Elf Antics Day 25

 

The toys were delivered and Santa had returned, but before he took a well deserved nap, he gathered the elves for a Christmas portrait.  Yes, even Jemima and Grinchy were included.  

Jemima wasn't quite sure if Santa had any idea about the disappearance of the toys and all of the chaos she'd caused but she figured she better come clean and ask for forgiveness or who knows what her fate might be.  Santa just smiled and gently replied, "Of course you're forgiven, Jemima.  Love and forgiveness is the spirit of Christmas, that began in a humble stable in Bethlehem many years ago.  All you have to do is BELIEVE."  "I believe!" whispered Jemima.  Will Jemima be taken off the naughty list and return as a full fledged member of the crew next year?  Well, that remains to be seen...but in the meantime, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks so much to Diana, Hope, Jr. and all of the Elf friends and family that make the Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art such a fun event each year.

Elf Antics Day 24

 And then they came!  Elzabet and the other elves were totally unprepared for the chaos in the Toy Room but very very happy to see the toys!  They rushed to fill the shelves hoping when Santa came to collect them all he would be none the wiser about the drama they'd been dealing with.  The Crickets and small ShooHoos were speechless.  They couldn't believe that they were actually meeting Santa's Elves and they couldn't wait to tell the others.  Hmmm...this could very well be a problem.  Santa and the Elves may go visit children (and Crickets and Shoohoos) in their homes, but not vice versa, especially not the Toy Room where all the magic happens.

It was getting closer and closer to evening when they piled into Erf's truck for the ride home.  Upon arriving, Erf gave each a candy cane which they were anxious to eat.  They had worked hard to unpack what they'd donated and were quite hungry.  Little did they know that the candy canes contained a mild potion that would erase all memory of their excursion to Santa's place and if they did remember anything at all, they would believe it was only a dream.

Elzabet, Olivia, Feenix and Mystery were about to sit down and finally relax.  It had been a very close call, but all was well and Christmas would go on as scheduled. Then all of a sudden, in came Grinchy with a wheelbarrow filled with toys and sitting on top was Jemima!

Jemima jumped down, hung her head and confessed that she had taken the toys but hadn't planned on keeping them.  She only wanted to hold them ransom to convince Santa that Grinchy should be a welcome part of Christmas, too.  Elzabet was at a loss as to how to deal with the situation but knew time was of the essence.  They needed to get all the toys ready and packed for Santa's big trip tonight and hoped he had no inkling of how close they had come to Christmas being canceled.

But of course he knew...Santa knows ALL! 

No, Christmas will not be canceled and the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art will be extended this year for ONE MORE DAY!  YAY! Come back and see this year's final chapter and check out all of the elves who are able to return tomorrow.

Elf Antics Day 23

As soon as the Cricket and smaller ShooHoo boys heard about the crisis at Santa's workshop, they sprang into action, collecting toys from their room to donate to the cause.  "Christmas can't be canceled!" became their valiant cry.

Erf had already been alerted by Peregrine and Flurry and was waiting with a pickup to collect the precious cargo.

The girls were also ready to heed the call, collecting toys from their room as well.  HHmmm...that doll house doesn't look like it's going to fit in the wagon, does it?

"No problem!" said Peregrine as he zoomed in on his scooter.  Wrebel was happy to load it into the sidecar,

and Flurry jumped on to keep it steady. Then off the went, following Erf.

Of course the little ones refused to be left behind.  They were ready to follow on a variety of trikes and riding toys that they were also willing to donate.  I mean how often do you get a chance to see the Toy Room  in Santa's workshop, even if it IS nearly empty?  But it won't be for long...

Only today and tomorrow to join our elves at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art!  YIKES!

Elf Antics Day 22

 

Feenix was very proud to have successfully made a candy cane striped teddy because striped pipe cleaners are twisted double ones and quite a bit more difficult to work with.  Suzie gave her a high 5 (well, I guess maybe a high 4 since Feenix only has 4 fingers per hand making it an even more difficult feat).

Suddenly ALL the elves wanted to make candy cane bears...

Even Erf!  Clearly, Erf wasn't cut out for teddy making.  He not only missed the teddy class by Suzie, but also only had 4 fingers.  Looks to me like they may be all thumbs.

Back in the woods, Flurry (you remember him from last year, don't you?) and his twin Snow came across Peregrine and Peony who explained about the crisis in the Toy Room.  "Oh MY!  No toys!?!" they exclaimed.  "We must alert the others and see what can be done to help."

Yikes!  Only 3 more days to enter the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 21

 

Erf rushed in, eager to show the girls his photo with Grinchy but they were intently working away.

Suzie was teaching them the art of making teddies from, of all things, pipe cleaners!  She figured it would be the fastest way for them to be made, considering it was so close to Christmas and THERE WERE STILL NO TOYS!  They turn out cute and fuzzy and only take 2 pipe cleaners apiece to make.  WOW!

Each elf had already made a body and Suzie was explaining how to add features and finish them off with a bow. Aren't they cute?

Feenix was already choosing material for her next one.  No surprise it would be candy striped.  Not sure how that will go, but...

I had planned to post this earlier with a link to the video I used, but it's in a FB Group called Dollhouse miniatures made from everyday things, a private Group, so I couldn't.  There are lots of videos on YouTube, if you're inclined, though.  I just didn't have time to preview them.

It's getting close to Christmas so you'd better hurry if you'd like to join in the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 20

 

Well, we haven't heard much about Suzie, now have we?  Suzie and Mrs. Claus have a special bond.  Maybe it's because they both wear their hair in braids.  As you recall, Mystery met Suzie at the bake shop where she demonstrated the skills she learned from Mrs. Claus herself.

She spent a lot of time in Mrs. Claus' pocket, watching her every move, along with a sweet teddy.  So not only did Suzie learn to bake, but noticing how much Suzie loved teddy bears, Mrs. Claus also taught her how to make teddies.  See, even her outfit has a teddy bear on the front.  That is her special skill.  Good thing since there are STILL NO TOYS!

Suzie and the gang are joining the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Why don't you and your elves join us?

Elf Antics Day 19

 

Although Jemima was thrilled with the money from the Santa Mouse rides, she was quite upset that no one had opted for a photo with Grinchy, even though they were FREE!  Maybe she could convince Santa to let her hand out Grinchy buttons with the money she earned, but she wasn't sure Grinchy would get over the fact that NO ONE wanted a picture with him.

She tried to console him but he was soooo sad!  It's kind of hard to tell, since his eyes are red anyway, but take our word for it. He's SAD!!!!!! "Don't worry Grinchy, you're still my best friend." whispered Jemima.  It's not easy being green 

Just when Jemima was ready to pack up, Erf came by on the way back to the workshop.  A ride on Santa Mouse sounded like fun, but he didn't have any money to pay.  

Jemima was on him like white on rice and whispered he could have a ride for free, if only he would have his picture taken with Grinchy, but not let on.  Erf thought for a moment, eyeing the ragged green mouse warily, but finally consented to the deal.  I mean, what's the worst that could happen?

Erf jumped on the chair an and excited Grinchy dried his eyes and moved in closer for the pic.  "Say 'CHEESE'!" cried Jemima as she snapped the shot.

Nice one!  We're playing in the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 18

 And then they came.  Long legged Crickets and little ShooHoos, dollar bills in hand.

Jemima held out the basket and Wrascal dropped in $2.00.  One for his ride and one for his twin Wrebel's who had already climbed up on Santa Mouse's "sleigh" saddle.  Little Lilu and Beeps could hardly contain their excitement, waving their dollar bills while awaiting their turn.

Frost and Winter were excited too and Frost beckoned to his twin Frolic and sister Breeze to join them, but the minty blue girls were not so sure.

He found them huddled in fear at the entrance to the tree farm next door and no amount of coaxing would get them to budge.  "Not with that big green scary thing standing there!" they cried.

Come join the fun at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 17

 

Jemima was beside herself.  Since there still were no takers for the Grinchy photos she was forced to take deep discounts.  How would she ever buy Grinchy into Santa's good graces and allow her to pass out Grinchy buttons when they came to visit him?

Then, all of a sudden, from out of the blue, Santa Mouse appeared.  He offered some help and a possible solution to their dilemma, and although Jemima was skeptical, what else could she do?

Jemima reluctantly amended the sign, offering Grinchy photos for FREE with the purchase of a ride on Santa Mouse.  Will it work?  Guess we'll see.  Now all they could do was wait.

Come join us at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 16

 

Confident that the reindeer were well taken care of, Erf set out on a late night stroll.  He was trying to shake the feeling that that Christmas just might be a bust this year.  Suddenly, he came upon a familiar face that had long since retired from active elf duty.  Erf explained the situation with the missing toys and his fear that Christmas might be canceled, but Elder just laughed.  "Christmas canceled?  Don't be silly, Erf!  Have a little faith.  Christmas will never be canceled."  Erf wanted to believe him but things weren't looking good.  Only 9 more days until Christmas!  He'd best get back to see if there were any new developments.  

Come join the fun at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 15

 

Erf was still out doing??? And the girls were getting quite discouraged since THERE STILL WERE NO TOYS! Thank goodness for "Happy Mail" from Diana, Hope and Jr!  They loved the card and were so thrilled with the stickers that they decided they just might do a little crafting.

Feenix of course grabbed the candy cane sticker, but also thought the "Santa Claus Approved" sticker just might be a good thing to include with the presents he left on Christmas Eve.  If there are any to deliver, that is...

Thanks so much, Diana, Hope and Jr.  We're having the best time joining in at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 14

Jemima, though still quite upset, came up with a plan.  She decorated the tree with Grinchy buttons and made a sign offering photos with Grinchy for just $1.00.  Maybe she could make enough money to buy Grinchy's way into Santa's heart and pass out Grinchy buttons to those who come to see him.  She waited...

and waited, and WAITED.  But no one came... Wait a minute!

I see some dollars in that basket.  Where did they come from?  Jemima explained it was a marketing strategy.  Nobody wants to be the first one but this will make photos with Grinchy a "hot commodity" and EVERYONE will want one!  They'll be standing in line!  Guess we'll see.

Come join the fun at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 13

Since the Toy Room remained empty, Elzabet and Olivia decided to relax with mugs of cocoa while Feenix, Mystery and Suzie offered the latest peppermint treats.  Feenix was especially proud of the fabulous peppermint trees and Mystery finally formally introduced Suzie to the Senior Elves.

Although Suzie didn't mind helping with the candy canes,  It did not

tap into her special talent, but everyone must work together and not give up hope.  Olivia got quite animated as she chose the cane for her cocoa.

Elzabet, realizing these were indeed trying times, only rolled her eyes, suspecting that Olivia just may have spiked that cocoa.

My elves and I are joining in the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Come meet the other elves and join the fun.
 

Elf Antics Day 12

 

While attending to the reindeer, along came the Shoohoos Peregrine and his twin Peony.  If you remember, Shoohoos are cousins to elves, fairies, gnomes, and the like and are friendly benevolent souls.  Erf and Peregrine had met last year when Erf had been on his quest to find additions to Santa's herd but he'd not met Peony before and thought she was pretty cute.  Maybe a bit tall for him, but...  

The Shoohoos were happy to see that the reindeer were thriving but became very concerned as Erf explained the panic situation in the Toy Room. Oh, dear!  Will Christmas be canceled if the toys are not found?

My elves are joining the others at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Come join the fun! 

Elf Antics Day 11

 The elves had scattered when the going got too tough in the empty Toy Room.  Erf was happy to escape into the crisp winter air and went to feed the reindeer. It's so important to keep their strength up for their fast approaching journey. They were very glad to see the big bag of feed Erf brought and Erf was happy to escape the drama.

Everyone was happy to see that Hope and Junior received their gifts and loved the cards and things you were sent, too.

Erf and the rest of my gang are enjoying sharing stories with their friends at the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics Day 10

 As you can imagine, Jemima was not happy with her new assessment of "Naughty", although what else could you call her behavior?  In her mind she was helping her friend Grinchy become a welcome sight at Christmas, but maybe, just maybe she had crossed the line.  Elzabet's patience was indeed growing thin and she was contemplating retirement.  She explained the North Pole had rules that must be followed, especially during the months leading up to Christmas and everyone must do their part.  The other elves had scattered and hopefully hadn't run off for good. AND THERE ARE STILL NO TOYS IN THE TOY ROOM!  Jemima listened with tears in her eyes.  Then in came Grinchy to escort a dejected Jemima out the door.

With any luck, my elves will be able to continue their participation in the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art, but time is of the essence! (Just kidding.  Of course they will, but it's going to be a very busy 2 weeks, especially with no toys in the Toy Room!)

Elf Antics Day 9

All of a sudden, a giant green mouse entered the toy room.  What a scary sight he was with his long green claws, ragged ear, red eyes and gnarly teeth.  The elves gasped in fear as Jemima explained that this was Grinchy, her bestest friend and he was there to help her pass out Grinch buttons to the children who came to sit on Santa's knee.  He had also helped haul the unusual tree into the (still empty) Toy Room.  "No, no, no, no, NO!" exclaimed Elzabet. "Grinchy would TERRIFY the children who came to see Santa!  Just look at how terrified the elves are of Grinchy!"

The was NOT the answer Jemima wanted to hear!  She got all up in Elzabet's face and declared it would be a toyless Christmas indeed.  By this time, Grinchy had skulked away with a very dejected look on his face and the little elves began to scatter.  Behavior like this would not be tolerated and they didn't want to stick around for the consequences. Elzabet's only recourse was to mention it to Santa, but of course Santa already knew.  He had already issued this year's assessment of Jemima and the official stamp deemed her "NAUGHTY"! 

Look between the bottom signatures at the stamp.  Last year Jemima's said "Sassy", this year it says "Naughty".  Yeah, it's confusing, but I didn't design the certificates.  Maybe Santa always has wishful thinking, until...

My elves are joining the 9th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Grab a cup of cocoa and stop by to see what Santa's elves really do before Christmas.  And maybe your elves want to play along.