~Country Crafts~

Welcome to Country Crafts. I have always enjoyed crafting, from the time I was a child I loved to cut, glue, sew, colour, paint etc. I eagerly anticipate each craft show in our area. I love to buy, but I also like to look. You can get some great ideas at shows for things you can create yourself or that you can create and modify to what you desire. I hope you will enjoy the projects I have for you. This is just the beginning. More ideas and photos (I know, I keep promising this but they really are coming) on the way. Enjoy! = 0 )

~Rag Balls~

You will need Styrofoam balls (size is your choice, I usually use 2 1/2" for medium sized balls), tacky glue, scissors, various fabric prints,amount of fabric depends on the number of balls you are creating, I usually purchase about 1/2 a meter, (number of different prints is up to you, I use 3-4 different prints for 12 balls, small prints work best, I like the homespun look), fabric tape measure (optional)

Tear or cut the fabric into strips. For medium sized balls, strips the width of a tape measure are about right. I prefer a finished edge for my strips so I cut them but they look fine if you tear them too. For medium sized balls you will need 6-8 strips of fabric.

Apply tacky glue to the back side of the fabric strip. Press one end of the strip to the top of the ball and begin to wind it around, overlapping is fine. Press fabric strip down firmly before beginning the next strip. Continue with this method until the entire ball is covered. The more you wind the better they look. Just be sure to push down firmly on the fabric strips so that they will stick to the Styrofoam.

These balls look great displayed in a bowl or basket. You may even wrap them in seasonal prints (Hallowe'en,Christmas,Easter) and use them to decorate.

~Mason Jar Candles~

You will need a Mason jar (any size), about 1 cup of potpourri, depends on the size jar you choose, 1 votive candle, candle cup (the ones that have the raised rim to form the edge), wired ribbon or wooden heart swag for decoration.

Form the wired ribbon into a bow and secure around the mouth of the jar or attach the heart swag here, either or. Pour the potpourri into the jar. Drop the votive into the cup and place the cup in the mouth of the jar. The raised edge is what will allow it to fit into the opening and to stay in place. That's it. You now have a Mason Jar candle.

~Bundt Pan Votive Holder~

You will need a 5" bundt pan, 1 cup of potpourri, a votive candle, enamel paint (optional), sealer.

I prefer the look of painted bundt pans. I use the enamel paint to sponge paint my pans. Once the paint has dried, use the sealer to set the paint. Place the votive on/in the hole in the pan. Pour the potpourri into the pan and spread it around to fill the entire pan.

Each of the above votive holders make wonderful yet inexpensive gifts. They are great to give as a hostess gift or as a housewarming gift, especially if you decorate them in the receivers chosen colours.

~Hat Face~

You will need a large straw hat, raffia, a small straw hat, pink, black, red, blue/green or brown felt squares, wiggly eyes, false eyelashes, pink/red pompom, tacky glue or glue gun, scissors, felt pen for tracing face details on felt, if necessary, fine wire.

From the wire, create a loop to hang the hat from once it is complete. Affix the loop to the top backside of the hat. It is easier to do this now before you begin the work on the face.

You are going to use the centre of the hat to create the face ( the part that is raised to accommodate your head, this is where you will create your face) You may use the felt pieces to design you face (red felt for mouth, pink for cheeks and nose, brown,green, blue for eyes etc) or you may use the wiggly eyes, pompom (nose), eyelashes, red felt (mouth) to create your face. I usually use a combination of the 2 methods to achieve the face I want. The eyelashes look really cute on a little girl hat face.

The raffia will act as the hair for your little hat child. You will glue it to either side of the raised portion of the hat. You can make the hair as long or short as you like and give them bangs if you wish. The thicker you make the hair, the better it looks. Little girls look nice if you use ribbon to give them ponytails on either side.

Cut the small/medium sized straw hat in half. You may decorate this hat with ribbon and flowers if you wish. Glue or pin the hat to the "head" of your hat child.

Hang on the door for all to admire.

~Gingerbread Boy/Girl Wreath~

You will need a grapevine wreath (size is up to you to choose) homespun ribbon, length depends on the size of wreath you choose, a gingerbread boy/girl wooden cutout and the desired colours of paint to add the gingerbread boy/girl facial features, if you choose an unfinished one.

This is a quick and easy project. Wrap ribbon around the wreath. You may wrap it as close together or as far apart as you wish. The tighter you wrap, the better it will stay in place. You may wish to use a little "tacky" glue to help secure the ribbon to the wreath. Once you have the wrapped the ribbon around the wreath in the desired form, use the remainder of the ribbon to form a bow which you will place at the top of the wreath. If possible try to buy wired ribbon in the same print as your homespun ribbon that you used for wrapping. It makes the bow making much easier. Once you have formed the bow, use a dab of "tacky" glue to secure the bow to the top of the wreath. You may place it centered or on an angle, your choice! Glue the gingerbread boy/girl to the left or right side of the wreath. I prefer to centre he/she on the right side but it is entirely up to you how to position your lil' ginger. That's it!! You are now the proud owner of a Gingerbread Boy/Girl wreath.

***OPTIONAL*** You may wish to purchase some cinnamon, spice or clove oil in a craft store (Michael's carries it) and rub/pour some on your wreath prior to making, to give it that great gingerbread scent.

~Mini Grapevine Wreath Magnets~

You will need a mini grapevine wreath, about 12" inches of 3" inch wide ribbon, mini wooden cutout, magnet circle, and a glue gun or regular craft glue. Wrap the ribbon around the mini wreath. Again, you may wrap the ribbon as close together, or as far apart as you like. You may or may not make a bow to glue on the top of your wreath, your choice. I like them either way. Next, glue your chosen mini cutout in the left/right bottom corner of the wreath. Place the magnet circle/piece in the centre of the wreath, on the top portion. Secure with glue. Quick, easy, inexpensive, but a cute gift idea. These little do-dads look great attached to the top of a gift with some ribbon for a little added decoration.