or so I'm told... I've certainly been doing enough Christmasy stuff these past few weeks so I guess it really is coming, whether I'm ready for it or not!
I thought I'd share a little tutorial today - a pretty bauble for the tree! :)
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| Christmas Bauble |
First, gather your supplies - for each bauble you'll need a polystyrene ball, two hat pins (Tattered Inspirations hat pins are perfect!), a length of narrow ribbon or braid, and some fabric scraps. You'll also need a sharp knife, an implement such as a hole poker (very technical, I know!), and a pair of fabric scissors. An extra small pin is handy too, if you've got one!
With your knife, cut around the ball, approximately 5mm deep.
Cut around the ball again to make four even segments. If your ball is large like mine, you can cut around it another couple of times to make eight segments. All cuts should intersect at the top & bottom of the ball only.
Next, cut your fabric to a size that covers each segment, allowing about 5mm around each side. A lighter weight fabric such as satin works best. You can use two (or more different colours) or make each segment the same, whichever you prefer. I've used purple & silver for mine.
Working with one segment at a time, and alternating colours, use your hole poking tool to gently push the edges of the fabric into the cuts you made around the ball.
When the ball is completely covered, use lengths of ribbon to cover the join of each segment, securing at the top with a small pin as you go.
When you've covered all of the joins, use a large hat pin to secure the ribbon at the bottom of the bauble.
Make a loop at the top of the bauble with the extra ribbon before cutting off the excess, and secure it with a smaller hat pin.
Then hang it on your tree for all to admire!
If you have a little time to spare & want to make a few more things for Christmas, check out my Christmas Cracker (and napkin ring) tutorial over at
Twiddleybitz..
And if you have a few more gifts to make but aren't sure what, check out the ribbon bookmarks, also at
Twiddleybitz...
And while you're over at the Twiddleybitz Ning, make sure you check out all the other things that the Design Team has been sharing in the countdown to Christmas - there are layout ideas, present ideas, recipes - well worth having a look!
Make sure you check out
Tattered Inspirations Etsy store too - there's a new sale section there (and I happened to notice some gorgeous hat pins on sale!)... I think you need to do a little Christmas shopping for yourself, don't you?
Just in case I don't make it back for another update before Christmas, I'd like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a very happy 2012. Stay safe, hug your loved ones, and I'll see you back here soon! :)
Cheers!
Rachel
