SEARCH THE BLOG

Nov 8, 2011

Pinecone Map Ornament

Some super famous and super awesome blogger ladies had a Pinterest challenge last week.  Admit it - we pin photos to our Pinterest boards all the time, but how often do we get around to making anything we pin? See what Sherry, Katie, Ana, and Erin came up with.  Such talent.

My entry:

Pinecone Map Ornament


Cute, right?

I'm always on the lookout for interesting Christmas ornaments.  And every time we're on vacation I have to pick one up.  So why not combine my two loves - ornaments and vacation? 

I decided to use maps of Hawaii as it is my absolute favourite place to be. I would go there every year  if I could.

Cutting out the leaves was the most time consuming. But actually putting it together took less than an hour.  Only one episode of True Blood.  (I'm only halfway through season 4 so don't tell me anything.) And I didn't have to go out and buy anything so it was essentially free.

You start with a styrofoam ball - you can buy them in multipacks from the dollar store. I think an egg shape would be cute too.  Using scissors, poke a hole in the top.  Cut a length of ribbon, fold it into a loop, and tie the ends in a knot.  Put a blob of glue into the hole and push the knot of ribbon in firmly.


I found a leaf shape online to use as a template and cut out leaves from my "Oahu Revealed" guide book. I cut out dozens of leaves, just randomly choosing areas on the maps that gave a good mix of land and water.  I also made sure to include some favourite spots we've visited. Don't worry, I'm not one to cut up important books, I have another copy.  As an aside: if you're going to Hawaii for the first time, the "Revealed" series of books are excellent.  Plenty of maps, detailed directions, and fun snippets of history. 

Glue the first leaf to the bottom of the ball to give complete coverage.  Mine didn't lay as flat as in the tutorial but it wasn't that bad and wasn't really going to be seen anyway.



Start gluing the top edge of each leaf onto the ball, starting at the bottom, and making sure that there aren't any gaps.  Give each leaf a slight upward curl with the scissors before attaching. Work your way up the ball making sure that the leaves go right to the ribbon. 



I glued a row of tiny foam beads around the ribbon to finish it off.


Pinecone Map Ornament - Turtles and Tails blog

What do you think? 

Pinecone Map Ornament

I love it. 
And I love that every time I look at it I'm reminded of the most beautiful place on earth.

Pinecone Map Ornament

Pinecone Map Ornament

Pinecone Map Ornament

131 comments:

Kyra said...

This is so, so cute. It's going on my list of things to make. I really like your version of it.

Susanne said...

Hi Barb! This is a really cute idea. I am a nut for homemade Christmas ornaments (I use to use them as my focal point in the craft shows I did years ago). This would be a great gift for an ornament exchange, or stocking stuffer. The possibilities would be endless on what to use instead of the map leaves. With all the pretty scrapping stock pages one could go nuts. Add some glitter and it would sparkle! Even making some in different sizes would be fun. This would also make a great crafty thing for kids and grand kids. I am definitely going to try this. Thanks for becoming a follower and also for sharing.
Susanne {{{Hugs}}}

Anonymous said...

This is so cute! and thanks for the instructions, sorry I missed the challenge, love pinterest! Now following you so maybe I won't miss the next one!

Anonymous said...

What a cute and unique ornament! I am your newest follower. http://fun-to-funky.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

What an awesome idea! Yours turned out great! And thanks for the tutorial! Would you share this here?

http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2011/11/our-home-for-holidays-party.html

Sara said...

So pretty! Would love it if you would link this up at my turquoise lovin' party! http://www.sweetlittlegals.com/2011/11/turquoise-lovin-12.html

Etcetorize said...

Awesome project! This is totally going in my "to make" file. I'd love for you to come share at the linky party over at Etcetorize. It's already open: etcetorize.blogspot.com ~

Anonymous said...

How cute! Yours turned out perfect! So going to try one of these.

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

These are genius! Love the simplicity and the finished look!

I'm your newest follower. Please stop by and say hi.

Trish @ Uncommon said...

Ok, I get so excited when I see such clever projects! What a fantastic idea!

We are having a Home for the Holidays link party and would love for you to join us! I know our readers would get so excited over the map ornament, too!

http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2011/11/home-for-holidays-link-party_08.html

Judy Bisaya said...

soo cute! thanks for sharing!

Jamie @ DIY Home Sweet Home said...

This is too adorable. I'm hosting a GIVEAWAY on DIY Home Sweet Home. Would love you to check it out.
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2011/11/giveaway-shabby-apple-dress.html
P.S. I'm your newest follower. Love your blog.

Lisa said...

Wow!! I love maps, especially old ones, and I love pine cones!! I'm definitely going to make some!! I'd love to swap guest posts with you sometime!! Please visit my blog www.lisascraftblog.blogspot.com and then e-mail me at virgotiergirl@gmail.com.
Thanks for sharing such a great project!!

Boden said...

Wow, your ornament turned out absolutely lovely! I would love for you to come and link up to my very first link party at www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com I hope to see you there!

~Jen

Nancy@owensolivia said...

Cute!!

Boden said...

Hey! Thanks for linking up! Jen @ www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com

Kristina @ ReMadeSimple said...

Love It what a fun and simple idea!

TRICIA said...

Very cool! What a neat keepsake!
makingitfeellikehome.blogspot.com

megan {homemade ginger} said...

love it so much! I am doing an ornament exchange soon and maybe I will make one of these!

Anonymous said...

This is such an unique idea. I really like it that it can be personalized by map choice. Beautiful and meaningful... what a great combination! I always make my husband an ornament for Christmas, now I know what I'll be doing for his ornament this year. Thanks!

Q @ JAQS said...

This is so fun!

Love for you to join my Linky Party - JAQS "Made by ME" at http://www.jaqsstudio.com/2011/11/made-by-me-6-linky-party-and-features.html

Lorraine said...

Very pretty. I love that you used a map. Gives it such wonderful colors along with a special meaning.

Unknown said...

I Love it
- KAT -

Jacque said...

How darling!! I'm making SEVERAL this year!!

Thanks for sharing!

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

Adorable...I could see these in all sorts of papers, really fun :) Laurel@chippingwithcharm

Julianne said...

I LOVE how that turned out! There are so many possibilities for a project like this! Thanks for sharing, im your newest follower i'd love if you'd follow me back!

Juliannne

www.sewfantastic.blogspot.com

Mindie Hilton said...

Stunning! I would love for you to share your ornament at my weekly linky party. Fri-monday come strut your stuff.
http://bacontimewiththehungryhypo.blogspot.com/

Corinna said...

Saw you at One Artsy Mama. This is fabulous! :)

Roeshel said...

It's beautiful. I'd love to make these and have them pinned too! You did a fantastic job!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Oh wow!!
I'd love for you to come join in my Simply Christmas link party at http://shabbyartboutique.blogspot.com

Terriea Kwong said...

This is awesome and a good idea to group something of memory.

Mandy said...

What a great idea! I have 2 parties that I would love for you to link this up to!
www.projectqueen.org
I followed you over from Happy Hour Projects.

I'm a new follower!

Alison Agnew said...

such a cute craft idea
for christmas

thanks for sharing at fridays unfolded!

alison

Trish @MomOnTimeout said...

I think this is so cute - I love the use of the map! If you have a moment, I'd love for you to share with my readers: http://www.momontimeout.com/2011/11/taking-timeout-thursday-no-4.html

Have a great weekend!

Erin of HomeSavvyAtoZ.com said...

I love this idea, Barb! I am trying to create a travel theme to my gameroom and this would be perfect for a fun little tree. Thanks so much for sharing at Freshmen Friday!

Mary Sullivan Frasier said...

How cute is that?! We have so many old maps laying around, I could probably make dozens of them. LOL

Newly following from Tidy Mom's "I'm Lovin' It" hop. Thanks for sharing your project!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh this is so cute! Did you use a map of a place that was meaningful to you? I really like it & your photography of it is great!

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Yes, it is from a guide book of Hawaii. We went there on our honeymoon and again last year. Can't wait to go back!

Emily said...

Very cute idea! Definitely will be pinning this! You could almost use any paper to change up the look. Thanks for sharing!

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I love it - I agree that this combines my favourite things of travelling, maps, and Christmas. That would make a great ornament for someone who had just been on a special vacation.

I noticed that you are from Ontario as well - nice to see a fellow Canadian's blog.

Carrie said...

Woah, you got lots of comments! Found you through Happy Hour Projects; I love your ornament. So, so pretty!

Carrie said...

PS- I don't usually ask this because it's annoying, but I have a link party every Friday and would LOVE to feature this next week if you link up. ;-)

http://makinglemonadeblog.blogspot.com

Natasha in Oz said...

I love it too! You did a brilliant job with your Christmas Pinterest project!

I am hosting my weekly Pinterest party at the moment so please pop by if you have 5 minutes. I would be so honoured if you could link up this Pinterest inspired post!

Best wishes,
Natasha @ 5 Minutes Just for Me

Elena Galli said...

Love it!

Rosie said...

I really love this. I just wish I was having Christmas at home this year so I could make a whole bundle. I would really like it if you had the time to share it on my new weekly Christmas blog - every Monday starting this week.

http://twelvecraftsofchristmas.blogspot.com/2011/11/new-christmas-link-party-no1.html

Sassy Sites! said...

Thanks for linking up to Sassy Sites FFA party on Friday!! I LOVE to see all of the great ideas! All week this week, we will be doing Thanksgiving themed link ups. Monday is all about Turkeys, so if you have something you've created that is turkey-ish :)... come by tomorrow and link it up!!

XOXO!!
marni @ Sassy Sites!

From G2B said...

I love it! I think I will have to make my own!

Christina at I Gotta Create! said...

Yay!! I LOVE this! Great job :)

Andrea @Oasis Accents said...

That turned out sooo cute!! I would love for you to come share this at Sunday's Best =)

http://www.oasisaccents.com/sundays-best-link-party/

Dawn said...

To stinking cute:) I just love it. Did you use a glue gun or some other type of glue? Will have to make me some, thanks for the tut:)

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Hi Dawn, yes I used a glue gun for this. I'm impatient and I find the hot glue is the fastest. (I also have dozens of glue burns as reward for my impatience.)

To everyone else, thank you so much for the comments. I haven't found a way to reply to each one (Blogger grrrr!) but I would if I could.

Maria Matter said...

how cool is this!!! Thanks for a fun idea!

The Monko said...

wow you have a lot of comments on this - but thats probably because it is so flippin great.

Ashlee Marie said...

I LOVE homemade ornaments AND maps so this one totally caught my eye! I love it and I'm featuring it on Topsy Turvy Tuesday's. Thanks for linking up!

CraftyTweetie said...

Thanks so much for sharing this realy easy yet lovely ornament idea. Just 1 question, tho: what type of glue did you use to attache the map pieces to the ball?

FYI: If you don't have an unwanted book of maps to cut up, local tourist bureaus and sometimes AAA offices will have free maps available. HTH! :)

Barb @ Turtles and Tails said...

Hi, I used a glue gun (hot glue) to attach the leaves. It's fast and they stay secure.

Thanks for the tip about getting free maps - great idea.

Unknown said...

I love this idea. I pinned it. check out my blog http://www.iholdallthecards.blogspot.com I'm hosting a giveaway there. Some vintage hankies. It says I won't ship outside of the USA but for you I'll make an exception if you win :)

Trish @ Uncommon said...

Just wanted to let you know we featured your awesome ornament tonight on our blog! Thanks so much for sharing!

http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2011/11/home-for-holidays-link-party-2.html

very merry vintage style said...

Love it--It really turned out gorgeous. --you're featured this week on Share the Love Wednesday. Stop by and grab a feature button. Thanks so much for linking up!
Mary

Kim@todayismysome-day said...

Lovely! I'm thinking this will make a really unique Christmas gift for a few people I know this year. Thanks!

Whit said...

Thank you for linking up to our party show and share #13. come back this week.

A mommy's life...with a touch of yellow
tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

Meg@MegaCrafty said...

Really cute! I think making some with scrap paper I have would be great- thanks!

Mandy said...

Hi Barb, your map ornament that you linked up to Project Queen/A Wee Meenit Blog Hop will be featured this afternoon! Thanks so much for linking up your wonderful project. Hope you come back this week for the 2nd Blog Hop Party - Christmas Gifts and Ornaments $10 or Less.

Taylor said...

You did a great job!!! So glad you found it inspirational enough to make yourself ;)

Unknown said...

Very creative! Love the use of the map too! I just saw you on {Junk in their Trunk} and am your newest follower! :) Have a great weekend! xo, Reannah

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Hi, This is so darn cute! My youngest daughter decorates her tree with map and travel decor. She is going to love this. Think we might have to make her a few.

Katie said...

Love your version!!!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Thanks Barb for sharing this stunning ornament at the Simply Christmas Inspiration Party at the Shabby Art Boutique.
Festive hugs ~ Kerryanne

Anonymous said...

Just saw a pic of your ornament at Sasse Life!! I love this and *have* to make one! So cute!!

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

Hi Barb,
Thanks for linking up with the Simply Christmas Inspiration Party. YOurs was the most visited link and I featured you today.
Festive hugs ~ Kerryanne

Jenn Erickson said...

Love, love, love how your pinecone map ornament turned out. It's wonderful! So glad I saw your post featured over at Shabby Art Boutique!

Jenn/Rook No. 17

Cathy @My 1929 Charmer said...

You definitely found your usually ornament by making it. Don't think i have ever seen anything like this. Very creative, and very pretty. Your pinecone map ornament if stunning. Thanks so much for sharing at Sunday's Best. Now following you.

Boden said...

Your Pinecone Map Ornament was one of the top three clicked on links over at the Head to Head Showdown, come on by and pick up a featured button! ~Jen @ www.icantstopcrafting.blogspot.com

Ann said...

This is one of the most fun ornaments I've ever seen. It's fantastic. Great how-to, also. Thanks for sharing.

Debra said...

Such a cute idea! It turned out great!

Shannon said...

Too cute! I love everything on your blog :)


Shannon @ Sewing Barefoot

BarbSteadman said...

You're sweet - thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know how they turn out!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks for featuring me!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

Hen said...

Awesome project!  We'll be featuring this as part of our 12 days of unique Christmas decor tomorrow.  Feel free to stop by to see it an grab a button.  Awesome tutorial!  www.TheRoosterAndTheHen.com

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Wow, thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Ahhh, so lucky! I dream of living in Hawaii.

Christina at I Gotta Create! said...

I've seen this around and admired it so!  Thanks SO much for sharing it at the Winter Wonderland Party over at I Gotta Create!!

Lindajlue said...

I too get an ornament when I travel. Love this, thanks for sharing/

Tipsfromtheheart said...

Super fabulous!!! I love Pinterest and you did a beautiful job making your own ornament! Love it. Stopping by from the Delicate Construction link up.
http://tipsfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Nike@ChooseToThrive said...

Saw this idea featured on Friday Night Date Night and LOVE your idea! The personalization for each recipient is awesome!

Sarah said...

So very cool and super easy!!!   Gotta try this with the kids.  :)  

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know how it turns out!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you for featuring me!

BarbSteadman said...

Glad you like it. It was fun to make.

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you for featuring me!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you for following!

BarbSteadman said...

That's awesome - thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks! I have an awesome turkey idea.

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know how they turn out!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you! If you make one let me know.

BarbSteadman said...

Hi, I used a glue gun (hot glue) to attach the leaves. It's fast and they stay secure.

Thanks for the tip about getting free maps - great idea.

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know if you make one.

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you! Yes, it is from a guide book of Hawaii. We went there on our honeymoon and again last year. Can't wait to go back!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you! Let me know if you make one.

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know if you do.

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know if you make some!

BarbSteadman said...

I'd love to!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you for featuring me!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you for hosting!

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know how it turns out!

BarbSteadman said...

Thanks!

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know if you make one!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you, I will.

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know if you make some!

BarbSteadman said...

Oh, I'd like to see them!

BarbSteadman said...

Let me know how it goes!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

BarbSteadman said...

Thank you!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...