a host of ghosts smiling at me

I'm certainly in cheerful company over here as I work to get this Ghost of Christmas Present ornament pattern in the shop in time for Christmas makings. Besides the smiling host of ghosts, a lot of espresso, chai tea, and old episodes of NewsRadio are helping me along. I'm still deep in edits and sample makin'.

More info on the Ebenezer series and where to buy

the scammiest time of the year

Oh dear. It's that time of year, unfortunately. Please be aware of spoof sites which use my images and even steal the reviews from my Etsy site to fool potential victims. This screen captured sample was sent to me by a concerned customer on IG after they saw a reel ad featuring my images but linked to another website. You can click on my image above to zoom. 

The only place to purchase my patterns online is my Etsy shop. That's it. To avoid being scammed, always go to my Etsy shop directly at mmmcrafts.etsy.com

Or if you want to be super safe, go to Etsy.com and then search for my shop, mmmcrafts

Thanks, y'all!

what's your favorite color?

One of the best things about making your own wool felt ornaments? Choosing your very favorite colors. Apparently, I like pink. What's your favorite color?

Now's the perfect time for cozy handmade Christmas gift making, and heirloom ornaments are always treasured! I offer hand sewn step-by-step PDF patterns for confident beginners as well as intermediate challenge seekers. 

Have a look round my blog for lots of ornament info:
https://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/p/ornament-series.html

and my Etsy shop to purchase the patterns:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/mmmcrafts

Happy to answer questions! Contact me via my shop for a speedy answer.

Maybe choosing your own colors is not your thing? No worries, I also have curated color guides on my blog with materials kits available from Benzie Design and Felt On the Fly.

Pictured above: Hand embroidered wool felt ornaments made from my patterns: Twelve Days Ornament Series, 'Twas the Night Ornament Series, Ebenezer Ornament Series, and also Snow Bird.

details, details...

Details, details...
Trying out the best way to include the pitiable little figures of Ignorance and Want while still keeping the outward cheerful Christmas Present aesthetic. I confess I had ruled out including these two hidden children for simplicity's sake, but a comment from a follower on Facebook sent me down this irresistible rabbit hole. (You know who you are, Ursula. :-) Thanks.)

It is an interesting challenge to hide them well underneath the robe, and they will make a lovely little Easter egg for any Dickens fan who peeks inside the robe just in case. 

I'm rolling my chair across the carpet from my work table back to the Mac now, armed with a new round of adjustments for the next version. It should go much smoother adding these details as I sew instead of after the fact, like here. Better finishing.

I'm also still working out the details of the magical torch (mostly happy with it) and the best method to hang the empty scabbard from his belt. I'm leaning toward something allowing a little free swing action and maybe a tiny bell somewhere. Because bells are fun.

Simplicity. *snorts* Bah! 

handy tips to troubleshoot your Etsy downloads

Having a bit of trouble? Here are a few tips which will make your Etsy purchasing and downloading experience go smoothly!

1) Avoid signing in to Etsy with other apps, like Facebook or "Sign In With Apple"
Instead, log in using your actual email address and password. 90% of the troubleshooting messages I get are due to these two issues:

a) A shopper has purchased via a second Etsy account which they created accidentally by signing in with a different app like Facebook or Google, or because they forgot their password.

b) A shopper used Apple's secure sign-in feature, which substitutes a temporary relay email for their real email address and thereby jams a wrench in the download verification spokes. (You can manage which of your apps use this feature to avoid this going forward.)

2) Use a current, valid email address.
Etsy downloads are keyed to the email address on your account or the one used for your guest purchase. If there's an old email address on your account, it will cause weeping and gnashing of teeth. Please note: I do not email patterns as they are generally too large to attach to an email. Downloading them from Etsy is the fastest and best way to receive them. Here's how to update your Etsy email.

3) Forgot your password?
No worries, happens to us all. Try this. 

4) To download, use Etsy.com (not the mobile Etsy app).
The Etsy mobile app and the Etsy website are two different ways to access your account. The Etsy app is great to make and manage purchases on your mobile, but alas, the Etsy app cannot download your digital files. To download from either a mobile device or computer use a browser (like Safari or Chrome) and go to Etsy.com*.
 
*Your phone may try to 'help' by automatically opening the Etsy app if you go to Etsy.com. Be sure to dismiss the app if that happens. If it's causing confusion, try closing the app or using a desktop or laptop to download.

5) If you get a permissions error when trying to access your downloads, chances are it's because of a third party login or a second Etsy account (see no. 1). Contact me via Etsy with your name and/or order number and I will happily check on it for you.

6) Need to re-download? No problem.
Access your patterns anytime in your purchase history at Etsy.com. For a guest purchase, you must download via the links in your Etsy email receipt.

7) Back up your Etsy guest purchase in your account.
If you purchased as a guest (without logging in to your Etsy account) the only way to download your patterns is via the Etsy email receipt. It's easy to connect your guest purchase to your Etsy account so that you may access it later.

8) If possible, print via a desktop or laptop computer as opposed to a mobile device. You'll find the print menu has more options which allow you to override presets and print the pattern pages at the correct size.

STILL STUCK? No worries, please contact me via Etsy and I'm happy to help you! I can check on your order and try to help you troubleshoot.

Things I can't do:

- Resend your Etsy email receipt. Those are generated magically by wizards at Etsy. Or possibly by other means. If it's missing, check your spam/junk folders.

- Refund orders which have already been downloaded. Unless it is a duplicate pattern order. Those I'm happy to refund! Just contact me via my Etsy shop.

- Look up your felt/floss/materials kit orders. Those are not purchased from my shop and you should contact the vendor directly with any questions.

- Solve your general internet, computer, or printer issues. Keep in mind I'm an art major. I do try, but there is only so much I can do remotely, and I'm 100% not an IT expert. If you are having technical difficulties, it's better to ask a savvy someone close by who can look over your shoulder.

- Email all your patterns to you. Typically they are too large to attach to emails and it is not a reliable way to send them. If you accidentally made a purchase using an inaccessible email, I'm happy to cancel and refund any order you did not download so you can try again with a valid email address.

- Send printed patterns via snail mail. Even if you kindly offer to pay shipping, I do not have the capacity or time to ship printed patterns to either hither or yon. 

Thanks, y'all! :-)

sneak peek of next Ebenezer ornament

Guess who? Here is a sneak peek of the next ornament pattern in my Ebenezer ornament series, straight from my work table. This prototype ornament is fairly close to final, but he’s missing his magical torch and empty scabbard. 

He's been living on paper and in my head for a long while so he leapt out fully formed and didn't give me much trouble design wise. A refreshing change! I'm hoping to have this finalized and in the shop in plenty of time before Christmas -- wish me luck.

clean slate needed

#aftermath After months of piling supplies willy nilly around my work area, I'm afraid it's time to pay the piper. I need a clean slate on my desk and in my brain as I organize this train wreck so I can get going on the design of Ghost of Christmas Present for my Ebenezer Ornament Series.

So I'll be unsnarling the pile of floss, sorting and putting away the card stocks and felts, clearing away the accumulated paints, glues, and glitters, and finding a home with various family members for the little house reject samples all lined up in a row. (Rejected for minor reasons, like the innards or outsides do not match the final version of the pattern in some way, so will still make great Christmas gifts! All made with love.)

#mmmcrafts #sendhelp #coffeehelps #mariekondodoesnotlivehere #icouldusemarypoppinsthough

All Through The House: detailed Benzie color guides, kits available!

All Through The House is the fourth pattern in my 'Twas the Night Ornament Series. Here are the detailed felt/floss/sequin/bead color guides for you below, so that you can easily make houses that look like my Benzie felt samples seen in the photo above, including the gingerbread samples. 

Benzie Design has long been one of my favorite places to purchase wool-blend felts (and they also have 100% wools). They have stellar customer service, quick shipping, and their felt, floss, sequins and beads are an absolute joy to work with! They will be very happy to help you with what you need, including a good many of the tools and other notions you'll need for this series.

First, some handy links to get you started:

To buy the All Through The House pattern: mmmcrafts.etsy.com

To buy the Classic or Retro felt palettes featured below:
Benzie 'Twas the Night felt palettes

To buy the helpful notions kit:
Benzie 'Twas the Night notions kit

To shop their beautiful sequins & beads:
Benzie Sparkle & Shine page

They are looking into providing a kit for the gingerbread samples also, so check with them about that. You can also purchase what you need a la carte from my guides below.

Looking to shop some of the notions locally? Check out this post.

OK! Here are the Benzie color guides:

Classic Palette Blue/Red Original House

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Swan: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim
Ecru: B shingles

Chartreuse: Christmas tree (I cheated and used a color here which is not in the Classic palette. If you don't have the Retro palette, just use white for your tree, like the yellow house below. If you have the Retro palette, you could also use Moss, if you prefer.) 
Coral: Interior rug

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base, interior walls, interior window covers 
Black: Windows, welcome mat
Red: Door

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Shimmer red: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Red: Door backing

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 3845 clapboard, DMC 892 running stitch, DMC 666 year

Door: DMC 892 panels, teal 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Red seed beads, Benzie 4 mm Gold Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Gold Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 666, DMC 3845, DMC 892

Christmas Tree, String Lights: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Teal and Red seed beads, 6 mm gold tinsel chenille stem

Interior Rug: DMC 666, DMC 3845

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with gold sewing thread

Classic Palette Yellow/Blue Original House:

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Mustard: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim, Christmas tree
Ecru: B shingles

Peacock: Door (stiffened with Aleene's Stiffen Quik)

Swan: Interior rug

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base
Black: Windows, welcome mat
Red: Interior walls and window covers

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Blue to match door: Chimney
White: Roof braces

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 831 clapboard, DMC 3844 running stitch, DMC 3844 year

Door: DMC 831 panels, red 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie White seed beads, silver 5 mm sequin doorknob w Benzie Silver Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC Diamant D168, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 666, DMC 3845, DMC 831

Christmas Tree: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Teal and Red seed beads, 6 mm gold tinsel chenille stem

String Lights: DMC Diamant D168, Benzie Teal and Moonstone seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 3844, DMC 831

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with silver sewing thread

Retro Palette Pink/Orange Original House

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Flamingo: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim
Ecru: B shingles

Julep: Christmas tree
Chartreuse: Interior rug

Marigold: Welcome mat

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base, interior walls, interior window covers 
Black: Windows, door

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Blue-green: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Black: Door backing

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 608 clapboard, DMC 3850 running stitch, DMC 606 year

Door: DMC 603 panels, teal 6 mm cupped sequins, apple green 5 mm cupped sequins, kelly green 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Moonstone seed beads, silver 5 mm cupped sequin doorknob w Benzie Silver Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 601, DMC B5200

Christmas Tree: DMC Diamant D316, Benzie White and Moonstone seed beads, 6 mm silver tinsel chenille stem. (If you can't source the pink Diamant you can sub in DMC 601 or D168)

String Lights: DMC Diamant D168, Benzie Foxglove, Teal, and Green seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 3850, DMC 601

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with silver sewing thread

Retro Palette Olive/Mint Original House

BENZIE FELT COLORS:

Moss: House wrap 
White: A shingles, chimney rim
Ecru: B shingles

Julep: Door (which has been stiffened with Aleene's Stiffen Quick), interior rug
Chartreuse: Christmas tree

Flamingo: If you can't find bubblegum pink stiffened felt, sub Flamingo for the welcome mat

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base 
Black: Windows
Bubblegum pink: Welcome mat, interior walls and window covers (If you cannot find pink stiffened felt, sub white stiffened felt for the interior walls/covers and use Flamingo wool blend for the welcome mat.)

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Mint linen texture: Chimney and door backing
White: Roof braces

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC 3851 clapboard, DMC 603 running stitch, DMC 603 year

Door: DMC 580 panels, iridescent pink 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Foxglove seed beads, Benzie 4 mm Gold Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Gold Metallic seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 934, DMC 3851

Christmas Tree: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Foxglove and Red seed beads, 6 mm gold tinsel chenille stem

String Lights: DMC Diamant D3852, Benzie Red and Green seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 580, DMC 603

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with gold sewing thread

Gingerbread Version, Pink/Red

 

BENZIE FELT COLORS:
Nutmeg: House wrap 
Flamingo: Interior rug

White: Chimney rim
Bellwether White Glitter: A Shingles (or sub White wool blend)

Bellwether Pink Glitter: B Shingles (or sub Pink or Flamingo wool blend)

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base 
Black: Windows

Red: Welcome mat
Brown: Door, interior walls and window covers (If you cannot find brown stiffened felt, sub white or red stiffened felt for the interior walls/covers, use red stiffened felt for the door, and sub Pink glitter wool or Pink/Flamingo wool blend felt for the welcome mat. You'll also need to change the doorknob color and welcome mat embroidery colors to contrast.)

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Red shimmer: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Dark brown: Door backing (if you change the door to red, just match the door)

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC B5200 clapboard, DMC 666 running stitch, DMC B5200 year

Door: DMC B5200 panels, medium pink 5 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Red seed beads, Benzie 4 mm Red Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Red seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 603, DMC B5200

Candy Canes: DMC 666

Gumdrop Shrubs: Tulip red permanent fabric marker, pink and white acrylic paint, medium grind iridescent glitter

Santa Claus: DMC 310 belt, 5 mm silver sequin, medium grind iridescent glitter

String Lights: DMC B5200, Benzie Red and Foxglove seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 666, DMC B5200

Hanging loop: DMC 5283
*All sequins/beads sewn with silver sewing thread

Gingerbread Version, Green/Teal/Red

BENZIE FELT COLORS:
Nutmeg: House wrap 
Julep: Interior rug

White: Chimney rim

Chartreuse: Welcome mat
Bellwether White Glitter: A Shingles (or sub White wool blend)

Bellwether Clover Green Glitter: four B Shingles

Bellwether Julep Glitter: two B Shingles

STIFFENED CRAFT FELT COLORS:

White: Foundation, roof base 
Black: Windows

Brown: Door, interior walls and window covers (If you cannot find brown stiffened felt, sub white or red stiffened felt for the interior walls/covers, and use green or red stiffened felt for the door.)

CARD STOCK COLORS:

White iridescent glittered: Window frames, door frame, icicles 
Red: Chimney
White: Roof braces

Dark brown: Door backing (if you change the door color, just match the door)

FLOSS/SEQUIN/BEAD COLORS:*

House wrap: DMC B5200 clapboard, DMC 906 running stitch, DMC B5200 year

Door: DMC B5200 panels, teal 6 mm cupped sequins, Benzie Green seed beads (but I wish I had used Benzie Red), Benzie 4 mm Clover Metallic sequin doorknob w Benzie Green seed bead

Windows: DMC B5200, medium grind iridescent glitter

Welcome Mat: DMC 666, DMC 943

Candy Canes: DMC 666

Gumdrop Shrubs: Tulip red permanent fabric marker, apple green and white acrylic paint, medium grind iridescent glitter

Santa Claus: DMC 310 belt, 5 mm gold sequin, medium grind iridescent glitter

String Lights: DMC B5200, Benzie Red, Green, and Teal seed beads

Interior Rug: DMC 666, DMC 937

Hanging loop: DMC 5282
*All sequins/beads sewn with gold sewing thread

I hope these guides were helpful! (Looking for other color guides? Check here.) The way I've combined these Benzie Classic and Retro felt colors are just a few of the possibilities! Feel free to follow these guides exactly or come up with your own lovely color variations. I'd love to see what you make. :-) Here's the IG hashtag:

#twasthenightornaments