Felt Crafts Transform Simple Ideas Into Something Special
Felt crafts for Christmas decorating
I receive several Christmas catalogues around this time of year and there are always varieties of ideas that use felt crafts. While some are extraordinarily detailed, others are simple forms that you can use creatively to make something special. By using some simple cookie cutters or templates found online, cut shapes out of felt and use them for wrapping presents, making ornaments, or creating a garland.
Adding personality to your table
For this project, I simply drew some shapes on paper in increasing sizes, cut them out and used them as my template to make these simple felt crafts. The great thing is that you can use each shape for a multitude of purposes. Make varying sizes of a shape and you have a bow for a present, or the start of a garland.
Supplies:
-- Paper to use as a template
-- Craft felt - choose whatever colors you want to match your decorating theme
-- Pen
-- Sharp scissors
-- Craft or fabric glue
-- Needle and thread (embroidery thread for decorative purposes, or sewing thread is fine)
-- Ribbon
-- Hole punch
-- Decorative buttons, pom-poms or appliqués to personalize your decorations
Directions:
1. For all of these options, start by making a template of whatever shape you would like - bells, mittens, gingerbread men, etc. Draw the shape on the paper, cut it out and trace the shape onto the felt. To make layers of the same shape in varying sizes, make a template for each size.
2. For the garland, cut out the shapes from the felt and layer them until you achieve the look you want. Sew them together, or use your craft glue. Allow to dry. Figure out how long you would like your garland to be and determine how far apart each shape will be from the next shape.
For example, if you want your garland to be 3 feet long, and the shapes to be 6 inches apart from each other, you will need 7 sets of the shapes. Attach ribbon along the back of each set of shapes.
3. For ornaments, simply do the same as above, but attach the ribbon in a loop at the back of the shape and glue or sew in place.
4. For wrapping a present, cut circles out of felt by folding the felt in half and drawing half circles. Then cut out. While the felt is folded, cut two very small triangles along the folded seam. Do this for every circle. Once finished, thread your ribbon through each of the two holes. Add about 10 circles, bunch them up and you have a very creative ribbon to use to wrap your presents.
This is an easy and inexpensive way to add color and dimension to your holiday decorating this year. Personalize the shapes by adding some pretty buttons or a monogram appliqué to the center of the shapes and you have a great addition to any present. Have fun creating these felt crafts for your holiday this year.