Tag Archives: Holiday Decor

“All You Need Is Love” Découpage House

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Mod Podge is a great medium to use as a glue and sealer on your découpage projects.

It’s Jill Cornell here today with a tutorial I created for the Mod Podge Rocks blog. I took a simple papier-mâché house and transformed it into a little love nest home décor piece for Valentine’s Day. (I used the XOXO collection from American Crafts on this project.)

The most difficult part of the whole project was measuring and trimming the paper to fit the house. A craft knife is the perfect tool to make it easier. The Mod Podge was applied on the back of each paper piece and then smoothed down over the house. Then, I applied a coat of Mod Podge as a sealer. On the roof of the house, I also applied Mod Podge Dimensional Magic as an adhesive before I sprinkled the roof with shaved ice glitter. I also hot glued pom-pom trim to the roof.

This was a fun cluster of embellishments to put together. The house was wrapped with two different kinds of ribbon and then a flower was hot glued to the center. I also used a couple of stickpins to hold the die-cut tag in place.

The project took a few hours to make, but it would be easy enough to create an assembly line to make multiple houses. Please stop by the Mod Podge Rocks blog to see my complete tutorial.

Happy crafting!

Jill Cornell from Blessed Scrapper (www.jillcornell.blogspot.com)

Cross-stitched Iris Inspirational

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Stitch a special message to beautify your home at Easter and all year long. The gorgeous colors and art deco-inspired design remind us of stained glass!

Materials

  • DMC Charles Craft 14-count White Aida, 10”x12”
  • DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss
  • Kreinik Mfg.: Blending Filament, Braid #8

Tools

  • Tapestry needle, #24

Stitch Type

  • Backstitch: one strand
  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands
  • French Knot: one strand (wrapped two times)

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size / Stitch Count

Approximate finished size: 5-1/2”x7”; stitch count: 76 w x 97 h

Iris

1. To find center, fold cloth in half and in half again the opposite way. Mark center with contrasting thread.

2. Print cross-stitch chart and key. (Note: The blue words “chart” and “key” are links. To access these, select the link, then download and print items.)

3. Stitch design centered on fabric. Where indicated, use one strand Kreinik 091 Star Yellow Braid #8. Use one strand embroidery floss and two strands Kreinik 032 Pearl Facets Blending Filament where indicated.

4. Stitch French knots and backstitch with one strand DMC 3842 Wedgewood-DK, and flowers with one strand DMC 310 Black.

Tip

  • Instead of using matte board to frame, substitute coordinating colored ribbon (as shown in photo).

by Lois Winston

Erin Go Bragh

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Even if you’re not Irish, St. Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate. Greet guests for this fun celebration with this gorgeous Erin Go Bragh cross-stitch design.

Materials

  • Zweigart White 28-count Lugana, 13”x12”
  • DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss

Tools

  • Embroidery needle

Stitch Type

  • Backstitch: 1 strand
  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands
  • French Knot: 2 strands wrapped two times
  • Specialty Stitch: 3 strands

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size / STitch Count

Approximate finished size: 6-1/2”x5-1/4”; Stitch Count: 90 w x 75 h”

Erin Go Bragh

1. Print cross-stitch chart and key. (Note: The blue words “chart” and “key” are links. To access these, select the link, then download and print items.)

2. Stitch design centered on fabric over two threads.

3. Backstitch design using 1 strand floss. Stitch French Knots with 2 strands (wrapped two times) and stitch Specialty Stitch using 3 strands.

4. Finish as desired.

by Pamela Kellogg

Love Goblin Valentine Box

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Keep this fun-loving monster happy with a mouthful of valentines! This easy-to-make mailbox will be loads of fun for all the kids in the classroom this Valentine’s Day.

Materials

  • Recycled rectangular tissue box (remove plastic)
  • Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam Shapes: 1-1⁄4” balls, two; 2” egg
  • Floracraft Dry Foam Mug Inserts, 2-5/8”x3-3/4”, two
  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Lamp (Ebony) Black, Snow (Titanium) White, Bright Green, Grape Juice, Royal Fuchsia; Glow-in-the-Dark
  • Flat wooden shapes: two small circles, 17 small hearts
  • Craft foam: white, purple, fuchsia
  • Chenille stems, two each: pink, lime, orange, yellow, purple

Tools

  • 1⁄8” hole punch
  • Adhesives: thick craft glue, glue gun and glue sticks

Basic Supplies

pencil, scissors, ruler, paintbrushes, paper plate (for palette), transparent tape, large nail, hammer, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

Note

Adult supervision is needed when using a glue gun and nail.

1. Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access patterns, select the link, then download and print items.) Follow directions on patterns.

2. On covered work surface, paint the pieces. (Note: Allow paint to dry between coats and color changes.) Use Titanium White to basecoat tissue box (body). Paint body Bright Green, wooden circles (pupils) Lamp Black, foam balls (eyes) Glow-in-the Dark, cylinders (legs) and hearts Royal Fuchsia, and egg (nose) Grape Juice.

3. To make the arms, use hole punch to punch a hole in hands where indicated by “x” on pattern. See photo. Use nail to punch a hole at each side of body. Thread chenille stem through hand holes and center; fold in half and twist chenille stem together. Push chenille stem ends through sides of body. Secure ends with tape inside body.

4. To assemble the monster, see photo. Adhere teeth to inside of “mouth”. Adhere feet to bottom of legs. Adhere legs to bottom of body and hearts to body as desired. Use glue gun to adhere pupils to eyes and eyes side-by-side to top of body. Adhere nose to front of body below eyes.

5. Make the hair. Wrap each chenille stem around pencil, one at a time. Remove from pencil and stretch to measure 6”. Curl top ends of hair in a circle. Twist bottom of hair ends together. Use glue gun to adhere hair behind eyes. Let dry. Arrange hair as shown.

Tip

  • Replace foam legs with recycled frozen juice cans; wrap cans with fuchsia craft foam.

by Sandy Parpart

Valentine’s Day Wreath

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Ideal for your Valentine’s Day décor, dainty hearts and sheer lavender ribbon add a special touch of elegance to this unique wreath – the perfect way to greet guests this February 14th.

Materials

  • Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam Wreath, 2” thick, 12” wide
  • White embossed flower paper
  • Round mirror, 7”
  • Dried moss
  • Lavender two-tone sheer wire-end ribbon, 2-1⁄2” wide, 3 yards
  • Feathers, three each: pink, purple

Tools

  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Baby Pink, Peony Pink, Wild Orchid
  • DecoArt Dazzling Metallics White Pearl Paint
  • Scallop decorative-edge scissors
  • Zipper-lock plastic bag
  • Beacon Adhesives Quick Grip All-Purpose Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, hammer, paintbrush, tweezers

Directions

STEP 1

Adhere moss to top and sides of wreath, covering completely. Place mirror in plastic bag. Turn mirror upside down on concrete surface; break with hammer. Using tweezers, carefully adhere mirror pieces to moss as shown. Wrap and twist ribbon around wreath, tying into bow at bottom right.

STEP 2

Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Use decorative-edge scissors to cut six hearts from paper. Drybrush heart surfaces Peony Pink and edges Baby Pink. Drybrush surfaces again with White Pearl. Drybrush details Wild Orchid.

STEP 3

Bend center of hearts upward, with edges back, to make them appear dimensional. Adhere feather to back of each heart; trim at bottom. Adhere hearts to wreath. Adhere extra moss to wreath as desired.

by Mary Ayres

 

Love Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

‘Tis the season… for love! Stitch this elegant pillow to create a romantic atmosphere in your home this Valentine’s Day.

Materials

  • 14-count white Aida, 12″x10″
  • White satin or fabric of choice (pillow backing), 12″x10″
  • Anchor 6-Strand Embroidery Floss
  • Gathered white lace of choice, 1-1/2” wide, 1-1/2 yards

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Fiberfill (for pillow stuffing)
  • Sewing machine and white thread

Stitch Type

  • Backstitch: 1 strand
  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size/Stitch Count

Approx finished size: 8-5/8” w x 6-3/4” h; stitch count 120 w x 95 h

Pillow

1. Print pattern and key.

2. Stitch design centered on fabric.

3. Backstitch design as shown using 1 strand Gray, Med (Anchor 400) embroidery floss.

4. To create pillow, cut 12”x10” pillow backing; zigzag stitch around edges to prevent raveling. Position pillow backing on work surface and secure lace with pins around outside edges, matching selvages. (Note: Lace should be laying inward, against pillow backing.) Baste lace to pillow backing; remove pins. Place cross-stitched pillow front on pillow backing with right sides together, matching selvages. Secure with pins. Stitch pillow together using 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving 4″ opening for turning. Trim seams and clip corners; turn pillow right side out. Stuff pillow with fiberfill. Hand sew opening closed.

by Pamela Kellogg

Ho, Ho, Homemade Santa

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Creating handmade holiday home décor doesn’t have to be a complicated process.

It’s Jill Cornell here today with a quick and easy idea to make a whimsical Santa to add to your holiday décor. All you need to get started is a foam cone shape, pipe cleaner, hot glue gun, cotton balls, cardstock, paint, pom-pom trim, and your favorite patterned paper collection and embellishments. (I’m using the Welcome Christmas Collection by Pebbles Inc. for my Santa.)

Cut the cardstock to a half-circle and wrap around the cone. Hot glue is a great adhesive for this type of project. Do the same with a piece of patterned paper for Santa’s hat. Santa’s face was easily added by painting a flesh-colored spot on the cone, adding punched black circles for eyes, a brad for the nose, and a border sticker for the mouth. Santa’s beard of cotton balls was simply hot glued to the cone. Add some alphabet stickers to make your Santa extra “merry. “

Adhere a border sticker for the hat and pom-pom trim. A pre-made felt embellishment and flag help dress up Santa. Finally, add some cotton balls to the top of Santa’s hat.

My Santa is currently sitting on my fireplace mantel among a collection of Santas – all handmade by me over the years. I even have papier-mâché and wooden versions that I made in elementary school. And this would make a great project for older children supervised with the hot glue.

Jill Cornell from Blessed Scrapper (www.jillcornell.blogspot.com)

Holiday Glasses

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Painted holiday ribbon and pine bough mugs will create a festive atmosphere for your next holiday party.

Materials

  • Glass mug, 5” tall
  • Plaid FolkArt Enamel Paints: Engine Red, Coffee Bean, Fresh Foliage, Green Forest, Metallic Pure Gold
  • Plaid FolkArt Clear Medium

Tools

  • Plaid FolkArt One Stroke Mini Brush Set

Basic Supplies

tape, oven, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Clean mug. Print and cut out pattern; tape to inside of mug.

STEP 2

Paint ribbon Fresh Foliage and stripes Engine Red. Mix equal parts Green Forest and Clear Medium; shade ribbon. Paint stripes and dots Pure Gold. Paint stem Coffee Bean and needles Fresh Foliage. When dry, add Green Forest needles.

STEP 3

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to bake mug.

by Holli Long for Plaid Enterprises, Inc. (www.plaidonline.com)

Christmas Tree Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Add some holiday spirit to your décor with this warm and fun Christmas Tree Pillow. There’s no complicated fabric piecing to tackle. You can make this pillow by simply fusing, then stitching!  

Materials

  • Cotton fabrics: burgundy check, 3⁄8 yard; ivory, 6”x9”; light brown, scrap
  • Green wool felt scrap
  • Pillow form, 12” square
  • Fringed trim, burgundy, 1-1⁄2 yards
  • Flat buttons: off-white, 1⁄2”, four; assorted colors, 3⁄8” to 3⁄4”, four
  • Burgundy embroidery floss

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Iron and pressing surface
  • Therm O Web HeatnBond Ultrahold Iron-On Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

12″ square

Pillow

1. Print and cut out pattern. Cut pieces from adhesive slightly larger than tree and trunk. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to fuse adhesive to back of green felt and brown fabric. Cut out tree and trunk, adding 1⁄4” to top of trunk as shown on pattern.

2. Remove backing; fuse shapes to center of ivory rectangle, with tree overlapping trunk. Transfer dotted lines to tree. Use three strands floss to blanket stitch around tree as shown.

3. Cut 6”x9” rectangle from adhesive; fuse rectangle to back of ivory rectangle. Cut 5”x8” rectangle from center of ivory rectangle; remove backing.

4. Cut two 12-1⁄2” squares from burgundy-check fabric. Fuse 5”x8” ivory rectangle to center of one burgundy-check square. Use three strands floss to feather stitch along outside edge of rectangle. (Note: If desired, use blanket stitch instead.)

5. Use floss to sew off-white buttons to corners of ivory rectangle and remaining buttons to tree dots.

6. Beginning and ending in a corner, sew trim (with fringe facing toward center) around pillow front, 1⁄4” from edges. With right sides facing, sew pillow front to back along trim stitching, leaving 10” opening along bottom edge. Trim corners; turn pillow right side out. Insert pillow form into opening; hand sew opening closed.

by Mary Ayres

Advent Tree

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Count the days ’til Christmas with this bright and cheery Advent Tree. Simply move a light bulb onto the tree for each day, then add the star at the top on Christmas day to reveal a fully decorated tree!

Materials

  • Craft foam: brown, 1-1/2”x2”; blue, 11-1/2”x18”, two; white, 11-1/2”x18”; green, 11-1/2” x 18”
  • 24 pre-cut craft foam light bulb shapes

Tools

  • Aleene’s Adhesives: Spritz-On Reposition-It! Tacky Glue, Reposition-It! Tacky Glue, FunCraft Foam Glue
  • Markers: black medium-tip; silver metallic

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler or yardstick

Directions

Note

Use photo as guide for creating this project.

Advent Tree

1. Print and cut out patterns. Follow directions on patterns.

2. For calendar, use one blue sheet, black marker, and ruler or yardstick to draw four 2-1/4” wide vertical lines. Measure and draw a 3-1/2” wide horizontal line from top edge; measure and draw four 3” wide horizontal lines from first line. Use marker to write in numbers, 1-25. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for foam glue to adhere other blue sheet to top 1/2” of calendar. Use marker to draw a wiggly outline along the side edges of banner.

3. For top, middle, and bottom of banner snowdrifts, cut from width of white foam sheet and cut strips so one long edge is straight and other is a random wave. For top snowdrift, cut foam to measure 2” on left side and 4” on right side. For middle snowdrift, cut waves to measure between 1-3/4” and 2-1/2”. For bottom snowdrift, cut waves to measure between 2-3/4” and 3-1/4”. With Figure 1 on pattern as guide, use black marker for the following: write “Advent Tree” on top snowdrift and draw snowflakes to each side of words; write family’s name on middle snowdrift; write “Christmas Countdown” on bottom snowdrift; outline edges of each snowdrift and around “Christmas Countdown” as shown.

4. To assemble the banner, adhere top snowdrift to top of banner so straight edges are aligned. Adhere middle snowdrift to center of banner at overlap, and bottom snowdrift to bottom of banner so straight edges are aligned.

5. To assemble the tree, center and adhere trunk to top of middle snowdrift. Center and adhere tree pieces to banner, overlapping edges slightly: tree bottom to top of trunk; tree middle to top of tree bottom; tree top to top of tree middle. Adhere tree snow layers to overlapped edges of tree, beginning with first tree snow layer and ending with fourth tree snow layer.

6. Use silver marker to draw bulb threading, to highlight bulbs, and to color in star as shown. Let dry. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply tacky reposition glue to back of bulbs and star. Press bulbs onto calendar squares and place star on the 25th. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply pump-spray reposition glue to back of entire advent calendar. When dry, banner may be placed where desired without the use of tools or hardware, and removed quickly and easily when the season is over.

Tip

If you are unable to locate pre-cut Christmas light bulb shapes, cut your own from craft foam.

by Barbara Matthiessen