12.08.2015

Hallmark Handmade

When you think of Hallmark your brain goes straight to cards right? Well did you know they make
awesome ornaments? Some of you might even collect them. They’re beautiful, well crafted, collectable ornaments from your favorite movie or show, or maybe a teeny tiny version of a toy you grew up playing with. Hallmark also has really fun DIY kits that come with all the supplies you need to create your own cool ornament. They were inspired and created by the crazy talented Hallmark artists themselves. Let me tell you, Hallmark artists could give Christmas elves a run for there money. Those cats are always making something or coming up with new ways to be creative. So these oh-so-talented folk were kind enough to give me one of these adorable kits to play with and I had a blast. I love these handmade ornament kits because they remind me of those old school sewing kits I had when I was a kid. They were always themed with animals, people, flowers etc. And it came with cards, yarn and a needle. The cards would have the image in the center and the holes that you’d sew around were on the edges or right through the design. Although sewing and crafty toys from my childhood have a special place in my heart these Hallmark kits are pretty awesome. There was way more freedom to create my own creation, which makes it a lot more personal. 

I’m an illustrator by trade and don’t get a lot of extra time to do crafty projects of this nature. So this was a treat for me! It comes with four wooden shapes with pre-cut holes drilled into them, embroidery floss and felt backing to cover up all the messy knots once you’re finished with your design. Because I love putting faces on EVERYTHING it was pretty obvious what my additional design accents were going to be. My little guy is only two so he couldn’t join in on the fun but maybe in a few years he’d enjoy making one of these. For more examples of this kit, info on talented Hallmark artists and how this kit  came to be go to http://www.thinkmakeshareblog.com/make-your-own-embroidery-and-wood-ornaments/
                                         Happy Holidays to you :) And happy making!

                        These kits are available here at Hallmark.com/HandmadeOrnaments.com
              #diyprojects #christmasornaments #crafts #embroidery #woodcraft #thinkmakeshare