Did you see what Maker Team member Megan of @mlevacy has hanging around? This adorable Opossum Wreath is a great way to spruce up your sad Winter porch and usher in some color and personality. And we're happy to let this furry felt creature welcome our guests - even if he frequently pretends to be playing 'possum.
Spring is right around the corner and so is all the wildlife that makes Spring so special. Baby animals like this friendly opossum are sure to brighten anyone’s day, making this the perfect wreath for your door this year. This is a great beginner project due to its use of simple running stitches, minimal materials and hot glue to simplify assembly.
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 4-5 hours
Additional Supplies:
Opossum Pattern (click to download)
Oliso M3Pro Project Iron
Frixion Tracing Pen - optional
Directions:
1. Print or trace Opossum Pattern pieces onto freezer paper as instructed on pattern handout. Iron freezer paper to felt.
2. Cut out pattern pieces along pattern lines and remove freezer paper.
3. Assemble two Body pieces with simple running stitches along the edges using DMC 762. Leave a 2" gap along one side to fill with a tiny bit of Polyfil. Fill to 1" width. You do not want your body to be too plump.
4. Sandwich a Paw between two Hand ovals. Stitch around circumference of ovals using DMC 310 and a running stitch.
5. Place two Ear shapes together and stitch around edges with DMC 310 and a running stitch. Align bottom edges of the triangular shape to form a point and complete a couple of stitches to secure.
6. Assemble Face by stitching on pieces (as detailed in the diagram) with DMC 762 and a running stitch. Prior to embroidering facial details, you may wish to draw embroidery lines with heat-erasable Frixion pen.
Create Pupils using a satin stitch in DMC 310. Nostrils may be completed with either satin stitches or a simple French knot with a single stitch “tail” to make appropriate shape. The Mouth is an easy line of backstitches.
7. Lay Face right side up over matching back piece, inserting Ears along top edge according to the diagram. Use DMC 762 and a running stitch to stitch around Head. Leave a 2” gap along one side to add Polyfil. Fill until about 1” thick, like the Body. Stitch closed.
8. Attach Head to Body by looping floss around top edge of Body catching both components in each stitch. Tack down chin using a single stitch so Head lays flat against Body. These stitches can be completed in any color.
9. Overlap two Tail pieces and use a running stitch in DMC 762 to complete. Attach to Body using a whip stitch in same manner as the Head.
10. Once pieces are completed, assemble on wreath as outlined in the handout. Secure in several places with a knot on back of wreath.
11. Play with Tail placement and secure with a stitch or spot of hot glue when satisfied with overall shape.
12. Place each Paw and secure with hot glue.
13. Get playful with pom poms! Use your selected size and color of poms and decorate as desired. Use a dot of hot glue to connect each pom to the wreath.
Time to hang this sweet little guy and his colorful hangout!
The colors you chose can have a major seasonal impact on the overall look of your wreath. Check out the many colorful poms that Benzie has to offer. Muted jewel tones would be perfect for fall, bright summery yellows and reds would give a pop to any wreath in the warm summer months, and even changing the colors of your opossum to playful purples or pinks can create a one-of-a-kind item you’ll use year after year.
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!
