The countdown to Christmas is always exciting, and what better way to build anticipation than with a charming advent calendar? This year, ditch the mass-produced chocolate calendars and embrace a heartwarming DIY project: a felt Christmas tree advent calendar. This unique and reusable craft is perfect for adding a touch of handmade magic to your holiday season, and it's a fun activity for the whole family. Let's dive into the details of crafting your own felt Christmas tree advent calendar.
What Supplies Do I Need to Make a Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar?
Before you begin, gather your crafting supplies. You'll need:
- Green felt: Choose a shade of green that appeals to you – a classic forest green, a vibrant lime, or even a festive emerald. The amount will depend on the desired size of your tree.
- Brown felt: For the tree trunk.
- Small pieces of felt in various colors: These will be used for the numbered pockets or decorations. Consider reds, greens, blues, and golds for a festive look.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for clean cuts.
- Sewing machine or needle and thread: A sewing machine makes the process faster, but hand-sewing adds a personal touch.
- Stuffing (optional): If you want a more dimensional tree.
- Small numbers or number stencils: To label each day's pocket.
- Embroidery floss or fabric markers: For adding details or extra decorations.
- Pins: To hold the felt pieces together before sewing.
- Glue (optional): For adhering small embellishments.
How Do I Make the Felt Pockets for My Advent Calendar?
The pockets are the heart of your advent calendar. There are several ways to create them:
- Simple sewn pockets: Cut out rectangular pieces of felt in your chosen colors. Fold them in half, sew along three sides, and turn them right side out. Sew these onto the felt tree.
- Appliqué pockets: Cut out shapes like stars, bells, or candy canes from different colored felt and sew them onto the tree, using them as the pockets. This method offers a more playful, decorative look.
- Pre-made felt shapes: Many craft stores sell pre-cut felt shapes that you can use for the pockets. This is a great time-saver.
Remember to number each pocket clearly using fabric markers, embroidery, or small numbered tags.
What Shape Should My Felt Christmas Tree Be?
The shape of your felt Christmas tree is entirely up to you! You can create a classic triangular tree, a more whimsical irregular shape, or even a stylized, modern tree. Consider these factors:
- Size: How much wall space do you have? A larger tree will need more felt and more time to create.
- Shape: A simple triangle is easiest, while more complex shapes will require more planning and cutting.
- Style: Do you want a realistic tree or a more abstract design?
Can I Add Extra Decorations to My Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar?
Absolutely! Personalization is key. Consider adding:
- Embroidered details: Add stitches to create a textured look or depict snowflakes or stars.
- Buttons: Sew on buttons for added texture and visual interest.
- Sequins or glitter: Add some sparkle with sequins or glitter glue.
- Beads: Embellish the pockets or the tree itself with beads.
- Small felt ornaments: Cut out small felt shapes like snowflakes or candy canes to decorate the tree.
What Are Some Alternatives to Traditional Small Gifts in the Pockets?
While small treats are a classic choice, there are plenty of other things you can put in the pockets:
- Small toys: Include tiny cars, figurines, or puzzles.
- Miniature books: Find small board books or picture books.
- Craft supplies: Include crayons, stickers, or miniature paints.
- Coupons: Create small coupons for extra bedtime stories, movie nights, or special family time.
By crafting your own felt Christmas tree advent calendar, you're creating a cherished keepsake that will bring joy for years to come. Get creative, personalize it to reflect your family's style, and enjoy the festive process!
