I'm a born crafter. That means I'm working on something for Christmas throughout the year, whether it be something small for the tree, or a slightly larger project for friend or family member. Here's a look at some of the works-of-heart made for Christmas 2011.
There were, of course, a lot of cards. I make about 50-70 Christmas cards every year, just for personal use. I like to have extras on hand just in case, and any leftovers can be donated or sold next year. I've been sharing samples of these all month, so if you missed them, click on the "Christmas 2011" or "Cards" label at bottom of this post or in sidebar.
I love these mini-stockings and wish I had made more. Not just for giving away, but for my own little tree. The only one I kept this year was a blue snowflake stocking. These are backed with felt, with a loop of embroidery floss for hanging.
This "Green Bay Packers" stocking is my own design, and sure to be a huge hit with friends and family. As you can see, I used the original free-stitched one as a pattern for others. Just needs trimming and a little hanger. Now to design one for the Wisconsin Badgers...
This ceramic star ornament was leftover from a bunch I stamped on a few years ago. I simply added a seasonal decal and some ribbon et voilà!
"File This" is one of the larger projects made, and is for a friend owned by two black cats. It measures 8x10 inches and still needs framing (it's on my Saturday shopping list).
Angel whimsey. The cording for the ribbon was a bit of a pain, but I like how the wire hanger turned out. Those can sometimes be a bit tricky.
Assorted mini-ornaments. All are backed with felt and have a small loop of embroidery floss for hanging. Like the mini-stockings, these are light enough to enclose in a card.
"All I want for Christmas is a Nap." Another larger gift, measuring 9x12 and still in need of framing. I received this kit as a gift last year. It's not my style, and—to be honest—I've had a hard time deciding to whom it should go.
Two or three years ago, I made two friends a bunch of snowmen ornaments, each getting three different designs than the other. Of course they tried to steal the other's when she wasn't looking and "hinted" that I needed to give the reverse the following year. Ha! Way too predictable.
I think they will be pleasantly surprised to round out their collection this year. (Wicked grin) Each is stitched on 14-ct Aida cloth and backed in felt with ribbon hangers.
Mouse banner. I did a snowman banner similar to this one in 2009. This year I was a bit smarter in finishing the edges. Rather than fold and try to hide tacking stitches to the underside, I dug out the Lite Steam-A-Seam2. Half inch strips along the edges were all it took to neatly and easily finish the edges. The tassel, on the other hand, was a bit of a pain.
These playful critters round out a set for a friend who collects anything Noah's Ark. Backed in felt, with ribbon hangers.
Another whimsey. I had trouble getting the wire hanger just right on this one. Both this and the angel above were stitched on 14-ct plastic canvas.
People often wonder how I am able to get so much crafting done. My secret is this: I am rarely idle while watching TV. You'd be amazed how much you can get done while watching a one-hour drama, two-hour movie, or three-hour football game. If it's not a craft project in my hands, it's pen and notebook. Also, starting in July this year, a friend and I got together about every other weekend for an NCIS/crafts marathon. We'd pop in a season and work on our respective projects. We got through the first seven seasons, made almost all of our Christmas cards together, and got a lot of other projects done during those long weekends. I have a feeling we'll be doing something like this again next year.
There were, of course, a lot of cards. I make about 50-70 Christmas cards every year, just for personal use. I like to have extras on hand just in case, and any leftovers can be donated or sold next year. I've been sharing samples of these all month, so if you missed them, click on the "Christmas 2011" or "Cards" label at bottom of this post or in sidebar.
I love these mini-stockings and wish I had made more. Not just for giving away, but for my own little tree. The only one I kept this year was a blue snowflake stocking. These are backed with felt, with a loop of embroidery floss for hanging.
This "Green Bay Packers" stocking is my own design, and sure to be a huge hit with friends and family. As you can see, I used the original free-stitched one as a pattern for others. Just needs trimming and a little hanger. Now to design one for the Wisconsin Badgers...
This ceramic star ornament was leftover from a bunch I stamped on a few years ago. I simply added a seasonal decal and some ribbon et voilà!
"File This" is one of the larger projects made, and is for a friend owned by two black cats. It measures 8x10 inches and still needs framing (it's on my Saturday shopping list).
Angel whimsey. The cording for the ribbon was a bit of a pain, but I like how the wire hanger turned out. Those can sometimes be a bit tricky.
Assorted mini-ornaments. All are backed with felt and have a small loop of embroidery floss for hanging. Like the mini-stockings, these are light enough to enclose in a card.
"All I want for Christmas is a Nap." Another larger gift, measuring 9x12 and still in need of framing. I received this kit as a gift last year. It's not my style, and—to be honest—I've had a hard time deciding to whom it should go.
Two or three years ago, I made two friends a bunch of snowmen ornaments, each getting three different designs than the other. Of course they tried to steal the other's when she wasn't looking and "hinted" that I needed to give the reverse the following year. Ha! Way too predictable.
I think they will be pleasantly surprised to round out their collection this year. (Wicked grin) Each is stitched on 14-ct Aida cloth and backed in felt with ribbon hangers.
Mouse banner. I did a snowman banner similar to this one in 2009. This year I was a bit smarter in finishing the edges. Rather than fold and try to hide tacking stitches to the underside, I dug out the Lite Steam-A-Seam2. Half inch strips along the edges were all it took to neatly and easily finish the edges. The tassel, on the other hand, was a bit of a pain.
These playful critters round out a set for a friend who collects anything Noah's Ark. Backed in felt, with ribbon hangers.
Another whimsey. I had trouble getting the wire hanger just right on this one. Both this and the angel above were stitched on 14-ct plastic canvas.People often wonder how I am able to get so much crafting done. My secret is this: I am rarely idle while watching TV. You'd be amazed how much you can get done while watching a one-hour drama, two-hour movie, or three-hour football game. If it's not a craft project in my hands, it's pen and notebook. Also, starting in July this year, a friend and I got together about every other weekend for an NCIS/crafts marathon. We'd pop in a season and work on our respective projects. We got through the first seven seasons, made almost all of our Christmas cards together, and got a lot of other projects done during those long weekends. I have a feeling we'll be doing something like this again next year.
21 comments:
I always enjoy seeing your crafts, Heather. The little stockings are really cute.
Thanks, Shelley! The best thing about those mini-stocking is how fast they stitched up. I could do one a night!
I can't just sit and watch TV and do nothing, either, but I am not so talented as you! These are all beautiful!
Forgetfulone: Thank you! I can always tell how intense a game or movie was by how many mistakes I made in my stitching while watching. ;-)
oooh lovely! I like crafting too but never have time to do as much as I'd too - in 2007 I made my frind a Mrs Weasley sweater (from Harry Potter movie)
happy tt
You do beautiful work. I'm quite envious. I used to do counted cross stitch but it has been a while since I did it.
What lovely ornaments. I like the ceramic star the best! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
I love it all
By the time I'm watching tv I'm usually a zombie and can barely move. I love your Christmas cards.
You do even more than I realized.
The card in the middle of the top row of the first picture is the best.
Rose: A Mrs. Weasley sweater! How cool. Knitting is one thing I've always wanted to lern.
Anita: Thank you. I've been doing cross-stitch since I was about 14. I love that there is such a vast variety of designs.
Thanks, Brenda! I wish you a good Christmas, too--though with no snow it sure doesn't feel like Christmas.
IBeati: Thank you! :)
Colleen: Thanks, I'm glad you like the cards. There are occasions when all I feel like doing is flopping down in the dark with a favorite movie, but that is rare. Saturday night was one of those times.
Alice: Hmm...wonder why you are partial to that particular design? *WG* Would it surprise you to learn i am already at work on next year's ornaments?
Nice work. I'm sure that others will appreciate it.
Have a great day!
http://harrietandfriends.com/2011/12/the-2011-holiday-season-facts/
These are so cool! I especially love the "File This" piece. Not that I have a kitty who does that.
Oh, no. Of course not. Perish the thought.
;)
Buon Natale!
Thanks, Harriet! :)
Kimberly: Yes, my friend's kitties love to help with paper work, too. Thanks for stopping by!
What a wonderful collection of crafts! I used to do some cross stitching, but somehow I haven't done any in years. You've done some beautiful work. Thanks for sharing this!
I love your ornaments!
And what a great idea to have a craft marathon and watch a favorite tv series at the same time.
Love your ornaments because they look so sturdy! It's awful to fall in love with an ornament, to attach memories to it, and then have one of the cats (or my own fat fingers) lead to its demise. So I'm glad yours look both festive and tough enough to last in the real world.
Thanks, Denise!
Susan: I often do my own movie marathons while working on craft projects. It's a great motivator!
Gal: The nice thing about fabric ornaments is that they are shatter-proof. The downside is that some animals may mistake them for chew toys, but they can be surface cleaned.
These are all so awesome, Trix. I wish I had the patience for that sort of thing. I tend to be lazy and zone out in front of the TV instead of being productive.
Kudos on crafts well done. I'm sure the recipients all apprecited them.
Thanks, Jana! People did seem to appreciate what they received. *g*
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