pals for more RWOP.