🎶… On the first day of hobby-mas my creativity made a handmade Christmas tree!

That’s right! Today’s crafty creation can come to life in so many different ways, from two simple tree silhouettes made of cardboard or cardstock slotted together to something far more elaborate, you decide!

For my small space I actually had a bit of fun making a few different trees. From a simple bit of folding origami paper, some creative folding and cutting of scrapbooking paper and lastly something far more involved using cardstock.

[Image consists of three different handmade Christmas trees]

If you’d like to make one of these trees here are some sources of inspiration:

Origami your thing? A quick search for “origami Christmas tree” and you’ll get lots of videos that show you how, you can even add an origami star as the one here.

Perhaps you want to try something more elaborate? I made my cardstock Christmas tree using a scaled down version of the cardboard Christmas tree pattern found here!

[Image consists of the pattern pieces I used for my cardstock Christmas tree.]

Ultimately mix a dash of time with a sprinkle of creativity, and you can create your very own Christmas tree, be it really quite small, or several feet tall!

[Image consists of a collage of various different cardboard Christmas tree designs.]

So do you decorate a Christmas tree? Have too little space? Maybe a handmade tree is just what you need?

Come back tomorrow to unwrap another creative creation or concept!

@EmotionsListener @MistyMagic

First attempt haha, this was quite fun and I'll make more too, which I hope will turn out better smh, with colorful paper, when I go to the store this week. XD 🥰

🎶…On the second day of hobby-mas my creativity made two sewn gift sacks!

So for today it’s time to break out the fabric and your sewing supplies. I absolutely love making gift bags when giving presents. Seeing them reused is also a happy moment! Many even treat them as part of their gift rather than just the wrapping.

Making these can be a very simple beginner sewing project, though a sewing machine certainly makes this a faster project!

Measure it to get an idea of how big your bag will need to be. Then add at least double your seam allowance! (I like to use a 1cm seam allowance so that means adding 2 cm to my measurements!) You can also add at least a few extra cm to make the bag a little more roomy. Remember too big and you can always make it smaller, too small and it’s a lot more work to make it bigger!

[image consists of a simple gift bag with ribbon tie]

At this point I like to decide how I plan to use the ribbon to tie off the bag, would I like it to be a drawstring sack? Or maybe I’d rather tie the ribbon around the outside of the bag so I get a decorative frill of fabric on the top of my gift. This will determine how much extra fabric I leave at the top of my gift bag for creating a drawstring pocket or fabric that extends well beyond the end of the gift for ease of tying.

Next pick your fabric! There are lots of different colours and themes of craft cotton. Depending on the size of your gift you may need more or less fabric. I usually just get 2 meters or so of fabric so I can make a few different bags of different sizes. Once you have your fabric you’ll need a coordinating ribbon or cord to use when making your tie.

[image consists of basic sewing supplies, fabric, ribbon, measuring tape, sewing gauge, rotary tool, ruler and mat.]

Most gift bags will consist of two rectangles, though sometimes I like to cut one double length piece of fabric so I only have to sew up two sides instead of three, but that depends on the directionality of the fabric.If your fabric pattern has a ‘top’ and ‘bottom’ make sure to cut your piece(s) accordingly! Iron your fabric, mark your rectangles carefully to ensure that your bag will be big enough, if you have a rotary tool and mat that can certainly simplify getting some perfect rectangles!

Time to pin the rectangles together and get to sewing!

• If you are making a gift bag where you will simply tie the ribbon on afterward you can essentially with right sides of fabric together sew up 3 sides then turn down a small hem on the open edge iron, turn down again iron and top stitch for a finished edge. Turn it right side out, insert your gift and add your ribbon to tie it shut!

• If you want to make a drawstring version it will require a bit more careful planning. Do you want the ribbon(s) to pull from both sides or only one? How wide is your ribbon - you’ll need to make a ribbon pocket wide enough for it!

  • Once again working with the right sides of the fabric together. Stitch together the bottom (red line in image below) and all but the top 6 cm or so of the sides.(green lines - note the blue circles where we leave the sides unstitched) We’ll use this extra to make ribbon pockets.

  • To help give a finished edge to the ribbon pocket, press open the side seam allowance of the top 5 cm of fabric. (blue circled areas)

  • Make a ribbon pocket by folding the fabric down from the top edge. Be sure your pocket will be large enough for your ribbon, for example if you use a 5mm ribbon make the pocket 7mm deep. Stitching along the bottom edge of the ribbon pocket (yellow line) on one side of the bag then repeat on the other side of the bag.

[Image consists of the steps in sewing a gift bag]

• Using a large eye needle or safety pin, it’s now time to thread the ribbon in the ribbon channels to create a double sided drawstring you can use 2 pieces of ribbon, each ribbon will go all the way around the bag but start from opposite sides of the bag so that your knots will end up on opposite sides as well.

• Turn your bag right side out, insert your gift and pull both knotted ends of the ribbon to close this style.

[Image consists of the finished gift bag]

So there you go, that’s a wrap for today!

What about you? Do you have any creative gift wrapping ideas? Maybe you like furoshiki? Share with us!

🎶…On the third day of hobby-mas my creativity made three minute fudge!

If you want to dive into this sweet treat, it’s super simple to make, and the magic happens in your microwave!

[image consists of a gift box of fudge]

So without further adieu, here’s the recipe for you.

3-Minute Microwave Fudge

Ingredients

• 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk (approx. 300ml)

• 1 bag Sweet or Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips (approx. 300g)

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• Dash salt

• 1 cup of nuts or other add-in (optional)
  

Directions

• In a medium glass mixing bowl or other microwave safe dish, combine chips and milk; microwave on high for 2 min.

• Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. If unmelted chips remain you can microwave again in 30 second increments. Be careful not to overcook as that can lead to lumps of condensed milk.

• Stir in the rest of your ingredients.

• Line a small pan or baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and pour fudge into the prepared pan, smooth fudge out as thick as you wish the pieces to be.

• Chill 1-2 hours or until firm.

• Remove from the pan, carefully peel away parchment or waxed paper and slice into pieces and enjoy!

[image consists of a the stages of making the fudge]

Don’t forget to store your fudge in the fridge! (If you can resist eating it all that is!)

So, the debate begins: Do you like nuts in your fudge? Maybe something else?
Will you try your hand at this sweet treat? Maybe be adventurous and use some 'chocolate mint' chips?

🎶…On the fourth day of hobby-mas my creativity made four greeting cards!

This time of year if you like to spread holiday cheer, you may give cards to those you hold dear. To personalize your cards you can make them from scratch, or even add embellishments to a store bought card. You can even recycle old cards you’ve received using them as materials to reimagine a whole new card!

[Image consists of a series of different styles of greeting cards]

While traditional folded cards may be your go to, a simple poem or phrase can quickly make a one sided card, photos of your family or pets can also be great!

[Image consists of a pet photo greeting card reading “Merry Christmas!”]

Need more inspiration? Check out this post from World Card Making Day!

Do you give or get greeting cards this time of year? What style are your favourite to give or receive?

🎶…On the fifth day of hobby-mas my creativity made five beaded ornaments!

Beaded snowflake ornaments are lots of fun to make, and the best part is that no two snowflakes need to be alike! You can use a variety of beads and your imagination to design your own snowflakes once you have a basic pattern! If you have a bit more time and dedication you may even want to try making a beaded sequin ornament, these require a bit more patience but they can be a beautiful gift for someone’s tree!

[Image consists of some beaded snowflakes and sequin ornaments]

Check out these links to patterns for both snowflake and sequin ornaments!

https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Make-a-Beaded-Snowflake-Ornament/

https://www.instructables.com/Sequins-Ornaments/

So will you break out the beads and make a beautiful snowflake?

Do you have any ornaments or decorations that carry a special meaning for you? Perhaps a style you collect? Share with us!

@EmotionsListener

Very nice.... I found a very unique tree topper... what'd yah think.... 😂

🎶…On the sixth day of hobby-mas my creativity made time to volunteer!

On this the sixth day of our hobby-mas celebration we thought we would take a moment to think about ways we can give back, many organizations are looking for volunteers and donations this time of year. Even thinking of how you can use your hobbies to serve others can lead to lots of ideas and good to add back to the world.

Perhaps you’ll work with a local shelter and cook for those who would otherwise go without? Maybe you knit or sew and can make winter hats, mittens, and scarves to warm others? Many hold bake sales to raise money for charity, or perhaps you’re a wiz when it comes to wrapping? Even using your voice to go caroling can be a way to volunteer!

So today I give you six “volun-cheers!” for all that you do to bring light, love and warmth to the lives of others.

Do you have a way you like to give back or volunteer this time of year? Or maybe year round?

[image consists of a series of hands mimicking a Christmas tree shape.]

🎶…On the seventh day of hobby-mas my creativity made seven silly songs! (like the one I wrote for this event!)

Or maybe you’ll find this next one to be just purrfect!🐈

“O' feline friend, o' feline friend

How lovely are thy whiskers

You keep them clean, and washed just so

Your fur as white as fallen snow

O' feline friend, o' feline friend

How lovely are thy whiskers

You are so soft, and petable

No time with you, regrettable

O' feline friend, o' feline friend

How lovely are thy whiskers…”

[Image consists of a cat in a Christmas tree]

So yep it’s time for some silly songs to sing along. Will you join in and take one of your favourite holiday tunes and give it a fun new spin? I can’t wait to hear all the joyous noise!

🎶…On the eighth day of hobby-mas my creativity made eight tops a-spinning!

A few pieces of paper and a bit of folding fun and you can make a paper top! Who knows you may just be having a bit more fun with a simple toy than you ever expected?! So, will you give this one a whirl? A basic modular origami pattern for a spinning top can be found here: https://www.printablesfairy.com/origami-spinning-top/

[image consists of a series of images depicting the steps in assembling modular origami tops, a series of different tops and a spinning top]

Or, given it’s Hanukkah, maybe you’d enjoy making a origami dreidel instead? A quick search and you can find a variety of patterns available for 2D and even 3D dreidels you can take for a spin!

[image consists of a pair of different origami dreidels]

If you make a spinning top, share it with us!
Can you think of any other simple toys that can provide even adults with a bit of fun this time of year?