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Artsy-Craftsy

I don’t consider myself to be a “craftsy” person although I could easily be.  My daughters grew up hearing me say, “that would be sooooo easy to make …” — and often make it we did … whatever “it” was.  More often than not, though, they would just respond to my optimism with groans.  (Imagine how I loved it not long ago when, while shopping with my young married daughter, I heard her say, “that would be sooooo easy to make.”  Yeah, I loved that!)


Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen several things that caused me to say, “I could make that!”  The truth is, I COULD, but I probably won’t this year … but the designer in me is just dying to show you … in case you’re inspired, too, and want to try!  Some pics are better than others, but here are a few quick ideas you might like …



Simple topstitched napkin rings

Same basic idea — but add a button (or other accent)

If you’re into buttons, try stringing a few together on elastic to make these cute napkin rings.

Or if you have time to cover buttons, think how cute these would be made in a variety of Christmas fabrics! They’re strung on elastic, too.

Here’s another button idea …
Wouldn’t it be easy to make your own button picks? They’d look really cute on a sewing room Christmas tree — or a tree with a “country” theme.
 

Here they are displayed in the store with country snowmen. Don’t they add a nice bit of color and texture?  And that plaid fabric adds a nice touch, too!
 

If you’ve had enough buttons, how about some jingle bells? Do you think this metal tree would be hard to make?
 

Or, maybe you prefer something like this bird cutout …
 

If you’re handy with a bandsaw, you could cut the shape out of luan plywood then cover it with scrapbook paper, wallpaper, or fabric.  (Of course, you artists could always paint a design!) No power tools for you?  Use lightweight foam board instead.
 

Finally, how about this fabric-covered star?  This form happens to be metal, but I’ll bet you can even find a cardboard one at a craft store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby.  Fabric or paper — they’d both work great!
 

Besides perhaps the jingle bells, these ideas would obviously work year-round.  Just think of the possibilities!
Are your creative juices flowing … ?
 
 

I’m joining Vanessa at Southern in My Heart for Inspiration Friday.
Why don’t you drop by … and see who’s been inspired by what this week!

Related posts:

Got Any Glue? Updating Vintage Metal Sculptures A Whimsy Christmas A Gingerbread Christmas Grand Entrances
18 Nov 2010
Filed Under
DIY, Inspiration
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Comments

  1. Entertaining Women says
    November 19, 2010 at 1:20 AM

    Wonderful ideas and beautiful workmanship! Thank you for sharing your charming designs and for stopping by my post. Come visit any time. Cherry Kay

  2. Johanna says
    November 19, 2010 at 11:17 AM

    Hello,
    those are great ideas. Thank you for sharing them and your wonderful pictures.
    Greetings, Johanna

  3. Debbie says
    November 19, 2010 at 2:25 PM

    I am SO GLAD that you posted these on Inspiration Friday because I was going to suggest it if you didn’t.

    I just got so much inspiration from this one post.

    GREAT!!

  4. Time Worn Style says
    November 20, 2010 at 1:58 PM

    oh yes I do say that quite often too and do mean it when I say “I can make that” Just never seem to get around to it!!
    alicia

  5. Tammy @BeatriceBanks says
    November 20, 2010 at 5:26 PM

    Great ideas! Your post made me smile because that phrase is something I say often but hardly ever do. It’s kept me from spending money though! I always think, why would I buy it when I can make it?
    Enjoying your blog. I’m your newest follower and would be delighted if you followed me back!
    Happy Weekend!

  6. Mimi says
    November 21, 2010 at 2:25 AM

    I love what you have done with the buttons, especially the napkin rings!