CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

I do make several ornaments for Christmas each year.  Rather than having to search through my posts, I have decided to keep a selection of my recent favorite ones.  As I find more, I will add them. Enjoy

EASY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
I have been looking for ornaments to make and I found one that's so easy it's almost unbelievable.  I saw it first on Pinterest.  Wanting to give the original post credit, I followed the link to the post by Brenna at Life After Laundry.which you can find here.

The instructions are easy.  Cut a circle.  I took a small plate and cut out a circle (about 9 inches)...

Next fold in half right sides together...

Sew the curved edges leaving space to turn, then turn and iron...

Top stitch around the curved area and then fold as shown below...




I am going to secure at the top with a bead and attach a loop to hang.  This ornament is about 5 1/2" long.  I was wondering that if I began with a much smaller circle, could I make a cute pin? What do you think?  I think it would be a nice addition to my winter coat.   Going to try that this evening.

SIMPLE CHRISTMAS YO-YO TREE
I found another easy ornament...an old standby using yo-yos.  This time I am making a christmas tree.  Here are two views.


It really is simple and you can make it any size you want.  I cut circles starting with 5" and graduated down by 1/2" to 2 1/2".






If you're not familiar with yo-yos, you simple sew a running stitch around the edge of the circle and then gather it tightly to the center, leaving the right side out, and secure.  I do this by hand and I use a double thread to prevent breaking when pulling tight.

Stack the yo-yo's making sure the finished side (where the gathering does not show) on the top and bottom.  Again, using double thread begin on the center top part of the bottom yo-yo (to hide the knot) push the needle down, then add that yo-yo to the rest and stick the needle up the center to the top and secure.  You may want to do this twice.

You can then add any type of hanger.  I choose beads.

CHRISTMAS YO-YO CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENT
I have reworked my yo-yo Christmas ornament.  Remember this was the first sample...

The difference between the first and second sample is that I used two of each size yo-yos and I added beads.  So this is what it looks like now...

I like this one a lot better.  I am thinking of changing the fabric so that the fabric alternates from light to dark green all the way.


EASY FABRIC ORNAMENT

So, I was working my way through the blogs that I follow when I spotted a neat idea for another easy holiday ornament.   The blog, Busy As Can Be, had a post on easy coasters.   Check it out here.   But as I was looking at it, my thoughts went to ornaments.   And how easy it would be to make it smaller, add some decorations and hang it on a tree.

So here are my first two samples...

The top is done with a hexagon that is just shy of three inches across (at it's longest point) and the bottom one is done with a three and a half inch hexagon.

First you need to cut seven hexagons for each ornament.   Fold six in half...

The seventh is the back.   Place it right side up...

Then add the other six folded hexagons as shown with the last two tucked under...






Straighten the pieces so the edges line up.   I used a pin in each section.  Then sew completely around using about a quarter inch seam allowance.   I trimmed the edges including the points.   Finally, turn it inside out.   That seemed a bit odd at first and a little difficult, but once I got the idea, it was a snap.

I used a pencil to poke out the corners.   Now all I have to add is some trim.   I am thinking about a small tassel with a small bell and maybe something in the center.   It's easy, fun and really looks nice.

WHITE FELT ORNAMENT
I have found the third ornament to make and it's also easy.  It's a felt ornament that really looks rich. I want to lightly spray it with adhesive and sprinkle on some glitter...not a lot, but just enough to sparkle.

All you need is felt, embroidery thread, and maybe some beads which is what I used plus a scissors. I found this on Pinterest and followed the link to the blog to find instructions.  You can even print out a sheet with the size of the squares.  Right that's all you cut out...squares.

And this is the finished tree (without glitter).  I used five beads at the bottom to secure the bottom and then eight at the top to make a circle for hanging.

You can find the instructions and free print out This Heart of Mine Blog hosted by Amy Christie. Check out the information here.