Christmas in July!!!

Hi crafty friends!  I was thrilled when Giselle asked me to participate in this event.  Then, I was a ball of nerves!  After all, this is the first time I have been asked to be part of such a great group.  I wanted to make sure I rose to the challenge of making something fun for you all, hoping to inspire everyone and spread some Christmas cheer. I decided I would make several different handmade projects. 

Project One is a simple bookmarker.  I thought that using silver and blue would be a good blend.  I used the 2” scalloped circle punch by EK Success to cut out the silver paper from a Walmart paperpack.  The second circle is my 1 ½” circle punch by EK Success.  I used a Stampin Up stamp from the Two-Step Stampin’ Riveting set and used Navy Ink It Up ink.  I am a big Stickles fan, so I used stickles to add a little sparkle in dark blue.  The beads and ribbon are from the Michael’s dollar bin. 

 

Project Two is an altered wooden clothespin that I found on ebay.  I painted it red.  I actually had to take it apart to get all the little crevices.  I added black ribbon and added a belt buckle which was cut by hand.  Finally, I hot glued some white buttons as a final touch.   Doesn’t it look like Santa?

Project Three – Christmas Clutch and Coordinating Tags.

I learned how to make these several weeks ago on www.thediydish.com. Kris and Kim are amazing and I love to visit their blog.  I made three variations of the clutch and the project was so much fun!!!

First I selected 2 fabric patters and cut at 9 x 12. 

1.       I used fusible interfacing on the wrong side of one of the fabrics following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

2.       Placing both fabrics right side together, I pinned the ribbon between the two and sewed all around the rectangle, leaving a 3” opening at the base as well as a ¼” seam all around. 

3.       I turned the fabric inside out and carefully pushed out the corners.  I also ironed it to keep the lines crisp.

4.       I then sewed around the entire piece again, closing up the opening after carefully placing a ribbon to serve as my closure. Be sure to sew over the ribbon several times so that it is nice and secure.

5.       I folded it in to the 8” mark, approximately…kind of like in thirds.  This is when I determined the size of the actually pocket of the clutch. Once I decided, I sewed the two sides together, forming the pocket and leaving the top flap open. 

6.       I ironed it again and again to make sure it stayed and added a button closure and embellishments, where needed.  

FINALLY – I have a giveaway for one lucky winner.  Please leave a comment on this post and a way to reach you for a chance to win a very appropriate prize – Cricut Christmas Village Cartridge!!!  Winner will be selected using random.org on July 31^st.  

Thank you for stopping by!!!