🎀 Making ugly things and loving them anyway (and a visit from Santa!) | Vlogmas Day 22

[@YvetteODowd]

We used to make these when I was in primary school. We called them Gods Eye. I should get my grandchildren making them over the holidays.

[@Nurse_Kathy]

I remember making them, too!

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

Somebody else here said she made small ones out of lolly (popsicle) sticks for tree decorations - that would definitely be fun for the grandchildren 😃

[@elena---c1558]

I'm feeling a bit poorly today, (no doubt because I've been very busy and have exhausted myself) so it was very nice to curl up with a cuppa, some festive treats and my knitting to watch this. I even put on some socks i made during the strictly sockalong to keep my feet warm.

[@aliceradwell4194]

I think your ‘ugly’ mandala is beautiful. The colours remind me of Native American art x

[@ritanoetzel7306]

Loving how Mia had claimed the Lego box to be on the side table without being On the side table. Thank you for sharing you and your family’s holidays with us.

[@MariannA-u4l]

Giggles and laughter that was wonderful, silly and quite enjoyable! The mandala looks cute and I like those colors. Your WIP is also quite nice. Everyone needs a day like this. Thank you all! 🧶🎄❤️❄️☃️🤗🧶

[@MrsMonstargh]

I'm sure someone else will have mentioned it, but in Australia, it's the fire brigade that does Santa. Santa traditionally rides in a fire truck or drives a ute in Australia, and his sleigh is pulled by "six white boomers" (kangaroos).

[@HappyLittleYarn]

Thank you for sharing your time and festive season with me! I always do enjoy daily updates from you! And I know it's a lot involved, and I appreciate that so much! Merry Christmas to you and your family! 🎄

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

Aw Amie, thank you so much! You've been doing the same this Vlogmas 🤗 Thank you for your support and Merry Christmas to you and yours xx

[@kellyfazekas7831]

Ali! You and Gayna are both so hard on yourselves. Your mandala is most certainly NOT ugly! It's colorful and cheerful and a great first effort. I'd say, "Don't make me come over the pond and give you a stern dressing down" but since I'd love to come to England, I won't say any such thing, lol. Merry Christmas to all of you and your mum!

[@jop5547]

Your 'ugly' mandala is lovely. I've spent this afternoon putting together a book nook after seeing you make one. A really enjoyable thing to make x

[@wdmtaylor3318]

The children used to make these woven decorations. We would use twigs instead of dowels and then we would hang them in the garden. Very good for hand/eye coordination.

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

I can imagine this would be such a lovely craft for kids, really simple but effective 😃

[@gloriamorris8766]

We have Rotary Clubs here in Canada and when our daughter was first diagnosed with severe Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, it was suggested that she should use a computer and keyboard for her schoolwork. (Her hands were badly affected). One of our institutions that supports children with physical challenges paid for half of it and the Rotary Club paid for the other half. They do good works!

[@arwenwestrop5404]

Oh what a lovely mandala! How is that ugly? At least you got a good laugh out of your own mistaken idea - that mandala is LOVELY!

[@heathertucker7056]

I think your mandala was rather striking! It looked very effective on camera and I hope you make some more - when time allows! Your shawl is looking really pretty and I love the pattern! I used to love Santa coming round at Christmas and that brought back many happy memories xx

[@cynthiaricecindy8295]

Hello I love it I just want you to know I just love how real families are and dan is the man 💕

[@georgianasstudio]

My husband and I are part of Rotary. It’s an awesome organisation, which started initially to raise funds to search for a cure for polio. It has grown into an amazing global charity organisation. You make great friends and do excellent work for local and broader community. As your girls get older you and Dan might enjoy getting involved. There is so much you can do through Rotary.

[@soarinpanda8walker563]

The Father Christmas was awesome and magical.The Mandala looked pretty good for your first attempt and as you have taught me to say ,Embrace The Wonkie and it’s perfect to say when things aren’t quite perfect.Have a Very Merry Christmas with your family.TFS

[@montyhall6600]

Your daughter’s coloring is awesome and your mandala looks like a lot of fun! It’s gorgeous!!

[@jeanettegillings7202]

You laughing over the state of your (lovely) Mandala was the highlight of this vlog! 😂❤. That, and Mia looking at Lillia and wondering what all the excitement was about ❤❤❤

[@sam31a]

Isnt it lovely when the children grow to find the secret of christmas, giving! The suspense ❤🥳 I love the candle, I’m very kish!🎅🏼🧑🏻‍🎄 Years ago ( years and years) when I was a wee girl , we had father christmas come round. It was lovely, you would here the music, we were allowed to run to the end of our street and wait. Very exciting🎉😂. Be proud of your mandelin. Well done!🙌🏼 Must say I really do love the blue fern yarns. I am curious what your going to make. The colours are amazing! As we say in Nederland 🇳🇱 Fijne kerstdagen en een gelukkig en gezond nieuwjaar ❤🎉🥳🙏🫶🏻

[@DeathKnellPresents]

I may have gotten my husband to eat like a dozen popsicles… so I could use the sticks ton make a few of these little mandalas for our Christmas tree in like 2017. 😂 so glad you bought dowels and are enjoying this new hobby. It’s beautiful!

[@bajatabbySarah]

Oh the Day 2 fibre is lovely! That will make some beautiful yarn 🥰

[@brunyvargas9204]

Your mandala is lovely! Love your vlogmas! Wishing you a beautiful and blessed Christmas season.🎄💕

[@vickibradley8418]

I loved your giggling fit when you were just about to show the mandala you made. I really thought it was going to be really ugly and wonky but it was beautiful 😍. You should be so proud of making it - especially as it’s your first attempt. Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you so much for your fun, interesting and enjoyable vlogs ❤ 🎄

[@barbaramartin6837]

Your mandala is lovely, those are just hot colors you work with a lot, but it has a very “Southwestern feel” to it. If a “pointless” activity is relaxing then it is no longer pointless. Hmm? Happy and Merry Christmas .❤🎄

[@Gypsy-Bluebird]

I think your mandala is fabulous!!!

[@karincarter235]

Its way past Christmas now and I am binge-watching your vlogmas. Your yarn-mandala is not ugly. :) Maybe you could find more colours in your cotton stash? Best wishes and Happy New Year!

[@MariannA-u4l]

Giggles and laughter that was wonderful, silly and quite enjoyable! The mandala looks cute and I like those colors. Your WIP is also quite nice. And SANTA!!!! Everyone needs a day like this. Thank you all! 🧶🎄❤️❄️☃️🤗🧶

[@pennyspearing2731]

Love watching you with your girls 😊

[@iceflowercrochet8717]

I think you should keep your mandala for your jimenpenyo celebrations. I think it would go perfectly! 😂😂😂 I’m currently in hospital after a knee replacement so your videos have helped me through some bad nights! Merry Christmas!

[@Bub5257]

Hahaha! Dan’s suggestion for where to hang the mandala. Sorry Ali, you did a great job on your first mandala………to ward off evil spirits 😂……I am sorry, but your hubby is hilarious. 🤣 Thank you for a fabulous video. 😁🇦🇺

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

It’s ok 😂 I thought it was hilarious too! 😘

[@themother_thing]

You should totally keep your first Mandela- it’s like keeping your first spin that looks like a hairball the cat threw up, you can see how far you have progressed.!

[@MsDottey]

Thank you, made me chuckle. Feeling sorry for myself with chest infection 🙄. Loving your vlogs. Merry Christmas xx❤

[@wendyluvsbooks1580]

I love you laughing at the Mandala , I think it’s great for your first attempt 😊 I love that candle with the LED lights in it so pretty ……🎄📚🎄

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

Oh thank you! 🕯️

[@Kiltsnquilts]

I think for a first attempt your mandala was great! I loved the fact it made you laugh so much though 😂

[@carolynwill9519]

When I was a little girl and in girl scouts we made these but we called them God's eyes I think yours is beautiful we used popsicle sticks though love your clogs thank you

[@justclaycrochet]

Ali, I actually really like your mandala, I love the colours you've used.

[@donnamckinney7885]

I like your mandala. The colors look Southwestern/Native American to me. I have so enjoyed watching your vlogmas again this year, even though I am still catching up!

[@cuppa.books.]

Maybe you could use your mandala as some sort of stitch marker holder/display - I don't think it looks as bad as you think it does but your reaction to it was great 😂

[@YvonneOakes59]

You laughing at your mandela had me rolling around laughing. Nothing wrong with the mandela ! x

[@rmlrhonda]

Your mandala looks really nice against the wood of the door. Nice job!

[@joankiely3614]

Your shawl is just gorgeous Ali, I love the colours & the pattern. Your mandala looks great too. A real treat for the wooden door. See you tomorrow, cheers 🥰💕🤗❤️👏😍

[@swurlygirl]

Uhmm...i kinda love what you made! even the colours....it's like a little lovely from the island of misfit toys 🤓🎄

[@angela5391]

Watching your vlogs always cheers me up Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family... oh and I love your mandalas craft 😊

[@jenkins6839]

Ali, it makes my heart happy that you have hung your “not ugly” Mandela up for all to see.💙😊 show it off with pride knowing you are learning a new craft. Merry Christmas from Canada, to you, Dan and the girls,💙🎄🎉💙

[@gordonbrowne8068]

Message from Sharon Really loving your daily vlogs! As to your new Mandala make. Practice makes perfect, but a good first make. It looks complicated. With reference to the wool advents you open. Are they easy to spin into yarn balls? I am clueless! Have a lovely Christmas and New Year all of you ❤

[@izzynaylor9047]

i thought i was going to miss the rotary club this year as i was on a late shift but i saw him as i turned into my road so ran into the house (jumping like buddy from elf) to tell my mum ( i may be 25 but i still get excited for santa/ the rotary tree)

[@sarahnielsen8057]

I love your mandala!!!! It’s really great!

[@rebeccacorser-wallace9885]

Love the Rotary father Christmas 🎅 🎄

[@creative2716]

I think it's quite beautiful! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@jillfoster6369]

That’s actually really brilliant. It will be ring swopping when your sister arrives. I remembered from other years. 🎄

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

You have a good memory! Better than mine as we only remembered last minute this morning as she was getting ready to leave! 😅

[@gillianjohnson4230]

I think the mandala looks great!

[@JudiH-ig6uu]

I think your Mandela is lovely and I agree with another commenter...it's very reminiscent of indigenous peoples colors and pattern.

[@nicolawood1066]

Hi Ali. I think your mandala is lovely especially for a first attempt It looks like a fun thing to make.

[@sandiking1584]

Well call me odd, but I liked your mandala...so much happiness in this vlog...I would have got emotional seeing Santa xx

[@shamszakhour6076]

OMG your candle is SO COOOL! I love candles but have never come across one like this. So, I paused the video and search and, yes, I found one in the U.S.! Sadly, no Marks & Sparks here. :D

[@vickibyrd7559]

Your Mandala is actually looking really cute on my screen. Likely you see all the problems that we can’t see. 🎉

[@suecoles7824]

Aw Ali,it’s not ugly! Mine was ugly 😂 but so much fun, and a joy to see you giggling 😂 you should have made one for Halloween if like Dan say’s it would ward off evil spirits! You said Phoebe was getting her nails done, you have not been having yours done you said you enjoyed it. Is it you are giving your nails a rest or not had the time? Anyway another lovely visit, see you tomorrow, I love your secret Santa you pick from the supermarket isles. Love & Hugs, Suze. 🎄🍫💝🤗 xxx

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

You guessed correct Suze! Giving my nails a rest to see if I can keep up the non biting, so far so good, but they’re still prone to breaking. So I’m using lots of strengthening oil etc 💅🏻 😃

[@thelimeysretreat4976]

Your mandala looks really good!! xx

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

Thank you! 😊

[@karencarswell5724]

I think it's great. There is nothing wrong with it. Display it proudly.

[@janettehinchliffe]

I love that candle! Xx

[@lindamoodie4077]

I think it’s lovely. Well done!

[@yvonnay8904]

Mandela is great for your first try. Dan,,, be nice! Happy holidays 🎄😁

[@ll29123]

You're so happy with your sweet creation, I love it!

[@janicemcculloch654]

Your mandala looks great for a first attempt, you should be proud of yourself 😊

[@TheCatlady63]

It's not bad it was your first go. I might have used different colours but each to their own. Well done.

[@PeggyV69]

The Mandela is cute! I would definitely hang that up in my home.

[@veloccb]

I love the madela.❤

[@sammie2185]

Noooo Ali, it's not ugly at all! I love it. It is giving me Superman vibes though for some reason 😂😂😂 💛

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

😄 Yes!!

[@Barnswallowcreates]

I will say your mandala project started out promising ......

[@thelimeysretreat4976]

Our local Councillors organise Father Christmas to tour the local streets for several consecutive nights around town and collect money for local charities xxx

[@theresepazell7875]

Beauty is in the Eyes of the beholder they say..Not bad i couldn't even have a idea to do it do u did good..Hi Dan..

[@AnnieDaddo]

It’s like the story “ The Wonkey Donkey”,Ali…it’s not a bad as your nervous laughter makes out…would make a great decoration …for the coop.😉You are a funny bunny.Be of good cheer and have a lovely time with your sister.Bet she was the mean one growing up.😉👋❤️🙏🦘🐨🌏🍒🎄xx

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

The chickens would be scared of it 😂

[@janicemacdougall1844]

I love your mandala!

[@lynnpotter7100]

It's a SWATCH mandala!! Good to get a feel for colors and layouts..not that bad. Hang it I'm your garden😊

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

Ha, yes! That’s exactly it, a swatch :)

[@elaineheisler8584]

Looks lovely

[@hollisgrubb98]

I used to live in New Mexico and the natives made what they called ojo di dios ( eye of God). Yours is lovely by the way. You really could put it on your front to protect your house from evil spirits as they really do in New Mexico.

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

This is so interesting, thanks for sharing this! I will research this a bit more, what a wonderful thing. I’ve hung it on the kitchen door for now 😃

[@suzanwild3548]

The Mandala looks lovely, not ugly at all. I think the Mexicans called it the Eye of God, to protect against evil spirits. But, whatever, it’s a lovely decoration and a brilliant first attempt 😊. Happy Christmas 🎄

[@cynthiaspear-duncan7661]

There are Rotary clubs here. They sponsor a 5k, Santa run. Everyone dresses as Santa. It comes past our house.

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

That would be a sight to see! 🎅🏻 🧑‍🎄 🤶

[@talesfromcuckooland]

🩲

[@DelciaHumphries]

That’s lovely for a first attempt brill

[@rosemarysayers2503]

What in the world is ugly about the mandala? It’s pretty and looks so nice on the stained wooden door. .

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

Aw thank you so much xx

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

💛💛💛

[@lauralea86]

You have given me an idea to use my bon bon skeins. I will make god’s eyes.

[@lynnpotter7100]

I have one of those candles, says you can change batteries??? Love mine, but if you figure it out let me know

[@ThisLittleWonderfulLife]

I’ve been wondering this! When I get the the bottom of the candle we shall investigate 🕯️

[@theresepazell7875]

Happy Holiday enjoyed your videos.Thaxs

[@cecilehoare3053]

Ali it isn't ugly at all! Keep making them and change up the colours, would your cotton amigirumi colours work with it since it has more grip being cotton? I had to snicker when you showed Dan being organized for Christmas, I get so tired of hearing usually during the week before Christmas, 'what would you like for Christmas?' that I went and bought all my gifts during Black Friday! He asked me the other day where the stuff is and where the wrapping is. I told him it's wrapped already! If I'm going to do all of it I may as well do it too! Now I don't have to listen to whining and groaning! lol

[@creative2716]

Sad. 😥

[@GilliBryan]

If that’s ugly I’m a 🐸 😂

[@CherylBennetts-zh3in]

I like your mandala 😊

[@jacquelinesharp7374]

I didn’t think your mandala was ugly, especially for a first attempt.

[@sandrasanders1874]

❤

[@jackieleipert1950]

Yours is pretty!

[@lyndakling901]

Actually I think the Mandelas are to ward off evil spirts….

[@debracubitt6191]

Merry Christmas to you one and all ❤Ali Dan Lillia Phoebe and Mia🎄✨️

[@GalCharlotteOG]

My gran made a huge one years ago…

[@paulmatthews2713]

Hi Ali, here's an idea, raffle it for charity 😊

[@faribayagoobian7721]

Hi Ali Merry Christmas 🎄 Tell us more about your sister please . Is she married ? Do you ever go see her ? Does she live far from you ?

[@suedale1865]

Ali I think you being too hard on yourself with the mandala it’s very good just think what you can achieve with better coloured yarn 🧶 & practice Hope your time with your sister goes well look forward to watching the vlog 💕

[@teresab126]

That is really pretty! What is wrong with you?? 😅

[@marshawoods2634]

Now stop it. From this angle your mandala looks like stained glass. Not Ugly!

[@lauralea86]

I think it is creative and beautiful. You are too hard on yourself. Besides, it is your first one and you mentioned the instructions were a bit vague.