Flirty Fleece Ear Warmers Tutorial

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Christmas gift, Christmas present, ear warmer, fleece, gift, gift giving, kid's gifts, present, present giving, stocking stuffer, tutorial, Xmas gift, Xmas present

There was a lot of interest after I posted the Flirty Fleece Ear Warmers. I received messages, emails and comments asking for a tutorial. Mind you I’ve still been sick, so it took a while. The doctor called me today, five days after I’ve been on antibiotics and said they needed to put me on something stronger…. no wonder I haven’t been improving. Now I hope I got this posted in time for you to make some before Christmas.

Step 1 – Cut fleece into about a 22″ x 4″ rectangle, larger heads will require a longer length of fleece, kids head, a shorter length. Lay rectangle horizontally.

Step 1 – Cut Fleece

Step 2 – Pin bottom ends up and top ends down, so sides measure about 2″.

Step 2 – Pin Sides

Step 3 – On top and bottom, fold just the edges down, tapering from middle toward ends. Stitch edges and trim excess, using matching or contrasting thread.

Step 3 – Taper & Stitch Top and Bottom Edges

Step 4 – Stitch ends in and add velcro dots. Adding one to the wrong side of one end, and adding one to the right side of opposite end.

Step 4 – Stitch End & Add Velcro Dot

Step 5 – Using a cookie cutter to trace or freehand flowers on fleece and felt in multiple sizes and cut out shapes.

Step 5 – Cut & Trace Flowers

Step 6 – Layer flowers and add a button or bead in center on top. Stitch flowers carefully to headband. I like to position mine about three inches from the middle of the band.

Step 6 – Embellish with Flowers & Button

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Flirty Fleece Ear Warmers

Tags

Christmas gift, Christmas present, ear warmer, fleece, gift, gift giving, kid's gifts, present, present giving, stocking stuffer, Xmas gift, Xmas present

After a long winter, cold weather can become unbearable… why not start the winter off right? Warm can be fashionable… In the past 10 years I’ve graduated from wearing crocheted ear warmers with matching scarves to wanted something cuter to match my pashminas. One of my girlfriends purchased a similar fleece ear warmer, and I couldn’t justify dropping $20 on one that I didn’t even completely love. Being crafty is sometimes a blessing to the purse.   These fleece ear warmers are quick and easy to make and (when your sewing machine isn’t broken one week before Christmas) are completely personalized. This makes a great gift for a kids, teens and adults alike. Give them as a stocking stuffer or use them as the bow on a gift wrapped present.

I used fleece for the ear warmer, but the flower is a mix of fleece and felt in complementary colors. I used a coordinating button to tie it all together. If you’re not into flowers, try ribbons, box, buttons, sequins, anything to jazz up a plain ear warmer. Since fleece isn’t too stretchy I tapered the ends in and used a hidden velcro dot to close my ear warmer, but you could also sew a button-hole and use a button to secure it. Get the full tutorial here.

Flirty Fleece Ear Warmer

Be kind to me, I’ve been sick for 5 days with minimal rest and it shows. It was the best picture I could get of the ear warmers without any natural light…

Indoor Succulent Garden – Gift for the Non-Green Thumb

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centerpiece, chicks & hens, chicks and hens, Christmas gift, Christmas present, garden, gardening, gift, gift giving, gift idea, hostess gift, house warming gift, perennial gardening, perennials, present giving, succulent garden, succulents, Xmas gift, Xmas present

An indoor succulent garden is the perfect gift for the non-green thumb, they can even forget to water it for a while. Succulents are forgiving, adaptive plants, that vary in color and texture. This indoor garden can be a great Christmas present, house-warming gift, or centerpiece for the party’s hostess.

Before we moved, I pulled tiny three chicks out of my garden. They sat in a cup on the window sill at our interim place for two months, until I rediscovered them today and planted them.

 

Materials:
Glass dish (I used a leftover centerpiece bowl from our wedding), garden soil, succulents to transplant, river rocks (or marbles, or  gem rocks)

Directions:
Clean glass dish and pour a layer of dirt on the bottom. Depending on the type of succulent you use, remove any dried leaves and extra roots. With the chicken & hens, I trimmed the root to 1″ long. Arrange the succulents in the soil. Remember they will fill out as they grow. Carefully arrange rocks around the plants, covering the soil. Drizzle or spray plants and rocks to dampen the soil, keep damp for the next 7 days.

Succulent Suggestions:
Chicks & hens, snake plant, jade, sedums, living stone, cacti

What is your favorite succulent?

Merry Christmas To Me – New Chandelier Earrings

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chandelier earrings, Christmas cheer, Christmas gift, Christmas present, Christmas tradition, craft, crafting, earrings, frugal, gift giving, handmade earrings, homemade earrings, jewelry, jewelry crafts, jewelry making, present, shabby chic, stock stuffers., Xmas gift, Xmas present

10 more days until Christmas, that means only 9 more shopping days! Admit it, most people spend money on themselves while the are holiday shopping, whether it’s an item on sale that you need or a promotional discounted second item you keep for yourself. If most of us cannot resist the temptation, it must be human nature for a little bit of immediate gratification to be wrapped up with our generosity. Making gifts for others is no exception, I still have to make something for myself now and then…

Earrings are my weakness; chunky chandeliers hanging from my ears. I have a plethora of earring findings and beads on hand at all times, but I had found the base for these on clearance a few months back. With all the layers of bulky sweaters and thick scarves it is a little hard to feel glamorous, but it’s time for my ears to sing. I used the same beads for the wine glass charms I made recently; the assortment of colors blended together, challenging me to incorporate colors not normally in my clothing palette. These earrings surprisingly coordinate with purples, browns, creams, grays, yellows, browns and pinks, since the beads shimmer and reflect different colors.

Chic Chandeliers

Since the bases were on clearance and the beads and other findings were left over from other projects, these cost me about $3 a pair, not too shabby for a chic new accessory.

 

Whether making these for yourself or someone else, these chandelier earrings make a great stocking stuffer… even if you don’t wait to wear them.

Did you purchase anything for yourself while holiday shopping? If so, what did you get and are you going to wait to use it?..

Twelfth Day of Christmas – Espresso Jar Candle

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12 Days of Christmas, 12th day of Christmas, beverage, candle, candle making, Christmas cheer, Christmas decor, Christmas gift, Christmas party, Christmas present, Christmas tradition, coffee, door prizes, espresso, gift, gift giving, gift in a jar, handmade, holiday craft, holiday party, home decor, homemade, hostess gift, hot beverages, house warming, house warming gift, jar candle, jar craft, party favors, present, scented candle, twelfth day of Christmas, twelve days of Christmas

On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Espresso Jar Candle, Gingerbread Man Ornaments, Fleece Blankets, Bottle Cap Magnets, Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

Today’s post is very late, due to an earlier science experiment that went wrong and resulted in a few small burns on my hand… Ouch!.. The first brand of wax dye I tried was not very good and caused the wax to bubble and splatter out of the pot, which caused me to spill the candle fragrance on the counter. I’ve made dozens of candles before and I felt like a clueless newbie. I’ll be contacting the wax dye company tomorrow.

It took a while for me to start the second batch, this time I only added fragrance. I also had gloves on this time. Also, I didn’t wait for the wax to set before photographing… once the jar cools, I’ll clean up the outside where I spilled some wax. I’ll update with a better photo once the candle is cleaned up and I have some natural light to photograph.

Espresso Jar Candle

 

These Espresso Jar Candles are so cute and easy to make. These candles make a great Christmas present, housewarming present, hostess gift, party favors of door prizes! Coffee lovers beware! Do not attempt to drink this!

How To:
Use clear drying craft glue to attach coffee beans to the inside of the jar, in a pattern you like. I covered the bottom of the sides with coffee beans and glued a few randomly up the sides. Center candle wick in middle of jar, and glue base down. Allow all glue to dry completely (it took three hours for all traces of my glue to disappear). Cut wax into small pieces and heat over medium heat until all melted. Keep still until candle is set. Tie a piece of holiday ribbon around the neck of the jar and attach a gift tag.

Approx. Cost
Airtight glass jar = $1, large block of wax = $7.50, small bag of whole coffee beans = $1, package of candle wicks = $1, craft glue = $1 a bottle, bottle of candle fragrance = $1, bottle of wax dye = $1    Such a cute gift for about $3.25 a candle

This post wraps up 2010’s 12 Days of Christmas countdown, I hope you saw a few ideas that you can use, or inspired you to create something else! Happy Holiday season everyone!!!

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

Tenth Day of Christmas – Fleece Blankets

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10th day of Christmas, 12 Days of Christmas, bedding, blanket, Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas craft, Christmas gift, Christmas present, days of Christmas, fleece, fleece blanket, fringe blanket, gift, gift giving, holiday craft, Holidays, kids craft, no sew, no sew blanket, present, tenth day of Christmas, twelve days of Christmas, XMas, Xmas present

On the tenth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Fleece Blankets, Bottle Cap Magnets, Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

Almost everyone in the crafting world (even those who only lightly dabble) has made a fleece blanket at one time. About 5 years ago, the no-sew fleece blankets with the tied fringe became popular; it’s easy to understand why… Only cut and tie and you’re finished. It’s an easy child’s craft! Of course with babies, most people like to add stain blanket binding or crochet a fancy border. A few years back, my MIL made one for Hubster & I, one for Pumpkin and one for every other member of the family. My nephews have outgrown their baby blankets and are ready for blankets of their own. For all the projects below you will need two pieces of fleece, 2 yards each. I like using a print fleece on one side and a solid print on the other. You could also make yours with two different prints, two different solid colors, the same print or the same solid color.

No Fringe How To:
I use this method if the blanket is to be part of the bedding. Place wrong sides of fabric together. Stitch around the edges leaving 1/4″ inseam, leave a 10″ on the last side. trim excess from corners. Turn blanket right side out. Blind stitch the opening closed. To create edging, stitch around the outside of the blanket about 2″ in from the edge. 

Dinosaur No Fringe Fleece Blanket

 

No Sew How To:
I prefer to use this method for throws. Place right sides of the blankets together. Cut a 4″ square off of each corner. Cut 1″ wide strips, 4″ deep into the fleece on all four sides. Tie opposite piece of fringe together. Tie all the corners first, then evenly tie all sides. 

Rock & Roll No-Sew Fleece Blanket

Hybrid Blanket How To:
If you like the fringe look, this is great, because you don’t have the fringe tickling your neck all night. There’s no fringe on top, only sides and bottom. Lay right sides together, cut 4″ square on bottom two corners only. Cut 1″ wide strips, 4″ deep into the fleece on only three sides, leave top uncut. Place wrong sides together and stitch top together, starting 4″ in from the sides. Turn blanket right side out and begin tying the sides together.

Approx. Cost:
Both projects coast the same, except the no fringe has the added cost of thread. Solid fleece = $3 yard, Print fleece = $7 a yard. Blankets could range from $12 – $28 depending on the colors and prints you select. I’m sure you can find fleece cheaper if you shop around or during the summer.

If you’re feeling extra crafty or extra generous, get another yard or two and make a few matching or contrasting throw pillows. Use the same directions for the blanket, just add filling!

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…

Ninth Day of Christmas – Bottle Cap Magnets

Tags

12 Days of Christmas, 9th day of Christmas, bottle cap magnets, bottle caps, Christmas, Christmas cheer, Christmas craft, Christmas gift, Christmas magnets, Christmas party, gift, gift giving, gift ideas, happy holidays, Holidays, ninth day of Christmas, personalized gifts, present, stocking stuffer, thank you gifts, twelve days of Christmas, XMas, Xmas craft, Xmas gift, Xmas present

On the ninth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me her Bottle Cap Magnets, Fleece Sphere Ornament, Button Wreath Ornament, Christmas Mouse Cat Toy, Melted Frosty Ornament, Crocheted Fan Bookmarks, Crocheted Snowflake Ornaments, Wine Glass Charms and Glass Globe Ornaments…

Whether given as a stocking stuffer, part of another gift or on their own, this is a super cute gift that you can customize infinite ways. Perfect craft for adults and kids. To create custom  high school student, paint front of caps in bright colors with funky patterns, favorite logos, and icons to reflect the recipients personality. Do the same for a college student to use on their message boards or mini-fridges. For the drinker, collect international caps as well as micro-brews. Use Coca-Cola caps for an avid Coke drinker. For the home-owners, paint caps in the same colors and theme as their kitchen. If home-owners have a beer on tap or wine cooler at their bar, paint icons of beer steins and wine glasses. Some people change their magnets seasonally, so customize the magnets to reflect the seasons and the holidays (Winter = Christmas ornaments and snowflakes, Spring = daisies and kites, Summer = starfish and beach balls, Autumn, leaves jack-o-lanterns and turkeys).

"Pub Style" Bottle Cap Magnets

How To:
Heat up glue stick in hot glue gun. Lay bottle caps face down on a cutting board of pot holder (metal will get warm when glue is added). Dot a bit of hot glue to inside of cap and center button magnet.

Approx. Cost:
bottle caps = free (if you don’t have them at home, most local bars will give away the caps), pack of 50 button magnets = $4, glue sticks = $2 a bag, small bottle of misc. paints = $2    A set of 5 magnets would cost about 80¢, and a set of 10 = $1.60

Teen Girl Bottle Cap Magnets for Locker

Don’t even start me on the decoupage possibilities…

Christmas Ornament Bottle cap Magnets

2009′s Christmas Countdown – On the twelfth day of Christmas Young Wifey shared with me, her chocolate Christmas fudge, chocolate bonbons, coconut clusters, cranberry almond bark, chocolate amaretto cherries, pecan turtles, raspberry chocolate truffles, gingerbread fudge, peppermint bark, dark chocolate peanut butter balls, cracked glass candy, and her peanut butter fudge recipe…