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Christmas Crafts: Diy Elf on a Shelf with Outfit Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks! For my first project for Christmas, her...

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Sewing Pouches, Lots of Them

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

The next craft project on my Christmas list involved a lot of sewing.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

I made pouches.  Lots of different pouches.  They make great Christmas presents, especially if you fill them with little goodies like I’m going to do. :)

One of the great things about pouches is how versatile they are.  All of these ones were made basically the same way, a few tweaks to the design makes a huge difference.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

The two on the left here were made from the kitty cat fabric I bought recently (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  Now they work as a fun purse and a small clutch. 

The pouch on the right is made from leftover fabric from a baby project three years ago (see Sewing for Baby).  That’s the nice thing about pouches, they help use up your leftovers.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

For some of them I curved some or all of the edges.  It adds a nice touch, especially to smaller bags.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

I could have used buttons, loops, snaps, etc. to close them, too many options.  I chose soft Velcro because it was easy and I always have it on hand.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

Pouches are also nice because you can make them for just about anyone, including guys.  These plaid ones are nice, but not as girly looking as they could be.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

I added small straps to the back because sometimes it’s nice to have a strap to hold on to, but something longer would make it look too much like a purse.

Sewing lots of differnt pouches using leftover fabric.  Great for easy diy gifts.

The last two I made using more leftover fabric from a skirt I made sometime ago (see Just in Time for Christmas?).  The size and long straps make them look like pretty messenger bags.

That’s all I made, this time.  They’re fun to make and handy to have, so I will probably make more pouches in the future.

If you want to make some of your own, this envelope purse tutorial is very similar to my pouches.

Here’s the updated list:

Three down, just one more to go, and just four days until Christmas.  Getting so close, wish me luck!

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Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Christmas Crafts: Snowman Ornament with Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!



The next craft project on my Christmas list is ornaments, snowman ornaments. :)

Cute snowman Christmas tree ornaments made from yarn and felt.  Plus a video tutorial. Learn how to make this Christmas craft.

I made cute little snowman ornaments using the sparkly yarn I bought from Joann (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  And not just this one…

Cute snowman Christmas tree ornaments made from yarn and felt.  Plus a video tutorial. Learn how to make this Christmas craft.

…But several of them, fifteen in total.

Many of you already know that every year for Christmas I make ornaments to give to others.  I’ve been doing it for several years now.

For these ornaments, I was inspired by some snowball ornaments I made years ago.  I thought “why not snowmen?”

Cute snowman Christmas tree ornaments made from yarn and felt.  Plus a video tutorial. Learn how to make this Christmas craft.

The best part about them is how much fun it is to decorate them.  You can make them in so many different ways.  Some I made earmuffs for…

Cute snowman Christmas tree ornaments made from yarn and felt.  Plus a video tutorial. Learn how to make this Christmas craft.

…And some have cute little hats.

Since they were so easy and fun, I made a video tutorial for all to enjoy.  Think of it as a Christmas present.

Snowman Ornament Christmas Tutorial

All you need to make them are:


Enjoy the video.

Here’s the updated list:

  • Snowmen
  • Elf
  • pouches
  • Coats

Two down, two more to go, and 6 days until Christmas. :o


Give it a try:

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Friday, December 15, 2017

Christmas Crafts: Diy Elf on a Shelf with Outfit Tutorial

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

For my first project for Christmas, here’s…

A diy elf on the shelf all dressed in felt sitting on top of a copy of the Elf on the Shelf book.

…The Elf on the Shelf.

A diy elf on the shelf all dressed in felt.

I started to think it would be fun to have one of these little elves around the house.  Then I started to think it would be more fun to make one instead of buying one.

And I’m not the first to think that.  I found this tutorial for a DIY elf, and decided to make a similar one.  Just without the clay and the vintage doll face which was too tricky to find, but super adorable.

A plain posable doll from the craft store, perfect for a homemade elf on the shelf.

Anyway remember that odd doll I bought at Joann (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul).  I got it specifically to used for this project because it’s the same one used in that tutorial.  It poses nicely, so it’s perfect for elfishly good fun.

The doll's feet cut off and pinned to make new elf feet.

And just like in that tutorial, I prepared the doll by cutting off the feet and stitching the bottom of the legs shut.

However, from there I just did my own thing.  Basically all I did for my elf is make it a cute little elf outfit and decorate the face.  It was so much fun, I wanted to share it with you.


Elf on the Shelf Tutorial


Materials:

Diy elf on the shelf clothes pattern and tutorial.

Here’s the pattern for the clothes

If you chose not to cut the doll’s feet, you will either need to make the pants about 1.5 inches longer or cut off the tips of the pants before sewing.  Then you will have normal pants and just need to make your elf some shoes.

The clothing pieces are made in simple shapes, so this would be perfect for a beginning sewing project for a child, with adult supervision of course.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

First cut two shirt pieces and pin.  Sew along the sleeves and down the sides. 

You can sew by hand using a running stitch, but I recommend using a backstitch (if you don’t know how to do a backstitch, check out my video tutorial for doll drawstring tank tops).

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

When done sewing, carefully clip the seam allowance at the armpits so it will look better when turned right side out. 

Try not to accidently cut the thread or you will have to re-sew it (I did it three times while sewing this outfit!).

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Turn the shirt right side out and try it on the doll for fit.  You will need to cut down the back to make an opening.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Looks great right?

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Now pin on the collar and sew in place.  If you’re feeling lazy, you could glue it on instead.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Now cut two pieces for the pants and pin and sew.  Just like with the shirt, you clip at the crotch and around the feet.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

After turning right side our try it on the doll.  It will be a snug fit, so getting them on may be a bit tricky.

If you are making this with a kid, you will probably need to help them.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Cut one piece for the hat and hat trim and sew (or glue) the trim along the curved edge of the hat.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Then fold the hat in half and sew along the straight edge to form a cone.  Clip the point at the top before turning right side out.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

And here is your little elf hat.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Cut two pieces for each glove (4 pieces total).  Sew around and clip before turning right side out.  Easiest gloves in the world.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Time to dress your little elf.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

You can simply sew or glue the back of the shirt closed.  However, if you want to make the clothes removable just sew on snaps or Velcro.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Before attaching the hat (if you want to), it’s time to add a face to this little guy.  Just draw a little face in pencil, then draw over with fabric markers.

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

Here’s how mine turned out.  I used the beaded eyes as the pupils and drew the rest of the eye parts along with nose, mouth, chin and eyebrows.

I added a touch of pink for the cheeks and in the corners of the nose and mouth.  A little bit of blue and purple to the eyes, and he has a face.

Truth be told, I kind of think it looks cuter with the blank doll face, but an elf needs a smile. 

Diy elf on the shelf clothes tutorial with pattern.  Make your own easy elf on the shelf.

For hair, I made several strokes using both yellow and brown to make it pop more.  He has highlights! 

The nice thing about the hair is if you mess up you can hide it under the hat.

An diy elf on the shelf, now fully dressed.

And there you have your completed elf doll.  All he (or she) needs is the book.

A used copy of the The Elf on the Shelf book, purchased from a public library.

I found this copy at the bookstore at my local library, or rather it found me.  I just walked in the door and there it was, for only $3 too.  It was fate.

For those who aren’t as lucky though, you can find the book on amazon among other places.

The finished elf on the shelf in all his diy glory!

Book or not, you can still have tons of fun with these elves.  Try not to get too carried away. :)

Here’s the updated list:

  • Snowmen
  • Elf
  • pouches
  • Coats

One down, three more to go, and 10 days until Christmas.  Oh, dear.


Give it a try:

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Wednesday, December 13, 2017

A Late Black Friday Craft Haul

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!


Like many people around the country, I felt enticed by the ads for all the Black Friday deals.  But instead of electronics, toys and clothes, I bought craft supplies (and dolls)!

Joann had sales from Thursday through Sunday, so I decided to shop for all the craft supplies for my Christmas craft projects.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

First up is my online order.  The first day for the black “Friday” sale was Thursday, but it was online only because the stores were closed for Thanksgiving. 

It’s a good thing.  Let the employees spend the time with their loved ones and the customers shop from the comfort of their home while eating plenty of pie.All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

Anyway, the package came less than a week later.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I only bought a few items, I was holding out a little.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I got a pack of fabric markers.  I plan on using them for one of my Christmas projects, but I can think of a number of other uses.  Great way to justify them. :)

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

However, these charms were an impulse buy.  The are cute little keys and heart locks, and I think they would make adorable little doll necklaces.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

Here some sparkly holiday yarn I got for another project.  Several different yarns were on sale, so I grabbed some white baby yarn too.  It always comes in handy for small crafts.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

This one is also for one of my Christmas projects, and it’s a little unusual.  A posable doll made from white muslin.  He is 14 inches tall, but obviously most of the height is in those long, long legs.  He will be fun to play with when I’m done.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

Now for the stuff I bought in store, with the doll relaxing on top.  I went on Saturday because the best deals were actually on Saturday and Sunday.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

First I picked up some acrylic paint.  They weren’t actually on sale, but there was a coupon in the ad that worked for them.  Yay for coupons!  I got pink parfait, white, blue bonnet and leaf green. 

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

The doll dragged over the markers, I think he knows I’m going to use them on him.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I picked up some soft Velcro, because I had another coupon and you can’t have enough of it around.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I also got this pack of cardstock.  Most of the scrapbook papers were 75% off including this cardstock.  Good time to stock up.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

While I was there, I took a peek at some of the clearance items and found these two broaches, a floral one and a cameo.  They will go perfectly with my wardrobe.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I also went through the patterns.  The Simplicity patterns were on sale for $1 each!  This is a dress pattern I’ve been eyeing, number 8444.  It’s for a blouse and dress inspired by a certain Japanese street fashion.  Sadly, you find it with the “costume” patterns.  Sigh.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I got a few sheets of felt, they were 5 for $1.  Sadly, I accidently got one of the premium non-sale pieces.  My coupon still worked on it.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

Now the best part about the sale, the remnants.  They were all on sale for half their normal price, plus they took an extra 75% off. 

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I got these two plaids, the larger red plaid will be great for my Christmas sewing and the small blue plaid is good for doll clothes.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

I could not resist this cute cat print.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

And I got this huge hunk of red felt.  I needed some for a couple of projects and this will be more than enough for my needs.  I will have plenty leftover for next year too.

All the craft supplies I bought from Joann on Black Friday.  Great bargains!

Last but not least, I grabbed this small pink polka dot fabric.  I’m not sure what to do with it, but at the very least I can make a tiny doll dress with it.

And over all, I spent less than $45, and have enough supplies to keeping me crafting for at least a couple months.  Maybe.


Give it a try:

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Friday, December 8, 2017

My Christmas Project List, A Little Late This Year

Christmas Craft To-do List for 2017One craft list finished yesterday, another holiday one started today.  As mentioned before, it will be a light one this year. 


Christmas Craft List 2017:

  • Snowmen
  • Elf
  • pouches
  • Coats

Four projects to complete in a little over two weeks?  Holiday challenge accepted, wish me luck!

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Thursday, December 7, 2017

School Uniform for Fall? or Sewing a Blue Dress

This post may contain affiliate links, please check out my disclosures page for more info.  Thanks!

The final project on my list is one I had intended to make over two months ago, but it just kept getting put off.  A crisp navy blue dress.

A while ago, I made a sailor uniform to wear to Phoenix Comicon.  I used some blue poly poplin material for the the collar and skirt, but I bought a much, much larger amount more than I needed.  I thought it would be useful for other projects.

For  awhile, I was thinking it would look great for a dress.  Something for Fall, though in my mind it kind of started looking like a school jumper.  Pair it with a polo and it works as a school uniform, right?

So let’s see.

A cute school-like jumper style dress made with navey blue poly poplin and trimmed with crocheted lace.

Do you think my new navy blue dress looks like a school uniform?  Maybe a little cuter than some of the pieces I’ve seen.

Simplicity 1061 women's dress pattern, for slight vintage looking a-line sleeveless dress with a matching bolero jacket.

I used the bodice from this pattern by Simplicity, but I made the straps a little more narrow both because the style of the pattern is too wide for my taste and because I’m a bit more on the narrow side compared to most store bought patterns anyway.

Making a cute school-like jumper style dress made with navey blue poly poplin and trimmed with crocheted lace.

For the skirt though, I opted to make a rectangle skirt instead with a gathered waistline.  In retrospect though, I think it would have worked better for this fabric to use an a-line skirt.  Live and learn.

Making a cute school-like jumper style dress made with navey blue poly poplin and trimmed with crocheted lace.

I trimmed the neckline with some nice white crocheted lace I bought at SAS (see A Spooky Black Craft Haul).  I wanted to add a bow or two as well, but I couldn’t make up my mind on where to stick it and what size.  It just leaves more room for broaches and other accessories (speaking of which, check out my button broach tutorial and lace applique broach tutorial).

Making a cute school-like jumper style dress made with navey blue poly poplin and trimmed with crocheted lace.

I added the same lace along the skirt.  The perfect way to complete this “school girl” look.

Here’s the updated list:

Seven projects down and out, but there’s no time to celebrate.  It’s time to start with the holiday crafting!  It will be a light list this year since it’s so close to Christmas, and I’ll have it up tomorrow.

For now, maybe a little bit of celebrating?


Give it a try:

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Friday, December 1, 2017

Quick T-shirt Makeover: Cute Shrug, a Simple Cardigan, Plus Doll Tees

As promised, here’s my next craft projects.  Just a few things I whipped up with some t-shirts.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

A super easy black shrug and an even easier white t-shirt cardigan.  I was inspired by a few tutorials I found on Pinterest to make them. 

For the shrug, I used this tutorial for a t-shirt shrug.  It’s a classic, but I didn’t follow it exactly.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

I cut off a few inches from the bottom of the shirt.  Just enough to reduce some of the bulk from gathering the shirt at the end of the tutorial.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

And while re-hemming the bottom, I added some lace along the edge.  This adds a somewhat dressier touch.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

After that, I just followed the rest of the tutorial as is.  Sadly, my photo doesn’t do it justice.  It’s still pretty though.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

And versatile too.  I think it still looks cute when worn in-gathered.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

Now for the white “cardigan”.  I used this tutorial for a t-shirt cardigan.

Easy diy T-shirt shrug and cardigan

All you have to do is cut the t-shirt open and zig-zag stitch along the edge.  I decided to cut and stitch along the sleeves too for mine.  I kind of want to try it with a long sleeve shirt like in the tutorial.

Now with all this t-shirt cutting there comes plenty of scraps, and what do you make with t-shirt scraps?

Doll-sized t-shirts with link to tutorial.

Make doll t-shirts!

I made three little doll-sized t-shirts, two white and one black. 

Doll-sized t-shirts with link to tutorial.

They were made specially for this fine boy.  He is the only male ball jointed doll I have, so he is in desperate need of clothes.  Clothes that are not girly looking.

Doll-sized t-shirts with link to tutorial.

They fit him nicely, and thanks to the Velcro closure in back, are super easy to go on and off.  If you want to whip up a few of your own for similar sized dolls, I have posted the pattern and tutorial on my doll blog.  Enjoy!

Here’s the updated list:

Six down,  just one more to go!

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