Thrifty Christmas Stockings

I'm excited to share with you my latest craft, DIY, recycled project. You see, I really really like those cozy looking knitted Christmas stockings hanging in the Christmas shops. I just can't find reason in spending so much money on them. They can cost you around 35.00 each! That's when I got the bright idea to just make my own and it only cost me some pocket change.

I went to the local Goodwill store,  I love thrift stores. I found just the right sweater in white. I chose white  because I plan to do mostly white colors this Christmas. I think it will ad some light on the dreary days we have been experiencing lately. 

I didn't give much planning on how I was going to accomplish making these. I just had a shape in mind and started cutting. By the way, I washed the sweater first because you just never know. I cut the stockings in a position where I only had one seam to sew up.


Then I used a sewing machine and stitched them it up. Ok, these may be a little sloppy but I'm definitely not a seamstress and barely even know how to work a sewing machine. I can do one stitch, that's it. You can also sew them by hand using yarn or thread if you wish. I actually like the imperfect homemade look about them.


I created a couple pompoms and....
wah lah! 
Now I have two high dollar, over priced looking, knitted Christmas stockings that only cost me 2.99. That's a little over 1.00 for each stocking. Win!


Oh but that's not all. I used the sleeves of the sweater and created sweater covers for the a wine bottles. 


That's right, no more hiding the wine when the preacher visits! Ha!

Now I have to go back and purchase another sweater to make a third stocking. Then they "will be hung on the mantel with care, in hopes St. Nick will soon be there."


Tis the season


I've shared this at:
cooking-crafting-j-j-link at pluckys-secondthought
two-uses-tuesday at sarahcelebrates
amaze-me-monday at dwellings-theheartofyourhome
romantichome.blogspot.com/

DIY Christmas Card Coasters

Last year I decided to keep all of my Christmas cards in hopes to find something to make with them this year.



I also happened to have a box of ceramic tiles left over from some repairs we had to do years ago.
1.) I figured out something useful to make with them,
And 2.) No, I'm not a hoarder.


My daughter came to visit and I know how she likes to make things with me so I suggest we make some coasters with those Christmas cards I had been saving.

She was all for it so I grabbed some tiles, the cards, felt (for backing), scissors, glue and modpodge.

First we glued felt to the backs to protect the furniture. 




We chatted up the girl talk as we carefully chose and cut our cards then we glued them onto the tiles. 


After the pictures were in place, we painted a layer of modpodge over the whole thing to seal it. Just like if you were to seal a puzzle. 
If you don't have modpodge, I read where you can water down some Elmer's glue and it will work just as well.


Within 30 minutes we recycled those Christmas cards and tiles into little pieces of art.


I will be using these during the Christmas season and she had a set to take home for herself. I always enjoy time spent with my daughter. We laugh and talk like best friends. We share stories of our week and plans for the future. We had fun making this quick little craft together.


 
These would also make nice little gifts for the office, neighbors, friends and family.

Stay tuned, I cant wait to show you my next project I will share soon!

Ive shared this at: