Keeping Merry and Bright
After Christmas ended and the New Year celebrated, there used to be a time that lagged a bit. As I packed up decorations and lights, my kids, who were then the tiniest of people, would look at me with faces expressing what I felt: BUMMED.
We were experiencing the post-holiday let-down, which was a sad contrast to the joy and wonder of the beautiful season we had been celebrating just days earlier.
So I began the extended version of Christmas.
I continued to make little Advent gifts for my kids, which became a treasured practice on my part. I found myself seeking out moments to make tiny treats. My goal became trying to repurpose holiday trinkets and leftover decorations without spending any more money.
The gifts brightened the kid's moods—the opportunity to continue creativity lifted mine!
This year I am continuing that practice as I make a sweet shoebox home for Elephant and Bear. It couldn't be more straightforward or more gratifying.
I grabbed some things and set to work, turning the shoebox into a fun studio apartment for these two furry friends. They each have their own sleeping area and pillow to make themselves cozy.
They have a terrace by way of an attached lid, which serves nicely as an entertaining space when visitors come to dinner.
There isn't a pattern or specific way to make these. I learned from my kids: I start the process and then move out of the way to let them add their own touches!
In case you want a bit of inspiration, I am sharing below a very brief list of what I used and the purpose it served. Get creative and do your own thing, but MAKE ONE! We all have leftover boxes from presents that could be put to good use. Chances are you know a small person that would enjoy a new home for their little stuffed animals!
Supplies:
Shoebox (I love my Duckfeet Shoes and their boxes are SO GOOD! There is a handle that makes the shoebox have a luggage vibe!)
Construction paper, assorted, for wallpaper
Scrap fabric for carpet
Felt, assorted, to make mini pillows and pillow appliques
Small amount of stuffing for pillows
Glue gun & glue stick
Assorted stickers or card decorating supplies; I used little daisy cut-outs.
Small items for creative play: buttons for plates, empty thread spools, crunchy packing paper, crochet granny square, silk flower, mix-matched fabric napkins
Using glue stick and construction paper, I hung "wallpaper" and then added a bit of wall decor.
For the carpet, I used the hot glue gun to secure it.
For the pillows, cut two squares or rectangles from the felt. Using the hot glue gun, apply a contrast color felt heart to one—seal three sides of the square pressing firmly to close. Lightly stuff and seal up forth side.
If you are interested in making the bear or the elephant, you can find all the steps, plus How-To Tutorials HERE.
With kindness and aloha,
Mel
