Whimsical Felt Animal Ornaments

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 9: Whimsical Felt Animal Ornaments Tutorial

*Today's tutorial comes from my good friend since high school, Miriam. You can check out more of her sewing and crafting genius at her website Mad Mim. She just launched a beautiful ebook, How to Sew a Garden, with detailed instructions, pictures and video on creating tons of fabric flowers.*Martha

I’ll begin by saying that this craft is a complete swipe from my sister, Eirene (who originally swiped it (sort of) from Anthropologie).  Actually, I believe the snail is the only true knock-off, and then from there she designed the other ornaments in the same style. I can only take credit (with her permission) for drawing up the designs and making these felt animal templates, and of course making these for my own Christmas enjoyment; my versions are only different in color and maybe slightly different in embellishment here and there.

There. Credit where credit is due. I am capable of coming up with a good Christmas craft on my own, but this year all my creative energy has been focused on my new (and so awesome!) fabric flower tutorial ebook: How to Sew a Garden, which you should definitely check out. My poor mind has been on creative overdrive for months now coming up with fresh, unique, and beautiful fabric flower projects that everything (even Christmas!) has become an afterthought.  Luckily for me though, these beautiful felt animal ornaments breathed vibrancy into me and my Christmas tree!

I bought nothing to make these ornaments, and hopefully you won’t either (or at least much!) The supplies you’ll need to root around your craft supply for are:

-scraps of craft felt. If you’re fresh out, be consoled in the fact that you could by a lifetime supply and still only spend like 5 bucks.

-scraps (and I means scraps) of fabric to embellish with. Bright, medium scale flower prints work best.

-embroidery floss and needles

-heatbond (ok, unless you’re pretty crafty, you might have to buy some of that)

-medium heavy fusible interfacing

-ribbon

-beads/sequins for embellishment if so desired

Choose what little critter you want to make, and then choose what colors you want he/she to be: for any elements of the design that layer on top of the base design apply heatbond to (according to package directions).  Cut out the felt animal template, and trace onto your felt. I found that it worked best to cut the template up as I cut the parts of the design that layer over the base shape.

With your heatbond applied (if you didn’t do it before, do it now), you can now iron it all together and are ready to embellish.

Use bits of fabric (also applied with heatbond) embroidery floss, beads and sequins . With all my ornaments I started with a blanket stitch around the entire outside, and then did whatever I felt like from there. See the photos for a reference.

After you finish making and embellishing these guys (which if you’re smart you’ll begin in July, because they are rather time-consuming), you’re almost done. Simply sew a loop of ribbon to the back using several whip stitches (be careful to not poke through the front side). To find the perfect hanging point I stuck my needle in the animal where I thought the ribbon should go, and allowed it to hang and balance; adjust the point accordingly.

And finally, trace around each ornament onto your medium-heavy interfacing, and apply to the backs in order to stabilize and cover up all unsightly knots and stitching. 

 

Think Outside the Box

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 8: Think Outside the Box

Here are some interesting, different ways to add some spice to your home this season.

Maybe it's because rain boots are now a normal part of my life since I moved to Seattle, but I saw this idea and immediately loved it. A couple possibilities come to mind. You could use rain boots instead of stockings, use them in addition to stockings or simply fill them with empty, adorably wrapped gift boxes for looks. This would brighten an entryway perfectly.

This banister decoration is so simple and sweet, literally. Tie cute mugs to the rails with colorful ribbons and fill with lovely candies for guests to grab as they're walking by. I love a good, surprising candy stop!

This is a pretty genius idea and would even look cool in front of a big window, since that's likely where a curtain rod from which to hang the fabric loops would be. Then grab a big, sturdy branch, paint it white, and hang those socks!

{above 3 photos from House to Home}

Another unorthodox shoe idea . Sorry we just missed the date, but apparently December 6th is St. Nick's day and there's a German tradition in which you put out your shoes to be filled with treats overnight. More on that cute custom from Marta Writes.

I've always found the mistletoe a bit wimpy looking, hanging from the ceiling all sad and lonely, just waiting for someone to come stand underneath and put on a show. That's why I love this alternative: the kissing ball. So much more substantial and festive looking. I'd stand under that thing and give someone a show!

This banister decoration is so bright and fun. It's paper wedding bells. You know, the ones that would look tacky at an actual wedding. They are actually a delightful way to serenade your kiddies as they bound down the stairs to see what Santa has brought.

If you want to get fluffy and froofy and just a big goofy, try feathers! Actually, if I saw these in your house, I would NOT think goofy. I'd think RADICAL! 

Finally, why not save a tree and think inside the box by making a Christmas tree out of presents? Who says your presents have to go UNDER the tree, you know? Just stack them around your house as decor, and then clean up is as easy as unwrapping them and disposing of everything as you normally would. Booyah.

*Martha

Whimsical Sweater Stockings

Christmas Countdown Craft Day 7: Whimsical Sweater Stockings

*Today's post comes my new friend, Cherie, whom I met during the Thanksgiving holiday in Oregon. She took me on the most incredible antique shopping trip one day and was constantly spouting out ideas about items we found that she was sure she could figure out how to make on her own. These are the kinds of friends we all need to keep in our back pocket. She told me about this sweater stocking idea and the minute I got home, I shoved everything aside and couldn't concentrate on anything else besides making my own. Here's how hers turned out. *Martha

Hi there, readers. As Martha mentioned, I love turning expensive ideas into cheap, DIY projects for my kids and me. These sweater stockings turned out to be so much more personal and unique than any I could have bought from a store. I hope you enjoy them! 

Supplies:

- Old sweaters (from Goodwill)

- Embellishments (ribbon, lace, buttons, brooches, etc.)

- Sewing machine (or the will to hand sew)

- Scissors





Now let's get started!



1) Cut out a stocking template, trace a stocking you have, draw one, etc. You can find a template here if you don't want to improvise. I messed around a lot with patterns, making some toes more "elfish," some are short, some are long and skinny like knee socks. 

2) Pin the template to your sweater and cut around it generously.

3) Sew right sides together then hem the edges of the top of the stocking.





If you want a more finished top, use the sleeve cuff of the sweater as the top of your stocking.



Step 4:

4) Get creative and add any kind of embellishments you like. Ribbon, buttons, old earrings (as pictured above), lace, vintage tinsel, the list goes on. Add a stocking hanger with some sweater pieces, ribbon or anything else that suits your fancy.

Happy Holidays!



Basic Tree Skirt

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 6: Basic Tree Skirt

*This how-to post today is from my sister, Heather. She can be found with a smoking sewing machine on the sidelines of a University of North Carolina football game, taking orders from the coach to "Stitch up that jersey on #34! Go, go, go!" No, but really, folks. She does sew for the UNC football team. I wish it was on the sidelines. It would be so intense! As if sewing for two kids PLUS a hundred players at home isn't enough. Anyway, here she is with a basic tree skirt for your nekked tree.*Martha


It's obvious why it's called a tree skirt, but it sure did confuse my 3 year old when I told her I was sewing a skirt - not for her - but for the tree! Her mind was blown.

Making a skirt for a tree is much easier than making a skirt for yourself. Sure, my version is nothing fancy, but if I've been a good girl this year (and I have) my skirt will be COVERED IN PRESENTS by Christmas morning and no one will even care that the tree is wearing a skirt anyway. 

You will need:

2 yards of red fleece or you could even use felt

matching thread to trim

3 yards 1 1/2" wide rick rack (or other trim) (Always buy more just in case.)

Lay out your fleece and cut two matching semi-circles. Depending on the width of your fleece, you may not even have to do two separate circles. And if your tree is smaller, make a smaller version. Mine measured 40" on the straight line (what will become the diameter)  and 20" wide (the radius). Sew the half circles together, only sewing up the radius and making a Pac Man looking thing. The opening is so you can fit it around the tree and then arrange the opening to be in the back, overlapping on itself so no one knows there's an opening.

Next comes the rick rack trim. Start at the open end, sew the rick rack on near the edge all the way around, sewing down the center with a straight, basic stitch. Don't stretch anything.

  

 

Put it around your naked tree, hiding the opening in the back. The seam is front and center. You can cover it with a present if you don't like it.

That's it! You didn't think it'd be that easy, did you? You're tree says, "Thanks for making me modest! Now, lavish me in gifts!"

Holiday DIY: Ornament Wreath

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 4: Ornament Wreath

I've had this wreath on my mind for years. I think I first saw it on Martha Stewart's show awhile back. There have been many replications, but I like this original the best. I kifed it from Eddie Ross, the originator, who must have been the one on the show because I remember this wreath very vividly. Thanks Eddie!

I'll write out the simple instructions, but go to his blog for the original post and how-to. 

1. Wire hanger

2. Bend hanger into circle

3. Hot glue any loose ornament tops on so they stay secure as you're stringing them on the hanger

 4. Undo the hanger top to start stringing

5. You'll need about 80 ornaments. BEEEEE-A-U-TI-FUL!

*Martha

Holiday DIY: Garland

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 3: Garland

Garland is so fun. String it here, string it there, string it everywhere! String it on your tree, along the wall, across your mantle. Down your railing, down the stairs, in your hair, everywhere! Going all Dr. Suess on you, sorry. I've been making a file of my favorite garland ideas this season. 

This felt ball garland has been on my mind and Oh Happy Day did her own for much less. See here for her easy tutorial.

If you have sheets of felt lying around and want to make something similar, I'm sure this one would be a cinch. Glue, string, felt dots, voila! Or just buy it here.

This card garland is a beautiful idea once those Christmas cards start showing up in the mail.

I love the simplicity and sophistication of this ribbon garland.

If you know how to crochet, I love this garland idea. Think "mini hot pads" and string them all in a row. Or buy it here.

To do this one, use scallop-edge scissors and cut a bunch of circles, probably 8 per ornament. Fold each one in the middle and glue back to back around a ribbon. Or buy one here.

 And if someone figures out this woven paper garland, let me know. It's awesome!

See? I knew you could put garland in your hair! Buy this one here.

Happy Friday, everyone! Don't forget we'll be posting through the weekend to make sure we cover all 25 days before Christmas!

*Martha

Book to Art

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 2: Book to Art

My new favorite trick to make almost INSTANT art is taking and old book, cutting out a page, and framing it. Here are some that I made for my sons nursery. They were from an old childrens book call "Big and Small"

I wanted a vintage feel in my son's room so I got an OLD childrens book (that I got for FREE), and CUT open the binding to loosen all the pages.

Then with the paper cutter, cut out the pages that I wanted to use. Next I found some picture frames and mats (on some of them). Depending on the frame I had to trim down some of the pages.

FINALLY stuck them in the FRAME!

It is such an EASY project that looks fabulous. Try it in ANY room...find old books on subjects that interest you and start cutting!

Other idea's of ways to use the left over pages...BUST OUT the Mod Podge! You could make MANY fun things with paper and Mod Podge. Something I have always wanted to do is make a collage on an end table or coffee table top and then put glass on top to protect it. I want to do one with memorabilia from my Husband and I when we were dating or first married, things like movie ticket stubs and love notes.

Where would you put your old book pages?

Peace out,
Cyndi

Stencil Canvas Tutorial

Christmas Craft Countdown Day 1: Today we have a GUEST blogger my good friend Ashley Stock aka Little Miss Momma. She has a WONDERFUL tutorial for us on how to make some easy and beautiful artwork.

Stencil Canvas Tutorial

It's time for another easy-peasy tutorial from this Little Miss Momma.

Just pick your own colors, stencil and canvas size for a customized look to go in your home. This is a VERY quick and cheap way to add some color and art to your bare walls.

Here are the {SUPPLIES} you will need:

Canvas (I used a 18 x 24 canvas on sale for $6 at Michaels)

Stencil of your choice (available at Michaels)

Acrylic Craft Paint in the color(s) of your choice

Stencil Paint (found in the stencil section at Michaels)

Paint Brush

Scotch Tape

Step {One}:

Paint your entire canvas the color of your choice. I mixed two colors of green (leaf green, citron) in order to get the more textured color of green that I was looking for. Allow the canvas to dry completely before proceeding to step two.

Step {Two}:

Place the stencil over the painted canvas in the area that you want the first row of the graphic to appear. Tape the stencil into place so that it doesn't shift when you start to paint. Now, apply a VERY small amount of stencil paint to the tip of your brush. With stencil paint, a little goes a long way. I highly recommend using stencil paint, otherwise you increase the chance that your paint will smear/run. Paint over the entire stencil with the stencil paint.

Lift the stencil slightly as you go to be sure that you are filling all the areas completely.

Step {Three}:

Once you finish painting in the first row of your stencil, lift up the stencil and line it up again directly above your first row, and then repeat step two for this second row of grpahic.

When you finish the second row you may notice some extra space on your canvas where there isn't enough room for another entire row of stencil/graphic. I chose to paint in another row of stencil going over the edge (see picture below). I liked the look of the graphic going over the edge, but that is completely up to your preference.

And Wall-ah!!

In 3 EASY steps you now have an awesome piece of canvas wall art.

I think this project works amazingly when you use multiple canvases {i.e. 3 square or rectangle canvases} and continue the graphic onto the other canvases so that you have one large piece of art.

Happy Crafting!

-Ashley-