Easy-peasy holiday crafting ideas!

BY SUZ MANNECKE, Guest Designer

Hi All! Suz here with a few more holiday crafting ideas for you.

As the time approaches for the big man in the red suit to make his way down the chimney, I find myself simplifying things in my home, my life, and in my scrap studio. Mostly, because time is at a premium! (I am sure you understand!) So, the majority of the next few projects are easy-peasy and can be completed in a short amount of time.

First is this altered gift basket (from Hobby Lobby …half off) transformed with a doily, the adorable shaped kitty & pup sticker, and the "Season's Greetings" stamp from the OA Very Merry December mini-book kit.

I simply stamped the sentiment on the shaped sticker, added a bit of Stickles (Glitter Glue) to the die, glued all items to the basket and called it good. (If you notice, one of last week's projects is tucked into the basket too.)

Next is a simple home decor project made with an inexpensive embroidery hoop from Hobby Lobby.  I cut a small piece (10 x 10 inches) of buffalo plaid flannel and centered it in the frame. Then I cut up small amounts of the lovely white OA lace trim and layered it at the base to form the snow drift.  I placed the adorably handsome buck die cut sticker from the Make It Merry shape stickers sheet and placed him on the plaid fabric.

I cut out my sentiment "Make it Merry" with my Silhouette Cameo, added some silver Stickles to the lettering, and glued the sentiment down (Aleene's Tacky Glue). I then hand-stitched a few primitive snowflakes with silver embroidery floss and adhered the polka-dotted bow to the top. I placed the winter scene into the hoop, centered the design and clamped the hoop shut. Then I carefully trimmed the excess fabric and trim from around the perimeter of the hoop. Easy-peasy and done!

Following up here with a repurposed item … what I call a "yo-yo ornament."  I enjoy finding ways to repurpose household and crafting items into pretty little things, and at the heart of this ornament is an empty cardboard ribbon spool.

I simply wrapped ribbon around the spool (1 time) and glued in place. Then I adhered a doily with patterned paper to the spool and fussy cut the cute little Christmas scene from the Make It Merry 8x8 paper pad, added some Stickles /glitter glue and adhered with 3 dimensional adhesive.

I grabbed a bit of baker's twine (6 inches), looped it together, and tied a knot at one end and glued it to the inside of the ornament so it was ready to trim the tree with. Quick and simple but a lovely little vintage ornament to place on the tree or to give as a gift. And repurposed!

I decided to make a few quick cards using the exclusive stamp set in the Very Merry December mini book kit.  First up is this simple little card. (I embraced my inner minimalist here.)

I used some American Craft stamp markers and inked up each little word one at a time for the sentiment. A little spray mist, a teeny bit of red Stickles, stitching, and done!

For this second stamped card, I played with the adorable little waving Santa and created a repeating ombre (colors or tones that shade into each other) effect by stamping off three times to get the gradation in color. I plan to make several of these cards as thank you notes. Simple and fun as well.

And another card I made with pretty OA Make it Merry paper as the base, machine stitched with silver thread, misted, and then embellished with pearls and baker's twine sewn through the doily.

Lastly, the cover to my "25 Days of December Merry" album (aka the Very Merry December Mini Book). I used a little bit of washi, some acrylic white paint and woodgrain contact paper as the base of my cover. I love that it is more durable for little/big hands that will peruse it over time. I added glossy accents for dimension to the sticky keys alpha and used an exacto knife and small scissors to fussy cut out the "merry." For the chipboard "25" I embossed with silver Zing.

So, that's it for this week! I had hoped to get some photos of the inside of my album for you, but the weather just wasn't cooperating. Not to worry, I will be posting plenty of photos from it next week, along with a layout or two.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all who celebrate the season!! May there be peace on earth and goodwill towards men.

To view Suz's blog click here: http://www.livealifeextraordinary.blogspot.com.

Comments

[natalia]

love the embossed chipboard!

[Amy S.]

so many great, creative projects!

[Becci Manies]

Awwww- the Santa is SO CUTE! I also love the ribbon spool ornament! This line was a home run! Still my favorite paper crafting company out there- perfect mix of vintage and sweet.

[Val]

Thank you for more ideas. Happy Christmas to all of you at OA. All take care and will see you in the new year. I wonder what ideas next year will bring??? Val x

[Ruza]

Great holiday projects! TFS!

[Malika]

Great projects, Suz! love the repurposed ribbon spool!

[Janice-Marie]

Oh I just adore the repeated Santa card - I find so often - especially with my hand-carved stamps - that I adore the ghost like repeat images almost more than their solid counterparts.

[Kathy W]

Those are all so cute. I love the little deer on the plaid background and the 'minimalist' card is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing. Happy holidays to you and everyone at October Afternoon.

[kathleen schriber]

your instructions are so easy to follow and i love love this collection. reminds me of when i was a little girl...(a long, long time ago)