easy project // last-minute gift llama or alpaca ornament

It's not every day that someone gives you a llama. But someone did give my family a llama, and while it won't be living at out house, it's going to be very much loved by everyone in our house.

We have a thing for llamas.

It's actually really difficult to show true appreciation for such a gift, but I set to work right away to make a small token of thanks for the people who gave our llama a family. And I came up with this little llama ornament.

I shared it on Instagram, and it was a hit, so I thought I might share it here as a last-minute gift idea. You don't get lots of pictures because I literally made this just to give someone, but I'm hoping you won't mind. So here's how you give this gift.

First, buy a llama or an alpaca from Heifer International, or you can buy a share of these animals for a lower cost gift.

Next, make a super fast ornament. (Instructions below)

Finally, give the ornament with a note telling about the donation. It's a nice way to do something to help others, and it will give your recipient something to remember the gift too. Win-win!

DOWNLOAD THE LLAMA ORNAMENT PATTERN

Here's how to make the ornament:

1. Cut the two body pieces from cotton batting. Cut the snout from tan felt. Cut a felt scarf that is about 1/2" x 8-1/2" and fringe the ends.

2. Freehand stitch the face (those few stitches hold the snout in place), then glue the two body pieces together with Fabri-tac.

3. Tie the scarf on and secure it with glue. The thread hanger goes through the back of the scarf and through the llama on the side closer to the body (for balance).

So many of us have a lot of "stuff", so why not give small with a thing, and give big with help and love for others?!