Ornaments for the Ornament Exchange

Every year I host an annual Ornament Exchange.  About 8 of my crafty friends make handmade ornaments ahead of time for swapping with each other. 

This year I found the cutest fabric while I was away at the Houston Quilt Show in November.  Its by Cori Dantini and features small images in vintage colors.

The images fit perfectly into a 3" embroidery hoop.  I had to go to several different craft stores to get enough hoops to make all of my ornaments.  Actually I thought that I had some, but couldn't find them. (!)

I added some embroidery using matching floss to each piece and made some lazy daisies on each one. 

I sewed on beads and buttons in clear, white and red to give them some dimension.  The back has stabilizer on them so the threads don't show through and then a piece of white Christmas tone-on-tone fabric to finish them off nicely.

I glued on matching pom pom embellishments to the edges and added ribbons for the hangers and to decorate the fronts.

There are so many cute images, I'm not sure which one that I like the best-  Santa, angel, tree, bear, bird and a snowman.  They were a lot of fun to make. 

Which one do you like the best? 

What Do I Do With the Cute Girl in the Fabric Panel?

This past weekend while I was at a Quilt Show in my area, I found this cute fabric with drawings on it by Cori Dantini.  I immediately recognized the artwork because I have a date book with some of her artwork in it.  Her images are just so sweet- I love their whimsical look!

Of course, I just had to buy it!  I bought a few coordinating fabrics to go along with it.  (I had to get those, too!)   I'm not exactly sure what to do with the panels, but I'm sure that I will figure that out!

Today I wanted to make a tote bag to bring to my sewing group at church.  All of the members are making and donating tote bags for children that need to go into the foster care system.  So I decided to make pockets out of two of the panels for the front and back of the tote bag.  I just love how it came out!

I had the striped blue and the checked yellow fabric already, but I really like how they bring out the colors that are in the panel.  I'm sure some little girl would love to have this to bring to her new foster home.

Here is a pic of the other side of the bag.  The images in real life are a lot brighter than what the picture shows.  I think the girl in this panel is working on some embroidery!

Well, I've used up two of the panels.  What other things can I make with these fabric panels?  I'm open for ideas.  :)