This time last year I was enjoying the exchange of 12 lovely handmade items with 12 other local artists.  Each package was opened with much delight during this special 12 Days of Christmas Art event.  I was reminded of the beauty of home-made, the delight in both the giving and the getting of something handmade with LOVE.  This year, as I remember fondly the countdown to Christmas day with a gift a day, I am inspired to mark the days again.  This time, I will share a craft a day on my blog — 12 Days of Christmas Crafts!   Whether crafted by myself, my kids or someone else, I hope these creations will inspire and delight you as Christmas day draws near.

Today we got our Christmas tree (foraged and cut on a friend’s wooded acreage, so thankful the sun was shining and that all of us agreed easily on the perfect one to bring home).  So it seems only fitting that I should share our favourite ornament designs for this year – needle felted stars and stockings.  But first, a pic of the fantastic tree finding mission! 

Now back the the ornaments….If you have not yet tried needle felting, I encourage you to give it a go. All you need for these ornaments is some wool for the base (we used an old wool blanket and some woollen felt), wool roving (ours came from a local alpaca farm that Raena volunteers at and my friend’s sheep at Fiddlehead Farm), a foam to work on, and some simple felting needles (you can get these at most knitting shops).  Young kids need some supervision of course but you will be amazed at what a 6 & 9 year old can produce – check out the snowman & Santa!

And check out the focus!  Can you hear the happy quiet in this photo?

The girls were thrilled with their stocking design idea, instead of stuffing them, they left them open like real stockings so they could include a candy cane or other gift tucked inside.  They made some to sell at the craft fair a couple weeks ago and are still happy to spend great lengths of time QUIETLY working away on an ornament for a friend or relative.    The stars are another favourite design these days….

This craft is truly meditative and soon you will be creating even more felted treasures!  Look at the treasure pouch the girls made and filled with chocolates for their dance teacher.

I would love to hear about the felting projects you are working on…..anyone have favourite  felting techniques and creations to share?  We have another fantastic one we are working on and I will post about it soon!