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~Rag
Balls~
You
will need Styrofoam balls (size is your choice, I usually use
2 1/2" for medium sized balls), straight pins, scissors,
various fabric prints,amount of fabric depends on the number
of balls you are creating, I usually purchase about 1/2 a meter,
(number of different prints is up to you, I use 3-4 different
prints for 12 balls, small prints work best, I like the homespun
look), fabric tape measure (optional)
Tear
or cut the fabric into strips. For medium sized balls, strips
the width of a tape measure are about right. Tear the fabric
into strips. For medium sized balls you will need 6-8 strips
of fabric.
Pin
one end of the fabric to the top centre of the ball and begin
to wind it around, overlapping is fine. As you wrap, insert
pins where necessary. Continue with this method until the entire
ball is covered. The more you wind the better they look.
These
balls look great displayed in a bowl or basket. You may even
wrap them in seasonal prints (Hallowe'en,Christmas,Easter) and
use them to decorate.
If
you wish ot you may also scent your balls. Simply apply your
favourite scent to the styrofoam ball before you begin to wra
pthe fabric. My favourtie scents to use are cinnmaon and allspice
~Mason
Jar Candles~
You will need a Mason jar (any size), about 1 cup of potpourri,
depends on the size jar you choose, 1 votive candle, candle
cup (the ones that have the raised rim to form the edge), wired
ribbon or wooden heart swag for decoration.
Form
the wired ribbon into a bow and secure around the mouth of the
jar or attach the heart swag here, either or. Pour the potpourri
into the jar. Drop the votive into the cup and place the cup
in the mouth of the jar. The raised edge is what will allow
it to fit into the opening and to stay in place. That's it.
You now have a Mason Jar candle.
~Bundt
Pan Votive Holder~
You will need a 5"
bundt pan, 1 cup of potpourri, a votive candle, enamel paint
(optional), sealer.
I
prefer the look of painted bundt pans. I use the enamel paint
to sponge paint my pans. Once the paint has dried, use the sealer
to set the paint. Place the votive on/in the hole in the pan.
Pour the potpourri into the pan and spread it around to fill
the entire pan. A grubby candle looks fantastic in these!
Each
of the above votive holders make wonderful yet inexpensive gifts.
They are great to give as a hostess gift or as a housewarming
gift, especially if you decorate them in the receivers chosen
colour
~Hat
Face~
You
will need a large straw hat, raffia, a small straw hat, pink,
black, red, blue/green or brown felt squares, wiggly eyes, false
eyelashes, pink/red pompom, tacky glue or glue gun, scissors,
felt pen for tracing face details on felt, if necessary, fine
wire.
From
the wire, create a loop to hang the hat from once it is complete.
Affix the loop to the top backside of the hat. It is easier
to do this now before you begin the work on the face.
You
are going to use the centre of the hat to create the face (
the part that is raised to accommodate your head, this is where
you will create your face) You may use the felt pieces to design
you face (red felt for mouth, pink for cheeks and nose, brown,green,
blue for eyes etc) or you may use the wiggly eyes, pompom (nose),
eyelashes, red felt (mouth) to create your face. I usually use
a combination of the 2 methods to achieve the face I want. The
eyelashes look really cute on a little girl hat face.
The
raffia will act as the hair for your little hat child. You will
glue it to either side of the raised portion of the hat. You
can make the hair as long or short as you like and give them
bangs if you wish. The thicker you make the hair, the better
it looks. Little girls look nice if you use ribbon to give them
ponytails on either side.
Cut
the small/medium sized straw hat in half. You may decorate this
hat with ribbon and flowers if you wish. Glue or pin the hat
to the "head" of your hat child.
Hang
on the door for all to admire.
~Gingerbread
Boy/Girl Wreath~
You
will need a grapevine wreath (size is up to you to choose) homespun
ribbon, length depends on the size of wreath you choose, a gingerbread
boy/girl wooden cutout and the desired colours of paint to add
the gingerbread boy/girl facial features, if you choose an unfinished
one.
This
is a quick and easy project. Wrap ribbon around the wreath.
You may wrap it as close together or as far apart as you wish.
The tighter you wrap, the better it will stay in place. You
may wish to use a little "tacky" glue to help secure
the ribbon to the wreath. Once you have the wrapped the ribbon
around the wreath in the desired form, use the remainder of
the ribbon to form a bow which you will place at the top of
the wreath. If possible try to buy wired ribbon in the same
print as your homespun ribbon that you used for wrapping. It
makes the bow making much easier. Once you have formed the bow,
use a dab of "tacky" glue to secure the bow to the
top of the wreath. You may place it centered or on an angle,
your choice! Glue the gingerbread boy/girl to the left or right
side of the wreath. I prefer to centre he/she on the right side
but it is entirely up to you how to position your lil' ginger.
That's it!! You are now the proud owner of a Gingerbread Boy/Girl
wreath.
***OPTIONAL***
You may wish to purchase some cinnamon, spice or clove oil in
a craft store (Michael's carries it) and rub/pour some on your
wreath prior to making, to give it that great gingerbread scent.
~Mini
Grapevine Wreath Magnets~
You
will need a mini grapevine wreath, about 12" inches of
3" inch wide ribbon, mini wooden cutout, magnet circle,
and a glue gun or regular craft glue. Wrap the ribbon around
the mini wreath. Again, you may wrap the ribbon as close together,
or as far apart as you like. You may or may not make a bow to
glue on the top of your wreath, your choice. I like them either
way. Next, glue your chosen mini cutout in the left/right bottom
corner of the wreath. Place the magnet circle/piece in the centre
of the wreath, on the top portion. Secure with glue. Quick,
easy, inexpensive, but a cute gift idea. These little do-dads
look great attached to the top of a gift with some ribbon for
a little added decoration.
Craft Links
Mary
Maxim (lots of crochet & knitting)
Happy
Crafter
Provo
Crafts Creative Express
Virginia's
Craft Links
Michael's
Special
thanks to Grace,
Robinson's
Heart Warmers 1998-2001
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