christmas pennant

When I was a kid, my mom would get out the wood loom and we would begin making Christmas gifts for our teachers, in July.  Well there were seven of us, and we each had three teachers, so it was imperative that we get a head start.  Just thinking about all the hours spent weaving, tying, and coughing up yarn balls, makes me want to curl into the fetal position.  I'm sure Mrs. Kremiller still uses the pot holder I made her 28 years ago and thinks about my little freckled face and feathered mullet every time.

This year I came up with a simple handmade gift for the Nino's teacher.  I love the idea of a homemade gift, but this time of year I don't have hours to spend crafting them.  I thought a Christmas pennant was the perfect solution and it's so easy, the kids can help.

Here's what you'll need.

Take your previously made template, trace and cut 7 double width triangles to make 14 total.

Paint the triangle with white craft paint and let it dry.

Using the black paint, stencil the letters onto the triangles.

Fold the top half inch over and make a crease.

Cut a 2.5 yard piece of jute.  Tuck the jute up into the fold, one letter at a time, and use a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine to secure the top of each triangle shut.  

Glue a piece of decorative trim to the top of each triangle. 

If you want, take 100 grit sand paper to lighten up the letters and distress some of the edges.  

A few weeks ago I bribed the boys and we headed over to a field with my friend, Ashley, for a photo shoot. I decided to bring the pennant along for a few Christmas shots. Brody is now driving a new corvette and the Nino gets cup cakes for breakfast every morning. 

I wish I could show you our little foster baby's face, but for privacy purposes I had to blur him a bit.  Humbug.  Just imagine his silly grin, crystal blue eyes, and tiny freckles across his nose.  He's more adorable than words. We're not sure how long he'll get to stay, but we're loving every inch of him while he's here.