Enjoy making this festive garland! The holly berry silhouettes are only a little bit fussy to cut and you will need a sewing machine to complete this project but the finished product can be used in many different ways from garland, mantle decoration, bunting, table runner or gift wrapping. I will put some ideas for variations at the end and if you create your own drop a picture or link in the comments. Rather just purchase? I have a few listed in my Etsy shop right now and could probably be persuaded to make some custom strands for you.
Holly Berry Garland
Supplies
- Shade of Green felt, 6-8 sheets (~ 9 x 12 inches, per sheet)
- So. Many. Holly leaves
- 2 sheets of red felt for berries
- Craft glue, scissors, pins, sewing machine
- Create a holly leaf pattern. I drew one based on a cookie cutter shape I had (keep it simple) and then laminated it (can also just cover with clear packing tape) as you will need to trace and cut a lot of holly leaves. Mine were about 3 inches in length and they overlap a bit when sewn together so a 6 foot length of garland needed about 30-36 leaves.
- Cut red strips of felt about 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch wide. Then cut them into shorter lengths. How short? Depends on how big a berry you wanted. I did 4 1/2 inches. Do not worry about being super exact. Let there be some variation. Make at least as many of these as leaves in your garland. I put one larger berry between each leave but could make smaller berries and put multiples, or use pom pom poms, flat red felt circles, sequins etc.
- Dot some craft glue along the red felt strip and then roll it up and put a sewing pin to hold the end in place while glue dries. Viola! Holly berries!
- Trace and cut out felt holly leaves. These will be sewn in a single layer so if they vary in size a bit, that is great!
- If using multiple colors of leaves (and if you care), decide the order to have them in garland, get your sewing machine ready and then using a slightly longer stitch length (3.0) starting sewing the leaves lengthwise into one long chain, overlapping each leaf a bit (this is where berries will go).
- Once holly leaves are sewn together, your holly berries should be dried and ready to be attached to garland. Note the berries also will cover any funny business/flaws.
- You can add to the far end a loop of embroidery floss if you like.
Here are two ideas for other felt shapes. quick circles (just for fun or a nod to ornaments/Christmas lights, see also the paper version using greeting cards) and one using scraps pieces. This scrap one hangs in my crafting space.
Tips:
- Play with colors or white felt for completely different looks.
- Making sure that you are cutting on the inside of the drawn line so that no ink shows on the shape when done.
- If cutting two layers at a time, I suggest pinning them to hold them together, with felt it is usually best to cut single layers to ensure clean lines and shapes.
- Make the shapes over-sized or mini for different looks.
- Scraps Rock! They are useful for other projects (e.g. baubles or another garland etc) or can be recycled in your Ridwell bin. (<3)
Does 2020 need more cowbell? Undecided but your 2020 does need more garland. Here are some other ideas!