For so many years I have pledged to create a hand-made Christmas, and it has never come to fruition … until this year … when reduced working hours have left me with limited cash, but have gifted me with an abundance of time … and it seems to be suiting me very well!
I was inspired by this post on Scrapiana’s blog, to create some easy peasy Christmas decorations. I had ideas for some very simple fabric garlands, and also for some fabric tree decorations.
Here’s how I did it.
1. Select a range of fabrics – I chose reds and greens in modern prints and gingham.
1. Cut out two circle templates from thick paper or thin card – any size you like. And, yes, that price ticket does read ‘Woolworth 79p’. I miss Woolworth!
2. Pin a template to the fabric and cut around using pinking shears to give a zig-zag edge. I folded my fabrics into 4 or 6 layers (depending on thickness) to cut multiple circles at one time.
3. Repeat with all the fabrics, using both templates giving a range of small and large circles.
4. To make the wall garlands, select half of the circles in a random order, mixing up the fabric patterns and sizes.
5. Using a straight stitch on your machine, and a complimentary colour of thread, stitch the circles into a row, butting them edge to edge as you go. I stitched all the circles in one long line, and cut lengths as I hung the garlands later.
6. Your done. Simple as that!
7. To make the tree decorations, select pairs of circles in different fabrics but matching sizes.
8. Stitch them together with right sides facing outwards, leaving a 3 cm gap.
9. If you want a three dimensional effect, use some soft toy stuffing to fill the circles. Alternatively, leave them flat.
10. Cut ribbon lengths of about 5 inches, or 12 cms.
11. Fold the ribbon in half, and insert the loose ends into the opening of your decoration, creating a loop.
12. Stitch the opening closed, ensuring you secure the ribbon ends into your seam.
13. Tie and trim the loose threads.
14. You are done. Hang, admire and enjoy a moment of happy.
I am feeling mightily chuffed with my self, for actually making the time and completing the task … and the tree looks great too!!
So, lemon loves will be signing off now until 2013. It has been my first full year of blogging, and the act of noticing, capturing and sharing some of the goodness in life has certainly been very rewarding. I believe it is true that we can choose where to put our energy, and that choosing to focus on the good stuff really does make it grow!
This year hasn’t been without challenges, and yet it has also been full of bright moments, love, kindness and beauty. It is always there, the trick is to notice it.
Wishing you all a peaceful and joy~filled end to the year. I will see you in 2013!
