Red Mittens

The second batch of Christmas cards. All of mine are now in the mail...a Christmas miracle! My hand is numb! :) I really like the red mitten version I sent out today...



detail:

These cards were printed using a lino-cut block printing method. They were designed, carved, & printed by hand and are truly a labor of love!

Lino-Cut Block Print Mittens Christmas Card

This is my third year making my own Christmas cards using lino-cut block printing designs. This year I opted to design some cozy knit mittens. I printed them by hand with a silvery blue metallic ink on red card stock. Here is the final product:



Check out my previous lino-cut block print Christmas card designs:

My 2007 Christmas Cards Batch 1 (Gold Bunnies), Batch 2 (Silver Bunnies & Silver Fawn designs
My 2006 Christmas Cards Sledding Fun

Handmade Polymer Clay Christmas Ornaments

Last year I participated in a handmade Christmas ornament swap, and I really loved the ornaments I made. I was sad to give them away, so this year I decided to recreate the birds from last year. If I get some more black & red clay I will recreate my adorable penguin and & polar bear (because they were my favorite). Here is a peak at this year's polymer ornaments:








Check out my creations from last Christmas here.

D.I.Y. Felt Mitten Ornaments

This is an easy d.i.y. project that allows for a lot of creative possibilities and would be a wonderful project to do with kids! Another great thing, it is incredibly inexpensive. I had baker's string, scraps of white felt, and cotton balls so I opted to make due.

The result of course is simple but quite adorable. Had I searched for more supplies...glitter, buttons, paint, etc I could have went all out, but I opted to go with the less is more approach.
To be honest, I quite liked my simple candy-cane inspired mitten once I had it stuffed and stitched, and if I decide later down the road that I want to add something, I can add away!

The great thing about this project is that you can have fun with the various colors of felt, and add buttons, charms and other embellishments to make it personal. The bare bones as to what you need: Felt...two pieces cut in the shape of a mitten (one front & one back), baker's string or thread, sewing needle, cotton balls/stuffing, and any choice of decorations.

Stitch the two mitten shaped pieces of felt together while leaving the bottom open to stuff. Once stuffed, stitch up the bottom and tie a loop for hanging. At this point you can go crazy with decorating, or simply hang on your tree like so...



Happy decorating! :)