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We love projects that allow the maker to showcase their individuality - and this one certainly fits the bill. From the twig selection to the size, shape and color choices, Maker Team member Angele of @fabricandink made sure no two Spring Trees would be alike! And isn't that the real beauty of nature? Bring a little bit of the outdoors and a lot of your imagination to this sweet Spring tutorial.
Here’s a project that would look pretty on a table set for a Springtime tea party. These little trees are beginner friendly with some simple stitching and plenty of options for customization. The supply list below includes material for both Spring Trees!
Skill Level: Beginner
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Additional Supplies:
Twigs
Small Wood Bowl
Bowl Filler, such as Natural Excelsior
Iron
Pencil
Directions:
1. Cut a twig that has one or two branch extensions, depending on your preference. Aim for a twig 6 - 8" tall.
2. Lay twig on a piece of freezer paper and draw (on matte side) a rounded shape for tree Canopy. There is no pattern for this because every twig is different! Cut out freezer paper shapes. "Trunk" section can be trimmed later, if needed.
For a refresher on using Freezer Paper to transfer patterns, visit this tutorial.
3. For Blue Spruce tree, place freezer paper Canopy shiny side down on Blue Spruce felt. Iron gently until paper is adhered.
Cut around Canopy (front) then peel off paper. Cut an identical Canopy (back) by re-ironing freezer paper onto Blue Spruce felt or tracing first cut shape.
Repeat this step for second tree using Fern felt.
4. In addition to Canopies, draw ½ - ¾" Flowers onto matte side of freezer paper and iron onto Peony and Rose felt. Draw ½" Leaves onto matte side of freezer paper and iron onto Fern and Mint felt. Cut out elements. The number of flowers and leaves and their placement is up to you!
5. Arrange Peony and Rose Flowers and Fern leaves on Blue Spruce Canopy. Arrange Peony Flowers and Mint Leaves on Fern Canopy.
Attach Flowers using two strands of DMC Blanc and three long stitches in center to form a star. For darker center, use two strands of DMC 814 and place three small stitches over first set.
Backstitch Leaves in place with DMC 320 on Mint and DMC 471 on Fern.
6. Put a dab of hot glue on end of branch that will be covered by felt and attach to back (unembellished) Canopy.
Position embellished front Canopy on top and stitch around edge. When you get to twig branches, stitch around them. Leave a small opening to insert stuffing.
Stuff tree gently. Do not over fill or edges will not lay smoothly. Stitch the opening closed.
7. Trim twig trunk, if needed, to suit pot or bowl. Hot glue in place. Hold or secure twig until glue is cooled and set.
Fill the pot with Natural Excelsior or preserved moss.
There are so many ways you can take this design and make it your own. Change the colors to suit your preferences, the season or a birthday girl’s favorite color. You can also change how you display the trees - they’d look so cute in a terracotta pot, vintage porcelain cup or a little wooden trinket box!
Thanks to Angele for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @fabricandink and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
