diy elf on the shelf

I am so excited to share this post with you! Actually, I was so excited to share the idea with Nicki (from Clear and Simple Stamps) and it just so happens that they've released a rag doll elf stamp set, so I'm thrilled to be able to partner with CSS one more time.

When I first received the rag doll dies, I immediately thought beyond plush dolls, all the way to Christmas crafting.  I wanted to make my very own elf-on-the-shelf.  Because let's face it, the *official* one is a bit creepy.  My version is cuddly and soft and oh-so-cute.

My friend Deb and I (of Sprouting Jube Jube fame) crafted our matching dolls together.  I highly recommend crafting with friends.  The giggling and squealing over every bit of the dolls made it so worth the night out.

Using the dies, I made some alterations to the shape of the rag doll.  Firstly, the doll's arms and legs are extra long.  To do this, I ran the dies through the machine up to a point and then continued cutting them by hand to the desired length.

The doll's pointy ears were free-handed - aren't they so cute? And the hat and scarf were re-purposed from a pair of men's socks.  You could see a bit of the heel of the sock, where I gathered it to attach my handmade pom-pom.

Deb did an amazing job of whipping up a pair of overalls for each of our dolls:

When the kids get their elf for the first time, at the beginning of December, they will receive a note, complete with Santa's seal of approval...



...and an introduction from the big man himself:

I hope you liked my handmade elf!  I can't wait to see what mischief he gets into in December!

♥.

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