Not the catchiest of post titles, I'll admit, but it does exactly what it says on the tin! I'm keen to start some little quirky family traditions of our own - things that will remind Wiss of his christmasses in many years to come, as they get brought out of the loft yet again. But I'm mindful that there's less than a week to go so these future bits of history need to be done quickly!
Homemade decorations:
I much prefer homemade decorations to shop bought ones but paper chains just don't last. This year I've made a whole bunch of twisted felt streamers which can be used over and over, and can even be washed! I used acrylic felt in bright colours and white, but any two contrasting colours will do. Cut a strip of felt 5cm wide and as long as you can from each of the two colours. Sew these together with a straight stitch 5mm from the edges, all the way around. I included a loop of ribbon at either end to help to hang it. Using a scalpel or craft knife cut approx 5cm slots approx 7cm apart, through both layers of felt.
Then all you need to do is feed one end into the slot furthest away from it, and pull it through to create the twist. Then feed the same end into the next slot, and pull through. Then the next. Repeat all the way down your streamer and you'll end up with something like this:
Santa's Key:
We were given this idea by a family member who has four children and I thought it was genius! Questions are often asked by clever kids who have noticed that while Father Christmas usually comes down the chimney, most houses these days don't have one! How will Santa be able to get in??? Using his magic key that we will leave under the mat/on a hook outside/under a flower pot of course! I have bought a large old key from ebay (but any spare key will do) and will add a ribbon to hang it with.
Christmas Pillowcases:
We all have stockings to hang up, and although I loved the idea of making everyone christmas pyjamas I just don't have enough time. However, there is time to make christmas pillowcases! I saw this tutorial via I'm a Ginger Monkey and thought it would be great way to continue the festive decorations into the bedrooms. As soon as I've stopped blogging I'm going to be knocking up some pillowcases using these fab fabrics:
Reusable Santa Sack for Presents:
I made this Santa Sack as a special commission but I liked it so much myself I will definitely be making some more next year. It is lined inside with contrasting fabric to make it stronger, and has a drawstring top to keep all those presents safe inside. I improvised a pattern using a cross between one of my waterproof bags, and a toiletry bag just scaled up! If you'd like a proper tutorial to follow then check out Dana's Hobo Sack and just make it bigger.
And there you have it! Four little ideas that won't take long to make but will add to the magic that is christmas!Homemade decorations:
I much prefer homemade decorations to shop bought ones but paper chains just don't last. This year I've made a whole bunch of twisted felt streamers which can be used over and over, and can even be washed! I used acrylic felt in bright colours and white, but any two contrasting colours will do. Cut a strip of felt 5cm wide and as long as you can from each of the two colours. Sew these together with a straight stitch 5mm from the edges, all the way around. I included a loop of ribbon at either end to help to hang it. Using a scalpel or craft knife cut approx 5cm slots approx 7cm apart, through both layers of felt.
Santa's Key:
We were given this idea by a family member who has four children and I thought it was genius! Questions are often asked by clever kids who have noticed that while Father Christmas usually comes down the chimney, most houses these days don't have one! How will Santa be able to get in??? Using his magic key that we will leave under the mat/on a hook outside/under a flower pot of course! I have bought a large old key from ebay (but any spare key will do) and will add a ribbon to hang it with.
Christmas Pillowcases:
We all have stockings to hang up, and although I loved the idea of making everyone christmas pyjamas I just don't have enough time. However, there is time to make christmas pillowcases! I saw this tutorial via I'm a Ginger Monkey and thought it would be great way to continue the festive decorations into the bedrooms. As soon as I've stopped blogging I'm going to be knocking up some pillowcases using these fab fabrics:
Reusable Santa Sack for Presents:
I made this Santa Sack as a special commission but I liked it so much myself I will definitely be making some more next year. It is lined inside with contrasting fabric to make it stronger, and has a drawstring top to keep all those presents safe inside. I improvised a pattern using a cross between one of my waterproof bags, and a toiletry bag just scaled up! If you'd like a proper tutorial to follow then check out Dana's Hobo Sack and just make it bigger.
If you have any more ideas then I'd love to hear them. Please leave a comment below or link to your own blog so I can see what you're up to. Even if they are more involved projects than these, let me know so I can add them to my 'Things to Do for Next Christmas' List!
Thanks for reading!
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