Happy New Year!

As we end the year, I want to wish all my crafting and designing friends a year of joyful creativity in 2012!

Cheers!
Terry

Christmas Card Stockings

Hello Crafters!

I love kids' crafts and every month I have a group over at my house putting together something fun.  Since this group ranges in ages from about four to thirteen, I try to have a fairly simple craft that the younger ones can make and the older kids can adapt.  They always amaze me with their creativity and they take a little inspiration and run with it!

This craft is a simple one.  I am always looking for a way to use the beautiful cards that we get for Christmas, and this is another way to recycle your cards.

This craft uses the front of a card cut in a simple stocking shape.  You can draw your own keeping it about the size of a card or you can use a cookie cutter.  Cut a back for the stocking using another card, cardstock or construction paper.  Glue them together, punch a hole for hanging and add some yarn or thread to the hole.  They are super quick and very easy. 

To add more decorations, use the borders and message inside the cards.  Add sequins, stickers, stuffing or any leftover trims.  Vary the shape by using any large cookie cutter.  We made puffy star-shaped ornaments also and stuffed them with a bit of polyester stuffing.

Here are a few that I made (they are addictive!).  You can fill them with a few candies, a gift card or small gifts.  Of course, this craft is great for crafters of all ages!

Here is the front and back of one.

Happy Crafting, Everyone!

I hope crafting brings you joy!

All the best of this Holy Season,

Merry Christmas!

Terry

PS.  This craft is featured on FaveCrafts December blog hop!

Sock Monkey Blog Hop

Hi Crafters!

This month we're monkey-ing around on the Designer Crafts Blog Connection!  When Creativity Knocks is our sponsor and kindly donated their fun video, Sock Monkeys Go BanAnas, that teaches how to make your very own sock monkey.  Ana and Megan Araujo are a great team and you'll be chuckling as you watch the video and learn new tips and tricks to construct a monkey and dress it in cute outfits.  I haven't made a soft sculpture animal since my kids were little, so I appreciated the tips. 

I decided to embroider the eyes instead of using buttons since this monkey will be going home with my almost two-year old granddaughter.  I made her a very simple dress (two squares gathered on ribbon) that ties at the shoulders and constructed a bow of the same fabric.  Later, I hope to make that cute little sweater that is found on the video.

Here she is:

I'm quite fond of her already and I'm having a hard time letting her go.  I hope my granddaughter will let me visit!
Our other sponsors for this hop are Fox River who donated the socks we used,

Judikins who donated a very cute Sock Money Rubber Stamp that some of us used,

and Rit who donated dye for us to use.

Thanks to all our sponsors, but especially

who is also sponsoring a contest on their website where you'll find instructions on how to enter their giveaway.
Happy Crafting and Happy Holidays!
All the best,
Terry