Friday, December 19, 2014

On Making Pom-Pom Reindeer and Polar Bear Ornaments: A Tutorial

 
It's time for this year's ornament tutorial! This year I was inspired by several older reindeer head ornaments that we have among our decorations and thought this would be a great ornament to recreate both in reindeer and polar bear form. These are quick, simple, and really easy craft for all ages, not to mention fun!

To make these you will need:
  • Felt
  • 1 inch pom-poms (3 per ornament)
  • 1/2 inch pom-poms (1 per ornament)
  • 1/8 inch ribbon or pre-made bows
  • Googly eyes or small beads 
  • Gold or silver cord (about 6 inches)
  • Reindeer antler or polar bear ear template (see step 2)
How to make them:

1. Take two of the 1 in. pom-poms and glue them together. Carefully glue the third one on top and in the middle of them. Let dry for a few minutes and then glue 1/2 inch pom-pom onto middle one for the nose.


2. Cut out the reindeer antler or polar bear ear template and use it to cut out your felt.
3. Place a generous amount of glue on the portion of the felt you'll be attaching to the pom-poms.

4. Fold your piece of cord in half and place ends in glue. Put one more drop of glue on top of the ends.

5. Now place your pom-pom pieces on the felt. 
I didn't get a pic of this step when I made my ornaments, so pretend the cord is there.
6. Tie your ribbon into a bow and glue on to the bottom pom-pom. Glue on googly eyes/beads. 

7. Let dry. 

8. Hang on your tree and enjoy!   
For previous ornament tutorials, be sure to check out the Tutorials page! 
♥♥♥

Saturday, December 13, 2014

On Some Practical Christmas Advice from 1890

Skimming through the The Ladies Home Journal magazine mentioned in the last post, I came across two articles that I though, although written in 1890, are still very applicable today. After reading them I can only imagine what their writers would have thought about the frenzy that surrounds Christmas today!

First is "Keeping Christmas Well and Wisely," which points out the importance of sincerity during a time of year when it's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of things. 


The second one "How to Accept Presents," which also gives sound advice on giving them, offers some good reminders, as well. 
  

♥ ♥ ♥