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project // a simple gift

Simple Heart Softie


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.

Simple Heart Softie

Here's what you need:

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

Heart template PDF

Simple Heart Softie

Here's what you do:

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

Simple Heart Softie

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

Simple Heart Softie

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.

9 comments:

  1. I have the hardest time cutting felt, are there special scissors for it? I try doing little projects like this and end up giving up :(

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    Replies
    1. Scissors that are designed for fabric are your best bet. They cost a bit more, but if you find a sale or a coupon you can get a decent price at most large craft stores.

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  2. thanks! I'll have to get a pair. I love the look of little felt creations!

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  3. really nice heart, i'll make one for my sister :)

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  4. Hi!
    I've been scrolling through your blog on and off all day and I'm in love! Your tutorials are so easy to follow and everything you make is adorable. Thanks for creating such a lovely blog, it's perfect with a cup of tea on a rainy afternoon. :)

    Lauren xox www.peachtea.co.uk

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  5. It's so cute and fun. I would be thrilled to get something like this. :)

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  6. Totally darling! Your designs always make me smile... :)

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  7. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  8. I find all your stitching projects very inspirational! I really enjoy stitching cute characters too and your blog is a great place to start! :)

    Beccy www.beccyandbuttonthecat.blogspot.com

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