Christmas Birds

Last Christmas, because we were not going to spend Christmas Day in Texas, we decided not to buy a tree. We had a few little decorations, but not much to get us in the Christmas spirit. I really regretted not getting more involved in decorating and enjoying the Christmas season, because I felt like it had passed by without me really relishing this wonderful time of year. This year, I was determined to do better! Adam got a 6 ft tall Christmas tree from some neighbors who moved away, and I decided to make a tree skirt and stockings and these bird ornaments. I had gotten the idea from a picture I had pinned on Pinterest. And was really quite happy with the result! Here is a short tutorial of how I made them

I made a little bird pattern and cut it up (the beak, I cut off because it was too small of a piece and was an easy one to fake after the bird was completely finished. I just glued on the beak).

I cut out felt and fabric for each piece. On each piece that would fray, I used fray check on all sides to keep it from fraying.

I placed all pieces on top of a slightly larger piece of felt cut out in the shape of the bird.

I pinned all pieces onto the tan backing piece of felt. I then began a blanket stitch around all the outside edges.

If you are unfamiliar with the blanket stitch, here is a short visual tutorial. If you have questions, please feel free to ask me!

After you have finished the blanket stitch all the way around, attach the other pieces in the middle, use a little whip stitch along the overlapped pieces. Sew beautiful beads on to line the wing. Glue on a beak.