Yarn Christmas Wreath: Make Your Flowers

Today, I’ll teach you how to make the felt flowers that will adorn your wreath. We will make 4 different kinds, in different quantities and colors.

1.     The rose. Make 5, in different sizes

·       First, cut two to three different felt colors in strips. One color should be about 1” thick, the second about 1.5” thick, and the third about 2” thick. The smallest strip will be your inside color, the largest your outside.

·       From your strips, cut half ovals, as shown in the picture. Don’t worry about being exact- different lengths and widths will make the rose look good.

·       Take your smallest half oval from the first color and place a line of hot glue at the straight side. Roll it up like a fruit roll-up. This is the center of your flower.

 ·       One by one, place a line of glue at the straight end of your petals and wrap them around                                               your center. You may choose to do one color at a time, or integrate different colors throughout the flower.

·       Once the glue has dried, and the last petal has been placed, mash your flower with your hand. Don’t worry, it won’t be messed up. After mashing it, arrange the petals to how you would like the flower to look.

·       Repeat these steps, using different sizes of petal and colors of felt.

2.     The Wrapped bud. Make 3-4, in different width sizes.

·       Cut 3 different colors of felt in strips that are .5” by 8-10”.

·       Choose your first color, place a line of hot glue at one of the edges and roll up. As you roll, secure the flower with dots of glue.

·       When one color is completely rolled, start the next color.

·       Once finished rolling all chosen colors, accent with a sequin, glittered ball, or other small accent you have on hand.

·       Repeat these steps, using different colors and lengths of felt to make smaller and larger flowers.

3.     The Off Center Flower. Make 2-3 in different sizes.

·       Choose three colors of felt.

·       Cut a circle out of each felt piece. Don’t worry about making them exactly circle. There should be one large, one medium, and one small circle.

·       Layer the circles on top of each other and glue.

·       Accent with a sequin, extra piece of felt, glittered ball, or any other accent you have on hand.

·       Repeat these steps, using different colors and sizes of felt circles.

Now that you have all your flowers made, store them in a safe place. Tomorrow, we will focus on  making the actual wreath.

Yarn Christmas Wreath: Gather Materials

This week, I will be teaching you how to make a Christmas wreath made out of yarn to adorn your door. I made this one last night and am in love with it! I can't wait to display it on my door this year.

Each day of this week, I will post an article with steps to make this wreath, or one like it. Today, we're going to focus on gathering materials. I suggest purchasing your supplies at Hobby Lobby, but you can purchase them at any craft store you frequent.

Materials Needed:

• 2 Colors of yarn (190 yards each). I chose baby purple and off white.

• 3 Colors of felt, with 1 variation. 6 pieces total. I chose blue, purple, and grey. I purchased a light and dark piece of each color.

• 1 "centerpiece" I chose a purple bird. You may use a bird, or any other (non breakable) item that matches your materials.

• 3-4 Christmas swags that are made of your colors. Make sure that at least two of them have greenery. I choose a fuchsia and purple beaded glittery twig, a glittered apple with leaves, and purple balls with glittery leaves. 

• 1 Straw Wreath. I purchased one size 18"

• Glue gun and glue. 

Want to know the best part? Your materials should only cost you $25-$30. These wreaths sell on Etsy for $60-$90. So go gather your materials and meet me back here tomorrow for the first day of assembly instructions.

Speak Now

Or forever hold your peace...

Just kidding.

Can you believe that it is already mid October? of 2010?! I can't. I keep thinking to myself that the older I get, the faster time goes by. Inspired by Taylor Swift's new album (out soon), and the passage of time, I want to remind you of a few things you should 'speak now.'

1. I love you. Say it often and say it to everyone you mean it to.

2. No. Not to everything- just to those things you shouldn't take on. Instead of taking on another to do list, activity, or project, spend that time with a special someone- whether it be a friend or loved one.

3. I forgive you. I know you've heard it a million times, but it's true. Forgiveness heals your heart. If there is someone that has hurt you, take some time to process the issue and then forgive them. It's not easy, or a one step process, but in the end, you'll be better for it.

and finally...

4. Why not?! Do something crazy. Eat spicy Indian food or go sky diving. We only get one life to live.

Go Meghan!