jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

Felt Napkin Holder DIY

November 23, 2011 jennifer Entertaining, Felt, Thanksgiving

About a year and a half ago I had an “aha” moment and made some ribbon napkin rings . I made more a couple of weeks later for my brother’s graduation party . Last week I remembered them and thought that it would be so easy to make some for the holidays. It’s such a quick and inexpensive way to do something new. This embroidered ribbon would be so beautiful for Christmas, I think:

I was about to make a whole bunch of them when another idea struck. I have a bunch of felt laying around from other projects… why not put it to use? And so I went to work, and soon this was what I had:

Lots of brown felt flowers! And on the backs:

To make the flowers you can find a felt rosette tutorial here .

After I’d made the flowers I whipped up some simple napkin rings using more brown felt. I cut strips about 5 1/2 inches long and used pinking shears to cut the sides. They’re about 1 1/2 inches wide.

Simply fold them in half lengthwise and sew the ends together (right sides together, of course):

After sewing, trip threads and turn right side out. It should look something like this:

Insert a napkin in the ring…

Then you just clip the flower onto the napkin ring and you’re done!

It’s also easy to add a tag to the clip. You can assign seats this way or simply express a sentiment.

Why did I put the felt flowers on a clip instead of gluing them to the napkin ring? I’m not sure, exactly, except that I thought it would be fun. I guess it sounded like a fun surprise to be able to re-use the flowers, or send them home with our Thanksgiving guests as a little favor. Doing it this way certainly got the attention of my girls, and one little helper in particular!

I love the way the various shades of brown work together and am excited to see them on our Thanksgiving table. I also wouldn’t mind it if I see some of this after our meal:

And so, using materials I had on hand I was able to make two dozen new napkin rings for Thanksgiving dinner. I’m enjoying the less-traditional shape (a flower) with more traditional fall colors. I hope our guests enjoy them, and I particularly hope my nieces are happy with them.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is tomorrow? Where did November go? I’ve still got SO MUCH work to do… I’m crossing my fingers I’ll get it all done.

Jennifer

2 comments entertaining, Thanksgiving

Felt Rosette Tutorial

November 23, 2011 jennifer DIY, Felt

I have my sister to thank for getting my mental gears turning regarding felt and flowers. She posted pictures of this project and for some reason I couldn’t get it out of my head. I’ve now created two holiday items using such flowers and before I share them with you I thought I’d do a quick tutorial that can be an easy reference. Basically it’s the same as the book page rosettes I used to make this wreath and pomander I made last year, only made with felt. Since the felt is thicker, this version is much faster.

So far the flowers I’m making have been relatively small, so I’ve started by cutting felt circles which are about 3 inches across.

Here is a possible source for your felt, a mossy green and antique white (Click the images to look at them)…

Antique White Felt Fabric

I’m going to add a clip to mine, so I also need a small felt circle cut. In the larger circle, cut a spiral from the outer edge to the center of the circle.

Beginning with the outside end, carefully roll felt.

Continue rolling until you’re at the end of the felt.

Add some hot glue to the flower and fold the last bit of felt over the glue. (This is the back of the flower we’re looking at; the front is face down on my mat.)

If you want to add a leaf, dab more hot glue on one corner of the flower and attach it. This is some faux suede May Arts leaf ribbon that I’m using (which I love). You can order some here , make your own with felt, or do whatever you wish.

If you’re not using a clip with the flower, at this point you can glue it to whatever project you’re working on.

To add a clip to this rosette, take the second smaller felt circle and clip it inside the hair clip. This will prevent the hot glue from making the clip stick together and become useless. Add more hot glue to the bottom of the rosette and simply press it onto the hot glue.

Turn the flower right side up and add whatever detail you may wish to the center of the flower.

You’re done! Up next: see how I used these clips to make unique napkin rings for Thanksgiving dinner !

Hopeful Homemaker

2 comments DIY, felt

Spice Drop Turkeys: Build your own

November 22, 2011 jennifer Thanksgiving

For as long as I can remember we’ve made spice drop turkeys on Thanksgiving day. It’s a tradition I’ve continued with my family. Usually we place a small bowl on each plate filled with toothpicks and spice drops but this year I decided to try something different. I created a build your own turkey table.

I borrowed my vintage desk from my bedroom to use in the dining room and put the candy in glass vases.

The candy and the turquoise desk was so colorful that I opted to run with the color instead of sticking with a traditional Thanksgiving palate. I gathered my velvet pumpkins from around the house and made a couple of turkeys to put on display.

Finally, a tiny silver urn for holding toothpicks.

Maybe it’s our gray skies, but I’m loving the colors of these candies:

It takes only a few dollars to provide spice drops in two sizes, some fruit slice candy and toothpicks. It’s a great way to keep the children occupied while the final dinner preparations are made and some adults really get into it as well.

I’m hoping this format will be fun for everyone on Thursday. It’s nice to know I’ve got something ready to go!

Do you have a fun Thanksgiving craft or activity you do every year? Please share!
Jennifer