Colorful ornaments stand out against the dense branches of a Nordmann fir. A vintage fence and a mound of fake snow provide the base.
Felt Animal Ornaments How-To
1. Print templates. (You can reduce or enlarge the templates to fit your tree. We enlarged the templates at 200 percent and 225 percent.) Cut out two versions of each template, one following the outline and the other omitting the black details (use fine-tip scissors for the interior cutouts).
2. On top of light-colored felt, such as cream or eggshell, pin the outline template, and trace it with a disappearing-ink pen. Remove template, and cut out. On a colored piece of felt, pin and trace the detailed template twice. Cut out: Use fine-tip scissors for interior cutouts and a Japanese hole punch to create the eyes and the hole for hanging.
3. Lightly brush craft glue onto the back sides of colored-felt pieces; sandwich the light-colored piece in between. Let dry flat.
4. Hang from a length of silver thread, knotting at top.
Resources
18-inch woolen felt squares: Earth Tones (No. 815821) in Shell and Ochre, and Harvest Hues (No. 815824) in Cranberry and Avocado, from Magic Cabin, 888-623-3655 or magiccabin.com.
These are super sweet, but they are TIME CONSUMING! If you are big into crafts, I would definitely recommend the Japanese screw punch ($25 or so) since it cuts out holes so cleanly. The punch tool usually comes with different bits, so you can create different sized holes. I used the craft felt from Magic Cabin, and it was of a nice quality.
Too bad the template links aren't working this year.
I think to use ordinary cookie cutter animals would be good. I have no idea what a Japanese [filtered word] punch is..used a regular small [filtered word] punch, and actually liked the idea of using yarn to make a loop to use as a hanger and forget about the [filtered word] punch idea. I placed a little "fluff" in the middle and they look great.
Oh yeah-dancingmonkey- a tip for the [filtered word] punch would be to using a larger needle, thread a yarn through it and actually sew in the yarn as your hanger. As for the cutting, I used regular scissors and it was fine. you can also use fabric scissors. Also, use felt from your regular craft store. I hope this helps-best of luck!!
some of my creations are at littlebachu.etsy.com
My very favorite item! I made a variation of these ornaments. I recently made an adorable puffy penguin. What I have done is add filler in between the top layer and the 2nd layer as well as in between the two main layers. It's a great 3D effect!
We've made them. Much work. We have a leather punch that did a nice job on the holes and embroidery scissors for the fine work.
Has anyone tried these? Any tips? I did a trial tonight - Don't know if it's my scissors, but it didn't turn out so well. I dont have a Japanese [filtered word] punch and looked on line for one but they are a little pricey - any tips would be greatly appreciated....