The holiday season is brimming with festive crafts, and few are as charming and versatile as creating a felt Advent calendar in the shape of a Christmas tree. This project combines the magic of an Advent calendar with the tactile appeal of felt and the visual delight of a miniature Christmas tree, making it a cherished decoration and a fun countdown to Christmas. This guide will walk you through creating your own, addressing common questions and offering tips for a truly unique and personalized experience.
What is a felt Advent Calendar Christmas Tree?
A felt Advent calendar Christmas tree is a handmade Advent calendar crafted from felt material, shaped like a Christmas tree. Small pockets or numbered felt shapes are sewn or glued onto the tree, each containing a small treat or activity for each day leading up to Christmas. It's a beautiful and eco-friendly alternative to traditional Advent calendars and a wonderful project for families to do together.
How do I make a felt Advent calendar Christmas tree?
Making a felt Advent calendar Christmas tree is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginners. Here's a general outline:
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Gather your materials: You'll need green felt (various shades for dimension are nice!), smaller pieces of felt in various colors for the pockets/numbers, thread or strong glue, scissors, stuffing (optional, for a more plush tree), and small treats or notes for each day.
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Cut the felt: Cut out your tree shape from the green felt. You can freehand it, use a template, or even print and trace a design. Consider the size you want and how many pockets you’ll need.
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Create the pockets: Cut out smaller squares or rectangles of felt in various colours. These will be your pockets. You can add numbers (either by sewing or using felt cutouts) to each one.
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Assemble the tree: Sew or glue the pockets onto the felt tree, ensuring they’re securely attached. If using glue, allow ample drying time. You can arrange them in a visually appealing way, perhaps layering them slightly for depth.
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Stuff the tree (optional): If you want a thicker, more plush tree, lightly stuff it with cotton or fiberfill before closing the seams (if sewing).
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Fill the pockets: Add your small treats, gifts, or activity notes to each pocket.
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Decorate (optional): Add extra embellishments like buttons, glitter, sequins, or small felt ornaments to make your tree even more festive!
What kind of treats can I put in my felt Advent Calendar Christmas Tree?
The beauty of this project lies in its versatility. You aren't limited to just candy! Consider these ideas:
- Small toys or trinkets: Mini cars, erasers, or small figurines.
- Candy: Individual candies, chocolates, or small bags of sweets.
- Activity notes: Write down small activities like reading a story, watching a Christmas movie, or baking cookies.
- Small gifts: A sticker sheet, a pencil, or a small craft item.
- Coupons: Create coupons for extra bedtime stories, extra screen time, or a special family activity.
What are some alternative designs for a felt Advent Calendar Christmas Tree?
You don't have to stick to a traditional tree shape! Get creative and consider:
- A simple Christmas tree silhouette: A minimalist design using only the outline of a tree.
- A Christmas tree with different textures: Combine felt with other materials like ribbon or fabric scraps.
- A non-traditional Christmas tree: Perhaps a more abstract or geometric representation of a tree.
Can I buy a pre-made felt Advent Calendar Christmas Tree?
While making your own is highly rewarding, pre-made options exist. Online retailers and craft stores often offer felt Advent calendars in various shapes and styles, including Christmas trees.
How big should my felt Advent Calendar Christmas Tree be?
The size depends on your preference and the number of pockets you wish to include. A smaller tree might be suitable for a child's bedroom, while a larger one could be a statement piece in your living room. Consider the space you have available and the number of days you want to fill.
By following these steps and letting your creativity flow, you can create a unique and personalized Advent calendar felt Christmas tree that will become a treasured family heirloom. The process is as much fun as the result, making it a wonderful activity to enjoy during the festive season.
