Make Valentine's Day Ruffle Balls -- PLUS a giveaway every crafty person needs!!

I found some Decorative Ball Forms on clearance after Christmas, so I thought it might be fun to make some ruffled fabric balls. 



**This is a fast and easy project**

I went through my fabric stash and found any fabric that was pink or red.

I ended up using materials I already had on hand, so the only thing I bought was the forms.

And if you don't have any ball forms -- try this trick. Take some plastic bags and wrap some tape around them to form a round shape!

Here's how to make this fast and easy project:

Take your fabric, cut it into 1.5 inch strips. I didn't specify the length, I just cut a bunch of fabric and ended up with some left over for another project.

Then I ruffled the fabric. Here's a tip -- set your sewing machine to the longest width and the longest length stitch. Then when you sew the fabric stitch, the fabric automatically ruffles. It saves so much time!!

Once all the fabric is ruffled, it's time for the hot glue. And I just have to say -- I recently got this Hot Glue Gun Helper set. How did I ever survive without something like this for so long?? I have burned myself so many times -- in fact I almost always end up burning myself when I do a project that involves hot glue. Plus, the mat protects my work surface so much better.

 And, I have this TERRIBLE hot glue gun. I hate it. It drips hot glue everywhere and I always end up having to peel the dried glue off of everything. Well, the hot glue drips just ROLL off this mat. It is the coolest set. Seriously.

Ok, start at the top of the ball. Add a dab of glue and start winding the ruffle around the ball until you get to the other end of the ball. Easy peasy. Now, your ball may look a little crazy. That is alright.

All you need to do is get a pair of scissors out and trim it up.

So there you go, now you have a festive little assortment of balls to add a little Valentine color to your cold, wintry day. 

 

And, you can make ruffle balls for any occasion.  

I plan to make some to match my Ruffle Pillows and leave them out all year round!

 

And guess what???

I have an extra Hot Glue Gun Helper set 

to give away to one of YOU!!

I think this is the Must Have crafting tool. Everyone needs one of these. It comes with 7 pieces that are going to save your hands.

Each kit contains: 

3 fingers

1 craft mat

1 Press Wand

1 Paddle

1 tweezer

You will love it!! Plus - it's so cute {squeal!!!} And it proteects your hands and work surface up to 600-degrees. Wow - that is hot!!

Here's how you can win:

• Just leave me a comment telling me why you need this set. 

and if you want an extra entry: 

• Leave a comment on the Hot Glue Gun Helpers Blog. 

That's it! 

Have a Super Delightful Day!! 

xoxo

PS -- Do you know Little Miss Momma {a.k.a. Ashley??} She just started a new blog

which is really wonderful. It's a place where people can share their secrets in a supportive environment. Go on over and take a look - I think you will love it!

I'm linking to these super fun parties -- be sure to check them out!! 

  

Guest Post - Make Drop Cloth Elf Stockings!!

Hi everyone! My name is Rachael, and I write a home and entertaining blog called

Lovely Crafty Home. 

Being fairly new to bloggerdom, I'm SO excited to be on Tatertots and Jello today to share a fun Christmas project: 

Drop Cloth Elf Stockings

Here's what you'll need:

• Painters drop cloth (or other canvas-y type fabric), 1 yd


• Accent cuff fabric, 1/2 yd


• Ball fringe and jingle bells (optional)


• Matching thread and needle


• Fabric shears


• Sewing machine (makes things soooo much easier, but this can be hand sewn)

This is a free hand design, but you can trace around a stocking you have or come up with your own shape too!

 

You'll need two pieces for each stocking, so a reversible fabric like drop cloth works great because you can just double it before cutting.

Next, cut out your accent fabric. You can trace it based on your stocking, going at least 3/4 of the way down the "leg" (the one pictured is on the short side, as discovered later). Again, you'll need two pieces. Pin each piece to its stocking, right sides together (accent fabric should not be facing up).

 

Now this is important: make sure that when both stockings and cuffs are pinned that the toes are facing opposite directions. After you sew about 1/2'' seam along the top, they should look like this:

 

Now lay your two halves on top of each other, with the cuff extended and right sides together.

 

Pin all sides except the very top (the edge of the cuff), which will be left open. I allowed for about 1/2'' seam. Sew around your pins and then turn your stocking right side out.

Don't freak out! It will look like your cuff was sewn inside out. First, tuck your cuff all the way inside the stocking (you may want to get out an iron), THEN fold it down as far as you like. Iron the cuff and admire your handy work.

To make the hanging loop, I made a roughly 3/4'' x 5 1/2" strip of fabric and attached it to the inside of the stocking. If you want, you can stop here. If you're feeling dangerous, read on! Fuzzy ball fringe will totally push your sweet sock over the edge of awesomeness. You'll probably need to hand sew it, but it will be totally worth it.

 

For an EXTRA special touch, sew a jingle bell on the toe. Who can resist a jingle-toed stocking? Certainly not me. To personalize the stocking, I cut out letters from my accent fabric and literally glued them on with fabric glue (which also works great to stop edges from fraying). You can hand stitch around the edges to turn it into a real applique (how fancy!) I also stuffed the toe with fabric scraps to give it body.

 

There you have it, the cutest elf stocking in town. 

And best of all-you made it yourself!

That stocking is just so whimsical and cute Rachael!! 



Rachael is very creative and a fantastic DIYer.

Take a look at her kitchen backsplash!

{Kitchen Tile Backsplash}

And, here is her Farmhouse Table Redo: 

{Table Redo}

I also loved her Cabinet Transformation - so beautiful!

{Cabinet Painting Tutorial}

Rachael also sews like you have seen and cooks. 

{Pickling Tutorial}

You will adore Lovely Crafty Home! 

xoxo