Candy Cane Horses - Holiday Crafts :)

Inspired by my friend Wycked, I was going to post this as a comment for her Blog about Holiday Crafts (she has some cool ideas! Check it out if you have time). But, with all the pictures and instructions and stuff, I decided it might be better as a blog. I can always link it later. :)

Here's a nifty idea for a cute stocking stuffer or present topper this Christmas. My mom was the one who came up with it, although I don't know if she invented it or got it from somewhere else - she's an artist and loves horses, so she probably just came up with it. Hope the instructions are easy enough. I posted pictures of hers so maybe that will help. Enjoy!

~* CANDY CANE HORSES *~

Materials Needed:

2 ft square red felt
1 ft square white felt
6 inch square green felt
pkg of 16-20 wiggle eyes
1 ft. gold ribbon or cord
1 ft. square card stock or cardboard for patterns
decorative sequins, buttons, etc.
hot glue or super glue

STEP 1:

Make your "Horse Head" pattern. Use the card stock or cardboard to cut out two separate pieces for the pattern - one is the "head" and the other is the "mane".
Leave the two ears on the head pattern, because you can cut off the extra ear on each side.




STEP 2:

This is how the pattern looks when placed together. Make sure the pieces fit pretty snugly together.



STEP 3:

Use patterns to trace on felt. Mane on white felt, Heads on red felt, and free cut holly leaves on green felt. Below, this picture shows a felt head from both sides - remember to cut two head pieces and four holly leaves for each horse - but you only need one mane piece for each one. Stitch them (or hot glue them) together on the outside edges, and you'll have a "pocket" for the candy cane to go through. Remember what I said about being able to snip off the extra ear, depending on the side you're working with. The mane and cord loop get glued just inside the red felt head, usually before sewing the two red felt pieces together.



STEP 4:

Add wiggle eyes, decorative beads or buttons and holly leaves using glue. Cut mane with sharp scissors to give it a fringed look (note: I've also seen her use actual fringe for the manes and they looked great!) Add candy cane and optional printed holiday message and Voila! You're done! A Candy Cane Horse!



Heck, if the spirit really moves you, go crazy and make a whole stable full of them! They make a great presentation as party favors, etc. or put them in stockings or tie to presents.



One last note. Mom said that the felt with the glitter already pressed into it looks more festive but is a lot stiffer and doesn't have as much "give" to work with around the candy cane.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!