The magic of Christmas is amplified by anticipation, and what better way to build excitement than with a charming DIY Advent calendar? This year, ditch the mass-produced chocolate calendars and embrace the cozy charm of a felt Christmas tree Advent calendar. This project is perfect for crafting enthusiasts of all skill levels, offering a fun and rewarding way to personalize your holiday celebrations. This guide will walk you through creating your own unique and reusable felt Christmas tree advent calendar, year after year.
Why Choose a Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar?
A felt Christmas tree advent calendar offers a delightful blend of creativity, sustainability, and festive cheer. Unlike disposable cardboard calendars, a felt creation is reusable, reducing waste and adding a touch of eco-consciousness to your holiday preparations. The soft, pliable nature of felt makes it incredibly versatile and easy to work with, even for beginners. Plus, you can customize the design, colors, and embellishments to perfectly match your personal style and home decor.
What You'll Need for Your Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar:
- Felt: Choose a variety of festive colors – greens, reds, whites, and even metallics for added shimmer. You can find felt sheets at most craft stores.
- Scissors: Sharp scissors are essential for clean cuts.
- Needle and Thread: Matching thread colors will enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Small Numbers: You can use iron-on numbers, fabric markers, or even tiny buttons for the numbered pockets.
- Embellishments: Get creative! Consider adding buttons, sequins, ribbons, beads, small toys, or miniature ornaments to decorate your tree.
- Stuffing (optional): If you want a more three-dimensional tree, you can lightly stuff the felt before sewing.
- Pattern (optional): You can find free printable patterns online or design your own.
How to Make Your Felt Christmas Tree Advent Calendar:
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Create Your Pattern: Sketch out your desired Christmas tree shape on paper. Consider the size and the number of pockets you want to incorporate (24 is traditional, but you can customize this). Remember to account for seam allowances.
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Cut the Felt: Cut two identical tree shapes from your chosen felt. Cut out individual pockets for each day of advent. You can make these simple rectangular or square shapes, or get more creative with festive designs.
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Assemble the Pockets: Sew each pocket onto one of the felt tree pieces, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
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Number the Pockets: Add numbers (1-24) to each pocket using your chosen method.
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Sew the Tree Together: Carefully sew the two felt tree pieces together, leaving a small opening at the bottom for turning it right side out (if you're stuffing the tree).
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Stuff and Finish (optional): If you chose to stuff your tree, lightly fill it with stuffing through the opening and then sew it closed.
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Add Embellishments: Once your tree is complete, add your chosen embellishments – buttons, ribbons, sequins – to give it a unique personal touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to make a felt Christmas tree advent calendar?
The time required depends on your skill level and the complexity of your design. A simple calendar can be completed in a few hours, while a more elaborate design might take a full day or even longer.
Can I use different types of felt for this project?
Yes, you can experiment with different types and thicknesses of felt. However, ensure the felt is sturdy enough to hold the small treats or gifts you plan to include.
What kind of treats can I put in the pockets?
The possibilities are endless! Consider small candies, chocolates, toys, tiny notes with Christmas wishes, or even small gift cards.
Can I make this advent calendar without sewing?
While sewing offers the most durable result, you could explore alternative methods like using fabric glue to assemble the pockets and tree. However, this method might not be as sturdy.
Where can I find felt advent calendar patterns online?
A simple search on sites like Pinterest, Etsy, or craft blogs will yield numerous free and paid patterns for felt Christmas tree advent calendars.
Conclusion:
Making a felt Christmas tree advent calendar is a wonderful way to connect with the spirit of the holidays. It's a rewarding project that allows for creativity and personalization, resulting in a unique and cherished keepsake. Embrace the festive spirit and embark on this delightful DIY adventure! Happy crafting!
