The countdown to Christmas is always a magical time, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a handmade felt advent calendar? This charming Christmas tree design allows for creativity and personalization, making it a cherished keepsake for years to come. This guide will walk you through creating your own unique and festive felt advent calendar, answering frequently asked questions along the way.
What Supplies Do I Need to Make a Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar?
Before you begin, gather your materials. You'll need:
- Felt: Choose various shades of green for your tree, and perhaps some red, brown, and white for embellishments. Consider using different textures of felt for added visual interest.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are crucial for clean cuts.
- Needle and thread: Matching thread colors will create a more polished look.
- Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill is ideal for giving your tree dimension.
- Embellishments: Buttons, beads, sequins, ribbon, small wooden stars, or other festive decorations will personalize your calendar.
- Numbers (1-24 or 1-25): These can be purchased pre-made, printed and cut out, or even embroidered onto the felt.
- Small Pockets or Bags: These will hold small treats or notes for each day. You can sew these directly onto the tree or attach them with fabric glue.
How Do I Make the Christmas Tree Shape?
The foundation of your advent calendar is the Christmas tree itself. You can create this in a few different ways:
- Simple Triangle: Cut a large triangle from green felt. This is the easiest method, suitable for beginners.
- Layered Tree: Cut several triangles of varying sizes from different shades of green felt. Layer them to create a more textured and dimensional tree.
- Freeform Tree: Sketch a freeform Christmas tree shape onto the felt and cut it out for a unique and less structured look.
Remember to cut two identical shapes for each method, except for the freeform option where you can create a single layered tree for simplicity.
How Do I Attach the Pockets/Bags?
Once you have your tree shape(s) ready, it's time to add the pockets. Here are some options:
- Sewn Pockets: Cut small squares or rectangles from felt (or use purchased felt bags) and sew them onto the tree, evenly spacing them.
- Glued Pockets: Use fabric glue specifically designed for felt to attach pre-made felt pockets or small bags. Ensure the glue is suitable for felt and follows the manufacturer's instructions.
- Embroidered Pockets: For a more advanced project, embroider small pockets directly onto the tree using a running stitch or other suitable embroidery technique.
Remember to number each pocket accordingly.
What Size Should My Christmas Tree Be?
The size of your Christmas tree depends on the space you have available and the number of pockets you want to include. A smaller tree (around 12 inches tall) is manageable for a beginner, while a larger tree allows for more intricate designs and details.
What Are Some Creative Ideas for Embellishments?
The beauty of a felt advent calendar is its customizability. Let your creativity shine! Consider:
- Sequin garlands: Sew or glue sequin garlands onto the tree branches for extra sparkle.
- Button ornaments: Use buttons of varying sizes and colors to represent ornaments.
- Embroidered details: Add simple embroidered details like snowflakes or stars.
- Ribbon accents: Use ribbon to create bows or to tie small tags to the pockets.
- Felt stars and other shapes: Cut out additional felt shapes to create a more complex and visually appealing design.
Can I Use Different Materials Besides Felt?
While felt is a popular choice due to its ease of use and durability, you can experiment with other soft fabrics like fleece or flannel. Just be sure to choose a fabric that's easy to sew and handle.
How Can I Make My Advent Calendar More Eco-Friendly?
Consider using recycled felt scraps or purchasing organic felt to minimize your environmental impact. You can also fill the pockets with small, eco-friendly treats or handmade gifts instead of mass-produced ones.
By following this guide and letting your creativity flow, you'll craft a truly unique and cherished Christmas Tree Felt Advent Calendar that becomes a family tradition for years to come. Remember to take your time, enjoy the process, and have fun!
