Shirt Sleeve Pumpkins

Hi crafty friends!

Nothing makes me happier than re-using something old and worn out.  Lately, I have been using some of my hubby's old shirts in my designs.  I have a lot of plaids and pumpkins have been on my mind, so I thought I'd make some plaid shirt sleeve pumpkins.  

The shirt sleeves are perfect for a quick and easy stuffed pumpkin, since they are already a tube.  I cut two from this plaid shirt - one a little shorter than the other.  Then, I turn the sleeve piece inside out.  On one end, sew a running stitch around one edge with a heavy thread.  Draw it up and tie it.  Turn it inside out and stuff with polyester stuffing.  Then, sew another running stitch around the top edge.  Draw it up and tie the ends.  Push the center down along with the ends of the thread.  Find a short piece of stick for the stem, add glue to the end and push into the center.

Shirt Sleeve Pumpkins

Set them among the rest of your fall décor or place them in a grapevine wreath.  These are so easy even the kids and grandkids can make them.  

So save your old plaid shirts or check out your local re-use stores and make some shirt sleeve pumpkins!  

Happy Fall!

Happy Fall Y'all!

I love fall!  It adds a lot more color to the world - yellow and red leaves among the green, orange pumpkins, and ripe apples and tomatoes in shades of red.  The fragrances of fall add to the rich ambience - damp earth from an early shower, homemade jams and pies, and the rich odors of ripening grapes.

And, I love creating things to celebrate the season -

Here's a little sign for fall that I created for JOY Iron-on letters.

You can find all the details to make your own sign on the Creating with Joy blog.  Want to add a little more to this sign?  Add two more pumpkins - one with an "I" and one with a heart - to make "I heart fall".

These are small wood slices, so they will fit anywhere among the fall décor you already have on a windowsill or shelf.   And, the tiny leaves are die cuts made with a die from Spellbinders.

These leaves were part of the Wreath Elements in the Four Seasons set and were the perfect size for my pumpkins.  I love that die cuts work for so many crafts besides cardmaking!

Stop by the Creating with Joy blog for more fun fall and Halloween ideas.  Happy fall creating and decorating!