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.

Sources
18-inch woolen felt squares: Earth Tones (No. 815821) in Shell and Ochre, and Harvest Hues (No. 815824) in Cranberry and Avocado, $7.95 each, from Magic Cabin, 888-623-3655 or magiccabin.com.

For more Christmas tree decorating ideas, see our article Christmas Traditions: A Day at the Tree Farm.