Summercrafter

Making these ornaments was really therapeutic, especially when I started adding the beads for bling. I'm going back to jazz up the plain ones, just for fun. That'll make them sparkle more when they are on the Christmas tree. Why didn't I think of that before?   This tutorial is for the sewing version and the gluing "child friendly" version. You can scroll up or down to see whichever version you prefer. For either version you will need:   A sheet of red felt (craft store felt is fine) A red pipe cleaner (a large one folded or two- 4 inch pieces) An 8-10 inch length of ribbon for hanging Some fiber fill for stuffing (or scraps!) And large googly eyes about  1/2 or 5/8 inch. Glue Scissors Floss or thread for embellishing with beads wire cutters (optional)   For Child Friendly Version you'll need glue!     Here are some glue options that may work for you, see what you have on hand.   1. Glue Gun: quick dryi...

As Summer comes to a close, for those of us that are school minded that is, I wanted to give it a proper farewell. Unfortunately, it seems as if Summer and I have hardly had a chance to sit and relax, this year. It's been so hectic with sports schedules, caring for the sick and keeping a house when people are here most of the time.  There is just much more to do and the pool suffering from a bad case of algae, we haven't stepped foot in it either.  Nevertheless, I thought I should make something to remind me of Summer when Winter Recess comes around.  So, I made these Beach themed Christmas ornaments for the Christmas Once a Month  hosted by Julie . (I'm posting a few days early, shhhhh) I am just going to showcase them in pictures. Pictures updated on September 6, 2013 with bling!!  I really love the bling!! They are about 4 - 6 inches in ...

OK. I was going to call this Christmas Once a Month Project #4 but really that would be cheating since I made felt ornaments for the 3rd project. So let's just say these are a continuation, okay?    Materials: Felt, floss and needle, beads, ribbon (hot glue only for large piece assembly)     I really like doing the blanket stitch, more embroidery!       I used this Mary Engelbreit wrapping paper as a guide.     This "Fried Egg Flower" may be my favorite even though it's not too "Christmas-y."        I really wanted to add dimension to this candy cane with beads or something, but I had to stay true to the illustration. I just whip-stitched the red patches on and secured the long green stitch with a tiny one in the center.        Here is the leaf which was fun to stitch. I used light green beads to blend, the backg...