Fa la la la la! La la la la! While Christmas may be a distant memory at this point, I’m taking a look back at one of my favorite creations from the holiday season. These pieces were months in the making, as I found the blank wood cutouts for a great deal on Etsy last summer. I knew they would be the perfect gift for “The Herd” so I ordered them and tucked them away. Christmas came and went- with so many events- so wonderful but so busy- I didn’t actually get these done and gifted until January. But, I think they were worth the wait 🙂

Before I go on, if you’re not part of the Navy world, I know you’re wondering what is “The Herd,” other than literally a group of cows?! A little fun Navy tradition thrown in here 🙂 “The Herd” is the group of spouses married to the XO (Executive Officer) & CO (Commanding Officer) of the aviation squadrons here at NAF Atsugi. The CO’s wife has traditionally been referred to as the COW (Commanding Officer’s Wife), and thus, the group of them is collectively called “The Herd.” COW parties are thrown complete with cow ears and all things black & white. I’ve attended many COW parties over the years celebrating some truly amazing women… so many so that I am conditioned to find every cow themed item at Home Goods. More on COW parties later, but just wanted to explain what was behind the cow before I moved on!

Back to the project! I love crafting. I always have! Since having kids though, it’s become a lot harder. I rarely have the time to finish a project in one sitting, and I never have a dedicated space to work. Which means I’m spread out on the dining room table, which then means 1.) the family has no place to eat and 2.) my wonderful kiddos mess with all my stuff. So typically, I revert to the easier option of ordering things from Etsy that I know I could make myself. Which is why I’m so proud of this project! I first saw these cuties on Etsy in finished form, but knowing I needed five of them, didn’t want to spring for them at that price. Then when I saw the unfinished pieces for a fraction of the cost, I knew it was time to break out of my project rut.

Step one of bringing these cows to life was painting the wood- the bottom piece completely black (as well as the ear tag) and the top piece with the holes cutout white, so when layered together, they made cow spots. Adorable! Next, with the help of some twine and paperclips, I attached the two pieces of wood together, and hung the ear tag on. Then, I broke out my Cameo Silhouette, and cut the names and numbers out of white vinyl. The last step to finish off the wood pieces was adding a clear topcoat to prevent chipping and give it that finished look. The final finishing touch was adding the ribbon on top, which turned out to be scrap fabric that I had in my craft bin. The fabric gave it more of a rustic, rugged look than the ribbon. Exactly what I was after!

I just love the way these little guys look all finished! And the best part?! They can be used for anything- as Christmas ornaments, or simply home decor throughout the year. I’m so glad I made one for myself to enjoy. I hope my fellow “Herd” members love theirs just as much!