A group of lovely crafters have collaborated and published their own ebook Crafty Tree Trimmings, a collection of 6 ornament tutorials, covering a range of crafts (felt, sewing, crochet, paper + beading). They are donating 15% from each sale to Project Linus an organisation that provides handmade blankets/quilts for the needy.

The ebook is pretty lovely – I was lucky enough to be sent a preview – its well laid out, the instructions are clear, the photographs of the steps are plentiful and make the projects very easy to follow and there are full size templates for you to print out and use straight away.

Linda Permann shows how to crochet a very pretty flower ornament, Betz White shows how to make a gingerbread house from felt – it is then handsewn and stuffed with polyfil, Susan Beal has a button and plastic canvas sparkly ornament, Kayte Terry sews scraps of pretty fabric to make vintage treasure ornaments, Diane Gilleland shows us how to make a delicate tree ornament that allows light to shine through and Patricia Zapata makes a 3d ornament from paper. Check out the ebook here in time for the holidays.

Hearts á la Carl Larson: Vintage style Christmas ornaments. Stuffed hearts made out of second hand textiles (shirts, tablecloth and tea towels) embellished with yoyo’s, lace or cut out pieces of embroidery. Great for decorating your home for Christmas – hang at the door or cupboard handle – or wrap nicely and use as an informal hostess gift.

How to do:
Draw a heart template on a piece of cardboard and cut out.

Place the heart template on your fabric and cut out two hearts. If you want to add lace or embroidery – do it now then stitch together the two pieces.

Put the two hearts right to right and pin to keep in position. Make a loop of (5-6 inches long) of ribbon or string and insert it at the top of the heart – in between the two layers. Be sure both ends of the ribbon/string will go to the edge.

Stitch the two fabric pieces together, taking a ½ inch (1 cm) seam (be sure both ends of the loop are in the seam) and leave a 1 ½ inch opening.

Turn right side out. Stuff the heart and stitch the opening by hand, voila!

About the designer: Hanne is a mixed media artist, teacher and writer from Denmark. She blogs at heaven and earth and has an etsy shop.

Just some of the handmade ornaments from the third annual holiday ornament swap group.

1. sewing machine sampler ornaments, 2. Peter, 3. Birdcage ornaments assembled, 4. Untitled

adorable woodland themed ornaments found around flickr.

1. refining my technique, 2. woodland ornaments, 3. fabric pine cones, 4. IMG_321004, 5. Plaid Maple Leaf, 6. forest of tree ornaments, 7. She loves the wool forest, 8. tweed pinecone, 9. christmas forest ^-¨

lovely chandelier ornament template from cheeky magpie.

the storque recently had an etsy ornament competition – these a few of the winners – as well as some of my personal faves. See them all here :: and the chosen ones here.

star paper ornaments :: felt peace ornament :: clay dove ornament

egg carton fairy lights
thrifted holiday trees
mini felt stockings
tomorrowland trees
woolly decorations
jingle mouse ornament
ice wreath
celestine knitted star
froebel star
no sew holiday ornament
woodland ornament
mitten ornament
gumdrop wreath
felt wool pomander
little house ornament
advent calendar
pocket advent calendar
blanket stockings
bird mobile
flower pinwheel
bunting flags
stars and hearts ornaments
teepee ornament
paper fortune cookies
easy ornament
festive tutorial roundup
ribbon pinecone ornament
advent calendar tutorial roundup
woolen wreath
owl ornament
fabric chain
stacked fabric trees [pictured]
santa lucia dolls
pyramid advent calendar
joke tree advent calendar
yoyo advent calendar
cookie sheet advent calendar
felt circle garland
modern paper ornaments
chandelier ornament
paper dove ornament
maddie bird ornament download
mitten ornament
recycled stars
yarn wrapped ornament
button ornament
owl ornament pattern
felt candy cane ornament
ice skate ornaments
peace dove ornament

gift wrapping
holiday tags
pom pom gift topper
recycled packaging
gift card boxes

for the third year running – rush to join the holiday ornament swap – you need to sign up over at swap bot and go here and here for all the details.