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Hopping along to our next Maker Team member introduction, we've got Megan of @mlevacy and her friendly felt frogs! Megan's first tutorial is a perfect representation of her talents, since she specializes in mixed media art with a focus on plants and animals. We love these colorful felt tableaux she designed that can be customized as magnets or pins. Keep reading to learn more about this project - and Megan!
Spring into summer with a felt froggy friend! Conjure up memories of early summer and the merry song of happy frogs with this cheerful pin and magnet duo. When made with bright yellows and earthy green colors of wool blend felt, this project - inspired by my own pet tree frog - will be sure to add a little joy to your wardrobe or appliances.
Skill Level: Ambitious Beginner, Intermediate
Time: 2-3 Hours + drying time (if applicable)
Additional Supplies:
Frog Magnet Template (click to download)
Frog Pin Template (click to download)
Super Strong Magnets, for magnetic finish
Pin Backs, for pin finish
Iron
E6000 Glue - optional
Directions:
1. For both the Frog Magnet and Pin, start by printing template above. Next, trace pattern onto matte side of freezer paper using a permanent marker or pencil.
2. Cut around each pattern piece, leaving a border around the exact outline. With shiny side facing down, lightly iron each to the appropriate color of felt.
3. Cut each pattern piece along the outline on the freezer paper.
4. Remove freezer paper. Lay out pieces onto background felt as depicted in template and pin in place. Cut the background felt big enough to surround pieces. You will trim this backing down again later, so cut it bigger than necessary. Consider the shape you will want for your finished product.
5. Use appropriate stitches and colors to embroider felt pieces as outlined in the template example. Or play with colors of thread, felt, and stitches to personalize your magnet or pin! Pay attention to overlapping shapes to ensure you are stitching layers together correctly.
For Pin: Stitch entirely around large flower before placing frog on top.
For Magnet and Pin: Use a single slanted stitch to created frog eye. Go over this stitch more than once for a more prominent eye.
6. Once embroidery is complete, cut out stitched design loosely following outer edges of pieces as demonstrated below. Cut any shape you desire to personalize your magnet or pin. An arch or circular shape also looks nice.
7. Lay trimmed “front” piece onto White Truffle felt for “back” of magnet or pin. Secure with straight pins. Cut an outline approximately 1/4” around perimeter of front piece. It will be trimmed again later on so it does not need to be perfect.
8. For this step, proceed with directions to finish the design as either a Magnet of Pin. Both designs can be finished in either fashion.
For Magnet: Cut circles from felt that are two times bigger than magnets. Flip over back piece and mark three to four spots for magnet placement.
Enclose each magnet on marked spot using the circle of felt and a running stitch. When finished, trim excess felt around magnet then continue to Step 9.
I recommend sewing the magnet down with an extra circle of felt as this provides a soft barrier that will prevent scratches to stainless steel and other delicate surfaces. The magnets are strong and will work if using 1mm felt.
Optionally, magnets may be secured using E6000. If you choose to use glue, allow adequate drying time before continuing to Step 9.
For Pin: Flip over back piece and mark location of pin back, making sure angle of pin is perpendicular to top of design. Cut a small strip of scrap felt the width of inside of pin back. Use straight pins to secure scrap through pin back as pictured.
Sew pin down using a running stitch on either side of pin. Trim excess felt then continue to Step 9.
Optionally, pin back may be secured using E6000. If you choose to use glue, allow adequate drying time before continuing to Step 9.
9. Once a magnet or pin has been added, position front piece on other side. Stitch front and back together using a running stitch. Insert the needle between layers when starting to hide knot between front and back pieces.
10. Trim backing around perimeter as desired and you will have a completed pin or magnet!
You have now made a frog friend to kick off your summer! Feel free to make this project your own by mixing things up with your own colors, embroidery stitches, embellishments - you may even combine the individual components in new ways to to create new designs!
Thanks to Megan for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @mlevacy and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
