Easy Glitter Cupcake Ornament

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Ok, we’re good friends by now, and you know, I’m completely obsessed with Christmas and glitter.

So this post shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. I’ve seen some pretty cute cupcake style ornaments for the tree,

but let’s take it up a notch.

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Supplies needed:

70mm glitter non-breakable ornaments. I choose brown (chocolate cake), red (red velvet cake),

gold (yellow cake), and copper (spice cake)

vintage printed cupcake liners

plastic holly leaves with red berries

Snow Writer, dimensional glitter pen and spread (wasn’t sure which look I wanted)

Hot glue and glue gun

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Gather up your supplies, the “lobby” store already has them out, the others will be stocking them soon.

Start by hot gluing the ornament into the cupcake liner with the top up, or slightly tilted (your call).

I used two liners and put a drop of glue in the bottom one to make them thicker.

I let it stand a couple of minutes to cool off.

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Using the tip of the snow writer, frost your cupcake and let it “drip” down the sides. This stuff dries hard, but will run a little when you put it on.

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I wrapped the holly stem around the hanger top, and put a little “frosting” over the stem.

Set them aside for the “frosting to harden. (2-3 hours)

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Ta Da!! Yummy cupcakes that sparkle and shine!!

Perfect for that candy/sweets tree I’m planning. And I didn’t even have to turn on the oven!

Enjoy!

Debbie

No Sew “Quilted” Ornament

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So I’ve seen so many of these beautiful ornaments on Etsy and Pinterest. I thought i’d take a stab (pun intended) at it.

They’re surprisingly easy once you get going, but my thumb sure got sore quickly!

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Supplies / tools needed:

styrofoam balls 2 1/2″ I started with the traditional “crunchy” kind and then tried the smoother more dense kind.

tip:  I have to admit, the denser ones were harder to push the pins into especially once you were to row 3-4.

1 solid color and 1 pattern ribbon flat, non wired edge 5/8″ wide

2 complimentary color ribbons 1/8″ wide

tip: the sheer, and wired ribbons were more difficult to work with and didn’t give the same look

Sequin pins or applique pins (they are shorter and sharper)

Eye hooks or wire for creating hanging loop

scissors

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I began by cutting short 2″ – 2 1/2″ strips of each color

24 strips of color A (inside color)

32 strips of color B (second color and extra to wrap around ball)

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Find the starting point, this will be the center of design.

You can mark the other side by measuring around the ball and dividing in half for placement.

Pin the center of the first ribbon, place the pin near the top holding the ribbon right side down.

Next fold down, and pin each side.

Be sure to fold over the center pin head so you can’t see it, and pin below the bottom edge of the ribbon underneath it.

Turn the ball around and put the second one directly opposite it. Then fill both sides the same way (4 ribbons used)

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On this one, I used the patterned ribbon first, and then begin the second row. Place the center of the second color 1/2″ below the point of center pieces.

Place one ribbon at each point, then place one at the space between each point (8 new points)

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This way, they overlap one up, one down, one up….etc.

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Work the third row the same way, starting with the lower points (4 of them, and then layering the next 4 last) using the contrast ribbon.

The fourth row is the same with the solid ribbon. Trim the edges so that it covers half of the ball.

Turn the ball over and locate the center point, and repeat the four rows above.

tip: try to line up the points with the other side, it just looks better when you’re done.

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Since this one finished with the solid green ribbon, I cut a piece to wrap around and hide all the loose ends. I trimmed them to lay flat and put two pins in the ribbon,

wrapped it around, and finished it with 3 pins and folded back the raw edge.

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I decided to add a sequin and head pin to the center of each side.

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An eye hook and a couple 1/8″ ribbon bow for hanging….

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Ta Da!!! couple sore thumbs and fingers, but a really pretty,no-sew, quilted ornament!!

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Careful, they’re addictive, and the color combos are endless!!

Enjoy!!

Debbie

Rock Candy Ornament

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So it’s September already, and I’ve decided that Christmas in July didn’t happen, and August was a blur….. time to start making holiday stuff and I’m already behind! i was thinking this year Id make a candy/cookie/sweets themed tree this year. Seems I have to start somewhere, so the idea is usually first, and the how-to later.

Lets get started with a super easy one.

Supplies needed:

wooden beads

12″ dowels

16 gauge wire

mixed plastic faceted beads

hot glue/glue gun

white/wood glue

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I started by separating the beads by color. One of those zen OCD tasks that completely relaxes me, until the dogs bump my table and I find myself crawling around on the carpet picking them all up.

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Cut the 12″ dowels in half and glue a wooden bead with  the wood glue on the bottom of each.

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Next cut a 3″ piece of wire and twist a small eye on the end, then I wrapped the wire around the top of the dowel to make a hanging loop.

Tip: You could also use ribbon or colored wire but I prefer mine to disappear in the tree.

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Using the hot glue gun, begin adding the beads about half-way up the stick and cover completely over the wire and the top of the dowel. Be careful when using the hot glue, you can get burnt in a second. Make sure to slide them around randomly so they’re not straight rows. I stacked extra beads toward the top to give it more of a taper look like the candy has.

Tip: after you have made several of these, use your blow dryer to vaporize the “spider” strings the glue gun leaves behind.

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So the first bag of beads yielded 7 finished ornaments, looks like its back to the store for more beads. I have to laugh, hubby thought they were real!

So enjoy your day crafting!

Debbie

Mr. & Mrs. Snowfrost

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The problem with snow people, they melt! Leaving puddles all over your carpet, or you just can’t invite them in. Well, have I got a perfect couple for you, Meet Mr & Mrs. Snowfrost! Perfect house guests for the holidays, and they will only melt your heart!

I honestly don’t remember where this pattern came from, I have made several of them over the years, and do not even have the printed version anymore. I am posting from memory so that you can make your own pair of chubby, sweet snow people. Apologies in advance, if I forget a step. I am crocheting a set as I post in order to get it right.

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Supplies needed to make this charming couple:

1/2 skein of 4ply worsted weight yarn white

1/4 skein of green, red, blue or color of your choice for their clothes.

Crochet hook size G

1/4″ ribbon to match or compliment (or you can make a yarn bow)

2-3″ styrofoam balls

2-4″ styrofoam balls

wooden skewer

buttons (I splurged a little and got the sparkly ones) Needle and thread

OR felt and white glue

I am currently in LOVE with the Caron Simply Soft “heather” yarns. They are so soft, and yummy to work with that I am reworking many of my projects again in this yarn. I had purchased this yarn to make a “watermelon” baby blanket for a good friend, and had the green and pink left over. So I decided to use it up by making more “friends” for my friends!

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Begin with the white yarn and make two bodies.

Row 1: Chain 41, turn skip 3 chains (counts as first dc) and dc in each chain across. (40 stitches) ch3 and turn.

Row 2: Dc across (40 stitches) ch3 turn again

Row 3-7: repeat row 2 (all dc across 40stitches)

Simple right? you just made the bottom of the snow people now time for a “tuck”

Row 8: Dc in first 5 stitches, decrease by Dc in two stitches as one, Dc in 5 more, decrease by one, Dc 5 more decrease by one, repeat until end (5 decreases = 35 stitches) ch3 and turn

Row 9-11: Dc across (s/b 35 stitches) ch3 and turn

Row 12: Dc in the next 4 stitches, decrease by Dc in two stitches as one, Dc 4, decrease by one, Dc 4, until the end cut off yarn, leaving an 8″ tail.

Pull the tail through the last stitch to fasten off, weave it around the top of Row 12 and pull together  gathering the top of head.  Using the tail sew the back seam, and knot to finish.

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Ladies First, Let’s make her a lovely cap and shawl:

Row 1: Using the green Ch 27, Sc in 2nd chain from the hook and in each chain across (26 stitches) *tip: I leave the yarn attached and carry it along since I detest changing colors and having lots of ends.

Row 2: Attach the white and Sc across carrying the green to the other side

Row 3: Pick up the green, chain 3, and Dc in each stitch across carrying the white back along the way.

Row 4: Bring up the white, chain1, Sc in each stitch across again, carrying the green to the other side. Fasten off the white.

Rows 5-7: Dc in each stitch across, Ch 3 turn

Row 8: Dc in next 9 stitches, decrease by one repeat 3 times, Dc in the next 10 Dc. Cut off the yarn leaving another 8″ tail and pull through last stitch to knot. Fold in half, and using the tail, sew back of hat closed.

Whew! you deserve a break, next the complicated part, attaching the Shawl to the cap.

Join the green to the left front corner of cap and sc across bottom of hat (26 stitches if I counted right) Ch3 and turn. *tip: the white stripes should be facing up and over from where you just joined the yarn.

Skip first sc, dc in the nest sc, ch 1 skip next sc, DC, chain 1, repeat across (this is the eyelets for the ribbon) Ch3 turn

Dc in each Dc and 2Dc in each chain space to the end, Ch3 turn

Dc in first dc, ch 1, Dc, ch1, (repeat across) turn and sc across bottom, up the side, across the front of the hat, down the other side and when you get back home….fasten off.

You can make a tie with matching yarn, just chain 50-60 stitches, leave some fringe and weave through the eyelets, I used 1/4″ satin ribbon.

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Now for the Mister,  a Hat and scarf:

Row 1: Ch 38 with the green yarn, join with a slip stitch to the first chain (be careful not to twist the chain) Ch3 Dc in each ch across, ch3 (37 stitches counting the Ch3) drop the yarn but do not cut off. *tip: since you’re working in the “round” you don’t have to carry the yarn, just leave it in front and pick it up when you get back.

Row 2: Join the white with a slip stitch and Sc in each Dc, join with a slip stitch, drop the yarn (don’t cut it yet) and pull green back up through the last stitch. Ch3

Row 3: Dc in each sc around, with the green yarn, join with slip stitch, pull up the white, Ch1,

Row 4: Sc with the white in each Dc, join with a slip stitch and fasten off. (now you can cut it) pull up the green yarn, Ch3

Row 5-6: Dc in each stitch around, join with a slip stitch, Ch3

Row 7: Dc next 2 stitches together as 1 around the hat (18 stitches) cut the yarn leaving 8″ tail, pull through to knot. Using the tail, weave around top of hat and pull tightly. (gathering it shut) and secure with a knot.

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Make a Pom Pom with the green and white yarn (about 2 fingers in width) and attach to the top of hat. You could also do a tassel, leave it plain, or whatever suits your fancy.

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To make the scarf, just Ch60, DC in the 3rd chain from the hook, and in each chain across. Fasten off. Cut and attach fringe to the ends of scarf.

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Putting them together is super simple, I cut off a small portion on both sides of the 4″ball, and one side of the 3″ ball to allow them to stand without wobbling, and to allow a flatter surface to glue the head to the body. I also inserted a wooden skewer between the head and body to stabilize them. I sorta like them leaning a bit, I think it gives them attitude! Slip the crocheted white body over the assembled styrofoam. “Dress” them in their outfits making sure the seam is in the back. I added some buttons for eyes and nose, and a couple down the front. You could use felt circles and glue them on. Maybe an orange nose?

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This lovely couple is almost ready for a night out on the town. Just sew, glue or attach the eyes, nose and buttons! The best kind of snow people, they don’t melt!

Enjoy,

Debbie

Chardonnay Angel (Pinot, Moscato or Merlot)

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I have another confession, I really don’t drink much wine. The corks used here, were bought from the craft store. Yes, I’m more of a cocktail drinker, not a fine wine connoisseur. But you can certainly consume until your hearts desire, and collect your own personal supply of corks!

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Supplies needed for these “chardonnay” Angels:

Wine Corks (from the craft store or last night)

Angel Wings (I inherited these beautiful lacy ones from my Mom’s stash)

Beads, tassels, charms, eye pins, jump rings, sequin pins

pliers and wire cutters

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I started by attaching the wings to the back of the cork with sequin pins.

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Next I found a pretty head bead and used an eye hook and smaller seed bead (to keep it from sliding off) and pushed into the top center of the cork.

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Another eye pin with a tassel on the bottom, some pretty beads on the stem. Push this into the bottom of the cork (centered). You could do multiple strands of beads, chains, seed beads. Use your stash and be creative. I was looking for a vintage, copper and cork combo here.

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Thought she needed a little more sparkle on her cork, so I added seed beads with sequin pins around the edges (top and bottom) of the cork. I did have to take off her wings, should have done this step earlier. Live and Learn! That’s the beauty of doing it yourself. You can add/subtract, take it apart and put it all back together again until it looks the way you like.

So try not to overindulge in the vino, but be sure to save the corks!

Enjoy,

Debbie

Holiday Sparkle Pinecone Ornament

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By far one of the most popular, favorite craft projects ever!! I first made one way, way back in the 1980’s. This idea came from one of my most treasured, inspirational, and loved person,  Aunt Joanie.  She shared this with me when we were visiting from out-of-town, and I came home with a bag full of supplies, and a really sore thumb from pushing in the pins.

Supplies needed for each pinecone:

20mm paillette (some stores call them sequins) usually stocked with the beads

1/2″ sequin pins

3″ egg-shaped styrofoam ball

Craft wire or ornament hooks

1/2″ ribbon

thimble or leather finger guard (if you wish)

scissors

wire cutters

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It has become harder to find the sequins, or paillette’s in the craft stores. It is much easier to locate them online. The actual count per ornament varies somewhere between 80-100. The paillettes have a tiny hole on the edge, the sequins have a larger hole. You can use either but be sure to put the hole out of sight.

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The start is the toughest part. Take the first 3 sequins (paillettes)  bend and overlap these into a cone shape, and secure to the pointy end of the styrofoam egg. Make sure the tip is closed, you don’t want to be able to see the styrofoam through a hole.  I used longer straight pins and a small bit of glue to secure them. Then, start pinning a row halfway below the start working around overlapping each sequin, pinning through both. Kinda like fish scales continuing around in the same direction.

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Work around, and around, dropping down as you go, covering the pins in the upper row, until you cover the egg. Your thumb may become numb. The more you do, the tougher your digit may become. I tried to use a thimble and a leather finger guard, but couldn’t feel the pins and got frustrated. My solution was more fingertip moistener (to grab them) and doing a pinecone a day until my thumb toughened up.

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As you come to the bottom of the egg shape, even out the drop but continue in the same direction until you cover the end of the egg. They will be flatter, but still need to stay overlapped and in the same degree of drop.

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Once you cover the bottom, put one final sequin over any pins still showing. Add a hanging hook or loop and tie with a ribbon. Hook or loop, your choice for hanging.

IMG_0718I actually hang mine without ribbon snugged up against the tree branches like a real pinecone would hang. The metallic and holographic finishes are so pretty, and they reflect the lights from the tree beautifully.

Here’s another one I made with “shell” or pearl finished paillettes.  I’ve also mixed the colors when I don’t have enough of one color and they looked pretty as well.

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So, from the “Real” Northern California, a sparkly pinecone that will dazzle when hanging on your Christmas Tree!

Enjoy,

Debbie

Amish Inspired Kitchen Angel

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I have a confession, I totally stole this little Angel from a lovely Amish crafter in Pennsylvania. Not so literally, I paid for one and brought it home. But, I dismantled her to figure out how to make them for my friends and family. Hope the Good Lord forgives me, but she was too cute not to duplicate and give away.  I made this one from Christmas towels and pot holders I found in the clearance section after the holidays.  Overall prints, solids, and border prints work best. For once, buying the cheaper towels and wash cloths works for the better. I tried the fluffier ones, but found them difficult to work with. My original still hangs in my kitchen, however she has allowed a couple of items to burn, I guess she’s reminding me to stay on the good side.

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Items you will need:

Kitchen towel (color or print to suit your taste or kitchen)

Pot holder (solid or matching print)

Dishcloth or washcloth in a color to compliment

1/4″ – 1/2″ ribbon

20 gauge wire

business cards (I laminated mine)

scissors

hole punch

wire cutters

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Start by fan folding your towel along the long side. I make each tuck about an inch across. This one was easy since it had a checkerboard print. Fold the towel in half pinching the pleats together.  *tip: I removed all the tags from the towel, potholder and washcloth because they just get in the way and seem to stick out in the worst places.

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Take a piece of wire, 6″ long and twist it around the towel approximately 3″ down from the top fold. (this becomes her head).  Leave the ends of the wire long so you can attach the arms and wings.

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Roll the washcloth tightly into a tube,  and wrap it around the towel, with the ends inside. Using the ends of the wire you just placed, secure the “arms” to the back of towel. Bring them around to the front, and take a separate piece of 4″ wire and secure her “wrists” together near the ends.

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Next take the pot holder and “scrunch” it to form the wings. This takes a little muscle in your fingers to hold it while placing 4″ piece of wire to hold it’s shape.  *tip: place your thumb in the hanging loop of the pot holder and pinch the middle of the bottom upwards until you have several small folds. Place the wire through the hanging loop, and tie on the front of the wings. You can adjust the folds after tightening the wire, so they’re evenly spaced. Attach the wings, using the wire holding the arms and body, and the piece you just tied. Make sure you put the hanging loop of the pot holder at the top so you can hang her up! Be sure to put the “pretty” side facing forward, since the back is not seen. All the wires should be inside the back between the wings and body. Tighten and clip off any excess ends.

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I printed the verse on business cards, laminated them with self sealing pouches since they were going to be in the kitchen, and I was concerned the paper would get wet or dirty. I kept the verse the same as the original, but you are certainly at liberty to edit to your style. I used the hole punch to get a nice clean hanging hole, and threaded a 1/4′ ribbon through.

An Angel in the Kitchen

Watching the Stew

Blesses your Cooking

And All That You Do

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Finishing touches, I tied ribbons around her neck to hide the wire. I used two ribbons 1/4″ and 1/2″, two different colors, tied into a bow. Attached the card with a single 1/4″ ribbon around her wrist.

I hope you enjoy making and sharing these little angels. The original travelled across the country to find a California home, and inspired many copies.

Enjoy,

Debbie

Angel for your Office

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I know we’ve all had a bad day at work, so here’s a little quickie to ward off those bad days. I made these a few years ago, for my co-workers and to sell at a local craft fair. Next thing you know, I started getting bulk orders for custom colors and quantities.  Once you get the hang of it, they go together quickly.

I found the ideal clamps in two sizes, large and regular as well as two finishes, silver and gold, at the Office Supply store.  Then took one of each size to the craft store to figure out what size head bead would look proportionate. Measurement for the large size is listed first, the smaller size ones (in parenthesis)

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For each Angel you will need:

Ideal Clamps Large (regular) body of Angel

12mm Pearl bead (8mm) head of Angel

10mm Jump ring (6mm) for the halo

1/4″ ribbon, various colors

Small silk flowers

hot glue gun or quick dry glue

scissors

Charms, miniature tokens, embellishments

I purchased both pearl beads and wooden beads for the heads. It seemed to me that the pearl and silver ones looked “city”,  and the wooden heads more “country”.  Make sure the jump rings are a size smaller than the head bead, you wouldn’t want her halo falling off, or slipping down.

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I started by cutting several lengths of ribbon into 12″ pieces.  Next, separating the flowers and leafs from the stems. I set up bowls of each item and worked on these assembly line style. Start by threading a head bead onto the ribbon.  Leave a hanging loop 1-1/2″ long, and go back through the bead again. Tie the ribbon around the middle of the clamp and cut ends on a diagonal. Slip the jump ring for the halo, over the hanging loop.  A little dab of glue will hold it, but I kinda like it to move around a little bit.

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Now all that’s left is to embellish her “dress”. I put a leaf as a base, then add some tiny flowers. You can add them with the hot glue gun, or quick drying glue. If I’m feeling extra fancy, I add a charm. You can do them in pinks and blues, they were quite popular for baby’s first Christmas Ornaments. Sports team colors, School colors, holiday flowers and my favorite purple and white!! Be sure to embellish both sides of the dress, she’ll spin when hanging.

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I hope these bring you joy, and end all those pesky bad days at work. A quick and easy craft, that is pretty and thoughtful.

Enjoy,

Debbie

Christmas Spiders!

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I found this idea on the net last year. I thought it was such a cute story, and I had dozens of ideas for sparkly spiders. I decided to make it this years Christmas craft.  (I do something every year for co-workers and friends).

There are two basic parts to this project. The spiders, and the presentation cards.

First, let’s make some sparkly, pretty spiders. Size is your choice, I wanted them to fit my cards, but you can do bigger or smaller to suit your taste. The sizes listed are what worked best to fit on the standard card stock I printed the story on. I found some beautiful beads at the craft store, but you can find amazing ones online or in your unused jewelry box.

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You will need for each spider:
Large bead for bottom (22-24mm)
Flattened bead for middle (20mm)
Smaller bead for head (16mm)
Tube beads, seed beads, mixed beads for the legs (I used mixed glass beads)
Eye pin
Beading wire (20 gage gold) color to complement beads
Round tip pliers
Wire cutters

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I like the mixed bead boxes for this project. The assortment of beads and colors can do hundreds of combinations for the legs. It is also a good way to use up leftover beads.  *tip: I work with a  wash cloth nder my beads, it keeps them from rolling around, and fingertip moistener makes them easier to grab.

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Start with 4 pieces of beading wire 6 inches long. These will be the legs. Bend a small circle at the end, put beads on until you have 2 1/2″ filled, bend a loop in wire, this will be the center loop. Bead the reverse of what you did, to do the other leg and end with another circle.

Do four of these, repeating the same pattern for each leg.

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Take the headpin (with the eye on the end) and put on the largest bead, (mine kept sliding off the eye, so I added a smaller glass bead to make it stay).  Next, thread on two of the  leg wires, the middle flattened bead, the two remaining legs, then the  head bead. ( I also put a small glass bead here too).  Using the pliers, bend the remaining wire into another loop and wind around to snug up all the beads and legs. You want to stiffen up the body, so the legs don’t flop around too much. Clip off any remaining wire. I couldn’t decide if they should hang from the head (climbing up) or the bottom (climbing down) so I put eyes on both ends. You decide! (Mine just sat on branches and sparkled!)

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Bend the legs into a pleasing shape. I pulled the front legs above the head, next set facing forward. The back legs supporting the bottom, and slightly pulled back.

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To make the cards, you’ll need card stock, a computer and printer. I think the story is important for explaining why you need a spider in your Christmas tree. By printing the story inside, and attaching the spider outside, it made a nice presentation.

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Here’s my version of the Legend of the Christmas Spider:  (I edited the version on my cards to fit the font and card size)

The Legend of the Christmas Spider

Long, long ago in Germany. a mother was busily cleaning for Christmas,

so the spiders fled to the attic to escape the broom.

After the house became quiet, once the tree was decorated,

the spiders slowly crept downstairs for a peek.

Oh, what a beautiful Christmas Tree!

In their excitement, the spiders scurried up the trunk and out along

each branch. They were filled with happiness as they climbed all

over the glittering tree. As they climbed, the tree became

completely covered in their dusty gray webs.

When St. Nicolas arrived with gifts for the children,

he saw that the tree was covered with spider webs.

He smiled because he saw how happy the spiders were,

but he knew how heartbroken they would be to see the tree covered in webs.

So he turned the spiders and their webs into silver and gold.

The tree sparkled and shimmered and was even more

beautiful than before.

That’s where the tradition of tinsel first came from

and why every tree should have a

Christmas spider tucked among its branches.

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I printed this on the inside of plain white card stock. I left a space in the upper part of the story to punch a couple of holes, that I threaded 1/8″ ribbon through and tied a bow around the spider to attach to the card. You can modify the story, font and spacing to fit your particular project idea. You could also print it on plain paper. Everyone loved the story, and even my Bestie, who is terrified of spiders, loved hers too. A couple of friends told me they hung them from their rear view mirrors, because they were so pretty!

Enjoy!

Debbie