trillium mama: crafty goodness: fabric tree garland

I have been so inspired by all of the wonderful garlands of the season. Today I decided to make a couple for our front windows. They were pretty easy, and could even include a stitched edge if you desired. I have put up a few instructions to get you started-just the way I did it- I'm sure there are a million ways to make these, most of them easier than my way! That's often how it is when we trudge through a project on our own. Here is is:

Fabric Tree Garland

First of all download and cut out a card stock template of a tree that you like-make it under 4x4. I used a cookie cutter that I had.

Measure the template and add 1/2 inch or so the measurements. My measurements worked out to a 4x4 square.

Determine how much ribbon or ric rac you will need for the space you wish to hang the garland. Make sure you swoop it down as it would be when hung, and add 10-20 inches to the total length for the ends to hang down.

Figure out how many trees you will need-I just guessed and counted when I had the ric-rac hanging up to cut.

Cut out squares of fabric-mine were 4x4 and fit nicely on my 12x12 paper. I needed 9 for each garland.

Glue wrong sides of fabric squares to wrong side of paper. This will give you a nice finished back to the garland should you hang it in a window. Try to glue them in a neat even fashion-it will help in the next step. I used Mod Podge with a course paint brush for application. Make sure you glue the entire square of fabric down because you will be cutting the trees out of the middles. It should look like this when you are finished.

Next mark the paper side with the lines of the fabric squares. If they are glued in an orderly fashion you should be able to measure 4 inches mark line, 8 inches mark line, then flip and do the other edge.

Trace your tree pattern on the paper side, being careful to stay well inside the lines of the square. When you have finished tracing all 9, cut each square out, then cut the trees out.

The next step is to glue the ric-rac or ribbon to the paper side. I layed all the trees out to form a pleasing pattern. Find the center of the ric-rac, apply craft glue to the paper side, and lay ric-rac near the top of the center tree as shown.

Continue gluing trees at desired spacing. I spaced my trees 2.5 inches apart at the middle branch. Allow to dry before moving.

You should and up with a lovely garland that will last many years. A good use for fabric scraps you love, and a great way to spend a chilly afternoon.

Comments

I am flippin' out over all your Christmas stuff, Chelsea!!!! I LOVE IT! I was picking up the laptop over and over again, showing my husband going, "She like a freakin' genius or something!" I really think that stuff is wonderful and had to tell you so.

YOU ROCK MY HOLIDAY SEASON!!!!

Posted by: Laurie Kruczek | December 13, 2008 at 09:35 AM