I have ideas for three different wreaths that I want to make. Our front door already has one that I made back in college but the hallway would be super festive with each bedroom door decorated.
The first wreath is really just a vague idea. I found this sign a while back and had the idea to use it as part of a wreath. Maybe make a small box or coal to go with it, or kryptonite, I don't really know. Gold ornaments would add to the Christmas color but also tie in with the heroes outfits.
The second wreath that I wanted to make was this Hobbit-inspired wreath. I actually saw a version someone made with tiny lanterns on the side and it was the cutest thing ever. There are instructions at the link under the photo.
The final wreath that I want to make is this wonderful Lego style wreath. We have a large peak on our front roof and I've always wanted to fill it with a gigantic wreath. After buying our own 3D printer earlier this year I found this a file to make Lego branches on Thingiverse.com. I bet if I print enough of them I could fill that space right up, I just need a spool of the filament and some time. I could probably even figure out how to add some lights.
I probably own enough ornaments to decorate three trees as well but am always on the lookout for new ones to buy or make. This Christmas, I didn't find anything I liked well enough to buy, outside of our traditional yearly ornament that is. Every year since our wedding my husband and I have purchased an ornament for the tree that we think somehow represents the year. This year's is from our 10-year anniversary vacation in Colorado.
But, I was somehow reminded of an idea I had years ago to make origami ornaments using fabric. I envisioned an entire origami tree but never worked on it because I'm stuck on a detail about how to finish the fabric. The basic idea is simple enough, use fabric and an iron to fold origami models, add a loop of thread or ribbon to hang from, and maybe starch to help them hold the shape. Some origami things use the plain white back of the paper to enhance the design, like this penguin.
I figured you could use Stitch Witchery or something to fuse plain muslin to a solid colored cotton to make more traditional 'paper'. My problem is, how do you finish the edges to prevent raveling? My best idea so far is to maybe use a line of Fray Check all around but that seems potentially time consuming and expensive. You could stitch around the edge or add a tiny hem but then you'd have extra bulk on the edges of the square and I'm not sure how it would affect folding.
The other thing that would be amazing is an all-Lego tree. Not only are there ornament kits from the Lego company every year but there is also an amazing blog that puts out plans for Christmas ornaments each year. You can see this year's designs by following the link below.
Among many other decorations and things that I saw this month I really liked this sign. The main portion is printed on and the words in the center are die cut from metal and slightly raised up. I thought that I might be able to make my own custom hand painted version sometime. Now to decide what words or phrase to use...
Finally, I've been kind of disappointed this year that we didn't have any festive holiday clothes. Maybe sometime before next Christmas, s I can fix that. I don't have a plan in mind though, other than perhaps a nice bandana or bow tie for Gil to wear.
I've also added a few non-Christmas projects to the list. Last winter both my husband and I needed new coats. We chose matching ones that remind us of Han Solo's coat from Hoth. They have a patch on the sleeve that we intended to cover with the Rebel emblem but I forgot all about it until we got them out again this year.
I also purchased a few yards of two licensed fabric from work to make simple skirts and a few yards of Star Wars fabric. The Star Wars fabric coordinates with a knit I purchased some time ago but have never sewn with it because I don't know much about sewing with knits. It's great fabric and I'd love to learn to use it. I bought the cotton coordinate without a clear plan to use it because I knew if I waited it would sell out and I'd never see it again.
Hope you all have had a lovely Christmas and enjoy the New Year!
