Can you believe that Christmas is just a week away?
If you’re like me, the next seven days are jam-packed with holiday-related activities. As the classic embodiment of “last-minute Lulu” (to borrow a phrase from our sister blogger emeritus, Christie Batterman), that means I’m scrambling for clever (translate: quick, easy, and budget-conscious) ideas for–among myriad other seasonal activities–secret Santa and ornament exchanges and for freshening up our usual holiday décor.
Enter Pinterest. (Okay. I’ll admit it. I’m hooked!) During a recent browse, I came across a little goodie that was a perfect match for my time, pocketbook, and “in stock” materials.
Button and Yarn Snowman ornament from funEZcrafts
Immediately I clicked on the link to find the source, and discovered a delightful DIY site called funEZcrafts. This site is loaded with great ideas: simple, fun, and–in many cases–utilizing materials already on hand in the workroom of any enthusiastic quilter/crafter. For the Button and Yarn Snowman Ornament, the required items were a few white, red, and black buttons (Buttons? Do I have buttons?!!); a bit of red yard; a scrap of narrow red and/or green ribbon; scissors; a ruler; and a toothpick.
Bingo! I was in business. Within minutes, I had a cute little snowman, ready for the tree.
My version of the Button and Yarn Snowman ornament from the FunEZcraft website
Enthusiastically, I returned to the funEZcrafts site. Here are a few other sweet and disarmingly “doable” projects to be found under the Christmas Crafts tab. For example, I loved this jaunty Felt and Twig Snowman.
Felt and Twig Snowman from funEZcrafts
Or how about this colorful Button Wreath Ornament?
Button Wreath Ornament from funEZcrafts
Do you have any crocheted “bits” tucked away in your stash? A Doily Sachet Ornament might be just the ticket.
Doily Sachet Ornament from funEZcrafts
This Quilter’s Angel Ornament requires just a wee bit more in terms of time and materials, but it still ranks high on the easiness scale. I found her under the Angel Crafts tab.
Quilter’s Angel Ornament from funEZcrafts
Each project on the funEZcrafts website includes a chart and photo illustrating the necessary materials and clear, step-by-step, photo-illustrated instructions. Hint: Looking for something to keep the kids or grandkids busy, engaged, and entertained in the countdown until the big day? You’ll find terrific ideas on this site for great kid-friendly gifts for teacher, babysitter, or grandma. Check under Felt Crafts for such diverse projects as a business card holder, cosmetic pouch . . . even a cupcake paperweight. (Just be sure the young ones are old enough for projects that involve small items such as buttons or beads.)
Felt Cupcake Paperweight from funEZcrafts
Many thanks to Sara at funEZcrafts for granting permission to use photos from her site. Oh, and by the way: It didn’t take long to realize that my button Frosty ornament had other possibilities as well. Here, he becomes a festive “add on” to a secret Santa gift.
In Friday’s post, I’ll reveal what’s inside that package, along with instructions for making the contents.
‘Til then, happy stitching (and crafting)!
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