Thursday, December 4, 2014

12 Days of Ornaments - Day 4!

Hi everyone! Today's ornament is another sewing project - a sweet little cashmere cardinal. So luxurious! Last year, I bought a bunch of wool and cashmere sweaters at the thrift store and felted them. I didn't realize the cashmere would shrink, but wouldn't really turn very felt-y. What I did end up with, though, was the perfect material to make a super soft little bird! Here's how I made it:

Begin by cutting two cardinals from felt or other fabric using Tim Holtz's Christmas Cardinal die. Mask off the eye area in a triangle shape and paint with Distress paint. The felt didn't want to hold on the the paint well, so after the paint was dry, I also sponged the area with Archival ink. Repeat for the other bird, but on the opposite side.

When dry, stitch on black beads for eyes. Next, join the pieces by top stitching them together, leaving the bottom open for stuffing. This is a bit tricky because the die cut is so small. Take your time, and don't worry if it's a little wonky - it's homemade! Stuff the bird, using a pencil to get the stuffing into the small spaces. When your bird is sufficiently plump, hand stitch the opening closed.

Now we'll create an attachment so the bird can be clipped to a branch. Apply a dab of hot glue to an idea-ology Hinge Clip. Immediately press the bottom of the bird into the glue and let cool. Glue Spanish moss around the bottom to hide the glue and create a little nest. Finally, create a wreath from idea-ology Pine Twine and place around the bird's neck.

How sweet is this little cardinal?! The Spanish moss was really an afterthought, but I love that it looks like a nest when the ornament is clipped to the tree.

Most of the supplies I used can be found at Inspiration Emporium via the links below. Remember to use my coupon code - stamptramp - to save 10% on your order.






Thanks so much for stopping by today! Above are the links to the first three ornaments. If you've missed any, be sure you check them out. And, as always, if you try any of the techniques, please link back and leave me a comment. I love seeing what you create!

10 comments:

  1. Loving this series Shelly! Haven't had the time to comment but I have been looking. This little bird is so stinking cute. Always forget to try out fabric with my dies. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  2. These are all so fun Shelly, I have enjoyed each and every one of them. Your Cardinal is perfect here too. Love it!!

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  3. Awww....I love the ornaments your making! And strange enough, I actually have some of these dies! That never happens! I've done the Rusty lantern , will try the owl, and have this cardinal die too...Like you, I had purchased the lantern last year and didn't get a chance to use it...Thanks for all the inspiration and tips! Love them! :)

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  4. Darling! So far, the owl is my favorite, but I am enjoying them all.

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  5. Firstly, I LOVE THAT YOU ARE DOING THESE! Your cardinal is adorable. YAY, I have that die...BOO...I need time to make these. I am following and pinning so I can come back and make these!

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  6. I've always loved the Christmas Cardinal and you have given him a whole new incarnation! He is so sweet and the hinge clip to fasten him to the branch is brilliant. What a fun 12 days you are giving us!

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  7. This little guy is so sweet! The spanish moss was a great idea. TFS Shelly!

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  8. Eeeeek!!! LOVE this. You are getting me so excited for Christmas :) The ruler star also.......WOWEEE!!! Huge smile all around :D

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Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate your comments so much!