Was Santa good to you this year? I think I was pretty good to Santa, myself.
I found this guy at a charity thrift shop for 75 cents. He wasn't brand new, but not quite into the category of vintage yet.
I gave Santa a makeover with some lux velvet, a rhinestone buckle, wool roving and goat hair.
I was trying to keep it a no sew project, and I like the effect of the two toned coat, with the dark, rich velvet bottom that I added and the velvet belt. The material that made up his jacket seems to be just fine with just the top showing.
I couldn't get his sack of toys to work as a no sew piece, though, I had to get out the dreaded needle and thread to stitch up a sack made of felted wool.
Then, I stuffed it and added some presents wrapped in vintage papers, a tiny gold horn torn from a 50s Christmas corsage, and candy canes made from twisted chenille stems from mini Shiny Brites.
The velvet I used for Mr. Claus was a unique piece. It was lined with felted wool. I used it to make these stockings too. (please avert your eyes from the awful sewing job I did on these stockings! I should NOT have used fancy gold thread that really stands out and shows my lack of skill, I should have gone with the color of the material instead)
One, complete, for Guncle Kevin. And one in a kit for Guncle Randy who loves to craft.
Along with the stockings, I sent them a clear ball with them inside all decked out as elves. It is a picture I took of them at their wedding and I added a tag at the top with the date. On the back, it says, "Finally!" (They waited almost 20 years to be legal)
These guys always appreciate a hand made gift. Randy is a crafter too, and understands the love that goes into something created just for someone special. I hope he will enjoy making his own present….
This year's Christmas cards featured the angel I made for the Nature's Blessings journal swap. I had a few extras left over and thought they would be appropriate. I didn't have quite enough to do many cards, but was able to whip up a few. I'm not all that good about mailing cards anyway.
A couple of other angels got makeovers this year too. When I saw seashell angles at Kohls, I knew that I needed to get them for my sisters, in remembrance of our Florida trip in October.
But of course, they needed a foofing.
Crowns, lots of ribbons, sea shells from the trip, sparkling doodads… and more. This is the back view. That poor little angel has so much stuff goobered onto her wings, she'll be lucky to ever lift off again.
The one for Bobbie got a necklace and a scattering of hearts on her skirt (Bobbie's last name is Valentine).
I remember those gold horns–my mother had several of them–all different types of horns and we would hang them on our Christmas tree. So fun to see how you fixed up the Santa too.
You are just the best creative, crafty person! I love it all!
You certainly were kind to Santa. He looks so much better. Love the stocking, Guncle ornie, cards and angels, too.
I love how you embellished your thrift find Santa, Karla! I had to go back and forth to see the difference in the before and after. Great job! Love your little stocking, too. I think it turned out great and the gold thread stitches make it special.
I love my angel; as she sits with Daddy in the dining room forever.
Aw, thats sweet, Bobbie!