When temperatures are rising and the sweat is falling, that can only mean one thing: Christmas in July! We love introducing new holiday projects in the summer and this one is sure to take your mind off the heat. Our Stained Glass wall hanging is made of felt and negative space and assembled using iron-on adhesive. So... no sew! The finishing touch is a coat of Sparkle Paste that transforms this felt mosaic into a glittering masterpiece.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Time: 6 Hours
Additional Supplies:
Stained Glass Pattern (click to download)
Stained Glass Placement Guide (click to download)
Iron
Glue Gun
Ruler
Sponge Brush
Rotary Cutter - optional
Directions:
1. Trim Black felt sheet to 10 x 18". Set aside both felt pieces for later.
2. Download Stained Glass Pattern above. Print onto four sheets of EZ Print Lite iron-on adhesive (smooth side.) Adjust printer settings to print at "Actual Size" in order for pattern pieces to be the correct size. There is no need to mirror images as this has already been accounted for in pattern.
3. Cut along dashed lines to separate pattern by colors. Place cut groups on coordinating color of felt with adhesive (rough) side facing felt.
4. Iron cut group onto felt following manufacturer's instructions. Press on both sides until pattern is completely adhered to felt. Sandwiching components between pressing paper is helpful to prevent any burn marks or adhesive transfer on iron's sole plate.
5. Once cooled, cut individual pattern pieces along solid lines. Do not remove paper backing at this point.
6. Download and print Stained Glass Placement Guide. Place 10 x 18" Black felt background on ironing board vertically. Use guide to begin placing pattern pieces along bottom edge of background using the following tips:
a. Leave approximate 1/4" border around all felt pieces to mimic lead seams of stained glass.
b. Pattern pieces have been mirrored so iron-on adhesive is on the back side. Find corresponding piece number and flip it over (with paper backing still on) and rotate until it is in the proper orientation and position on background.
c. Work in batches to ensure design is coming together properly. Once satisfied with placement of a section, lift one piece at a time, remove paper backing and replace.
d. Cover section with pressing paper and iron thoroughly until all corners and edges are secure.
e. Continue working from bottom to top and side to side adding felt in batches to ensure even spacing across background.
7. Once all pieces have been added and adhered, flip over Black felt and iron back side to ensure a strong bond. Finished design should look like photo below.
8. If there is a larger border along top of design than 1/4", trim away excess.
9. Transfer Sparkle Paste to small bowl and add a 1:1 ratio of water. Mix well and use sponge brush to dab glitter onto colored felt pieces. Some glitter will get on Black background, but majority should be on the colored felt to give impression of stained glass. Allow to dry for at least one hour.
10. Cover design with pressing paper. Iron on high heat with firm pressure to permanently bond glitter to felt.
11. Trim Black felt strip from Step 1 to 2 x 10".
12. To create a channel for dowel rod, draw a line 1" from back top edge of design.
13. Align top edge of strip with back top edge of design and hot glue in place. Align bottom edge of strip with drawn line and hot glue in same manner.
14. Insert dowel rod in channel and add ribbon or twine to ends for hanging.
Who knew you could make "stained glass" with felt? (We did.) Trade in that summer sweat for some sparkle and start your holiday crafting today!
Merry Christmas in July!
Thanks to Camille for designing and writing this tutorial! You can follow her on Instagram @notsomodernmillie or visit her website. Stay tuned for more Christmas in July tutorials this week!
