Plaid Shirt Ornaments

On the subject of ornaments, do you remember the ones we made for the foyer in Kathie Lee's house?

Like the Halloween special, HGTV allotted me the least amount of money out of the designers. But I'm all for a challenge, especially when it comes to delivering beautiful, budget-friendly holiday decor that looks more expensive than it is. Inspired by the water views from Kathie Lee's house, together with the tartan plaid covering walls, ceiling, and upholstery in the room just off the foyer, I headed to—where else?—my favorite Goodwill in Wappingers Falls, New York.

There, I found an assemblage of pretty plaid shirts in watery blue hues, along with those in a more traditional holiday pairing of red and green. Grouped together, I thought they looked eclectic but harmonious. Just remember: pure cotton works better than polyester. Fewer threads to snip.   

To start, I cut away all the seams and buttons until I was left with only large planes of fabric.   

Next came the strips, their length and width varying according to the size of the Styrofoam ball. Each strip should be long enough to wrap entirely around the ball with enough overlap to pin securely. The width is more of an issue of scale. Larger balls require wider widths.

Holding the strip in place, pin twice at one end, wrap tightly around the ball, then pin again. Repeat in a crisscrossing fashion, as though forming an asterisk around the ornament. 

To round out the mix for Kathie Lee, we filled in with ornaments made from inexpensive cotton in coordinating green and white solids.  

Here I am showing her on camera how we made them! 

And here they are all finished in the foyer. On the tabletop tree, we tied each ornament with a pretty blue ribbon, then grouped the ornaments in clusters going up the handrail.        

The boxwood garland was tailored and clean, while the plaid shirt ornaments gave it a more sophisticated, nautical feel. Best of all, Kathie Lee liked what we did so much, she kept every ornament we made!  

So what are you waiting for? Fill in the gaps in your holiday decor by turning forgotten shirts into beautiful, memorable ornaments!  

Comments

[AntoyLola - Manualidades]

Great idea Eddie! I have found a use for my old clothing. Regards from Spain!

[mary storey]

Dear Eddie,
just found this site, i love the ornaments. you should have your own show!!!!!. i am going to make these ornaments for next christmas.
Mary

[Shauna {SK Studios}]

thanks for the amazing inspiration, Eddie! I made some patriotic ornaments based off of your idea! I posted them on my crafting blog {here} and linked back to this post :)

[Esther]

Saw the program and have already bought my shirts at the local Goodwill store in Boston. They had a great selection.
I am planning to make them tomorrow and give some as gifts on Christmas day. It is such a wonderful and novel decorating idea for remnants as well.

Thanks for sharing.

[Pamela]

Love, Love, Love this idea and will probably use it in the 'man cave' next year. I do hope you didn't throw away any of those buttons.

[Emily A. Clark]

Just wanted to let you know your fabric covered ornaments are featured on my blog today. Thanks for the inspiration!
http://emilyaclark.blogspot.com/2009/12/diy-christmas-ornaments.html

[Devona]

These look outstanding. My friend Ellie (I assume she made your bow tie??) sent me this link to check out because I make children's dresses out of men's plaid shirts and I have a ton of scraps stuffed in bins in my studio.

I will absolutely make some of these, but I am going to sew them and stuff them with polyfil since I have a fabric ball pattern and polyfil on hand. It will probably end up less expensive in the end than styrofoam balls. Those things cost a fortune at retail prices.

[Lauren]

so beautiful!!! and genius!!! only YOU. just love them & of course your photos are amazing!!!

xoxo,
lauren

ps- off to watch the special online!! so glad as your weirdo friends in VA don't have cable ;)

[Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality]

I loved that idea, Eddie! Loved the show and everything you did. That was genius wrapping those balls with fabric.

[Cathybytheriver]

Fab idea Eddie~and so doable~love the idea of reusing fabric from old garments. Of course Kathy loved what you did~what's not to love about an Eddie Ross production! Best wishes for a happy holiday season~you always inspire us~thanks a big bunch.

[Kerri]

I absolutely LOVE this....thanks for the idea!

[Emily A. Clark]

This was my favorite thing you did! I tivo'd the special and just watched it today and came to your blog to search for more pics of these great fabric balls! Good timing, I guess :) Would love to feature this post on my blog. Great idea.

[Kate at Centsational Girl]

Fabulous as always darling ! So nautical and classic Ralph Lauren in feel. Thanks for the play by play.... love it!

[Janet Doherty]

I must know how many did you make?
They are fabulous...

[ralphie]

Hi Eddie,
You proved yourself to be a master of design and frugality! The plaid covered ornaments are beautiful and give the house the right touch of warm hominess for the holidays. So creative. A man after my own heart! Thanks Eddie for sharing your ideas. Ciao.

[Diann @ The Thrifty Groove]

Very cute idea! I'm thinking of other holidays this would be great for too!

[cristin @ simplified bee]

Another great, inexpensive idea. Love it!

xo,
cristin

[barbara wright]

Don't complain about your budget negotiate for it!!!!

[Roxanne Vanslette]

Wow- you really have an amazing eye. I am wowed by the fact that you saw such potential in old shirts from the Goodwill- and that you made them classy! You are such an inspiration- I really hope you get your own show, book deal, etc. soon!

[Katie]

SO smart! Love love love this!

[Tori {Thoughtfully Simple}]

Love it! Had to share with my readers:
http://www.thoughtfullysimple.com/diy-plaid-ornaments/

[dallas]

WOW. I love plaid, and this is just spectacular. You have outdone yourself with this one.
dallas
http://dillydallas.blogspot.com

[Tracey ~ Frugal Luxuries]

You are so clever! What a great way to re~purpose fabric.

We took my dad's old flannel shirts and cut them into strips to use as ribbon. We used it to embellish simple gifts wrapped in white tissue and brown craft papers. So charming and very environmentally friendly.

Thanks so much for the how~to! Your blog is always a pleasure to visit.

Warmly,
Tracey

[Katrina VanderWalker]

Why were you given less money than the other two projects? Hardly seems fair.

[Jennifer Juniper]

You're a genius, man! Does your creativity never end? Will I ever have a house large enough to fit all your ideas? When does the madness end???

ps: love it, of course :)

[Gwen Driscoll]

Eddie,

You are incredibly clever. I'm very impressed. I would have never come up with that idea. How many plaid shirts have I taken to Goodwill in my day? Hope you are well.

Gwen
Ragland Hill Social

[LindsB]

I almost did this with extra ribbon I have around the house! I love it with the old shirts though, thats really thinking outside the box :)

[jen smith]

gorgeous! i love the look -- i'd love to try making some of these with the clothes that my daughters have grown out of - what a great keepsake!

[Dagny @ Beautiful Living]

What a fantastic project! Definitely something that's on my list for next year!!

[Melissa]

I'm so glad you showed how you did this! You didn't bias cut the fabric did you? I think it's just so totally fresh and I love it!

[Roeshel]

The ornaments are awesome! Thanks for another inspirational DIY project. :)

[lucinda]

Guys,
I just watched the whole show and I really think you're piece shined. All the ideas you had were very doable in your own home.
I did think Jewel and her family came off in a very genuine way. She seemed very nice.
I didn't care the California home a little over the top for my taste.
Once again you guys rocked it!

[La Maison Fou blog]

Great use of old tired plaids ..... I love the soft buttery feel of an old worn cotton plaid shirt, so soft like a baby blanket!
Looks great,
Leslie

[Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee]

I love this idea....it is so easy and mess free! And they look really good when used! I am keeping a folder of all you fabulous ideas to start working on for next Christmas. You have inspired me to try so many new things.

Have a wonderful week!
Jennifer

[Karena]

You are the best! This is a great idea, and could be used with many fabrics, silks as well!

[Delores]

I saw these ornaments on the show and am glad you walked us through exactly how you made them. I plan to make mine all in tartan! Although I hate to cut up a good Pendleton tartan shirt! --Delores in SF

[deb schrodt]

Hello Eddie,
You should enter that fab tree in my photo tree contest. Will you spread with word the Pink Pig is having a photo tree contest with a chance to win a $100 gift certificate.

[spark! (Ada-Marie)]

Genius! Thanks for sharing your secrets. I love your DIY projects, Eddie!

[Belle on Heels]

these are so lovely!! thanks for sharing. i am just envious of your innovation and creativity!

[Susie]

What a great idea. Kathie Lee's house looked incredible. I especially loved the foyer.

Merry Christmas!!!!

[carlee]

So creative. Thanks for showing us how to do it! Might have to make a few next year. Yours look amazing!

[patricia]

Way to deck the halls with balls!

[Rene]

The first time I saw this garland the ornaments caught my eye. Thanks so much for sharing how you did this! The balls would look great in a bowl any time of the year.

[Desde mi ventana]

Great and creative idea!!Staircase is rally nice.

[Kathy]

I can do that! Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!!! You did a fabulous job on her house. I hope you and yours have a wonderful Holiday season.

[Mauro Silva]

Hola Eddie

Es increíble como utilizas el material ... has sido muy creativo, es un diseño muy hermoso y asequible. Realmente eres el Top Design !

Johan M. Silva
Cali - Colombia

[Debe]

Ourself?? YOURself of course...sorry!

[kathysue]

Hi Guys, I love these pictures I think they show how great the entry and staircase looked, even more than on actual TV. I love the coordinating candy. Great Job Eddie. xoxo Kathysue

[Debe]

Love this idea and really enjoyed the show. You always top yourself. Can't wait to see what you do next....of course, she kept every ornament! She ain't no fool!