Gnome for the Holidays

 Hi Everyone,

I'm happy to be celebrating with Fairfield on their 80th anniversary.  Congratulations, Fairfield!  Eighty years is quite an accomplishment.  If you have been creating anything quilted or stuffed, no doubt you have used their wonderful products.

For the occasion, I created a Gnome for the Holidays with Fairfield™ Poly-fil®. 

This little gnome is easy and fun to make.  You can get the whole family involved in making it.

It's no-sew except for the nose, and you can use glue there, too, if you like.  He's built on a recycled coffee can.  Felt, flannel and fleece are the easiest fabrics to use, but any remnants you have will work.

You will need:

Coffee can

Fabric to cover can

Fabric to make hat

White felt, scrap green felt

Large white pom pom, small red pom pom

Hot glue and glue gun or tacky glue

Sewing thread and needle

And, of course:  Fairfield™ Poly-fil®

Here's how I did it:

Cut fabric to cover the can and glue.  I used red and black flannel.  Cut it so it fits the can under the lid.  You'll be covering up any edges, so don't worry if it's not totally even.   I used hot glue, but you can use tacky glue also.

Cut a beard from white felt and glue to the center of the can.  The shape won't matter much, because you'll be gluing fiberfill over it.

Use the lid on the can and trace a circle on felt for the nose.  Using a running stitch about 1/4" from the edge, gather the felt into a ball.  Tie the threads and trim.  Stuff with fiberfill and shape the nose.

Glue fiberfill to the white beard.  Glue the nose in the center.

Cut a hat from a rectangle of red fleece using the circumference of the can plus one inch by the length you will want for the hat.  I used about 20" for the length.  Starting about 1" from the bottom, shape the rectangle into a long triangle.  Lap over the edges and glue.  The hat should be a little bigger than the can so you can pull it down over the edge of the lid.

Glue some fiberfill to the top of the lid.  This will add shape to the hat.  You can add as much as you like.

Add glue to the edges of the lid and glue inside the hat.

Cut out holly from felt and add to the hat if you like, or use any other decorations.  Bring the pointy end of the hat together and glue to a large pom pom (or more fiberfill!)

Now, fill the can with cookies, candy or small gifts and give it to your neighbor!

Fairfield™ generously sent me the Poly-fil® used in this project.  Thank you!

Layered Flower Cuff

Hi Crafty Friends!

Today I'm sharing a tutorial for a layered flower cuff.   It's a design that I created for a make and take at the Creativation Show last January.  It's quick and easy and you can use your fabric scraps to create your own version. 

Layered Flower Cuff

Here's what you need to make this cuff:

An aluminum cuff (or other type of cuff)
A 1 yard strip of unbleached muslin (1" wide)
2 small pieces of double-sided tape
1 12" piece of print fabric (1"wide)
A crocheted flower
1 medium die-cut flower in denim
1 small die-cut flower in leather
1 small button
4" narrow ribbon
6" wire (22 gauge)
Needle and thread
Metal punch, scissors

The components for the cuff

First, punch a hole in the center of the cuff.  This is where you will attach the flower. However, if you don't have a hole punch, just cut your wire longer so that you will be able to wrap the flower on securely.

Next, make a running stitch along one edge of the print fabric.  Pull up to gather into a circle and tie the ends.

Now, fold the wire in half.  Thread the button on the wire.  Tie the ribbon onto the wire loop above the button. 

Thread both ends of the wire through the leather flower, denim flower, gathered flower and crochet flower.

Push both ends of the wire through the hole in the cuff and wrap the ends of the wire around the cuff tightly.  Press ends flat against the cuff.

Tape one end of the muslin strip at one end of the cuff.  Start over the end of the cuff so that the aluminum doesn't rub.  You can also add some extra fabric on the end and wrap over it. Wrap around the cuff working under the flower.  Wrap to the other side of the flower and tape down the end.  Trim the extra muslin and any threads.

And, here's the cuff:

Layered Flower Cuff

As you might have noticed, I changed the layering on the tutorial as I went along and placed the gathered flower in a different place.  It's all good!  That's what creating is all about!

I hope you have fun creating your own version of this easy cuff.  It's great for a group craft like a birthday party or craft night.  And, it's a nice way to use up some fabric scraps.  I am going to try it in a red, white and blue version for the Fourth of July with the denim and some scraps of bandana fabric.  What will you try? I'd love to see your version! 

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!