Spread the Love: Heart Sachets to Brighten Every Day

Greetings, friends—let's make something sweet for Valentine’s Day!

Looking for a creative way to share a little love this season? You’re in luck! This month, I wrote a tutorial for Benzie Design featuring a beginner-friendly project that’s as fun to make as it is to gift—Heart-Shaped Sachets! These charming little hearts can be customized with your favorite colors and embellishments, then filled with soothing lavender or potpourri for a fragrant touch.

This project is perfect for crafters who want an enjoyable afternoon activity. Whether you’re making one or a dozen, these sachets are a beautiful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day (or any day!).

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at the basic supplies:

Just a heads-up: some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you decide to buy something through them, I’ll earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the content I share, and I really appreciate it!

• Benzie Design Stitchable Nesting Hearts Deep Etch Die
• Sizzix Big Shot Die Cutting Machine
• Bellwether Felt Sheets (solid or printed)
• Tulle Fabric
• DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss
• Tapestry Needle
• Tacky Glue
• Lavender or Potpourri
  
  

Ready to dive in? Head over to the Benzie Design Blog for the full step-by-step tutorial and all the details!

👉 https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/heart-shaped-sachets

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to share a little handmade love—but why stop there? These heart-shaped sachets make thoughtful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because. There’s something special about giving (and receiving!) a handmade piece that’s filled with care and creativity.

Whether you make one or a dozen, these fragrant hearts are sure to brighten someone’s day year-round. So gather your supplies, let your imagination run wild, and start stitching! Head over to the Benzie Design Blog for the free tutorial and supply list and get ready to spread the love—one handmade heart at a time.

My Darling Deer Fabric Tour Featuring Poppie Cotton’s “My Darling Deer” Collection

Greetings, friends! I’m thrilled to be part of the My Darling Deer Fabric Tour, celebrating the lovely “My Darling Deer” fabric collection designed by Michal Marko for Poppie Cotton. This collection is inspired by the beauty of nature—graceful deer among meadows of flowers, tossed wildflowers, delicate bouquets, tiny birds singing among blooms, and tone-on-tone ferns.

The color palette is dreamy: soft lavenders blending into deep plum, navy paired with calming blues, and pale pink hues with creamy accents. These fabrics are perfect for quilts, home décor, small  projects and baby nursery items. They truly spark creativity!

My Projects for the Tour

I’m excited to share three projects I created using this stunning collection:

🩷 Patchwork in the Heart
Wall Hanging/Table Topper Quilt

This is my own design, and the pattern is available in both paper and digital format in my Etsy Shop. 

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1871707905
Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1871705191

It’s a mini appliqué quilt that doubles as a wall hanging or table topper, measuring 24.5” x 24.5”. Instead of making all the hearts patchwork, I fussy cut deer motifs from the "Darling" prints to add a special touch. 

🪡Large Patchwork Project Bag

This bag doesn’t have a pattern—it’s a creative mix of all the prints in the collection, with the Darling Plum print featured at the top. I added hand-dyed rick rack (from Lady Dot Creates) to separate the focal print from the patchwork and finished it with a baker’s twine zipper pull for a charming detail.

🧵Two Snappy Pouches

These fun pouches use slap bracelets for the opening instead of a zipper (some makers cut and use measuring tape from the hardware store instead of the slap bracelets). Tabs on both sides make them easy to pull open, and when you let go, they snap closed. They’re practical and stylish, showcasing the beautiful fabrics perfectly.

Join the Tour and Get Inspired

Visit Poppie Cotton on Instagram or check out their blog to follow along with the My Darling Deer Fabric Tour and see what other talented makers are creating with this collection. 

As you can see, the My Darling Deer collection is brimming with charm and endless possibilities. Whether you’re stitching up a cozy quilt, creating a sweet nursery accent, or crafting a one-of-a-kind bag, these fabrics will make your projects feel extra special.

I hope my three projects spark your imagination and encourage you to dive into this beautiful collection. Don’t forget to ask your favorite quilt shop for the My Darling Deer fabric collection - it is shipping this month! Grab your favorite prints, fire up your sewing machine, and let nature’s beauty guide your creativity—because with these fabrics, every stitch tells a story!

Wool Felt Joy: Wrapping Up the Holidays and Welcoming the New Year

As the holiday season winds down and we step into a fresh new year, I’ve been reflecting on the warmth and creativity that filled December. For me, that joy came through wool felt ornaments—tiny treasures that carry heartfelt meaning. Handmade pieces have a way of turning simple moments into lasting memories, and this year was no exception.

The Benzie Design Ornament Exchange

One of the highlights of my season was participating in the Benzie Design Ornament Exchange. It’s such a wonderful way to connect with fellow makers and share a bit of handmade magic. The idea is simple: create ornaments for a partner and receive their creations in return—but the results are always extraordinary.

For my recipient, I wanted to design ornaments that felt cozy and whimsical. After taking a peek at their social media, I noticed a love for a pink and mint color palette—such a cheerful combination! I knew right away that I wanted to make a felt ornament and a stocking to match. Each piece was curated with care, using vibrant colors and playful details that reflected their style.

To make the gift extra special, I tucked a matching handmade needle minder (made from cute Poppie Cotton fabric) inside the stocking, along with a few felt pom shapes and some sweet treats. It was such a joy to pull everything together and imagine the smile when she opened the package.

And then came the best part—opening the package from my partner! Her ornaments were stunning, full of detail and heart. I love all the different mediums and delightful details. Both ornaments were charming, and I couldn’t stop admiring the craftsmanship—along with her special wrapping that made the whole experience feel even more magical.

An Assortment of Handmade Cheer

Beyond the exchange, I spent much of December creating wool felt ornaments for family and friends. Each evening, I cozied up in my stitching nest and worked on a fresh batch. From classic holiday motifs to whimsical winter designs, every piece was stitched with love and attention to detail.

These ornaments became more than decorations—they were tokens of thoughtfulness, reminders of the joy that comes from giving something handmade.

If this post has inspired you to create your very own wool felt ornaments, you should definitely give it a try! Wool felt is such a versatile, forgiving, and satisfying material to work with, and there are endless possibilities for shapes, colors, and designs. To help you get started, here are a few links at Benzie Design. Just a heads-up: some of these links are affiliate links, which means if you decide to buy something through them, I’ll earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the content I share, and I truly appreciate it!

• Free Project Tutorials
• Wool Blend Felt (high quality, yet more affordable)
• Bellwether 100% Wool Felt
• Cutting Dies (like the tree, mitten, dove, and nutcrackers I used)
• Die Cutting Tutorial and Tips

As I pack away my felt scraps and tidy up my stitching nest, I’m reminded of how much joy these little handmade pieces brought to my holiday season. Each ornament was more than just decoration—it was a way to slow down, savor the moment, and share a bit of love with others. Moving into the new year, I hope to carry that same spirit of creativity and connection forward. Here’s to more making, more sharing, and more moments that feel truly meaningful.

A Season of Surprises: Four Advent Calendars That Made My Christmas Magical

This past holiday season was filled with joy, creativity, and a little bit of daily magic thanks to three incredible advent calendars from three EVEN MORE incredible friends (I am extremely blessed and that is not lost on me - I am so very grateful!) … and one additional calendar curated by a fellow Benzie Design Maker Team member. Each one brought its own unique charm and made December feel extra special. I’m so grateful for these thoughtful gifts and the inspiration they sparked for the year ahead!

Jenny’s Countdown to Christmas Box 2025 – Missouri Star Quilt Company

Every day felt like opening a tiny treasure chest! From quilting notions to fabric surprises, this box was a dream for any sewing/stitching enthusiast. It kept my creative energy flowing and gave me plenty of ideas, tools and supplies for future projects. I am still in complete AWE of this gift and have to pinch myself to make sure I didn't dream it!

Day 1: Snow Globe Winter Journey - panel and instructions

Day 2: 28mm Rotary Cutter

Day 3: Mix & Match 5” Charm Pack

Day 4: Dog & Cat Mug Rug Patterns and Templates

Day 5: Gray Coffee Mug

Day 6: Letter Templates & Pillow Pattern

Day 7: Fabric & Appliqué Storage Binder

Day 8: Scrappy Celebrations Wrapping Paper

Day 9: Bias Tape Tool Kit and Instructions

Day 10: Charcuterie Quilt Board

Day 11: Premium Woven Labels

Day 12: Sewing Tool Organizer

Day 13: Snappy Pouch Pattern and Slap Bracelets

Day 14: MSQC Quilt Block Ornaments to Match Mugs

Day 15: Spool Huggers/Bobbin Clips in Tin

Day 16: Magnetic Slap Bracelet and Cat Pin Magnet

Day 17: Missouri Star LED Light String

Day 18: Puzzle Quilt Pattern and 400 Piece Quilt Puzzle

Day 19: Mini Ingrid’s Wildflower Embroidery Kit

Day 20: Fabric Panel

Day 21: Simple Quilty Shoulder Bag and Hardware

Day 22: Christmas Mystery book and Chuck Bookmark

Day 23: Notebook and Journal Cover Pattern

Day 24: Handmade Straw Basket from Africa

Day 25: Wooden Spinning Tool Caddy

 

Vahdam 24 Teas of Christmas Advent Calendar

Because creativity pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea! This calendar introduced me to delightful blends that made my crafting sessions even cozier. A sip of chai while stitching? Yes, please! Only thing that would have made it more perfect was to be able to share a cup of tea (every single day!) with the sender. This is an incredible gift box and will continue throughout the year, as each day contained multiple cups of tea. 

A Specially Curated Box of 25 "Perfect for Me" Christmas Gifts

This one truly touched my heart—a dear friend handpicked (and wrapped!) 25+ creative surprises just for me. From tiny tools to whimsical embellishments and cross stitched treasures, every gift reminded me how much joy there is in thoughtful details. This was such a fun idea and made me smile each and every day! I can't believe someone would go to all this fuss for me...

1. Thread Hopper
2. Lotion Bar
3. Puntini Puntini Pins and Stickers
4. Lori Holt Pretty Pins
5. Socks
6. Thread Picker
7. The Stitching Tree Pattern by Kathy Schmitz
8. Soy Wax Thread Conditioners
9. Note Cards (Stationery)
10. Clover Mini Wonder Clips
11. The Festive Farm Co. Elephant Ornament
12. Tapestry Needles
13. Sewing Machine Scissor Fob/Zipper Pull
14. Mini Notepad
15. Lindt Lindor Holiday Peppermint Cookie Milk Chocolate Candy Truffles
16. Just Another Button Company Pins and Stickers
17. Quilt Pendant by Julie Letvin of Me & My Stitches
18. Crochet Lip Balm Holder with Lip Balm
19. Stitchers Best Friend
20. Wooden Thread Bobbin and Floss Brush
21. Puntini Puntini Pins and Sticker
22. Post-it Notes and Sticker
23. Nest (June) Pattern by Kathy Schmitz
24. Squirrel Floss Ring by Handcrafted by Harvey
25. Cross Stitch Ornaments, Squirrel Ornament, Squirrel Calendar

Fiber Mixology Advent Calendar – ByKellyJo on Etsy

Kelly is one of my fellow Benzie Design Maker Team members and she designs incredible modern embroidery patterns. This one was pure fiber heaven! Each day revealed a new project or kit or fiber treat, perfect for cozy winter crafting. It was like a daily invitation to slow down and savor the art of making. I had to share this as it was Kelly's first year curating this very special advent calendar for her Etsy Shop...and she still has a few available at the time of this posting. The projects contain everything you need to get started stitching right away - perfect for any needleworker!

Grateful and Excited for What’s Next

These advent calendars weren’t just gifts—they were sparks of inspiration. They reminded me that creativity thrives in small, joyful moments. As we step into 2026, I’m excited to turn this inspiration into new projects, fresh ideas, and plenty of crafting fun.

Thank you to everyone who made this season so very special. While I don't always feel worthy of such generosity, my heart is extremely full. Here’s to a year filled with creativity, gratitude, and endless possibilities!

Wrapping Up 2025: A Year of Creativity and Collaboration

As we close the chapter on 2025 and welcome the new year, I can’t help but smile at all the incredible projects that came to life this past year. Working with Poppie Cotton, Benzie Design, and Therm O Web has been nothing short of inspiring. Each collaboration brought its own unique flair—whether it was cozy cotton prints, vibrant felt textures, or innovative interfacing and adhesives, these brands helped turn my ideas into tangible works of art and a plethora of project tutorials. I also released new cross stitch and quilting patterns, created Etsy items, made almost all my gifts throughout the year, and managed to fit in some needlework finishing and custom projects! Here is a quick look back...

Therm O Web Project Tutorials

Visit my Therm O Web Tutorials Page (link under my profile) for a direct link to each tutorial. 

💕January: Jar of Hearts Valentine Card

☘️February: Lucky Charm Mini Quilt

🐰March: Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats

🧵April: Floss Folio

🌞May: Sunny Sunglass Case

🇺🇸June: Sparkle Bouquet Banner

☃️July: Cross Stitch Ornament Tags

🐦‍⬛August: Wish and Wonder Wall Organizer

🌻September: Sunflower Pinkeep

🍁October: Fall Napkin Rings

🎄November: Merry Maker Needle Books

🎁December: Nifty No Sew Gift Bags

Benzie Design Project Tutorials 

Visit my Benzie Design Maker Team Tutorials Page (link under my profile) for a direct link to each tutorial.

🍉Scissor Sheath and Fob

🎄Cross Stitch Ornament Tags

🌼Flower Pinkeep

🎃Halloween Treat Bags

❄️Winter Mug Rug

Poppie Cotton Fabric Tours and Projects

Visit my Poppie Cotton Fabric Tours Page (link under my profile) for a direct link to each tutorial.

🧵January – Serenity Blooms by Ginger Deverell 

🪡February – Wildwood Dwellings by Sheri McCulley

✂️March – Stolen Moments by Lori Woods

🧵May – Elise by Terri Henson

🪡June – Frost and Flurry by Sheri McCulley

✂️July – Rosy Cheeks by Lori Woods

🧵August – Granny’s Sewing Room by Sheri McCulley

🪡August – Lakeland Blues by Samantha Walker

✂️September – Flower Market by Elea Lutz

🧵October – Unicorn Dreams by Ginger Deverell

🪡November – Farmhouse Fancy by Elea Lutz

✂️December (Holiday Post) – Rosy Cheeks by Lori Woods

If you loved what I did in 2025, get ready—2026 is shaping up to be even more exciting! I’ve got fresh ideas brewing, new collaborations on the horizon, and plenty of creative surprises planned. Think bold designs, innovative techniques, and projects that will make your crafting heart sing. Look for my first tutorial of the year on January 13th (think Valentine's Day!).

Thank you for being part of this journey! Here’s to more making, more sharing, and more joy in 2026. Stay tuned—I can’t wait to show you what’s next.

Twinkling Lights and a Warm Heart

✨Merry Christmas, friends!

Today, my heart is full of gratitude and joy as we celebrate this beautiful Christmas Day. Thank you to each and every one of you who continue to join me on my creative journey—your support and readership mean the world. This season reminds us of the warmth of community, the magic of lights, and the simple joy of sharing moments together.

I had the chance to experience two incredible holiday light displays in Kansas City on Christmas Eve:

• Sar Ko Aglow in Lenexa, KS
• Glolathe at Stagecoach Park in Olathe, KS

Both were nothing short of spectacular! Twinkling lights wrapped around trees, glowing pathways, and vibrant colors turned these parks into winter wonderlands. The photos I’ve shared capture just a glimpse of the festive spirit that filled the air.

As we close out the year, I want to send you all cheer, peace, and happiness. May your day be filled with laughter, love, and the sparkle of holiday lights. Here’s to creating beautiful memories and embracing the joy that this season brings.

Thank you for being part of my community—I’m truly grateful for you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!✨