Today I have the most fun, beautiful, and economical Christmas craft to share with you! It’s one of those projects that checks all the boxes: easy enough for beginners, festive enough to make your home sparkle, and affordable enough to fit into any holiday budget. Whether you’re crafting with kids or just enjoying a crafternoon by yourself, this project is is a goody. I'm sharing it early so you can start saving champagne corks! 

As you can guess, this project was easy peasy! First, gather champagne corks—these make the perfect base for little Santas. If you’re in the habit of enjoying a glass of bubbly now and then, just save the corks as you go. But don’t worry if you’re not—restaurants, clubs, or wedding venues often go through plenty and are usually happy to set some aside. I asked our club bartender to save a few for me, and two weeks later I was handed a whole bag! For the rest of the supplies, you’ll need red and white felt, small beads for the nose, a bit of matching thread, and some glue. Print out the template below, making sure to size it so the long side of the hat measures 4 inches. To assemble, sew the hat seam with tiny whip stitches along the right side—no seam allowance needed. Add a bead of glue inside the rim, leaving the spot for the beard unglued so you can tuck it in later. Angle the hat slightly by pulling it down just a touch at the back. Next, sew the nose onto the beard, about a quarter inch from the top, then add a dab of glue to the back of the beard and slip it under the hat. That’s it—your little Julenisse is finished and ready to spread holiday cheer!