Snowflake options

I have always loved snowflakes. I think the ornament snowflakes tend to be plain in the middle and beg for some type of ornamentation. I am planning a blue tree next year, so I made this blue snowflake by using the selvedge edge of the fabric because it has such a cool metallic fringe look to it.  I made a circle by taking a strip, making a running stitch and gathering it in the middle.  Then make another circle with silver tulle or lace, glue  them together and top with a vintage earring. 

This little cutie is a fan folded sheet music circle with a gathered crepe paper ribbon topped with a velvet ribbon over the stitches.  Glue the image down on the streamer, add a mini banner with a holiday message.  This snowflake was made by Cindy Wood. 

Bird house matchbook

I love doing matchboxes with windows in them. I covered this one with a pretty pearlized paper, then cut the hole with the Sizzix.  I glittered the inside of the box, made a nest out of sheet music and glued the bird into the nest. Super simple, but so dang cute. I would like to make some elaborate ones, but it will have to wait until next year when I have more use if my hand and arm. This one will be in the giveaway. 

Share this page and link it back here by posting a comment to be entered into the drawing. 

Felt Mittens

 

I love these adorable little vintage embroidered mitten ornaments.  Found them at Alameda Antiques Market.  You could make any felt shape really, a tree, a wreath, a cross, a boot, and elf shoe, a candle. Do a basic blanket stitch around the edge in a contrasting color, and if you don't know how to embroider,cut out a little flower and leaf from felt freehand and glue it on.  You could sew buttons or pre-made flowers from the craft section at Michael's. 

Enter the drawing for 12 of the ornaments featured here in my holiday posts by sharing the page and posting a comment here on my blog.

Seashell ornaments

I do these every year in some variation or another. Seashells, coated with white glue and glittered with ultra fine glitter. This year I made circles from glitter tulle and added broken pieces of vintage jewelry and a silk scrap bow. These are simple and so addictive to make, I have done dried babies breath and rosebuds, ribbon roses, paper rosettes. What you choose to embellish it with will change the look

Enter to win 12 of these ornaments by sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest, and posting the link here in the comments section.

matchbox ornaments

Today we  talking matchboxes.  I love these adorable little ornaments made for a dual purpose of gift box and ornament. They are fun to decorate and can be very addictive. 

Since I make several different kinds of matchboxes, I will make today's about fabric and jewelry covered matchbox ornaments. 

First, you need to take them apart and open the covers.  Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than the cover.  Apply Mod Podge to cover then press the fabric down onto the glue. Lay under something heavy to insure a good bond of paper and fabric. Let dry completely. 

Fold fabric covered paper on crease lines, and hot glue back together. Make sure you are gluing the seam so it faces back toward the back. 

Cut a strip of complimentary fabric, lace or tulle and make a running stitch down the side. Pull it together to make a circle, embellish with a piece of jewelry, and glue to the top.  I like to use old lace and silk scraps to tie bows and other embellishments.

I buy a bunch of ornaments like this and pop the tops off to use for the hangers. These are handy for many different types of ornaments you can make.  Keep an eye out for these at the dollar store.

You can paint the insides of the boxes to match your fabric if you plan on placing something inside.  Another option is to wrap a trim around it completely if you don't plan on opening it. 

Remember to share this on line to be entered into the drawing for 12 of the ornaments featured over the next several weeks.  Post a comment here with a link back to where you shared it to be entered in the drawing. Every time you post it, you get another entry into the drawing.  Pass the word and increase your chances to win!

Sabbatical and Holiday ornament giveaway

I am having surgery tomorrow and will be out of commission for a while. This is my 3rd rotator cuff surgery, and I have been waiting on this one for 4 years. I will be in a sling for several months, and unable to do much crafting. 

I have been preparing some fun holiday ideas for you in advance. Starting the day after Thanksgiving, I will be posting one Christmas ornament or decor item a day until Christmas. Check back often to see some incredible ornaments made by my friends and myself over the past several holidays. I know by my Pinterest following that you all like the handmade christmas stuff, and I promise you will not be disappointed.  They are all so lovely,   made with an eye for detail.  They are unique and many are created from recycled and reused items we normally throw away,  they will quickly become favorites on Pinterest.  If you follow me and help spread the word on social media, I will enter your name into a drawing on Christmas for a prize of 12 ornaments featured on my blog. 

Simply post a comment here with a link back to your blog,  Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post to be entered.  Super simple, awesome prize. 

Looking forward to a fun, slingin' holiday season,