how to: fuzzy little trees...

This was our Make & Take project last night and they turned out really cute.  I was inspired by Charlotte Lyons and her amazing blog House Wren Studio.    This was the image I found on her site that I used to lure friends to come craft with me...

Here is how we did it:

Over the last two years I have been saving up wool and lambswool sweaters, by washing them in hot then cold water and shrinking them they get really thick and felty.

The stands are small, pre-drilled pieces I bought at Windsor Plywood, they were about $1.80 each, then the trunks are just doweling cut into 5 inch lengths.

Make a tree template out of stiff cardboard and trace it with chalk onto your fabric of choice. Hilarie used a lovely mossy velvet on the backside.

  Cut out the shapes.  Make the sizes a little different to keep them interesting.

Sew on any decorations or beads you would like to decorate your tree, leave about a half an inch around the outside to allow the machine foot to pass.

Put the pieces right side in and stitch all the way around...leave about an inch and a half at the bottom to stuff your tree and insert the stick.

Once stitched turn it right side out and stuff through the bottom.  Sneak a little white glue in the bottom them insert the tree trunk and stitch tightly around the stick and close the opening.

Now you can add a little decoration to the top if you like.  Use your imagination. 

The bases can be decorated with wool, glitter, paint or a simple clear coat. 

This one is my favorite and I'm keeping it.  It was a bit of a fluke that turned out well.  It is a little bit Dr.Zeussy and I love anything Christmas with colour and whimsy.  I am going to do a few more with an outside blanket stitch and maybe attempt a 3-D version...also love her idea to use spools.

 

I have been gathering stock in kids cups, felted trees, cabouchon magnets and decoupage pieces and hope to open a small etsy store next week or maybe even a blog category with stuff for sale.  The trees will be $12 each...the three fair-isle ones are available as well as two more stripy ones.  Comment if you are interested. 

It's officially our anniversary tonight and hubbie and I have to really work on our house plans...the first set of drawings is looking good but is not quite there yet.   Have a good night!

Comments

[Bet]

These are so great. Going to link over from my blog.

I've got a few sweaters to shrink! Love that you use recycled materials.

Peace to you this holiday season!