stitched ornaments, garland, or gift toppers ((a tutorial))

Have you ever:

*Been sold on a sewing machine simply because it had so many stitch options, only to have never used them years later ((except for the zig zag stitch))?

*Wanted to spruce up your Christmas gifts with a sweet, homemade touch?

*Needed a little something extra on your tree or in your Christmas decor?

Well then, I've got the perfect cute, simple & festive tutorial for you today!

Here's what you'll need:

Felt (the thicker the better)

Miscellaneous Thread Colors

Sharp scissors (otherwise, it will just fray the felt and make it look all wonky)

Your trusty sewing machine

Ready of the fun part?

Cut out random ornament shapes from your felt. I just free-handed mine, but feel free to print off some stencils if you're OCD particular like that. 

Pick your thread & select your stitch.

Have fun with miscellaneous stitches & thread colors to embellish your ornaments!

Using a needle & thread, sew a loop of thread onto the top of your ornament or use some hot glue and attach to your gifts. Who doesn't enjoy a little extra cuteness?

Fun options/ideas:

Make a garland out of your stitched felt ornaments.

Use metallic thread for even more glam!

Hang on your tree.

Cut out letters and spell out something fun on your mantle. ((Joy, Hark!, Love, Merry))


And speaking of decor...I added this to my Christmas decor yesterday. It makes me so happy! ((moved the garland from the fireplace so that I can hang stockings this week!))

love.


linking up to:
Gussy's Inspiration Workshop
What I Whipped Up Wednesday
Tater Tots & Jello
Tutorial Tuesday
Making the World Cuter

new "arianna" totes!

I have five "Arianna" totes now available in the shop ((and that discount code from a couple weeks ago may or may not still be active!)). Not to mention, I am throwing in FREE SHIPPING & delivery confirmation. I'd love for these to go to sweet homes for the holidays and be wrapped up all nicely under the tree. 

Click here to shop Oh, Sweet Joy!

love.

sponsor highlight + giveaway: the shine project

I'm so excited to share with you all about The Shine Project, a soon-to-be non-profit run by Ashley, a girl with such an incredible heart. Ashley not only is a wonderful wife and friend, but a dreamer. That's why I adore her! 

Ashley blogs at The Shine Project, sells items to raise money for inner city High School kids and tweets here. She is such a creative soul with so much passion and love to spread!

Here's a little blurb from Ashley, herself, explaining the heart behind The Shine Project. 

Heyyy new friends! I'm Ashley, and I blog over at The Shine Project.

I created The Shine Project at the beginning of this year to motivate others to go after their goals, and spread their light to others. I believe that service is the best way to feel happiness and love in our lives, and I created SHINE necklaces to help remind us of our daily purpose. Money from each necklace sold goes into a scholarship fund to help inner city high school students go to college. You can read more about that HERE and HERE. The Shine Project is in the process of becoming a Non-Profit organization so that thousands more students can have a positive future. 

Here are a few items she sells to raise scholarship money for those hopeful students!

The winner of today's giveaway will win a Shine Necklace (pictured above) AND a Large ad space for December on The Shine Project Blog. Score!

All week, you can use the code Birthday Special for a buy two Shine necklaces, get one free deal!

She also has a Vintage shop that you can get 50% off with the code Cyber50. 

Enough info yet? ;) 

Here's how you enter the giveaway:

Mandatory Entry:

Tell us who you'd like to give a Shine Necklace to ((and it's ok if it's a gift for yourself ha!)).

Extra Entries:

1. Follow both Page (@TheShineProject) and myself (@ohsweetjoy) on twitter. (one entry)

2. Be a follower of Yellow Songbird via Google Friend Connect. (one entry)

3. Follow Ashley's blog, The Shine Project, via Google Friend Connect. (one entry)

3. Tweet, Facebook, OR blog about this giveaway. (ONE entry)

 Feel free to use this:

I just entered to win a Shine Necklace from @TheShineProject on @ohsweetjoy's blog! http://tinyurl.com/2ddk985

love.

wreath alternative

I have the perfect spot by our front door for a cute little wreath. However, I haven't been able to think of anything that isn't too  cutesy or original enough. Then, I found this! Can't wait to make this sucker. Isn't it so cute? A really cool alternative for your traditional (or not-so-traditional) wreath!

((source))

Happy Monday, y'all!

love.

happy day of thanks

I'm thankful for life today, and everything that "life" entails for me at the moment. The joys, struggles, pains, stresses and successes. I'm thankful for a God who delivers me from darkness on a daily basis and brings joy into my life. That joy comes in many forms...the gospel, my marriage, my family, friends, the Well, my job, baking, the comfort of morning coffee, a cozy home, handmade, even this blog. I hope that you can come up with an unending list of things you're thankful for today. We're far more blessed than we can even comprehend. 

love.

texas or bust//a little holiday decorating

Did you enter the Handmade Holidays Giveaway? 

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Chase and I are on our way to Texas! We are only driving half way today, staying with some dear friends in Amarillo, and then heading the rest of the way to Dallas tomorrow. We have a bag stocked with junk food, fashion magazines ((for me, not for Chase. Ha!)), and a cooler of Dr Pepper. Road trip!!!!!

Don't tell anyone, but I started decorating for Christmas this weekend. That way, when we get back from the great state of Texas, it will already be festive up in this hizzouse! 
((no, YOU just said "hizzouse." i would never be so ridiculous))

((felted letter ornaments - West Elm - I spelled out "hark!"))

((christmas trees - tutorial HERE))

((snowflake ornaments - NS Pottery))
((spools of velvet ribbon - anthropologie)) 
((everything else - handmade))

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful week of family, friends, turkey, and malls already overplaying Christmas music. 

love.

Handmade Holidays Gift Guide Finale ((MEGA GIVEAWAY!))

It's been such a great week of Handmade Gift Guide fun! Thanks to all the wonderful handmade shops that participated and to all the shoppers who are helping these shops keep the dream alive! In case you missed all the goodness, here is what you missed ((click on the categories to be taken to that post))

Paper

Cozy Up the Home

For the Littles

Needle & Thread

Jewelry

Accessories

You can also Click here to find the list of shops that participated in the Gift Guide, links to each post,  and be led to some amazing discount codes. 

I've been so giddy as items have come pouring in for this giveaway. ONE winner will win ALL of these items. ((I'm so jealous!))

This is what you'll receive:

"The Uno" Headband in Robin's Egg Blue from Oh, Sweet Joy!

Set of Snowflake Ornaments from NS Pottery

Set of (2) Stockings from Hanmade Things

Tiny Texas necklace from Oh So Antsy

Clutch Wallet from Aubrey Plays

Smile Embroidery Hoop from A Vintage Bambino

Necklace from Willow & Raven

FOUR(!) Mini Prints from Yellow Heart Art

BabyPantz Leg Warmers from DianaPantz

Ruffle Flower Necklace from LillyPie Accessories

Here's how you enter:

((you MUST be a follower of Oh, Sweet Joy! blog via GFC to enter))

1. Leave a comment below telling us your favorite Holiday memory. (one entry)

2. Share this giveaway via twitter, Facebook, or blog post and let us know you did so. 

Feel free to use this:

I just entered to win a BUNDLE of handmade goodies to celebrate @ohsweetjoy's Handmade Holidays Gift Guide! http://tinyurl.com/2ddk985

TWO comments/entries per person only, please! 

The winner will be announced in a few days! Good luck!

love.

Oh, Sweet Joy's Handmade Holidays: Accessories

Welcome to THE FINAL DAY of the Handmade Holidays Gift Guide, a week long guide to handmade gifts for everyone in your family! Check out the rest of the week's posts for some great shops.  I've been highlighting numerous shops with a limited time discount code for each one! It's a win-win situation here, people! Hardworking entrepreneurs will get some wonderful exposure and you will get your Christmas shopping done early! Black Friday, Schmlack Friday! There will also be a surprise TOMORROW, so stay tuned & make sure you follow Oh, Sweet Joy! blog via Google Friend Connect in order to participate. YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

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I am a firm believer that accessories can make or break your outfit. Coming from a Personal Shopper point of view, I know that an accessory can be the final touch that brings everything together. A scarf, a statement necklace, a headband, whatever your means of accessorizing is, it instantly makes you look like you know what you're doing and that you put some effort into your appearance. Today's Gift Guide post features some lovely Handmade accessories that I know you'll adore. Enjoy!

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Headbands: $9-19

I can never get over the amazing items that Heather makes over at Just Lovely Things. Her headbands are second-to-none when it comes to originality, statement, and beauty. Just Lovely Things will have something for any girl in your life that she will no doubt love to wear day in and day out. Bows, flowers, ruffles, and braids oh my!

Shop Just Lovely Things HERE & use code OHSWEETJOY for 20% off your purchase! 

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Cowls: $18 (LOVE mine!)

Zipper Clutches with signature rose: $15-25

Have you ever met someone that you just want more time with? This was the case with Nicole, the beautiful gal behind OliveBlue. I met her last spring at a conference and I just *love* chatting with her. She makes gorgeous items, is passionate about life, loves people, and honestly.. joy just exudes from her. She makes fun zipper pouches, cozy cowls made from jersey that can be worn year round (holla! I love scarves!), and everything is just so bright and colorful. Get yourself one of her pieces and I'm sure you'll love it for years to come.

Shop Olive Blue HERE & use code OHSWEETJOY for 20% off your purchase!

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Boutique Chique Headbands: $8-10

Lovelay is a shop that used to be called Abby Lynn Designs. A long-time sponsor of Oh, Sweet Joy! blog, Abby makes dainty hair accessories with a touch of boho. She is also one of the most stylish girls I know. I even took a photo of her to my hair dresser one. True story, but that's neither here nor there. Check out all the pretties at Lovelay! You won't want to miss out on her handmade goodness. 

Shop Lovelay HERE & use code JOYFUL for 20% off your purchase!! What a steal.

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Beanies: $17-25

Cowls: $20-45

Bradee Homemade is the lovely shop with cozy items made by Michelle. Michelle picks great colors for her accessories that will definitely be the highlight of your outfit! Everything looks so cozy and comfortable and warm. I can't think of a more perfect item to snuggle up in during the holidays than one of her great cowls!  Santa, hook a sister up!

Shop Bradee Homemade HERE & use code OHSWEETJOY for 15% off your purchase!

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Headbands: $15
Clairabelle Necklace: $20

Ohhhhh how i love me some Moriah! I have a couple of necklaces & a headband from her that I simply adore. I love the mix of fabric, felt, and bows she uses in her headbands. Moriah is such  sweet & creative soul and Moriah Makes is a true reflection of that! Will someone buy me that necklace for Christmas? Thanks in advance ;)

Shop Moriah Makes HERE & use code OHSWEETJOY for 20% off your purchase!

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I can't believe the Gfit Guide has come to an end, but um, can you keep a secret? (No??? that's ok too.) Come back tomorrow for an AMAZING giveaway with some UH-MAAAAZING handmade loot. A lot of our Handmade Holidays participants have donated some goods for one lucky winner! See you tomorrow! :)

love.

Oh, Sweet Joy's Handmade Holidays: Jewelry

Welcome to Day 5 of the Handmade Holidays Gift Guide, a week long guide to handmade gifts for everyone in your family! Check out the rest of the week's posts for some great shops.  I've been highlighting numerous shops with a limited time discount code for each one! It's a win-win situation here, people! Hardworking entrepreneurs will get some wonderful exposure and you will get your Christmas shopping done early! Black Friday, Schmlack Friday! There will also be a surprise SUNDAY, so stay tuned & make sure you follow Oh, Sweet Joy! blog via Google Friend Connect in order to participate. YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS IT!

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I am so excited about today's post. I have a special place in my heart for jewelry and so I'm pumped to share with you the largest category of the Gift Guide! There is so much talent out there when it comes to jewelry. I love how every creative mind represented today takes the word "jewelry" and makes something that is unique, fun, and totally "them." Enjoy today's compilation of gorgeous Handmade jewelry shops!

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Gorgeous Statement Necklaces: $28-40

Simply Livly is a shop based in Texas that creates statement necklaces that are comfortable and oh, so stylish. The necklaces are equal parts vintage, bohemian, modern, and classic - with a bit a glamour thrown in. I love that the "chain" is made out of jersey, so you can tie it to your desired length and it won't hurt after a few hours. I have one that I wear SO much and plan on ordering another today!

Shop Simply Livly HERE & use code FREESHIP for a free shipping on your purchase!

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Necklaces: $16-19

Rings: $1-11

Bracelet: $15

Splendor displays a wide variety of dainty and feminine jewelry. There are so many pretty and delicate colors that create a vintage feel. I have a necklace from Splendor that is such good quality and a fun addition to my jewelry collection! I'm sure you'll find (at least) one piece you're going to fall in love with.

Shop Splendor HERE & use code SWEETJOY for 20% off your purchase! YOWZA!

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Ruffle Flower Necklaces -  $25

LillyPie Accessories creates the most beautiful ruffly & floral accessories. She also has some lovely items for babies, including headbands, clips and more. LillyPie Accessories is definitely one of those shops you could just stare at for a lonnnnng time. 

Shop LillyPie Accessories HERE & use code OHSWEETJOY for 20% off your purchase!

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Feather Your Nest Necklace -  $25

ReCharm Necklaces - $15

Nest Earrings - $14

I love shops that don't just specialize in one thing. It keeps me interested and always checking back periodically to see what they've got going on! Jacqui, the gal behind Craftee McGee, makes headbands, clips, well made jewelry, and crocheted items. There's always something fun that anyone on your Christmas list would love!

Shop Craftee McGee HERE & use code JOYTOTHEWORLD for 20% off your purchase!

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Tiny State Necklaces - $38

State & Country Necklaces - $48

Who doesn't love their home state? I, for one, LOVE texas and would rock one of the Texas necklaces any day. Africa on your mind? Show your love for the people of Africa with the Africa necklaces. I love the sweet detail of the cut out heart in each of Jessica's necklaces. She does such great work!

Shop Oh So Antsy HERE & use code OHFREESHIP for, you guessed it, free shipping!

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Fabric, leather, metal & vintage button Jewelry $18-40

I'm so pumped to tell you guys about Willow & Raven! They're a local handmade business run by Shauna, who is SO sweet. She makes funky & whimsical jewelry out of beautiful fabric and many other mediums. The best part? A large portion of her profits goes to fight human trafficking. This girl has a beautiful heart and great talent. 

Shop Willow & Raven HERE & use code OHSWEETJOY for 20% off your purchase. 

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Coral Silk Wrap Bracelet - $28

Key to Your Heart Necklace - $38

Gem Necklace - $68

Feather Earrings - $38

MaddyNBella, "Where classic meets vintage handmade with a funky twist!" Courtney is the lady behind this machine and I love her work! I've bragged about her several times before and I'm thrilled she's a part of this year's gift guide. Her pieces have a touch of bohemian flare, but are all so pretty and natural looking. Make sure you check out her work!

Shop MaddyNBella HERE & use code HOLIDAY20 for 20% off your purchase. 

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Chandelier Earrings - $68

Regency Chandelier Necklace - $158

Lattice Necklace - $54

I.Am.Obsessed.With.This.Shop. 

Last, but definitely not least of the jewelry category, I present to you: Fresh Tangerine. Fresh Tangerine carries Vintage Inspired Jewelry that is so chic and all around GORGEOUS. I would wear any of her pieces to instantly glam up an outfit. There are unexpected pops of color that add a bit of interest and flare. LOVE this jewelry!

Shop Fresh Tangerine HERE & use code HOLIDAY10 for 10% off your purchase! 

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See you tomorrow for the wrap up of the Handmade Holiday Gift Guide! In the meantime, 

You can see the complete list of those featured in the Gift Guide here. 

love.