Christmas Countdown Crafts :: Holly Wreath Canvas

I know for lots of Crafters Christmas preparations started some time ago, however, I have been so busy enjoying all the inspiration that Autumn brings to have given it much thought thus far. However, realising that Christmas Day is only 10 weeks away today (yes, really!) I thought it was finally time to make a start....

My first little handmade item was so effective and super quick to make that I thought it would be fun to share a little "how to" post. So my lovelies, here is my little tutorial on how to make a Holly Wreath Canvas should you wish to make one for yourself:

You will need:
* a mini canvas block
* a tester pot of paint
* some craft felt in christmassy green and red and matching thread
* 4 or 5 small red buttons
* 7 gold coloured mini beads
* some craft glue

Step 1
Paint your canvas block. I picked a soft green colour that complimented the colour of my felt.

Step 2
On piece of paper, draw a ring shape which is slightly smaller than the depth of your canvas block. The ring will form that base of the wreath. I used a coaster and a roll of ribbon to give me two perfect circles (one inside the other). Cut out the paper pattern.

Step 3
Using your paper pattern, cut a ring of green felt.

Step 4
Cut two more paper patterns. The first one should be a holly leaf shape, which is slightly wider than the thickness of the wreath base. The second should be a 6-petal flower shape. Cut out 18 holly leaf shapes from the green felt and 2 flower shapes from the red felt.

 

Step 5

Laying the two red flower shapes (one over the other so that you can see all the petals) onto the green wreath base, sew the gold coloured beads into the centre ensuring that the thread is going through all 3 layers of felt.

Step 6
Start sewing the holly leaf shapes onto the wreath base, using a long running stitch. The leaves look good when they overlap slightly and randomly lay at different angles to each other.

Step 7

Continue sewing on all the leaves until you have covered the wreath base. You can then sew on the buttons to add a bit more detail to the wreath. I used just 4 buttons due to their sizes, however, more would look good too. Alterntively use red sequins for a bit more Christmas sparkle.

Step 8

Once all the detail has been stitched onto the base, glue the wreath onto the canvas block.

 

And there you have it. A perfect little Christmas picture ready and waiting for the festivities to begin. 

Let me know if you make one too, I would love to see your version.

Have fun.

Jumbleberries xx