Several years ago I used recycled wool sweaters to create these Christmas stockings for our family. Each year we get to experience the pleasure of filling each other’s stockings – giving each person a wide selection of small yet thoughtful tokens of love. For instance, Bill knows how much I adore the scent of lemon verbena so he often hunts down special lotions or soaps that are infused with this fresh smelling fragrance. And since Brook loves shimmery lip gloss, I always tuck several of these treats inside her stocking along with many other “thinking of you” items. We don’t actually fill our stockings until Christmas Eve, but I like to hang them up early with some scrunched-up sheets of tissue paper inside. This way we get to enjoy them a little bit longer, extending the holiday spirit.
Yesterday I whipped up a few mini-stockings (also made from recycled wool sweaters) to hand out during the holidays. After this impromptu sewing session, I still have a decent pile of recycled wool remnants left over which will be perfect for making Valentine’s Day gifts. Since we’ll be staying home for the Christmas holiday break, I’m planning to fit in some special time with Brook, and maybe do some art projects together. Brook is very much like me. She loves to spend countless hours making all kinds of things, especially teeny-tiny things, using lots of this n’ that.
But before I move too quickly towards Valentine’s Day projects, here’s another Christmas holiday project that I created using a recycled wool sweater. This Advent Calendar (published in Somerset Life – August 2008) has tiny pockets made from recycled dryer sheets. Inside each pocket I tucked mini birthday candles with numbered tags (1-24) tied on with plain cotton string. The “Peace on Earth” tag is also made from a natural material (peat pot) and the hanging star (purchased in a local shop) is made from organic cotton batting. There seems to be an endless supply of natural and recycled materials all around, which is sure to keep me busy all year round.
8 Comments, Comment or Ping
LOVE those stockings and the mini sweater is adorable. I also love the idea of recycling wool sweaters.
December 22nd, 2009
Love the warmth and comfort of a recycled sweater; A perfect medium for
all kinds of art, but i especially like how you used them this time of year and Valentine’s.
Homemade gifts warm the heart…I love the colors you chose…
those with candle light and a holiday tree….would make me think of a
recycled country style…i can almost see a log cabin in my mind’s eye.
See you have me blending your style with my memories from Alaska…Love it!!!
I also love how these classic colors, can go with whatever palette you decide on this year or next.
December 22nd, 2009
your home and your blog are such a creative wonderland!!! i love all of your ideas for (re)using wool sweaters…..and becky, that advent calendar is one of the sweetest things i’ve seen in a very long time!!! i hope you enjoy many fun hours with your daughter crafting beautiful projects and wonderful memories over this holiday break!! and i wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas and happy 2010!! many hugs….
December 22nd, 2009
i love how you used the beads to highlight your oh so beautiful stockings and advent calendar. the time you have planned with your daughter to create sounds perfect. enjoy your holidays.
December 22nd, 2009
I agree, it is wonderful your daughter loves to visit your world. You may have a budding artist developing before your eyes…how fun!
I, also love the beads….it adds an elegant touch; I always am eye balling those dryer sheets, they are so sheer and delicate, a whimsical touch….so fitting, for the advent calendar.
Enjoy your daughter and making memories and future heirloom art!
December 22nd, 2009
Hi Becky! Love your family stockings! Such a cute and clever idea. I know your mini stockings will be treasured by your gift recipients. The advent calender is so cute and original. You are just filled with beautiful ideas all year round!
Merry Christmas to you and your sweet family! Have fun crafting with your daughter!
Hugs,
Lisa 🙂
December 22nd, 2009
Hope you all have a wonderful and creative holiday as well! And thanks for the very lovely comments about these projects.
December 23rd, 2009
What a great collection of holiday goodies to share with us! Hope it is a Merry Christmas at the Shander household! Mac, too!
December 24th, 2009
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