Snuggle Up with Holiday Mug Rugs

Greetings, friends—and happy Thursday before Christmas! I hope this post finds you feeling joyful, surrounded by kindness, and ready to embrace the holiday spirit.

Today, I’m excited to share a pair of festive mug rugs I created for the Poppie Cotton Christmas Countdown. Each week, Poppie Cotton has been inspiring us with cozy, quilty ideas to make the season bright: starting with Festive Table Settings, then Deck the Halls décor, and now this week’s theme—Snuggle Up!

When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than curling up in your favorite stitching spot with a warm drink, a sweet treat, and a cozy project. For the Poppie Cotton “Snuggle Up” Christmas Countdown, I created two adorable mug rugs that bring a touch of handmade charm to your holiday sipping and stitching!

These cheerful designs feature Poppie Cotton’s Rosy Cheeks collection (with a dash of Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes) and are perfect for adding festive flair to your fireside moments. Whether you’re enjoying hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or sharing a smile with a snowman, these mug rugs will make your holiday season extra warm and inviting.

Ready to see some details and make your own? Let’s dive in!

Materials:

• Fabrics: Rosy Cheeks collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton, along with Country Confetti and Jailhouse Stripes 
• HeatnBond Lite, Fusible Fleece, and Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing from Therm O Web
• 1/4" Buttons
• Heart Button
• Graphite Sequins
• 5/8" Pink Rick Rack

Mug Rug #1: Cup of Hot Cocoa

• Adapted from my own pattern “Sweet Snacks Mug Rug” 
• Pattern available in my Etsy Shop:
  https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148
• Added ¼" buttons for marshmallows.
• Patchwork and machine appliqué construction.
• Replaced the original heart appliqué with a small pine tree for a winter vibe.
  
  

Mug Rug #2: Snowman

• Adapted from my Winter Mug Rug Tutorial for Benzie Design 
• Pattern, templates, and tutorial available on the Benzie Design Blog: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug
• Used all Poppie Cotton fabrics instead of wool felt.
• Added pink rick rack around the perimeter for extra charm.
• Embellished with ¼" buttons, one heart-shaped button, and small sequins for eyes.
• Hand-stitched the snowman’s mouth for a cozy, handmade finish.
  
  

These cheerful mug rugs were created especially for the Snuggle Up theme—ideal for holiday sipping and stitching! 

Now it’s your turn to snuggle up and stitch! These little mug rugs are quick, fun, and perfect for adding a handmade touch to your holiday season. Gather your favorite Poppie Cotton fabrics, a few cheerful embellishments, and create something cozy for your coffee, cocoa, or tea moments.

Whether you make one for yourself or whip up a few as gifts, these projects are sure to bring warmth and joy to your home. So pour a cup of something delicious, turn on your favorite holiday tunes, and let the stitching magic begin!

Wishing you a season filled with creativity, comfort, and festive cheer—may your days be merry, bright, and full of handmade happiness!

Winter Mug Rug

Greetings, friends!

It’s Benzie Design tutorial day, so get excited for a winter project that’s as cozy as it is creative! ❄️✨

Cool temperatures are here (at least they are in Kansas City!), and I’m so excited to share a project that brings warmth and cheer to your home—the Winter Mug Rug! Imagine a steaming mug of cocoa, a sweet treat, and a handmade piece that feels like a little slice of winter magic. This design is all about cozy vibes, shimmering accents, and a touch of holiday sparkle.

I created this tutorial exclusively for Benzie Design, and it’s perfect for a snow-day craft or a relaxing weekend make. Whether you’re stitching by hand or machine, this project is beginner-friendly and full of creative possibilities. Pair your finished snack mat with a cute mug and goodies for a heartfelt gift that will brighten someone’s snowy day!

👉 Find the full tutorial on Benzie Design’s website: https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

Supplies You’ll Need (contains affiliate links that help me keep this blog ad-free):

These can all be found found on the Benzie Design website:

• Iridescent Metallic Felt
• Bellwether Pure Wool Felt Sheets (Tellina, Cerulean, Ecru, Conifer, Black, Rhubarb, Amethyst, Hazelnut, Clementine)
• Peltex Single-Sided Fusible Interfacing 
• DMC Floss 310 
• Invisible Polyester Thread (Sulky) 
• Freezer Paper 
• Sequins (Iridescent Aquamarine, Metallic Graphite)
• Tacky Glue
• Glossy Accents (Sequin Glue)
• Embroidery Needles
• 5” Non-stick Titanium Scissors
• Scallop Shears (10mm)
• Coordinating Threads (for hand or machine)

Optional but handy: Oliso M3Pro Project Iron, sewing machine, tweezers, and a paintbrush.

This project is all about embracing the season—think frosty sparkle, cozy textures, and festive colors. So grab your favorite winter drink, gather your supplies, and let’s make something magical together!

Ready to start? Click here to get the full tutorial on the Benzie Design website:
https://www.benziedesign.com/blogs/tutorials/winter-mug-rug

No matter your skill level, this project is for you! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned stitcher, the Winter Mug Rug is a wonderful way to play with color, texture, and sparkle. Don’t be afraid to experiment—mix and match felt shades, try new stitches, and add extra embellishments to make it uniquely yours. Every creative choice adds personality and charm, so have fun and let your imagination shine! ❄️✨

Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats

Greetings friends! There have been some very exciting things brewing in the BRD studio...and my desk is swimming in correspondence, designs, creative ideas, contracts, piles of paper, product swatches/photos, and a giant planning calendar...but it is all great and I will have some SUPER FUN news to share in the next couple months. Currently, I am trying to get organized and on track for a very busy year.

For now, it is new project tutorial day - time to share my March project created for the Therm O Web blog with you. I always enjoy putting on my Fabric Education Designer hat and creating new projects/tutorials using incredible products from Therm O Web. For the month of March, the blog is focused on home décor, kitchen refresh, HeatnBond Sparkle Paste, machine embroidery, and appliqué. I created a brand new project that was posted on Monday - it is a complete project tutorial for my Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats. My comprehensive tutorial contains a complete supply list, printable pattern with templates, and step-by-step directions with color photos. 

With the spring season officially starting later this week and Easter right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to make a pair of snack mats to freshen and brighten up my late night snack (which is an afternoon snack for all of you that are not on my crazy night schedule 😉). I have had a sketch of these bunnies in my idea book idea for quite some time and I was excited to execute my plan. I am really happy with the results - AND I applied HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl to make them waterproof and stain resistant. 

You will have to visit the ThermOWeb blog for my complete tutorial and pattern, but I am posting a few photos here...

Here is a direct link to the project tutorial:
https://blog.thermoweb.com/mr-and-mrs-cottontail-snack-mats/

You will be surprised how quickly this seasonal project comes together. It is perfect for using up those scraps and small pieces of fabric - I opted to use bright and cheerful solid color fabric scraps. For this post, I used:

• HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl Gel Coating
• HeatnBond Pressing Paper
• HeatnBond Lite EZ-Print Iron-On Adhesive Sheets
• HeatnBond Fusible Fleece
• HeatnBond Fabric Fuse PeelnStick Fabric Adhesive Tape 
• Optional: HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Interfacing

Visit the tutorial post for a complete and detailed supply list. 

Tomorrow, you will be able to visit my YouTube Channel to follow along as I create my mini quilt (longer version)...or visit my Instagram for a shorter Reel video...it should be posted on Wednesday.

To find the exact tools and supplies listed, visit my Mr. and Mrs. Cottontail Snack Mats Supply List on Amazon (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you!). 

Are you familiar with the HeatnBond Liquid Vinyl Gel Coating? With this unique liquid product, you can make any fabric stain-resistant, water-resistant and even waterproof....simply paint on a light, even coat - let it dry - and then iron to create a smooth finish. One coat makes the fabric water and stain-resistant...two coats makes the fabric waterproof and stain-resistant...and three coats makes the fabric waterproof and stain-resistant with a semi-gloss oilcloth finish. With my latest project being used with food and beverage, I put on two coats...and it worked perfectly! I like how the project is now easily wiped clean and stain resistant.

If you have questions on any Therm O Web or HeatnBond/SpraynBond products or would like to see a specific type of product in one of my projects, drop me a comment or email.

I hope this project gets you excited to create a fun project for springtime or Easter...

I am creating monthly projects for the Therm O Web Blog and I will be sure to post here when I have a new tutorial available. My next project is scheduled to be on the Therm O Web blog in April. Plus, I have a couple a special projects for the Wildwood Dwellings Fabric Tour that will be shared here on Friday. 

Thank you for stopping by for a visit today - I always enjoy sharing my projects with you. Have a great week and make time to work on something creative...

Halloween Sweet Snacks Mug Rug

Greetings friends! I wanted to stop by today with a little Halloween fun. It has been a bit hectic here since I returned from traveling abroad, but I will be back to share about my trip very soon (it was an amazing journey). I have been playing catch-up since arriving home, but managed to make a little time for Halloween sewing. I needed a little "play time" in my sewing studio, so I took my "Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" pattern and adapted it for Halloween, using scraps of fabric from Sweet Tooth by Elea Lutz for Poppie Cotton. 

I followed the pattern, but decided to remove the heart and steam stitches and add a ghost as the "steam." The ghost was free-form cut without a template and is not a part of the pattern. I applied HeatnBond Fusible Interfacing to the back of a piece of white fabric (this helps to keep the background fabric from showing through - I wanted it to look like steam, so a little background showing through is good, but I wanted my ghost nice and white). Next, I fused HeatnBond Lite Adhesive to the back (I used a piece leftover from the sheet I printed the teacup templates on). I then used a pencil to draw a free-form ghost and cut it out. After machine appliquéing the pieces in place, I hand stitched the ghost eyes and mouth, using French knots for the eyes and straight stitches for the mouth. I was super happy with the results! 

My Sweet Snacks Mug Rug pattern is perfect for seasonal sewing and gifts...is beginner friendly...and is great for using up scraps. I can't wait to make some in holiday prints - I am thinking of adding a gingerbread cookie!

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656421646

You can find a video tutorial reel on my Instagram page, with a longer version on my YouTube channel. You can also find a list of the project products I used in in my Amazon Shop: https://amzn.to/4f7Vycx (note: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - thank you for visiting!).

For all sorts of creative Halloween finishes, visit my Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/brdgirl/), where I have been sharing images and videos all month long!

Sweet Sips Mug Rug - A Complimentary Pattern

Greetings creative friends - thank you for joining me during the 12 Days of Valentines with Poppie Cotton. Poppie Cotton and friends are celebrating Valentine's Day with 12 free projects to create, use, and love. Today, I am sharing my brand new complimentary design, titled "Sweet Sips Mug Rug." This snack mat is the perfect afternoon project and can be used all year long...and bonus, it also makes the sweetest heartfelt gift.

This 10.5" x 7" mug rug has a simple foundation pieced heart, combined with traditional patchwork. It is a great project for beginners and those wanting to try out a simple foundation-pieced project (basic foundation piecing knowledge is required). I used scraps/small pieces of fabric (the largest piece is the 11" x 7.5" backing) and lovely hand-dyed rick rack from Lady Dot Creates to embellish this small quilting project. The fabric snippets I used are from the Promise Me fabric collection by Michal Marko for Poppie Cotton (and a wee bit of Country Confetti for the heart background), but this love-filled design would work well with just about any fabric you have on hand! I used a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet (my favorite foundation "paper" for piecing) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece.

You can find the free printable PDF pattern here:

https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

I kindly ask you do not post the actual pattern on the Internet/social media or on Pinterest - instead, post a photo of the finished piece and/or direct users to this post or my website.

I hope this free pattern will entice you to take a look at my design catalog and my Etsy shop and check out my sewing and quilting patterns. This complimentary design complements my latest quilt pattern release titled "Sweet Snacks Mug Rug"...don't they look great together?! If you would like to create the appliqué tea cup snack mat, the pattern for my "Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" is available in my Etsy shop.

I hope my Sweet Sips Mug Rug pattern will inspire you to create for Valentine's Day and/or the loved ones in your life. To gather all the patterns from the 12 Days of Valentines with Poppie Cotton, visit the Poppie Cotton blog daily through February 14th. A new post with details will be uploaded daily.

If you create a Sweet Sips Mug Rug, be sure to post a photo and tag me on social media - I would love to see your version! 💗

Sweet Snacks Mug Rug - NEW Pattern

Greetings friends - happy Friday! I am back today with a brand new quilt pattern release. Truth be told, I had a completely different plan for this pattern, but sometimes things don't work out as envisioned. So, in true Belinda fashion, I quickly changed course and decided to finish this pattern and make it available in my Etsy shop.

“Sweet Snacks Mug Rug" is machine appliqué, along with traditional piecing and assembly. It measures 10" x 7" and works perfectly for a snack mat. The pattern contains basic machine appliqué instructions, appliqué templates, and comprehensive/detailed instructions with color diagrams... and is super quick and easy to create. This 8-page pattern is designed to use scraps and small pieces of fabric...or would work great with your favorite fabric collection. The largest piece of fabric needed is for the backing (10.5" x 7.5"). This project is great for beginners or those wanting to dabble in appliqué....and is perfect for seasonal sewing and gift giving!

The cover model was created with scraps from the Prairie Sisters Homestead collection by Lori Woods for Poppie Cotton along with a small piece of Country Confetti (also from Poppie Cotton) for the appliqué background. It uses HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive (paper backed fusible web) and HeatnBond Fusible Fleece (you could use batting, but fusible fleece makes it easier). I have also created one in winter/Christmas fabrics - this one has "cocoa" in the teacup with 1/4" buttons representing marshmallows.😊

Paper Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656421646

Digital Pattern: https://blueribbondesigns.etsy.com/listing/1656427148

This mug rug brings a smile to my face, as I have it on my desk daily (the winter one is on a side table in my sewing room)...and I can envision it created with several other seasonal fabrics (I better get busy!). I hope you will spend a little time in your sewing space making a "Sweet Snacks" mug mat that fits your personality and decor.

For now, I am back to my design table and sewing studio...plus I have a new cross stitch model in the works in my stitching nest. Be sure to stop back on February 4th, for a very special Valentine treat!! 💖

Christmas Countdown 2022

Greetings friends - happy Wednesday! If you follow me on social media, then chances are, you have seen some of my recent creations for the Poppie Cotton Christmas Countdown Challenge. Poppie Cotton created a very fun word prompt list beginning on December 1st - each day, you can use the word as a prompt to create something and post an image(s), tagging them for a chance to win prizes - you can participate as little or as often as you like. You can visit their Instagram page post for all the details...and visit their website for a downloadable list, a coloring page and Santa templates! I have been participating on  most days and have enjoyed my time creating projects for some of the words...

I have posted on multiple days, and here are some of my photos and creations....

Day 1 - Christmas Pincushion

I created two cube pincushions, using the Poppie Cotton Snuggle Up Buttercup fabric Collection. 

Day 3 - Hot Cocoa

I created a whimsical mug rug with a tea cup of hot cocoa, using mini buttons for marshmallows. I was just playing around...but will create a pattern, if there is interest (let me know in the comments!).

Day 4 - Peppermint

For peppermint, I created a small project bag - appliquéing the word JOY and using wool for the peppermint appliqué. I used  red, white and green baker's twine for the zipper pull. This was a lot of fun to make and was (again) just me playing around in my studio...

Day 5 - Ornament

This day was easy - I used my 2021 and 2022 cross stitch Christmas ornaments..."My Frosty Friend" and "Bundled Up Birdie"....

Day 6 - Cookie Exchange

For cookie exchange, I made my favorite molasses cookies and photographed them on my Alphabet House Mug Rugs (pattern available in my Etsy Shop in both paper format and digital format). I also provided my molasses cookie recipe, so you can make a batch yourself!!

I hope these creative ideas will get you in the holiday mood and provide some inspiration and Christmas cheer! I have more posts up my sleeve for future days, so look for those on my social media pages...

For now, it is back to work - I am feeling quite stressed with client orders after my time away in New Zealand and recovering from a terrible case of the flu (I am much better, but still have a nasty cough!)....so I am busy from morning until night in the studio. I will share some of those pieces soon. Also, I have some very exciting news to share in the coming days - I am a brand ambassador/designer for a favorite company and will be posting fun projects and tutorials for them soon...stay tuned for that announcement...