Crafty Afternoon

It has been awhile, since I have posted anything on my blog, apologies.

My nieces and nephew are home for a quick visit this weekend, so of course we had to do some craft.  My craft studio is an absolute shambles, so we sat outside to make some little items.

First on the list was a beaded dragonfly, using the instructions from "I heart crafty things" - then we made some little Christmas tree ornaments.

The photos are not great, but you can see what the kids made.

Dragonfly and then a cute little Christmas tree ornament with a piece of left over chenille stick.

Two dragonflies, a couple of jingle bell reindeers, and a bottle cap reindeer.  We also tried writing our name on a piece of bark with the glue gun.  I think once painted this will look great.

Dragonfly, jingle bell reindeer, bottle cap reindeer and a stick reindeer.  All very cute.

Quick and easy fun

Until next time

Judy

Rowdy

OK, when you saw the heading did you think I was being "rowdy"?

No,  this is the name of the latest reindeers I have made from a pattern by  Old Road Primitives

The painted faces make them look so cute!  The instructions on how to paint the faces was very easy to follow.

Would you believe that these two reindeer have been stuffed and just waiting to have the faces painted for over 12 months, shame!

Oh well, at least they are finished now, and ready for the "Red Carpet Market Day" which is only 4 weeks away.

Until next time, from your non-rowdy blogger

Judy

Christmas Reindeers Finished

The two reindeer that I had cut out yesterday have been completed, whoopee
Once they are stuffed they are very quick and easy to complete.  I have used upholstery fabric for the body and it has great texture and holds the form extremely well

The first is the cutest, in my opinion, light brown with Santa's bag on the side filled with goodies

 

The next one is in a darker upholstery fabric, and gives him an entirely different look.  I have made a felt stocking for this one.

Both so cute, here they are side by side so you can compare.

 

This reindeer pattern can be purchased from my online store, here

Now to get the washing on before I cut out another Christmas pattern

This one is next on my agenda - Olde St Nick from Country Friends.  The following photo is from the cover of the pattern, hope mine turns out as good?

 

Have you been crafty this weekend?

Judy

Little Christmas Ornaments

This post is showing a couple of little Christmas ornaments that you can make in advance and pop away ready for Christmas.

1.  Tea Light Snowman  - utilising a battery operated tea light - turn it into a snowman face. His nose shines orange when the light is turned on

Cut out a fabric hat to fit the top of the light, sew and stuff lightly.  Glue onto light and then glue a fur trim to the edge of the hat.  Make sure you leave the on/off switch at the back uncovered.
Tie a co-ordinating bow and then glue it to the bottom of the light.

Paint the face as desired, I used many different expressions on my lights, just by using a permanent marker.  Dot the eyes with a little white paint, and smudge the cheeks with red paint.

Glue a small magnet to the back of the light, so you can place it on your fridge etc

 

 

These battery operated tea lights are inexpensive and would make great teachers gifts.

2. Rusty Bell Reindeer -  Use any size rusty bell to make this reindeer decoration

 

Very simple, tie a string hanger through the top of the bell, and then thread half a bumps chenille stick through. Twist around the top loop of the bell to secure.  I then glued a small red pom pom on for his nose, used the black marker for his eyes, with a small dot of white paint for an accent.

A little bit of fur or jute for hair, a small button for decoration and he is finished.  This is easily a decoration that your children could help make.

 

 

Can you see how the shape of the bell, determines the mouth .. I am definitely going to try some more of these, however using bigger bells ...

I also washed some beautiful mohair fleece today, it is definitely a favourite medium to use for Santa's beards, and I am lucky enough to be able to purchase it locally.  The only trouble is that it has not been washed, and it is very smelly.  It requires numerous washes / rinses to remove all debris and smells, but here it is, drying on some bricks in my backyard.  Beautiful curls, just waiting to be used.

 

This is the same fleece I used for Santa's beard on the Ho Ho Ho Santa. - you just tease out the tight curls for a fluffy beard.

 

Till next time

Judy

Another Finish - Reindeer

This reindeer has been adapted from a Tilda pattern.  Made from caramel felt and sitting nicely on a white rocker.
The reins are red cord and the Christmas bauble is from "Up In Annie's Room" and available in store.

He is available in store - $15.00 + postage

Hope you are having a great day

Judy

Reindeer on a Spring

My friend Colleen from Colly's Christmas Crafts has sent me a pattern for one of her new designs ... Christmas on a Spring ... it comprises a Santa, Snowman and a Reindeer on a old bed spring.

I had the prototype of the reindeer, so I had to try him , he looked so cute when he arrived.
This is Colleens version, with his sweet adorable face

Now here is my attempt, some minor changes, due to the different bed springs used, mine was smaller and had the same size opening on the bottom and top.  Colleen's had a large bottom and a very narrow top

I still think they are cute ... we quite often use old rusty bed springs as prim nodders but by covering the spring they are converted into sweet "cutesy" craft items

This following photo shows the three together, it may give you an idea of the differences in design and sizing.

Not sure when this pattern will be available, but I am sure to have it in store as soon as it is published ... now to get permission to teach this at one of my craft workshops!

I will test out the Santa and Snowman on a spring in the next couple of weeks, and let you know the results

Judy