Somerset Style Stitched Mini Charms Tut

*This idea came straight from the Green Craft Winter 2010 issue. When I saw it I immediately thought what a fun swap this could be for us!

For this swap you will create two mini charms for one partner. You will need small scraps of fabric, some thread and a needle, stuffing, a charm, some vintage bling, or a random piece of beautiful junk jewelry and either some ribbon, beads or a small flower, etc. You can get your fabric from an old tee or use some of those tiny scraps of fabric you have had laying around that you couldn't bare to toss. Lets shoot for 1"x1".

Cut four pieces out, two for each charm, and with the wrong sides together stitch up three sides, leaving one full side open to stuff. You may hand stitch or use a sewing machine (I personally just love the look of hand-stitched items) but it is up to you, whatever you find easiest. Stuff it and sew the fourth side shut. Now you can add your fun piece, a charm, jewelry, etc. Deborah who created this piece put the charm on using copper wire, looped it and stitched the wire into the middle of the pillow by hand. She did not add a hanger to this, but I think that it would look nice to be done, so they can be hung up and shown off, but before you go grab that ribbon, PM your partner and check to see if they would like the hanger or not, since your partner might like to make this into a brooch or use it for something else that doesn't require it to hang. On the top of the pillow make a loop out of ribbon, stitch it on, and then add either a flower, some beads, etc to cover up the ribbon hanger stitching.

These two charms do not have to be made out of the same fabric, but you can do so if you would like. Not everyone has the a large amount of fabric scraps in different colors, so this will be sender's choice, but it doesn't hurt to check out the colors that your partner loves, or especially hates.

Should be quick and fun! If you have any questions please let me know! I will check this page daily!