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Tuesday 9 November 2010

Oh Felty Christmas Tree!


Hello!

I couldn't resist popping in today to share this little tree decoration we made with you all.

This morning, Little Bean woke up full of cold, coughing and spluttering so nursery was cancelled.  Dosed up with Calpol, the temperature subsided, and energy levels seemed to return to normal!!  Quickly bored, I decided that we ought to make the most of the wild squally weather and make something festive (I know, I know, it's only November...)  Anyway!!! We came up with this, I have seen something similar in shops, and wondered if we could make our own with a stash of gorgeous thick felt (purchased last year from the delightful Blooming Felt - highly recommended for great quality felt goodies and smashing customer service).

(the stash)

SO! Without further ado, Little Helper was settled at the table and drew a template from a ramekin on a piece of card.


Grown up Helper then proceeded to cut a circle out, drawing around it onto the felt, before slightly decreasing the size of the cardboard circle and continuing...I probably should have used a compass for a perfect circle, but we went freehand, and to be honest, I kind of like the wobbly hand made effect it gives!!!

(drawing ever decreasing circle templates...)

After a while of drawing and cutting, we had a suitable pile of felt discs that made a rough Christmas tree shape.  Oh, and we also cut out a star for the top.


Next thing we needed was a little stumpy trunk for the base of the tree.  We did this by cutting a long slim rectangle of pale fawn felt, rolling it up and sewing the edge to the main part of the roll...



After securing the sewn edge with a knot, I then neatly weedled the needle through the 'trunk' popping it out at the opposite end in the centre.  This is where we would begin to join our discs.


Between sniffles, the Little Bean had a fabulous time with a blunt needle, sewing through the dots I'd drawn onto the felt to help her.  She was most excited to be using a Big Persons Needle for the very first time, and I must say, she did an excellent job!


I finished the tree off by sewing up through the star - this felt is very thick so it was easy to do this, I then made a small knot to secure and left a length of cotton so we could hang our tree up!


I'm now debating raiding the daughter's Mister Maker box for some tiny rainbow coloured pom-poms to use as baubles, but I'm not sure...for now though, I think it looks grand!


I was really hoping to share pictures of my new painting today, but alas, with a little one in the house, working on a painting is impossible - however, I've been inspiring myself with my surroundings....



...and sketching seed heads regularly...I do love the sculptural silhouettes they create against a bright sky!


Leaving a painting is generally a good thing however, as I've learnt over time; it gives me space to look at it, see parts that need attention, or bits that need adding here and there.  For now though, Im happy with how it's progressed and am itching to get stuck in again!!

I'll share some more work in progress pics with you soon.


One more thing before I go...last week three lucky ladies were the first to comment on my Pay It Forward post...I have left comments on their blogs so I'm hoping they are aware of this, however if not, would you lovely souls named below please get in touch with your addresses, so I can mail a little something out to you in due course to keep the PIF love a-flowing!!

Twiglet (I think I have your address from before)
Lhia from The Rainbows Zen
Hello Gorgeous

Righty-ho!! That's it for me, I'm off to make a nice cup of lemon tea and a browse through my new mag (Country Homes & Interiors, its a lovely one this month!)

Sending love to you, Julia x x x

62 comments:

  1. Oh I think it looks lovely just as it is, but - sorry....how about a cinnamon stick in the middle - it would smell all lovely and festive too.

    Little Boo is unwell too - thank gawdness for calpol! Hope your little one feels better soon.

    Nina xxx

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  2. I love it - so cheerful! And all the more special for making it together xx

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  3. Oh felty Christmas tree how I love thee! Fabulous.
    I hope your Little Bean feels much better soon.
    x

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  4. this is just FABULOUS! I love it...can just see them popping up all over the palce ready for chrimbo! ;o)

    well done little one! x

    hugs

    hello gorgeous xxx

    p.s. thought I'd emailed you re address, off to check and send subsequent email if not! ;oO

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  5. This is amazing, what a fantastic idea! The star on top is lovely!
    Emma
    :)

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  6. Gorgoeus little tree, Julia. :)
    That felt looks yummy!
    Hope the little one is better soon!
    Vivienne x

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  7. I love your wonderful felt Christmas tree! I bought some of the thick felt from Blooming Felt earlier this year and it really is thick! I'm going to use mine in a magazine project soon. If I had more colours in stock though, I'd be very tempted to make a tree...
    Enjoy your week.
    Helen x

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  8. I think that is one on the most adorable tree decorations I have seen. Great idea. Hope the little bean is feeling much better soon. Though am looking forward to seeing what other crafty delights you get up to should the cold linger.
    Hugs to you all,
    RachaelX

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  9. Absolutely gorgeous! I'll give it a try! Thanks for the exact instructions.

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  10. A perfect little tree! It's so lovely to get tinies involved in crafting. I am sure it develops skills that last a life time!

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  11. Lovely & what a clever little bean too....

    I am off work poorly too - perhaps I could poop round, I'm sure some crafty time would make me feel oodles better soon!

    Lx

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  12. I just love the tree! So colorful and such a simple idea. Thanks for sharing!

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  13. What a lovely thing to do together. It is so much nicer to use quality felt too isn't it? I hope you get a chance to catch up on your painting soon. x

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  14. I love your felty tree very colourful and that felt looks really good I may have to investigate further.

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  15. Hi Julia

    OH MY WORD !! How feltabulous is that ??!!! I'm so pleased to see my felt stacks being used so beautifully ! I'll pop a link through to your post from my site if I may ?

    And now .... I'm off to make a felty christmas tree !!

    Hope your little one is feeling much better very soon

    Sarah
    xxx

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  16. I've seen these in the shops Julia but your is so much nicer :0)
    Lovely to share some craft with your daught on a rainy day.
    Jacquie x

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  17. I'm off to make one NOW!!! Hope all's good, sniffles and snuffles apart, Ax

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  18. Oh that is so gorgeous, I want one! It's so beautiful just as it is, I don't think you need pompoms.

    I hope little bean is feeling better soon, colds are no fun for little ones - but at least you got to do something lovely together, x

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  19. I have read 4 blogs in the last 15 mins and each one has pictures of things I am doing at the moment but haven't had chance to blog about hehe! I have made some trees very similar to this but in greens and reds and star shapes rather than circles. I LOVE yours the colours are gorgeous and the fact that you made it together makes it even more perfect xxx

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  20. Love, love, LOVE the Christmas Tree - so so cute :-) I don't have any thick felt but I'm already racking my brains as to what I ca use to make something similar!

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  21. What great little helpers you have and so creative too. The trees are delightful. Nice photos as well.

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  22. Love that tree! A perfect crafty project for my "Ants in the pants" 6-year old boy that I never seem to be able to craft with. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Fab fab fab, think we may have to make one of those here :-)

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  24. Hello lovely Julia! How are you? What a wonderfully creative time you are having! I Love your cards to bits and the felt tree is completely gorgeous! What a fab idea. My head is whizzing at the moment with so many make ideas it's driving me crazy, and this is such a busy month where I cannot get a huge amount done, it's really rather frustrating. I do so love your gorgeously inspiring blog....always gives you that warm snuggly, happy feeling!

    I hope little bean has perked up and back to form. Thank heavens for Calpol!

    The sun is poking its weary head through this morning, hope it is for you too!

    Have a wonderful day!

    Love Vanessa xxxxxxxx

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  25. Thats gorgeous! I'm going to have a go at this. xxxx

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  26. It looks wonderful - a great idea!

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  27. What a beautiful little tree Julia, and a perfect craft for little ones!

    ~Andrea~

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  28. Smashing tree! got a copy of Country Homes and Interiors today and have enjoyed reading it and looking at the christmas pics.
    Love your artwork.

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  29. Your colourful stash looked wonderful! That's a great idea of making a little christmas tree with the felt. November too early for christmas? There's so much to be done I think you're very sensible starting early. Goodness knows it comes around quickly enough! ;)xx

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  30. I love your Christmas tree! Beautiful colours!

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  31. Oh! I am totally in love with your little felt tree. Kirsty's right - you'll always remember the day that started with fever and ended with this gorgeous decoration.

    Thankyou so much for visiting me over at my new blog and leading me back here. I will be back here again, most definitely.

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  32. Love your tree...just yummy. The colors couldn't be happier and have inspired thoughts of a new granny log crocheted blankie... XOXO Ursula

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  33. Just seeing your felty tree again makes me drool. I really need one- will have to go and get some chunky felt- the stuff we have stashed here just won't do!

    Thanks for lovely comments over on Magicbeans- you would be able to make SUCH a good painting from that amazing view. I almost want to send you tons of photos so you can start one. It is so so beautiful and the Solway Firth and England in the far distance- fab.

    Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

    Ooo, that tree. I want one...

    Ax

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  34. Brilliant, I'll definitely have to try this.

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  35. Love your Christmas tree It seems you both had a great time!

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  36. I really love your tree! Such a great idea!! Louise xx

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  37. Hi Julia, what a fantastic idea the Christmas tree is gorgeous! Felt is such a good material for making Christmas tree decorations. Love the scenery pics too! :) Sarah

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  38. Love the felt xmas tree and thanks for sharing how to make it.

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  39. The tree is beautiful. Thanks for the instructions, my granddaughter will love making this.
    BTW came over from hazels blog

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  40. Lovely xmas tree ! I have bought the felt from Sarah to make some myself ! thank you for the idea !

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  41. Hello! This is the most wonderful Christmas tree I have ever seen!!! Thank you for showing, I put it defenetly in my 'to do list'!
    Always so enjoyable to visit you!
    Best wishes Teje

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  42. this is my favourite felt tree ever.
    x

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  43. this is a wonderful idea!
    i am definitely inspired to make some of these cute little trees
    thank you so much for sharing the how-to xx

    wishing you lots of seasonal happiness

    amelie

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  44. "Oh Perfect Little Christmas Tree to Make With 4 Year-Old Niece!" could be an alternate title. Lovely, just lovely.

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  45. I wanted to stop over from Sew Mama Sew to tell you how cute this little tree is. I just know my Granddaughter would love this little tree.

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  46. Hi
    I just hopped over from Craft Gossip to say I love this tutorial, the little tree is so cute. I can't believe I haven't read your blog before as I live not far from you !!
    Lovely blog!!
    twiggy x

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  47. Fabulous tutorial. I want to have a go now!

    Emma - The Sparkly Fairy

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  48. So cute Christmas tree! thanks for sharing.

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  49. I followed a pin to your site - I just bought a bunch of thin felt and wanted to make some trees as ornaments I might try this instead ! Thanks for the idea.

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  50. I was wondering what thickness your felt was. There are several different thicknesses of wool felt out there and your certainly looks wonderfully stable. Thanks in advance for providing any info on this.

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  51. thank you so much for this tutorial...just made one for my mom!

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  52. Wow! This is one happy Christmastree.
    Thanks for sharing the tutorial!

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  53. The felt Christmas tree is a brilliant idea! Thanks so much!

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  54. My kids and I had a great time making our own little tree! Thanks for the inspiration! you can see us in action here: http://woowhokids.wordpress.com/2011/12/14/felt-circles-christmas-tree/
    I love your creativity project as well. Merry Christmas! ~Melissa~

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  55. wow!!! i like vraiment cute le sapin!

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  56. Love these trees! I was inspired to make my own shorter and wider version...http://kitchencounterchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/12/shhdont-tell-my-kids.html
    Thanks!

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  57. Absolutely darling!!! I really live the simplicity and colors together! Lively job and how cool you did this project together!!!

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Hello!

Thank you for coming by my blog today, I hope you have enjoyed your visit. If you would like to leave me a comment then I would be delighted to hear from you (but quietly reading and leaving is just fine too).

Julia xxx