Friday, September 2, 2011

Elves, Mushrooms and Desktop Backgrounds


I adore screen savers! They play a huge part in my own creative process. A certain composition of colors in a photograph will greet me with each visit to my blog as I mull over how to interpret what I am seeing into a craft.


From Paper Dolly's kitchen composition, the thought came to me that certain things just go together naturally. Every cake has it's cake plate, every whisk it's mixing bowl.


Elves and their go-togethers has become the thought process behind Christmas ornaments. Elves and mushrooms, Elves and reindeer, Elves and wreaths.... you get the screen saver!


I absolutely adore screen savers and save them in a special file to reference.  I will often call my husband close to me to show him the latest; and I will say something like, "I'm going to do a whole vintage camping series of crafts!" He says, "Nice screen saver." and leaves the room.


I am busily making easy as can be Peppermint Elves. I have basted the three main body pieces together before using the button stitch to join them together.


"To hang or not to hang..." I always fold under the tip of any pointed hat before catching my hanger inside. Stuff your elf as you go along. Note the color of thread changes with the color of felt. Make slits in sides of body for pipe stem to slip through for arms. Continue stuffing and closing with button stitches, don't cut thread.


 Button stitch base in place. Pierce base with the tips of pointy scissors to create leg openings. Insert pipe stems, bend to create ankles and feet, trim stems.


Make sleeves and slip onto arm stems. I use a few tacking stitches going from side to side to secure. Nearly done, make your shoes and slip them on stem feet.


Oh my gosh! Are these ever cute Elves!


They are so tiny, and dare I say CUTE once again!


And personality! They are filled with personality! There is not such a thing as a shy Elf. This must be why I adore them so.


So I do hope you give your screen saver another thought to see what it is saying to you creatively. If it's a good one, be sure and share it with me!

21 comments:

Pieceful Bits said...

I don't have a screen saver ;(
I absolutely adore your elves and their PINK shoes. My favorite colors together--pink, red, and aqua.
Julie

Shirley Pumpkin said...

So darn cute!!

Hugs
Shirley

CLD said...

Thank you for your kind comments.
Loving the elves...Have a great Labor Day Weekend! Bobbie

Nan said...

The elves are just wonderful so sweet I can't stand it. I have made one myself very similar he is packed away with the Christmas stuff. Take care. I'm catching up on your posts here. Nan

Ina said...

Mine is Hawaii. I hope my link worked! ;0

Mary said...

Those elves are so sweet. The last picture is a favorite. I love whimsy. I often change my wallpaper on my pc but I don't use a screensaver. My pc just takes a nap until I hit the spacebar. I am busily finishing some crochet projects and then I will begin some fun felt projects. Outside chores will be taking a lot of my time once the weather cools a bit. Once those outdoor things are completed, I will be happily stitching and crocheting. I love coming to your blog Elizabeth, you never fail to inspire and delight me with your creations and pictures. You have such a generous heart to share your talents.

annemarie said...

So cute - the mushroom is calling out to me - must try to make one.

ImagiMeri said...

Hey Sweetie,

Those elves are just too stinkin' cute. I hope you're having a wonderful weekend holiday. I can't wait till spring!!!! I can bring my new camera and take tons of pictures of vintage goodies, flowers and best friends!

Hugs,
Meri

Nico said...

I just love your blog and all the neat things that you make! Amazing!

Joy Burkhart said...

So cute! Thank you for sharing the pattern and how-to! Love your blog.
XoXoXo
Joy

sllvncookie@aol.com said...

I just love, love this sweet ladies work it just makes me smile when I see her things...No matter what she makes is adorable,You make older granny happy besides my Hb,kids, grankids..ha,ha, Enjoy rest weekend,we surpose start getting lots rain next 3-4 days.. Granma "Cookie'in Va.

sllvncookie@aol.com said...

I just love, love this sweet ladies work it just makes me smile when I see her things...No matter what she makes is adorable,You make older granny happy besides my Hb,kids, grankids..ha,ha, Enjoy rest weekend,we surpose start getting lots rain next 3-4 days.. Granma "Cookie'in Va.

lala said...

Hands down, you are absolutely the most creative person ever!!!! Those elves are the sweetest little things - every time I think you can not top yourself, you come up with another amazing design!! I am definitely going to be making these cuties - thank you so very much for sharing.

Audrey said...

That is a seriously awesome cake!

ASSA said...

Thank you for sharing the pattern
and "how-to-do-it"
The elves are so cute♥

I must make some of them,
and have in my "Santa-Collection"
I linked to these post in my blog, hope that's OK?

From
ASSA in Norway
Nissas Juleblogg

CindyLou said...

Hurray...I finally found your site again. I am making the elves for my granddaughter. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

CindyLou said...

Hello,

I am glad to find your site again.

Diane said...

I am really enjoying your blog! I found it yesterday and have spent many relaxing moments browsing my way through...love the little animals you make. I might try to make the elephant...

Karen said...

i want to make the mushrooms but I can only find instructions for the elves. Help!!

Cuttysark said...

I love your elves, cute and easy to make. Thanks for sharing, and good job.

Cheers and hugs,

Cathy
Christmas Decorations

Cuttysark said...

I love your elves, cute and easy to make. Thanks for sharing, and good job.

Cheers and hugs,

Cathy
Christmas Decorations