The holidays are creeping up fast, aren’t they? I can already feel that familiar tingle of excitement, mixed with a touch of anxiety—how did I let time slip away like this? Each year, I tell myself that I want to create something special, something that’ll light up our home. You know, like those adorable felt ornaments I keep seeing on Pinterest? I swear, every time I glance at them, my heart does this little leap! Just the other day, I stumbled upon an old box of crafting supplies tucked away in the attic, and it sparked something inside me. Could I really spend an afternoon crafting little felt snowmen and gingerbread men, while sipping hot cocoa and humming jingle bells? It sounds so blissful, doesn’t it? I can almost imagine the stories these ornaments will hold—little tokens filled with laughter and love, hanging on our tree year after year. Let’s dive into this cozy creative adventure together!
Items You’ll Need
- Craft felt sheets
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Embroidery thread
- Needles
- Fabric marker/pens
- Stuffing material
- Ribbons
- Template patterns
- Beads and sequins
- Button stash
- Crafting mat or cutting board
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To start, I gather all my supplies in one spot. I grab my craft felt sheets, scissors, hot glue gun, glue sticks, embroidery thread, needles, fabric markers, stuffing material, ribbons, template patterns, beads and sequins, and my button stash. This makes sure I have everything I need at my fingertips!
Step 2: Choose a Template Pattern
I pick a template pattern for the ornament I want to create. Whether it's a snowman, a reindeer, or a star, choosing a fun design gets me excited! I print it out or draw it on paper for reference.
Step 3: Trace the Template
Using my fabric marker, I carefully trace the template pattern onto the craft felt sheets. I usually pick two colors for contrast—one for the front and one for the back of the ornament.
Step 4: Cut Out the Shapes
With my trusty scissors, I carefully cut out the felt shapes. I take my time to ensure smooth edges. Cutting out the pieces is a fun and satisfying part of the process!
Step 5: Embellish the Front Piece
Now, it’s time to get creative! I use my beads, sequins, and buttons to embellish the front piece of the ornament. I arrange them first before sticking anything down, so I can see what looks good. Once I'm happy, I glue them on with my hot glue gun.
Step 6: Sewing (Optional)
If I want to, I can add some decorative embroidery with my embroidery thread and needles. I sew around the edges of my piece or add cute details like faces or patterns. If I don't want to sew, hot glue works just as fine!
Step 7: Stuffing the Ornament
If the ornament is going to be 3D, I take some stuffing material and fill the ornament. I make sure to stuff it well but not too tightly so that it maintains its shape!
Step 8: Assemble the Ornament
I now take the back piece and carefully align it with the front piece. I use my hot glue to secure them together, making sure to leave a small gap if I want to add more stuffing later.
Step 9: Adding a Ribbon
I cut a piece of ribbon to create a loop for hanging. I glue one end of the ribbon between the front and back pieces, making sure it’s secure so the ornament can hang beautifully on the tree!
Step 10: Final Touches
Once everything is glued and secure, I do a final check. If I want to add any last embellishments, like more beads or stitched details, now’s the time.
Step 11: Display or Gift It!
I find the perfect spot to display my felt ornament or wrap it up as a gift for someone I love. I can't wait to see their face when they receive it! That’s the joy of crafting.