…branches, that is.
Due to the colder and wilder weather and winds, the trees in my neck of the woods have been shedding their autumn- kissed leaves…soon the branches will be naked. Looking at these almost bare limbs, I felt inspired to create a tree ornament with sweet and simple dressed-up branches.
To make this ornament, start off by cutting a tree shape from canvas fabric (2 pieces – 1 front, 1 back.) Then machine stitch trunk and branch details to the front piece (alternate using a straight stitch and zig-zag stitch.)
Use an embroidery needle and thread to embellish some of the branches with french knots. Then use a regular needle and thread to sew on tiny pearls to add some sparkle.
Stack the front piece (with the embellishments facing upwards) on top of the back piece and machine sew together around the edges, leaving the bottom edge open. Lightly stuff the tree with poly-fill, and then machine sew the opening shut. Since I like a stronger line, I sewed around the tree edges twice.
Next, run an embroidery needle (threaded with thin twine) through the top of the tree, and create a loop for hanging purposes.
Then use a needle and thread to sew a sparkly star button to the knotted string (on the hanging loop.)
Lastly, use pinking shears to randomly add interest to the tree edges.
Here’s the finished ornament again.
Happy creating, and I’ll be back next week with another holiday ornament/decor project.
20 Comments, Comment or Ping
Cute little tree ornament Becky! Thanks for showing us how to make it!
xo
jeanne
November 3rd, 2010
i love to hear how you got inspired by your surroundings. i will try to make a version this beautiful ornament for myself although i have no idea how to make french knots :). thank you for sharing the how to.
November 3rd, 2010
Oh,Becky,
How do you do it?
I adore it!
Hugs,
Suz
November 3rd, 2010
This is really sweet. I am focused on homemade ornaments right now too. It always gets me in the holiday spirit when I start making ornaments. Looking forward to your next one!
November 3rd, 2010
This is such a cute little project! I am trying to decide what I want to do for our tree this year. I made the ornaments last year, so I figure I should just do it again this year! LOL!
November 3rd, 2010
Becky, that is SOOOO cute!!! So simple but elegant too!
Hugs,
Diane
November 3rd, 2010
I love the simple elegance of your tree! I want to make some ornaments, too. I’m on a craft binge right now; Took hubby to the airport and I’m armed with my glue gun and gathering the goodness. xXx
November 3rd, 2010
OMG soooooooo cute. I love it. I had decided that this year I wanted to make all the decorations for my tree but was a little stumped on where to start. This is the perfect inspiration. I am going to make one, two… who knows how many tonight. Thanks for the inspration.
love me 🙂
November 3rd, 2010
Tracey, it sounds like you’re addicted to making multiples just like me…oh what fun!
November 4th, 2010
Becky, you come up with the coolest projects! It seems like I never think of stuff like that on my own, but thanks to creative people like you, I find inspiration! Thanks for sharing.
November 5th, 2010
that is the sweetest tree ornament!
love it!!! xo
November 5th, 2010
Becky:)
How are you my friend? These tree ornaments are simply adorable and amazing!
xo
November 5th, 2010
Hi Becky,
first time commenting on your blog. I just love your style and willingness to share your creative endeavors with everyone. You are such an inspiration.
Thank you!!!!!
November 6th, 2010
Love this! So simple, yet so darling. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 7th, 2010
These are simply precious – really – they are the most adorable little ornaments – I want to make them for everyone I know! This is my first visit to your blog – what a wonderful and creative place to visit -your talents are amazing – and you display your artistry so beautifully. Thanks for sharing your passions for creating~~
Vicki
November 7th, 2010
Hi ladies, and thank you for taking the time to stop by, say hi, as well as leave me such warm-hearted comments…I appreciate this very much.
November 7th, 2010
pretty pretty…love those shades of white.
November 8th, 2010
so many things to love about this sweet little nearly naked tree! you have such a gift for keeping things beautifully simple……that’s SO hard to do! i love the contrast of texture between the french knots and the pearls…..perfectly done! actually, the entire project is perfectly done! thanks for sharing the instructions with us…..i’m going to make some of these, for sure!! xox
November 9th, 2010
just so lovely..simple speaks to me !!
November 11th, 2010
Oh Becky these are so WONDERFUL!!
November 29th, 2010
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