Making the Bacon

Did you know there are only 262 days until Christmas?  Jenny (of http://www.etsy.com/shop/kidzcraftz) is always reminding me that the entire year is always about prepping for the Christmas rush.  When I opened my shop this past December, I found out for myself what most felt food makers already know:  don't sell what you don't have.  I was selling bacon and eggs faster than I could make it!  It was a little extra stress to an already busy holiday season.

Now that the slow season is here, it's time to get ready for Christmas.  I spent a whole weekend doing research. My geeky psychologist side came out and now I have spreadsheets full of data that will make things easier for me.

I've also started a photographer search, looking for an awesome photographer to take pics of my felt food in exchange for getting to keep it all.

Most importantly though, I need to start stocking.  I've done a little of that but now my research has helped me figure out how many slices of bacon I'll need until January.  That's right, January 2012.  As a stay at home mom, it's Mr. Felt Food Kids who really brings home the bacon. Of course, if you need to make bacon, then I'm your girl!  I find it's best to make it in large batches and only a few times a year (it's more work to make than you think).

Before I could get started, this had to happen. Grace down for a nap.

My goal:  Cut 90 sets of bacon before she woke up.

If you make felt food or work with a lot of felt/fleece, a scissor sharpener is essential.

She woke up before I was done but then we both did our work together.
She takes her work so seriously!  She used red crayon--maybe she was drawing my bacon?  lol

As you can see from the previous pic, I work hard to keep the work area clean.
With a trash can beside me, I sweep scraps in immediately.
Then Grace comes along.....and dumps them all.
She had so much fun though!

185 slices of bacon (cut a few extra) are cut for a total of 92.5 sets.
Whew!