12 Days of Christmas Decorating: Day Eight

For this project I recommend you wait until after the holidays

so nature can do most of the work for you.

Instead of letting our extra Christmas tree branches

dry out and drop their needles naturally,

I spent a good part of today removing them by hand.

After a trip here last month, I was inspired to make

my own balsam-filled sachets or potholders.

I had the piece of fabric above in my stash

and each bird image was the perfect size for one.

I cut each one out along with a piece of scrap flannel.

I pinned the two sides together, with a loop for hanging,

and then sewed the two sides together, 

leaving a hole at the bottom to fill them

with the heavily-scented needles I'd collected.

I filled each one loosely with about a half cup of needles.

Now, when a hot pot or even a cup of coffee

is placed on one, more scent will be released.

This project is easy for the most basic of sewers,

but you could also cut out fabric with pinking sheers

and use fabric glue to close up the sides.

Back to sewing for me tonight.

I have another 10 to sew closed and fill.

They will make nice presents, I think.