stuff your stockings: finale & giveaway

Can you believe that Christmas in NEXT SATURDAY?!?!  Aaack!  Deep breath.  Double aaack! 
Okay, so perhaps you need a quick stocking stuffer that can be done with stuff you already have on hand or can get easily from a local store.  Well, Stephanie from Binkies and Briefcases has the idea for you.  This is stocking stuffer idea is perfect for the kids in your life.  PLUS, Stephanie is giving a lovely little gift for you as well.  Check out the details at the bottom of the post.
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Hi! I'm Stephanie and I blog over at Binkies and Briefcases.

I have been following Elizabeth for quite a while and have been so inspired by her that I also decided to make all of our Christmas gifts this year, plus I added another little challenge for myself. I'm making all of our gifts by re-purposing things we already have so it's going to be a totally no-spend Christmas.

I was honored that Elizabeth liked my felt solar system enough to share it as a Stocking Stuffer Saturday idea!

To make your own you need:
1. Fleece scarf
2. A few squares of felt (you can find these at any craft store)
I also used some fabric markers & embroidery thread for some extra details

Start by folding one side of the scarf in on itself 6-8 inches or so.


Sew the bottom shut and sew half way up the side. Cut the top half off of the piece that you folded over and you will be left with a little pocket where you can store the pieces when they're not being used. I used embroidery thread to embroider his name on the pocket later.


Next cut space-related shapes out of your felt and use a fabric marker to embellish them. I made a rocket ship, a few stars, all of the planets, and the sun. I labeled the sun and labeled each planet with the first letter of its name.


Store the pieces in the pocket and roll it up. I made a little band out of elastic to keep it shut.
Fold it closed for easy storage:


Open for hours (more like 10 minutes if I'm lucky) of imaginative play:


I think this could also work for home schoolers learning about space, a birthday gift for a child, or even a teacher gift when the class starts studying the solar system. (I was an elementary school science teacher in my life before kids and I would have loved a gift like this.)

I have also gotten a few suggestions for other ideas like making a race track. I'm envisioning a pink one for the My Little Pony Preakness races. Anybody with me?

Thank you so much for having me Elizabeth! I have loved all of the inspirational pieces you have featured and because of your influence me children will forever have the memories of these homemade toys. They might not have cost a dime to make, but memories like that are priceless!

We are also happy to be giving away an 8 x 10 of this architectural print that was inspired by a Restoration Hardware print. (Frame not included)

Here's Elizabeth with the details....

Thanks Stephanie!  Stephanie will be sending the winner their very own Restoration Hardware inspired 8 x 10 print to frame and display.  What a great idea!

Mandatory Entry:
Leave one comment telling me where you might hang this print.

Optional/Extra Entries - leave comment for each entry:
~Be or become a follower of twelve crafts
~Be or become a follower of Binkies and Briefcases
~Leave a comment at Binkies and Briefcases

Giveaway closes on Thursday, December 23, 2010 at 11:59 PM (CST).  Frame not included.  Winner will receive an 8 x 10 print.

Craft on!