I like the idea of making re-useable gift tags, and had a go at a simple gingerbread house tag today. The idea is that you make a tag out of felt and add a plain sticky label to the reverse, writing your message on the label.
The tag could then be re-used by simply peeling off the label and adding a new one or using it as a Christmas decoration and hanging it from the tree.
Though I've made a house you could easily make a snowman or a Christmas pudding, maybe even a Santa. I cut out the basic house shape from brown felt, then used a glue stick to add a chimney, a snowy roof, the window and door, plus the festive bunting and even a little heart shaped door knocker. You can embroider on details such as snowflakes or maybe some holly leaves and red berries. Once your house is embellished, the whole thing's backed with felt. I stitched around the edges so it's all secure, but you could just use glue for speed. A loop of silver ribbon adds a sparkly touch, but ric rac or thin velvet ribbon would look great.
The tag could then be re-used by simply peeling off the label and adding a new one or using it as a Christmas decoration and hanging it from the tree.
Though I've made a house you could easily make a snowman or a Christmas pudding, maybe even a Santa. I cut out the basic house shape from brown felt, then used a glue stick to add a chimney, a snowy roof, the window and door, plus the festive bunting and even a little heart shaped door knocker. You can embroider on details such as snowflakes or maybe some holly leaves and red berries. Once your house is embellished, the whole thing's backed with felt. I stitched around the edges so it's all secure, but you could just use glue for speed. A loop of silver ribbon adds a sparkly touch, but ric rac or thin velvet ribbon would look great.
The other thing I did today drove me slightly bonkers. I was trying out this felt Christmas tree 'make' from 'Felt Fantastic', a book by Sarah Tremelling and Morven Jones.
The materials list suggests you buy felt balls, but I decided to make them. Doh! It took a ridiculously long amount of time to make a couple of dozen of 'em, and I'll continue tonight. One eye on the telly, one eye on needle & thread. The things I do! They'll make quite sweet tree ornaments though, and you know what it's like. Once you've started you might as well finish.
Oh well, it distracted me from the hoovering that needs doing, and I'm not even looking at the laundry basket.
The materials list suggests you buy felt balls, but I decided to make them. Doh! It took a ridiculously long amount of time to make a couple of dozen of 'em, and I'll continue tonight. One eye on the telly, one eye on needle & thread. The things I do! They'll make quite sweet tree ornaments though, and you know what it's like. Once you've started you might as well finish.
Oh well, it distracted me from the hoovering that needs doing, and I'm not even looking at the laundry basket.