Holiday Felt!

           This is the month when I start to get serious about holiday projects: home dec, ornaments, gift giving, etc. so it seemed like a good time to join the Designer Crafts Connection blog hop with Kunin felt. I've created a number of projects for Kunin over the years, so I have a good supply of felt to work with.   

        Felt is one of those materials that has been around for-ev-er........   I remember making an embroidery project and a doll with it in elementary school in the 50's, but felt is all grown up now, just like me, and definitely not just for elementary school projects any more.......   

        Felt is so versatile, it wasn't easy to decide what to make, so I actually ended up with a technique with sticky felt that I think you'll really like,  and  two projects - a pillow wrap and a bottle gift bag!

You'll Need:

• Kunin® Classic Felt - 1 yd Tomato Red
• Kunin® Presto Felt - Kelly Green
• Gwen Studios Taffy Stripe ribbon - 3/8" & 5/8" Red 
• Gwen Studios double faced satin ribbon - 3/8" Green
• Gwen Studios double faced satin ribbon - 3/8" White
• Gwen Studios Snap tool
• Joy® Embroidered iron-on letter sheet - Green
• 1/2" pom pom - 4 red 
• Novelty yarn - white fur
• Jingle bells - 5 silver
• Glue gun and fabric glue sticks
• 1/4" double sided tacky craft tape
• Scissors
• Embroidery needle 
• Thin yarn, or embroidery floss - white

First things First...   let's make the Gnome embellishments!

1. Create a pattern from card stock as follows: 

        Fold a 2 1/2" x 6" piece of card stock in half lengthwise. Starting about 1" from the bottom edge, cut a straight line from the outside edges across to the top of the fold. Starting at the same point, cut a curve to the bottom of the folded edge. Unfold the paper and it should look something like this.  It doesn't have to be perfect.

 

2.  Trace the pattern onto the back of the Presto (sticky back) felt.  You'll need one for each gnome, so I cut 5. 

3.  Starting at the top, carefully peel the paper away from the felt about an inch. The adhesive is very aggressive so it's best to do this a little at a time.  Starting 1/2" from the top, layer the white satin and narrow striped ribbon across the sticky side of the felt, alternating the ribbons and peeling the paper back as you go. Let the ribbon pieces extend over each side. Place the last piece of ribbon about 1" from the bottom. Leave the backing paper in place.

 

4.  Flip over then trim the excess ribbon even with the edge of the felt. Flip back then remove the rest of the backing paper.  Starting at one edge below the ribbon, adhere the furry yarn along the bottom curve. Add a second piece of yarn above the first and press the red pom pom at the center for the nose. Press the bell onto the top of the hat.

  

  

NOTE: I used the narrow striped and white ribbons for 4 gnomes for the pillow wrap and the gift bag. The finished gnome shown below will be used as an ornament to hang on a tree, wreath, or garland, or over the neck of a bottle of "holiday cheer".  I alternated the wider striped and green ribbon for this one and added a loop of yarn at the top for a hanger, a red berry for his nose instead of a pom pom and I added a snowflake I'd cut from white Presto felt at the back. Presto (sticky) felt also comes in other colors, but it didn't matter what color I used for gnomes, since the tacky side is covered and they'll be glued to the pillow wrap and gift bag.  

  

Bottle Gift Bag

        Nothing says "Happy Holidays"  better than a gift of wine, especially when placed in such an adorable gift bag!  

1.  Cut a 30" x 6" piece of red felt then fold in half.  Starting at the folded edge, stitch the sides together using blanket stitch.  Stitch all the way up to the top, along one side at the top then stitch both sides together down the opposite side to create the bag.

2.  Glue an 30" piece of the the 5/8" striped ribbon to the center of the back of the bag, about 3" from the top edge. NOTE: The back edge is not stitched.

3.  Glue one of the gnomes to the from of the bag about 3" from the bottom edge, then place the iron-on letters above. Use a pressing cloth to iron the letters in place on top of the felt.

Pillow Wrap

        Pillows are a great way to add a decorative accent in the home for different seasons and holidays throughout the year. There are so many fun pillows to choose from for every occasion, but finding a place to store the ones that are "out of season" can become a challenge, so I purchased a couple of plain pillows and create custom pillow wraps....  easy to make and store!

1.  Cut a piece of felt 14" x 28".  Pillows however, come in a variety of sizes, so you'll need to cut a strip of felt long enough to go around your pillow, plus 2" or 3" to overlap.  The width will also vary. I cut mine so there is about 4"-5" showing on either side.  

2.  I used tacky tape to adhere the 5/8" striped ribbon along the edges of the felt wrap, plus 2" to overlap at one end.  Fold this end under to create a 1" tab to attach a snap - one at each side.  Attach the other snap piece about 1" from edge of the opposite end.  When the wrap is placed around the pillow, the snaps will hold it in place.  NOTE:  Yes, you can also use safety pins 😀

  

3.  Glue the remaining 3 gnomes to the from of the wrap.  I also GLUED the letters  J O Y,  one letter to each hat, but this is optional.  I DID NOT IRON THEM ON.

        I hope you'll enjoy making your holiday projects as much as I enjoyed making them!  You can find more felt projects by checking out the links on the DCC blog.....  and, of course the Kunin Felt blog.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!

..........  

        

Dress It Up with Ribbon!

        When life throws you a busy ball, but you still want to be creative, look for a simple surface at your local Walmart, or Dollar Tree and dress it up with ribbon! There are so many styles of holiday ribbons to choose from, it will make all your holiday decorating quick'n EZ.....  

        I was really excited to receive samples of die cut ribbon from Gwen Studios. I love all the little  intricate shapes and they can be used on pretty much anything!  Here are just a couple of ideas:

        I had some inexpensive outdoor pillows that I picked up earlier from the outdoor garden center at Walmart.  All I needed now was a little fabric glue to give them some added sparkle.  What a difference it made!

I added small, green and red bows to the top of each ornament and a length of the red Holiday Lights die cut ribbon along the side of the truck. See how much more festive the pillows look now!

        I also love to shop at the Dollar Tree and had purchased a simple wood shape for my Harvest decorating.  The back was plain, so with a quick coat of white paint, embroidered letters, a simple embellishment, and the gold reindeer holiday die cut ribbon on top of the red ribbon, I had a simple holiday flip for Christmas in no time at all!  

 

        You can find more inspiration on the Designer Crafts Connection blog.  What will you make? The  possibilities are endless! 

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!

Personalized Weddings!

        A wedding has to be one of the most important events in someone's life. Make it extra special with coordinating decorations using ribbons, trims and fabric from Gwen Studios, available exclusively at your local Walmart and online at Walmart.com!

        As an industry designer, I received the following selection of product from Gwen Studios with the request to create one or two projects appropriate for a wedding.  With SO many ideas to choose from, it wasn't easy to decide what to do, so I'm sharing a sampling of quick'n EZ ideas together with instructions for a couple of my favorites!                                                                           

Let's start with a firm favorite - something every bride will need.....

Woven Ribbon Ring Pillow 

You'll need:

• 3 yds 7/8" Grosgrain ribbon -  White
• 3 yds 7/8" Satin ribbon - White
• 1 yd 1 1/2" Satin ribbon - White
• 1 yd 3/8" Grosgrain ribbon - White
• Blush (or White) Satin and Rhinestone trim
• Crochet style lace trim - White & Lavendar
• Two 10"x10" squares of white fabric (I used old handkerchiefs)
• Needle and white thread (or sewing machine)
• 1/8" double sided adhesive 
• Scissors
• Beaded quilt pins
• Cotton balls

1.  Cut nine, 10" lengths each of white, 7/8" grosgrain and satin ribbon.

2.  Starting with one piece at the center, pin the pieces (4 on each side) of grosgrain ribbon next to each other across one edge of the fabric square.

3.  Starting about 1" from the top weave the pieces of satin ribbon across the grosgrain ribbon ending about 1" from the bottom.  Adjust the ribbon so the pieces are nestled snugly against each other then secure each piece using a pin at each end to keep them in place. 

4.  Using a simple running stitch, stitch around the outside edge of the outer  pieces of ribbon to attach them to the fabric.

5. Trim the excess ribbon and fabric close to the edge on all 4 sides.

6.  Place the woven piece on top of the second piece of fabric; trim as needed.  Place the narrow white ribbon along the top edge of the woven piece then fold the 1" trim over the edge of the fabric, pin then stitch in place. The narrow ribbon will be encased under the lace trim along the top edges for a neater look.  Leave an opening along one edge of the pillow so it can be filled. 

7.  Stuff with cotton balls, then sew the opening together.  TIP: I placed the cotton balls in a plastic baggie, about the same size as the pillow to make it easier to stuff.

7.  Wrap the 1 1/2" wide satin ribbon around the center of the pillow then tie in a bow. Trim the ends as needed. To add a little sparkle, adhere the narrow rhinestone trim to the center of the blush satin trim with double sided tape. Offset the piece of trim as shown so the ends will overlap when placed around the center of the bow.  TIP: This technique with the rhinestone trim can also be used to make bracelets for the bridesmaids and flower girl. 

8.  Optional: Add coordinating colored trim on top of the ribbon at the front and a tassel* at the center to finish.  *Instructions to make tassels are below.

Just add a ring bearer and your pillow will be good to go down the aisle in style!

Tassels are another favorite of mine! They are easy to make and will be the perfect addition to all of your wedding decorations!

Tassel Garland

You'll need:

• Coordinating Voile fabric
• 3/8" White satin or grosgrain ribbon
• Textured/bouclé style yarn in a coordinating color
• White cord (for garland)

1.  Unroll the fabric, but leave folded. Cut 1" strips across the end as shown. Cut each strip along the folds at the top and the bottom to create 4 strips.  

2.  Cut the ribbon and the yarn into 14" lengths. To make one tassel, gather 3 strips of fabric, 1 piece of ribbon and 2 pieces of yarn together, staggering the lengths.  Fold in half then attach to the cord with a larks head knot by laying the folded end under the cord, then pulling the ends over the top of the cord and thru the fold.  Continue adding tassels about 5" apart to a length of cord to make a garland.  To make a single tassel, cut the cord about 4" either side of the knot then use to attach the tassel to the pillow, flower girl basket, etc.

        Woven ribbon pillows and tassels are definitely worth the time invested in making them, but ribbons and trim are also a great way to quickly add coordinated color and bling to LED candles, place mats, the flower girl's basket and more. Wands are also a trendy feature for younger bridesmaids. Simply wrap the cardboard tube from a wire coat hanger with ribbon; trim the top with rhinestone trim then insert a bundle of fabric strips, yarn and ribbons into one end and poof, you have a fairy wand!  You can also add layered ribbon and trim to the ends of a piece of coordinating canvas for a quick'n EZ placemat!

Don't forget rhinestone trim bracelets for that extra special sparkle!

Look for more inspiration from Gwen Studios Design Team:

Terry Ricioli

Janet Trieschman

Sue Eldred

Rosie Nunjai

Nadine Carlier

Michelle Frae Cummings

Ann Butler

Jean Kievlan

Enjoy!

Yours truly,

Julie 💝

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING! 

Beaded Wreaths - EZ and EZer

 I see them here, I see them there, wooden beads are everywhere! 

I'm sure you've noticed too, and, like me, you've thought - "I can make that'!  I especially like beaded wreaths so, of course, I had to make one for Fall.  The finished ones I saw had beads threaded onto a metal hoop, but I wasn't sure how to accomplish that. Metal hoops are readily available, but I'd need a band saw and metal blade to cut one to add beads.  No matter, where there's a will there's always a way......  I came up with an easy and easier way..... 

You'll need:

5/8" (20mm) Beads - 21 for a 12" wreath, or 25 for a 14" wreath (sizes are approximate)

Grapevine garland

18 gauge 18" covered wire stem (12" wreath)

Wire coat hanger (14" wreath)

Assorted Fall flower picks

Jute

Wire cutters

  

Step 1:

    a. Carefully cut the hook from the top of the coat hanger then gently shape the wire into a circle. Work slowly, especially when straightening the corners.  Bend one end over then thread the beads onto the wire. Bend the opposite end over then link the ends together to form a circle.

    2. The wire stem is easier to work with, but will only accommodate 20-22 beads. Thread the beads onto the stem leaving about 2" of stem at each end. 

 

Step 2:

    a. Remove the thin wire holding the coiled garland together then cut 2 pieces* long enough to cover the coat hanger wire between the beads. Sandwich the wire between the two pieces then, starting at one end wrap the garland with jute finishing and securing at the opposite end. Adjust the curve of the garland and beads to create the circle. *Two pieces are needed for thickness.

    b. Cut 2 pieces of garland for the smaller wreath,  Gently straighten out the curve from each piece then, starting at one end wrap the pieces together with jute. Insert the ends of the stem wire into the tightly wrapped ends of the garland. Adjust the curve of the beads and garland to create the circle.

Step 3:

Separate the stems from the floral picks. Starting at the outer edges of the garland, insert the ends between the twigs.  The twigs should hold the picks firmly in place, but you can dip the ends in lo-temp glue for extra security if desired. Working from the outer edges to the center, add pieces from contrasting picks to finish. You can also find a selection of laser cut words at your local craft stores to add if desired.

All you need now is a place to hang your finished wreath! Enjoy!

TIPS: Check the sales at your favorite arts & crafts stores for seasonal floral picks for best prices!  You can also find plain wire coat hangers at your local Walmart if you don't have any. 

Happy fall y'all!

Yours truly,

Julie 😍   

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CRAFTING!