Card Sketch

Practical Scrappers card sketch challenge is up today.  Go visit them and see how the design team has been inspired from the sketch.  You'll find lots of inspiration to make your Christmas cards.

The PS sketch

For this card, I used a little of everything.  I recycled a store bought Christmas card to make the tree.  I used 6 different stamps, gold glitter & black embossing powders, washi tape, 2 ribbons, 1 sequin, & 1 gem.
(I nearly said "and a partridge in a pear tree!")

With Sympathy

I send my most heartfelt sympathy to the families, friends, witnesses, & community who suffered such devastating loss yesterday after the tragedy at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Connecticut.

Button Wreath

Hi, Today I’m sharing a fun button wreath that could be a tree ornament, card embellishment or a great gift topper for a crafty friend.

Supplies:
12 buttons (½ - ¾ in)
18 in wire (26 gauge)
wire cutters & scissors
ribbon
gems, holly, charms, jingle bells etc
hot glue gun

Directions:
1. arrange your buttons in a pleasing manner varying color and size
2. thread one button onto the wire leaving 5 in of wire at the end
3. thread wire through the second hole pulling slowly to avoid the wire twisting and getting kinks; stop frequently to readjust the wire. (this is the most difficult part to get right)
4. thread another button and slide it down to the previous button
(buttons should overlap slightly alternating over & under)
5. After you have threaded all 12 buttons on the wire, form a circle and thread the wire back through the first button’s hole. (it will have 2 pieces of wire passing through the holes)
6. Both wires should be on the back of the project so you can twist the wire ends together to secure the wreath.
7. Create a bow for the wreath and use the wire ends to secure it.
8. Attach an embellishment (jingle bell, gem, or charm) in the center of the bow (attach with a hot glue gun if your wire ends are not long enough.)
9. Twist wire ends together, trim off excess, and discreetly bend wire ends down on the back of the wreath.
10. Thread a piece of ribbon or floss through the top button to hang.

 

As you can see, it is easy to get carried away once you try making these! 
Here is how our display looked for our Christmas Sale for charity.

                             Happy Holidays!

Christmas Wreath

Hello Crafters, 
I am sharing a quick and simple Christmas wreath made with strips of fabric and no sewing involved. (perfect for the craft room door!)


Supplies: fabric, pinking sheers, wreath base ring, ribbons, buttons, Christmas embellishments, buttons, jingle bells etc

Directions:
1. Cut strips of fabric with pinking sheers.
2. Tie each fabric strip onto the wreath base ring keeping them close together in order to cover the wreath base ring completely. (Even the kids could help.)
3. Continue adding strips until the desired fullness is achieved.
4. If you have some strips that are uneven, just give them a quick trim at the end.
5. Decorate with a bow and other Christmas embellishments.
6. Tie a piece of ribbon at the top to hang the wreath.

(These basic directions can be used to make any size wreath. Therefore, you will have to decide the appropriate size fabric strips for your chosen wreath base.)

Helpful Hints:
For my wreath base ring, I used an empty cardboard reel of double sided tape. You can use a Styrofoam wreath or sturdy wire ring. Because you are tying fabric around the wreath ring, a thinner ring is best. The wider the ring is the longer the fabric strips will need to be. If you are being frugal, you could cut a ring from a sturdy bit of cardboard. I used a base ring 3.5 inches which made the finished wreath 7 inches. My fabric strips were .75 inches by 4.5 inches. I used four shades of solid green fabrics but you can incorporate patterned fabric too. Any lightweight fabric would work well. (burlap & corduroy are not recommended as they are too thick) I suggest using a variety of colors & textures of fabric to give the wreath more dimension. This is a good opportunity to use up small fabric scraps or even recycle that blouse that got a stain on it. I also tied ribbon strips alternating among the fabric strips. You could even incorporate other trims like rick rack for a fun twist. I used buttons as berries but you could easily add jingle bells or other small embellishments.

Hopefully, you will see the unlimited potential to make a variety of seasonal wreaths by combining different fabrics. Happy Crafting!