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.

Sizzix Christmas Cardinal

idea-ology Pine Twine

idea-ology Hinge Clips

Distress Paint - Black Soot

Jet Black Archival Ink

InLinkz.com

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!