DIY Lego Ornament Tutorial

The last time I was at Michaels, I picked up a couple of these button buckets from their $1 bin in green and purple. I figure I could always use extra random buttons for crafting projects but really, the little plastic buckets were too cute to resist. They come with a snap on lid and ribbon hanger already attached. I took out the buttons and filled them with random Legos and made an instant DIY Lego ornament for the Christmas tree. Perfect for your fellow Lego enthusiast and collector like my brother.

DIY Lego Ornament: 

I picked up a couple of more in blue and white from Walmart also for $1.

I think I may fill the new ones with a mini figure - maybe a snowboarder, mad scientist or doctor? There are so many cute Lego mini figures. Here's a cute stocking stuffer if you have a police officer friend or family member:

You can find more on the  Amazon's Lego Store.

If you have little ones, just make sure you hang the Lego ornament out of their reach. I know Gabby will probably try to eat them.

DIY Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

Finally done! I spent the last three to four days covered in felt pieces and random thread tidbits. I blame it all on Pinterest. I started out wanting to make Gabby this simple felt Christmas tree that she could play with. Seemed easy enough. Then, I came across this post and had to try it. After many late nights being poked by needles, here is what I came up with. It's a week late for a Christmas advent calendar but Gabby is none the wiser.

DIY Hand Sewn Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments:

DIY Hand Sewn Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar: 

Felt is such an easy medium to work with. You can cut it into virtually anything you want. It helps to have a sharp pair of scissors though. I can't seem to find the ones I used but it's made by J.A. Henckels. Here's something similar but mine are a little longer.

The above picture was taken yesterday on the 7th. I miscalculated and ended up making 25 spots on the tree and 25 ornaments but made only 24 pockets. I didn't realize there were two different sides to felt and used the wrong side of the red felt so it's pilling up in some spots. As for the numbers, I looked at using stickers, iron ons, and even paint. I ended up finding a tub of adhesive foam letters on sale for 40% off (about $3-4) at Michael's. The foam letters stuck on the felt just fine but I dabbed on a little hot glue for a stronger hold and it worked like a charm.

The pockets are 3"x3" so I made the ornaments around 2". Sometimes it was a little tricky working the little details but you just need to have patience and good lighting. I'm glad I got a chance to use up some of the felt sheets I stocked up on last month when it was on sale.

Here are close-ups of the ornaments I spent so much time on.


Felt Candy Cane, Reindeer, Holly Berry, Christmas Tree and Poinsettia (Set 1 out of 5):

Felt Stockings (Daddy, Gabby & Mama), Bird and Star (Set 2 out of 5): The stockings open at the top so that you could insert a little treat or rolled up dollar bill.

Felt Snowflake, Heart, Ornament, Gingerbread House, and Blingy Ornament (Set 3 out of 5):

Felt Gingerbread Man, Music Note and Christmas Present Boxes (Set 4 out of 5):

Felt Penguin, Santa Claus, Snowman, Hello Kitty and Brobee from Yo Gabba Gabba (Set 5 out of 5):

At the age of two, Gabby doesn't really understand what Christmas is let alone the idea of counting down the days until Christmas. All she knows is that Santa is nice and not scary, trees decorated with lights and ornaments is "Christmas" and gingerbread man cookies are good. I have to put the calendar away each morning or else Brobee will end up under the table or Santa will be lost between the couch. My goal is to keep this intact and last until she goes off to college at least. I bet I'll have to replace missing ornaments along the way but it will give me an excuse to make some more.