Walnut shell pin-cushions

                                                          I'm back! Sorry that I haven't posted anything in a while...I have Fibromyalgia, so I'm always tired and my body aches all over.  Anyway...here is a wonderful idea for making cute, little, pin-cushions. You will need an empty walnut shell halve, a little scrap of fabric, very little stuffing, low-temp hot glue gun, strong thread and a needle, ribbon optional.  Cut out a small circle of fabric, place stuffing in the middle of it and stitch it shut with a running stitch. Your fabric should resemble an oval shaped ball...it doesn't have to be perfect because the shell is not round. BEFORE you stitch it completely shut, place your fabric "ball" inside the shell and work the "ball" around until it fits just right. You may have to add or remove more stuffing...just make sure that it fits snuggly in place. Once you get that adjusted, stitch it shut and place it in the shell again to make sure it fits to your liking. At this point you may add a small piece of ribbon that has been folded over and place it at the widest end of the shell under the fabric. Hot glue everything in place and you are done. If you don't like the natural color of the shell, sand and spray paint it before you glue fabric in it. You may add a key ring or just a plastic ring to the ribbon part so that it can hang on a hook or keychain.  The pin-cushions make great stocking stuffers or anytime gifts.  This is one craft project that is uber easy...and CUTE!!! Helpful hint: Use needle nose pliers to snip off any jagged ruff spots inside the shell before you use it. When you glue your fabric in the shell, make sure you tuck it all in around the edges of the shell.

Happy pin-cushions!  :0)