project // a simple gift

Yesterday I told you about an opportunity for you to give a simple gift. The shoebox gifts that are distributed through Operation Christmas Child usually include things like this: a ball, teddy bear, cars, hair accessories, crayons, toiletries, etc. Today I'd like to encourage you to include a little bit of handmade with that gift.

If you've ever been to Build-A-Bear Workshop, you might have an idea of what I'm envisioning with this simple heart plush. When you create a stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear, you add a little heart inside the toy so you've put some love into the creation. In this some spirit, how about you make a heart and add it to your shoebox? It will be like sending a little bit of extra love!

My little brother and sister have especially loved toys like this. They keep them near their pillows, or sometimes nestle them in for their other toys to enjoy. My hope is that these will be equally loved by the children that receive them in shoebox gifts.



Here's what you need:

Felt - Wool or wool blend will last longer
Embroidery floss
Stuffing

Heart template PDF



Here's what you do:

Cut out two hearts, and embroider a face on one of them.



Hold the two hearts together and stitch around the edge with running stitch. Leave an opening for stuffing.



Fill the heart with stuffing and stitch the opening closed.

This entire process took less than ten minutes, so I plan on making one for each shoebox my family makes, and I hope you'll do the same.

If you're not able to give any shoebox gifts, but you'd like to help spread some handmade love, I'd love to add some hearts to the boxes that people at my church are giving! Send me an email and I'll share some details.