Dresden design #1 - Felt Snowmen

I made these cute little snowmen the other day,

just in time for the Saturday snow.

After all, it is still Winter, so I am allowed to make snowmen!

They were so easy to make.

You need the following supplies:

white/off-white thick or furry felt

black embroidery floss

sewing needle

scraps of red plaid and solid green material

black brads

stuffing

gluegun

Step#1 - cut 2 Dresden pieces out of felt

(I used Stampin Up's new Dresden design die in my Big Shot Sizzix machine)

(Tip:it is best to cut thick or furry felt one layer at a time)

Step#2 - sew around your snowman with a blanket stitch leaving the head unfinished and the curved bottom separated.

(Tip:notice, I started around the bottom curve of one side 

and went all the way around to the other curved opening.)

Step#3 - stuff your snowman

Step#4 - cut strips of your solid green scrap material for the hat

I think I cut a piece that is about 2x6in.

(Tip: make sure it is wide enough to go around his head 

and long enough to fold over twice.)

Step#5 - using your glue gun, pipe hot glue in a line 

along the edge of your fabric.

Step#6 - immediately fold just enough of the material 

over to cover the glue.

Step#7 - repeat step5&6

Now you have a fold for the bottom of your hat.

Step#8 - Now hot glue the hat to your snowman's head.

Step#9 - Wrap & glue the green strip all the way around.

Step#10 - Using your red plaid scrap pieces, 

cut scarves and top ties for the hats.

Step#11 - Tie on your scarves and hat ties.

(Trim when finished)

Step#12 - add your black brad eyes by just poking them in.

Now you have some cute little snowmen for next Christmas.

I really enjoyed watching the snow fall, 

while I made these cute little felted men.

Stampin Up's New DRESDEN DESIGN Die

This is my new die for my Big Shot.

It is called Dresden Design.

Usually people use a Dresden to make these beautiful quilt pieces.

quilt designs

 To make a Dresden plate, you normally have to hand cut all of the pieces.

That is why I like my new Big Shot Die, I can cut 8 layers of cotton fabric at one time.

It can also be used to make many other things, 

like the following pictures.

Take a look at the many different projects you can make with these beautiful curvy pieces.

paper flowers

 I just love using a new tool, especially when it works so well.

covered lampshade

 I guess that is how God feels.

He must really delight in using us, when we are doing our very best for His glory.

Dresden trees & snowman

 When we are so in tune with Him,

and spiritually sharp,

He can use us to share His Word, which cuts to the heart.

Dresden tree picture & snowman

 God can use us to make something beautiful out of nothing.

Dresden bird

After all, that is exactly what He has done in my life.

He has taken someone who is worthless and has made something useful.

I hope that you too, have allowed God to change your life.

 2Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." 

Dresden Whale

With God, the possibilities for your life are endless.

This great new tool has also given me many possibilities.

In the next few posts, I will attempt to show you how I made these great projects.

If you do not have the new Dresden Design die for the Big Shot from Stampin Up,

you can go to this website - http://www.patternsfromhistory.com/colonial_revival/dresden-pattern.htm

It shares the history behind the Dresden pattern, differant Dresden variations, and if you click on the Dresden Plate PDF you can print off your own pattern.

Happy Crafting!

The CREATIVI~TEA

Monday night was the Creativi-Tea.

It was a Ladies Tea designed to share some creative ideas 

with ladies and girls.

Five spectacular displays were set up to showcase many ideas of what you could do with Stampin Up and other crafting products.  

(I used the word "spectacular" to describe the displays 

because they took alot of work to set up.)

Here is a look at the displays:


VICTORIAN

Springtime Colors

CHRISTMAS

Bold & Bright

(my favorite)

Soft & Subtle

We enjoyed a delicious tea.

While my mom and I did a quick skit while sharing some great new 

crafting, quilting, & stamping techniques and products.

After the demonstrations everyone split up into different craft stations.

Some enjoyed great times of fellowship.

Others worked in the quilting station.

Others made beautiful flower pins and baretts.

   

New stampers sat and looked in awe at all of the products

 that Stampin Up has to offer.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the food, fun, & fellowship.

Time went too fast.  

I enjoyed the fellowship with the ladies and teaching them new things.

Can't wait to get to South Africa to do the same.

My future posts will contain

instructions on how to make some of the items on display.