Christmas is sneaking up on us. I need a bit of space between Halloween and Christmas to keep from feeling overwhelmed, but that does not include crochet projects!

One of my most favourite crochet Christmas gifts to make are these candy cane owl ornaments from Repeat Crafter Me. I’ve given them to co-workers, family, teachers – I’m pretty sure even my kids are secretly hoping I’ll make some for them this year!

They’re cute, unique and quick and easy to make, what more could you want? The only change I make from the pattern is to crochet eyes rather than use buttons. They look great with buttons, but crocheting the eyes gives them a more cutesy, cartoonish look which usually goes over well with the people I am gifting to, and it’s a great way to use up yarn scraps!

Here is how I do it:

With some white scrap yarn and the same sized hook you used to make the owl, Chain 3.

Slip stitch to the first chain to make a ring. Chain 1 and single crochet into the ring.

Single crochet into the ring 9 more times and slip stitch to the first single crochet.

Thread a yarn needle with some black yarn and make 3 or 4 stitches in the center of your eye. 

Tie off the ends of the black yarn and cut the ends short enough that they will be hidden behind the eye. Now your eyes are complete and can be sewn to your owl using the yarn tails

However you choose to add eyes to your owls, you’ll end up with one super cute Christmas tree ornament!