UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DIY (Stuck in the Chimney 2012)
by Mr. Noack in Living > Christmas
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UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER DIY (Stuck in the Chimney 2012)
When Halloween officially ends. everyone immediately switches into festive mode. I used to get sad when costume making season ended, but then I discovered the art of the UGLY christmas sweater!
Now....some of you may have been to an ugly Christmas sweater party. Some of you may have an original beauty from the seventies, so rare and ugly that your friends bow down with pure appreciation and jealousy. Some of you will argue that the Ugly Christmas sweater should be an original unaltered survivor of season's past. I used to lean towards that argument, but now, more than ever, I feel that an Ugly Christmas sweater should be an abomination born from a twisted mind! Muahahahahahahahaha!
My Sweater (Stuck in the Chimney)
The Other Finalists
Now....some of you may have been to an ugly Christmas sweater party. Some of you may have an original beauty from the seventies, so rare and ugly that your friends bow down with pure appreciation and jealousy. Some of you will argue that the Ugly Christmas sweater should be an original unaltered survivor of season's past. I used to lean towards that argument, but now, more than ever, I feel that an Ugly Christmas sweater should be an abomination born from a twisted mind! Muahahahahahahahaha!
My Sweater (Stuck in the Chimney)
The Other Finalists
Gather Supplies
The most important factor in creating Ugly Christmas sweater awesomeness, is enthusiasm. Fortunately for me, I was motivated by my overwhelming Christmas spirit and a potential $5000 prize.
The next element required for success is a great concept. Somewhere in my brain I got the idea for "Stuck in the Chimney". Don't ask me how this happens....
The last necessary project component, is the procurement of the most appropriate building materials. I am a true believer that a great concept, coupled with an over-achiever's will to succeed, allows the stars to align and cosmically deliver the best absolute Christmas Sweater ingredients. The 60's Santa Doll that I purchased from Salvation Army is the corner post of my design, and proof that Christmas miracles do happen. Without the discovery of this amazing artifact, my build just wouldn't be the seem. Did I mention that the doll sang to me when I entered the thrift store and light shone down from the heavens?
The next element required for success is a great concept. Somewhere in my brain I got the idea for "Stuck in the Chimney". Don't ask me how this happens....
The last necessary project component, is the procurement of the most appropriate building materials. I am a true believer that a great concept, coupled with an over-achiever's will to succeed, allows the stars to align and cosmically deliver the best absolute Christmas Sweater ingredients. The 60's Santa Doll that I purchased from Salvation Army is the corner post of my design, and proof that Christmas miracles do happen. Without the discovery of this amazing artifact, my build just wouldn't be the seem. Did I mention that the doll sang to me when I entered the thrift store and light shone down from the heavens?
Create the Sweater's Mantle
In order for Santa to get "Stuck in the Chimney", I needed a mantle and fire place on the front of my sweater. This was quite quickly achieved by butchering a few old sweaters, cutting a few rectangular pieces of foam, and tackling the hole mess with my trusty ol' glue gun. I swear that someday, I'll learn to knit or sew.
Santa Legs and Hat
Forgive me for this next part....
I must admit that some Christmas decorations were harmed in the production of this sweater. After removing most of the stuffing from the dismembered legs, I glued them in the fire place. The remaining torso was converted into a hat with the use of a recycled ball cap and an old belt.
This is where the concept of the sweater really comes together. When you pull the red turtle neck up over your face it represents the chimney that Santa is stuck in. I'll admit, the illusion is not perfect. It seems that this particular chimney has some sort of worm hole stretch effect attached to it, as Santa's legs are pulled quite a distance from his body. Oh boy!
Of course, lights were added to the entire ensemble to make the "UGLY" shine ever brighter.
I must admit that some Christmas decorations were harmed in the production of this sweater. After removing most of the stuffing from the dismembered legs, I glued them in the fire place. The remaining torso was converted into a hat with the use of a recycled ball cap and an old belt.
This is where the concept of the sweater really comes together. When you pull the red turtle neck up over your face it represents the chimney that Santa is stuck in. I'll admit, the illusion is not perfect. It seems that this particular chimney has some sort of worm hole stretch effect attached to it, as Santa's legs are pulled quite a distance from his body. Oh boy!
Of course, lights were added to the entire ensemble to make the "UGLY" shine ever brighter.
Finished Sweater
I'm proud to say that my creation landed me first prize in the 2012 Contest and my Christmas Stocking was stuffed with a sweet $5000 cash. Thanks to everyone that voted for me and helped me take home the top prize.
This year's sweater is still under construction. Stay tuned....
It only gets UGLIER!
This year's sweater is still under construction. Stay tuned....
It only gets UGLIER!