Christmas OU Crafter Swap

I'm part of a facebook group that is full of nothing but OU students who like to craft. It's a great place to show off what we're making, discuss crafts, techniques and materials and help each other out if we're getting stuck on something (there's been a fair bit of first time crochet going on over there) and it's also just a nice virtual place to socialise with people who have things in common with you.

A couple of people on there got together to arrange a Christmas Swap. Strictly handmade, but no restrictions on what, how or colours etc. Mine arrived and is patiently waiting in a hiding place for me to open on Christmas morning, yay! I can't wait to find out what someone has made especially for little old me.

I'm hoping that my handmade offering is with it's new owner by now. I'm fairly certain that none of the OU crafters come and read this blog, so I think I'm safe to show you what I've sent.

I crocheted a simple soft white cowl in a mock moss stitch with an eyelet edge.I crocheted two different style of snowflakes and layered them as a decoration.

I also made a set of three tree decorations from calico. They are heart shaped and also have a snow theme: 'Frosty the Snowman', 'Treetops Glistening' and 'Let it Snow'. The words on each of the decorations are made using mini lettering stamps and some black fabric ink. Each heart is hung by a ribbon loop fastened to the top of the heart with a button.

Frosty is made using buttons and a small piece of dark brown felt.

The snowflake is embroidered on top of a circle of white felt, and then beaded with silvery white bugle beads at the centre.

The tree is embroidered with a few strands of brown embroidery floss. The thicker parts of the tree are chain stitch and the thinner branches are back stitched.

Each has an added shimmer from some iridescent glitter glue added in a few spots on the main image.

I copied my Frosty the snowman for a couple of gift tags and a matching card. The card base for each is plain white card, then I have cut some red patterned paper, mounted it onto green sugar paper for a thin border, and fixed my Frosty to the centre of the red with some strong glue.

I hope she likes what I've sent. I definitely enjoyed making them. I'm already making another cowl as another Christmas gift for someone!