A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf; Meet Mr. & Mrs. Notions
Meet Mr. and Mrs. Notions
(A Quilty Twist on Elf on the Shelf)
I first made these little cuties several years ago, but with the holidays rolling around again, I thought it would be fun to bring them back! If you’ve never met Mr. and Mrs. Notions, they’re my quilting version of “Elf on the Shelf” and they’re every bit as mischievous.
At the time, I was in the middle of finishing over 30 customer quilts before Christmas, remodeling my kitchen, and working on multiple books. You’d think that would have been enough on my plate, right? But like many of us quilters, I can be easily distracted. (Cue the “oh look, a squirrel!” moment). That’s exactly how Mr. and Mrs. Notions were born.
The Idea: Quilty Elf on the Shelf
Scrolling online one evening, I saw an ad for Elf on the Shelf. Since my kids were older by the time Elf became popular, I’d never really jumped on that train. But it got me thinking… what about a quilting version?
I had piles of notions from years of collecting (and recently moving them from house-to-house reminded me just how many I actually owned). This seemed like the perfect way to use some of them in a fun, creative way.
So, I grabbed a spool, some beads, a bit of wire, and within 10 minutes Mr. Notions came to life. Of course, he quickly needed a companion; enter Mrs. Notions. I drew the line at pets and children, though. Even I have deadlines.
How to Make Your Own Mr. or Mrs. Notions
Want to make your own? Here’s what you’ll need:
Supplies:
A spool (wooden, plastic, or antique)
Assorted beads or buttons
Jewelry wire
Hot glue gun
A small ornament or bead head
Any fun embellishments (ribbons, charms, jewelry bits, etc.)
Steps:
Cut a piece of jewelry wire about 10″ long. Thread one end through a bead or button and twist to secure — this will be the “hand.”
Thread on beads to create the “arm.”
Wrap the wire twice around the top of the spool body, securing one arm, and leave the wire facing out to add the second arm.
- Repeat the same steps for the other arm.
Do the same with the “legs,” attaching them to the bottom of the spool.
Attach your ornament head with hot glue.
Embellish! Mr. Notions got a steampunk belt buckle; Mrs. Notions wears a necklace.
And there you have it — a quirky quilting buddy ready to brighten up your sewing space.
Let’s Have Some Fun Together!
When I first made these, I spent hours hiding them in silly places around my studio. It was ridiculously fun.
👉 This year, I’d love for you to join me! Make your own Mr. or Mrs. Notions, then share your pictures on Instagram pr Facebook with the hashtag #mrnotions.
I’ll be watching for the most creative, funny, and festive hiding places — and yes, there will be a special prize for my favorite! 🎁
A Little Reminder
The holidays can be stressful with everything we try to juggle. Taking a break for something lighthearted — like making these little characters — is a great way to reset and remember why we love creating in the first place.
So go ahead, dig into that drawer of forgotten notions, whip up a Mr. or Mrs. Notions, and let’s spread some quilting cheer together.
Your Turn:
👉 Will you be making your own Mr. or Mrs. Notions this year?
👉 Where would you hide them in your sewing room?
Drop a comment below or post your photos with #mrnotions
I can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Follow me on Instagram to see where the Notions are next.
🎁 A Little Early Christmas Present for You!
The holidays are all about giving, and I wanted to share a small gift with you as a thank-you for being part of my quilting community. As my early Christmas present to you, I’m giving away a free digital download of my Christmas Hotpad Pattern.
👉 Simply use the code NOTIONS at checkout, and it’s yours.
This quick and fun project makes the perfect stocking stuffer, hostess gift, or just a little something to brighten up your own holiday table.
Go ahead, grab your copy, and treat yourself to a stress-free project you can finish in an afternoon.
Valid through 12/10/25
A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf A Quilting Twist on Elf on the Shelf
DISCLAIMER
Hello and here is our disclaimer. The staff at Quilter on the Run are not medical professionals! Most of us are avid quilters who may have noticed a little weight creeping on. Yet we loathe taking time out to “deal with it.” Kris has noticed that there is a subtle psychological link between pastry names and quilting fun. In a light-hearted approach, she is suggesting that we can combat fat on our own terms while embracing the pastries! With some small changes to our usual mode of activity, we may be able to increase fitness and mobility… and thereby increase our quilting lives. Or at least, make them easier.
This is not intended to take the place of any medical advice that you may be following for your health. It is not a regimen that must be adhered to. It is hoped that with some fun additions to your movements, some changes to your sewing room layout, some changes to your snack plan, that you will be able to stall loss of muscle and increase aerobic activity… all without leaving your sewing space! As always, if you find you are having difficulty doing any suggested changes, perhaps do a modified version, or only do one and work up to more, or check with your doctor to see if you need medical intervention. Do not injure yourself.
This book is for fun. It keeps us reminded to take a breath, go a bit farther, think about how to make something better. These are all things we do anyway, as quilters. You are just extending your sewing approach to your body. Listen to your body like you listen to yourself saying “that shade of pink just isn’t right.” Your body says “oof” because you are stiff getting up?
That likely means you need to stretch some muscles somewhere. Well, this is the place to learn how to add some stretch in, build some strength, without having to put on a leotard or buy a special mat.\ Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will respond to these suggestions in varying ways. While we would love to promise you a svelte body and the energy of a 3 year old, we can only estimate that you will feel more energetic and be happy that you did something active in your sewing routine.
Each of us is different and will