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For my first project for Christmas, here’s…
…The Elf on the Shelf.
I started to think it would be fun to have one of these little elves around the house. Then I started to think it would be more fun to make one instead of buying one.
And I’m not the first to think that. I found this tutorial for a DIY elf, and decided to make a similar one. Just without the clay and the vintage doll face which was too tricky to find, but super adorable.
Anyway remember that odd doll I bought at Joann (see A Late Black Friday Craft Haul). I got it specifically to used for this project because it’s the same one used in that tutorial. It poses nicely, so it’s perfect for elfishly good fun.
And just like in that tutorial, I prepared the doll by cutting off the feet and stitching the bottom of the legs shut.
However, from there I just did my own thing. Basically all I did for my elf is make it a cute little elf outfit and decorate the face. It was so much fun, I wanted to share it with you.
Elf on the Shelf Tutorial
Materials:
Optional: Glue or snaps or
Velcro
Here’s the pattern for the clothes.
If you chose not to cut the doll’s feet, you will either need to make the pants about 1.5 inches longer or cut off the tips of the pants before sewing. Then you will have normal pants and just need to make your elf some shoes.
The clothing pieces are made in simple shapes, so this would be perfect for a beginning sewing project for a child, with adult supervision of course.
First cut two shirt pieces and pin. Sew along the sleeves and down the sides.
You can sew by hand using a running stitch, but I recommend using a backstitch (if you don’t know how to do a backstitch, check out my video tutorial for doll drawstring tank tops).
When done sewing, carefully clip the seam allowance at the armpits so it will look better when turned right side out.
Try not to accidently cut the thread or you will have to re-sew it (I did it three times while sewing this outfit!).
Turn the shirt right side out and try it on the doll for fit. You will need to cut down the back to make an opening.
Looks great right?
Now pin on the collar and sew in place. If you’re feeling lazy, you could glue it on instead.
Now cut two pieces for the pants and pin and sew. Just like with the shirt, you clip at the crotch and around the feet.
After turning right side our try it on the doll. It will be a snug fit, so getting them on may be a bit tricky.
If you are making this with a kid, you will probably need to help them.
Cut one piece for the hat and hat trim and sew (or glue) the trim along the curved edge of the hat.
Then fold the hat in half and sew along the straight edge to form a cone. Clip the point at the top before turning right side out.
And here is your little elf hat.
Cut two pieces for each glove (4 pieces total). Sew around and clip before turning right side out. Easiest gloves in the world.
Time to dress your little elf.
You can simply sew or glue the back of the shirt closed. However, if you want to make the clothes removable just sew on snaps or Velcro.
Before attaching the hat (if you want to), it’s time to add a face to this little guy. Just draw a little face in pencil, then draw over with fabric markers.
Here’s how mine turned out. I used the beaded eyes as the pupils and drew the rest of the eye parts along with nose, mouth, chin and eyebrows.
I added a touch of pink for the cheeks and in the corners of the nose and mouth. A little bit of blue and purple to the eyes, and he has a face.
Truth be told, I kind of think it looks cuter with the blank doll face, but an elf needs a smile.
For hair, I made several strokes using both yellow and brown to make it pop more. He has highlights!
The nice thing about the hair is if you mess up you can hide it under the hat.
And there you have your completed elf doll. All he (or she) needs is the book.
I found this copy at the bookstore at my local library, or rather it found me. I just walked in the door and there it was, for only $3 too. It was fate.
For those who aren’t as lucky though, you can find the book on amazon among other places.
Book or not, you can still have tons of fun with these elves. Try not to get too carried away. :)
Here’s the updated list:
One down, three more to go, and 10 days until Christmas. Oh, dear.
Give it a try:
