A few years ago, we made these Felt Christmas Tree Ornaments. They’re a great project for beginning sewers, they go quickly, and even people who manage to prick their fingers and try not to swear in front of their kids every time they sew can manage them. So can kids.
But one tip? I wouldn’t try them for the first time with a roomful of second grade Girl Scouts who have really never ever sewed before. With only two other adults — one recovering from hand surgery, and one who may have ended the meeting crying quietly in the corner. Pace yourself.
As a project for three or four kids and an adult, though — it’s a great way to introduce sewing and you end up with a cute little ornament a very short time later.
So we adapted our ornaments as Valentines Day crafts. I freehand drew a heart on a piece of felt, though you could use a cookie cutter if you’re really unsure of yourself. Then we cut out two pieces of felt — a front and a back.
We sewed buttons onto one side of the felt. Since the two sides will be sewn together, I didn’t worry too much about the ugly backside when we were sewing the buttons on.
Do not mock my ugly backside.
Ok, and how cute are these Laura Kelly buttons for Buttons Galore? You can find them here if you’d like.
Once we had all the buttons sewn on, we sewed the two hearts together using a simple overhand stitch, and stopping about 3/4 of the way around the heart.
We stuffed it with polyfil — being careful not to overstuff it and strain the stitches, just enough to make it puffy — and finished stitching up the heart. We took a 4 1/2 in length of ribbon, made it into a loop, and sewed it to the back.
Voila! A little felt heart. You could use it as a gift topper…or hang one on the door…or from your Valentine Tree (you don’t have a Valentine Tree? ok, me either…but if I ever do, I’ll put a few of these on it).
Happy Valentine’s Day and happy crafting! Thank you for visiting Peace but Not Quiet! Be sure to sign up for the newsletter and get a free printable — “31 Ways to Connect With Your Kids.”
Thanks for joining in the parenting pin it party
These are very cute! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you join us again next week!
Thank you for linking up with the Frugal Family Linky. Your post has been featured on this weeks Frugal Family Linky via Peakle Pie. Hope to see you link up again soon!
I love these. Am pinning!
Lucas & Grace say – This is fab. We are really interested in the Chinese New Year. We run a weekly linky over at KidGLloves called Mini Creations and this would be a fab addition. We open every Wednesday morning. We’d love for you to link up 🙂 #minicreations
how beautiful! You’ve inspired me to try a sewing project with my kiddos. Thanks for sharing at our Share Day!
These would be perfect for my boys to try. They have been watching me sewing in fascination and keep asking to have a go. Thanks for linking up #frugalfamilylinky
So adorable! Now I want a Valentine Tree! I’d love if you would stop by and share this at my blog party, Celebrate It! It is all about sharing how you celebrate the big and little moments of life!
http://thefreshmancook.blogspot.com/2015/02/celebrate-it-blog-party.html
These are a great idea! Pinning it to do with my grandkids! Thanks for sharing!
These are so cute! I think my kiddos could do this! 🙂
These are so cute! My girls would love to make these. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I hope they enjoy them! Happy Valentine’s Day!
Oh I love these! Precious….thanks for sharing with the Frugal Family! Evelyne
You bet! It was a great project to get the kids started sewing…