Felt like a tutorial: Thanksgiving Feast

Here in the U.S. -it's the month of thankgiving and feasting and Benzie is celebrating with our own Thankgiving dinner! This entire dinner is made with only 10 colors of felt -and even has it's own Benzie Collection. Thanks to all the wonderful crafters who put together these tutorials! 

1. Thanksgiving is complete without the Cranberries -and this tutorial is one of Benzie's very own. 

2. Hot cross buns! by ShellyInspired. We used Benzie felt in Toast and Ivory.

3. Turkey leg by Art Threads. Cinnamon and Latte felt was used.

4. Sugar snap peas (a favorite in our house) by Craftiness is not Optional in Zucchini felt.

5. Cutest little corn cob ever! Derived from While Wearing Heels in Ochre and Ivory.

6. And pumpkin pie from Little Dear at Sew, Mama, Sew in the color Pumpkin (of course), Ivory, and Latte. Go check out the original -it includes some great embroidery!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Finding your wings

This past summer I had the privilege of mailing a lovely package a felt over to Ashley Ann, my favorite blogger, hands down. She picked out the Geranium felt collection in the 12x18" size and said it was going to become a gift for her daughter. A beautiful gift of wings.

Ashley Ann talks about how the wings and headband was constructed on her blog but the original tutorial can be found at llevo el Invierno.

Raspberry Jam

I think most of you have noticed Benzie's newest additions -but a proper welcome is in order for two new beautiful colors!

Raspberry and Blue Raspberry -delicious!

These two new colors also deserve a new updated Heathered Color Collection -right in the shop.

The Heathered Collection coordinates perfectly with each other. I love the mason jar labels Lisa made just for Benzie -perfect for gift giving! You can purchase some of your very own from Sew Love the Day's shop. Thanks Lisa!

Felt like a tutorial: Costumes

A few of my favorite costumes for Halloween or just for dress-up. I'm especially loving the hooded sweatshirt takes -easy and quick!

1. Shark attack! from Fiskars.

2. Have girls? -make a bouquet! from Martha Stewart.

3. Lion hoodie by A Beautiful Mess.

4. Little Miss Sunshine via Real Simple.

5. Little Miss Piggy -love those ears!  via Real Simple.

6. Big bad wolf -another hooded sweatshirt! via Ellinee.

Felt like a tutorial: Pillows

I am enjoying a few hours to myself each day while the kids are in school. Even if those hours are spent with me running around the house picking up, dusting, vacuuming, washing laundry and cleaning the kitchen – at least I am able to focus on my work with few distractions.

One thing I’ve noticed – with this huge increase in housework – is the disarray of our house! How did it get like this? Summer must cause rampant increases in dust growth and clutter buildup.

I am able to look at the home décor that surrounds me with fresh eyes, and one thing stands out – how lifeless the pillows are in our living room. This is the same living room that doubles as a gymnastics practice area and fort building center. The thought of making some fresh pillows with new fluff on the inside makes me happy – and I’m sure I could spare an hour or two of my cleaning to create some! With all of these styles below I may need to make a few of each.

1. Pretty Flower Pillow – from Better Homes and Gardens

Simple and sophisticated, create a floral pattern with felt on this cushy pillow.

2. United States Map Pillow – from The Children's Nest

A patterned fabric for the map on top of a basic felt pillow; you choose the heart's location.

3. Pillow with Rosette Clusters – from The Etsy Blog

Lots of folded felt circles create the texture on this stand-out pillow.

4. Triangle Pillow – from Creature Comforts

Very basic triangle shapes arranged how you please make an iconic design statement.

5. Sunburst Pillow – from Living Savvy

A basic pillow frame with strips of fabric looped around a small central circle, swap out felt for the pillow sleeve to have more durability.

6. Knotted Pillow – from Kris Krafting

Careful measuring and sewing will give you this beautiful pillow; worth the effort for the texture created.

7. Felt Monogram Pillow – from Little Lovelies

Matching monogram and basic pillow form team up for this classic couch comfort.

8. Felt Ruffle Pillow – from Persia Lou

It's easier than it looks to make this monochromatic ruffle pillow, simply pull the stitching strings.

9. Felt Flower Pillow – from Purl Bee

Make a statement with this layered felt pillow; careful measuring and cutting give you a striking design.

Jen Van Oosbree is a stay-at-home mom with two daughters and enjoys convincing her husband that being a stay-at-home mom is a lifelong career.  She brings monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Introducing Scallop Wreath Kit & Giveaway!

I'm giddy -and I think you will be to. I have something for you that will make all you crafting machines happy and shout with joy! A diy wreath kit is here -and everything you need is in the kit. The instructions, the foam wreath and even the pins are included (well you'll need your fabric scissors). Can you say 'easy'?! Let's stop pinning girls -and get to the real meat -and you don't even need to go to the store for this one.

Have you seen some similar wreaths around? This wreath was originally found by Smile & Wave and then altered to make it work for a Crafternoon -and a few tweaks and packaging touches later -Benzie kits for all!

And you have five awesome color combos to choose from -I can't even pick my favorite! But go ahead -you can share yours and be entered in a giveaway for one of the kits (or I can even make you a finished one if you're not a crafty type!). Just enter your favorite combo and a winner will be announced on Monday.

Felt like a tutorial: Owls

Owls sure look smart, and this is why we associate them with school studies. Now that August is here it's time again to prepare our children to return to the classroom. We pulled out the class supply lists last week and my older daughter was super excited to start gathering everything. We were able to locate 25 pencils amongst the debris from last year’s school remnants. I want to save money this year by using up the older supplies to their complete end before buying newer ones.

We did need to buy some additional items though – so we headed out to a store today to complete the task. A future kindergartener and a future 2^nd grader each with list in hand, and a mom with a centrally parked cart ready to walk circles around and around the school products until each last item was located. Some items require specific knowledge… like the Vis-a-Vie markers. I felt like a pro finding them right away. We weren’t so lucky with the larger school box requested for 2^nd grade though… we might have to wait and scope out what the other kids bring with them on the first day.

There probably won’t be any owls in the classrooms – those big, beautifully placed eyes are only handy for selecting prey in the wild. Owls do make awesome inspiration for art projects – simple and complex, flat and fluffy. I hope you enjoy these owls below with their variety, color and texture.

1. Owl Ornament – from Juicy Bits
This basic pattern is hand stitched together for a super cute owl.

2. Goodnight Owl Sleep Mask – from Ginger & George
Take a fashionable nap with this felt sleep mask; fusible webbing and some sewing make this doable.

3. Owl Stuffie – from Hammer & Thread
Replace the fabric with felt and stick with the more advanced sewing for a darling owl friend!

4. Plush Owl Pillow – from Joshua Trent
A simple pattern and fabric glue make a sweet home decor addition.

5. Felt Owl Measuring Tape – from Tiny Apartment Crafts
The embroidery work makes this owl a stand out, add the measuring tape in the middle for a useful tool.

6. Felt Owl Key Chain – from The Orchard in Bloom
Take this owl with you everywhere you go on your key chain; basic hand stitching is all that's needed.

7. Snuggly Owl – from Make It & Love It
The perfect pillow for anyone needing a soft squeeze; felt would work well with this pattern.

8. Felt Owls from Styrofoam Balls – from Factory Direct Craft
Cut out your felt pieces and glue them onto a styrofoam ball for this decoration.

9. Zakka Style Owl Pennant – from Moonstitches
For Christmas or just for fun, this pennant is easy to create.

Jen Van Oosbree is a stay-at-home mom with two daughters who loves volunteering on the Cultural Arts Committee at her kid's school. She brings monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Felt like a tutorial: Party!

One of the best things about planning a party is taking a theme and applying it to every last detail. The atmosphere, food, games and decorations all relate to shape a unique experience. An ordinary room or space is transformed into something magical. Adding drama with a huge mobile in the dining room, or hundreds of paper lanterns at a picnic shelter; parties give us the opportunity to think outside the box with our décor.

The anticipation of a party is also a wonderful thing, especially for children that may have helped plan along the way. They know there will be few limitations on the goodies, drinks and fun to be had, and there will be lots of friends around to partake in the festivities.

When you begin to plan your next party, consider using felt. It is an inexpensive way to add bold color and handmade detail to your gathering. Garlands, banners, party hats, gift wrapping, bows, mobiles, cake toppers – there is no end to the joy you can create with felt.

1. Rainbow Table Runner - Say Yes to Hoboken

Triangles of felt are ironed onto a heat and bond backing for a quick result.

2. Felt Birthday Hats - Princess Lasertron

Saturate the felt with stiffening spray then add homemade ruffles and a pom pom. 

3. Felt Flower Garland - Mom it Forward

Felt flower shapes are hot glued together around green ribbon. 

4. Felt Crown - hellobee

Two colors of felt are shaped together to create a fun crown for party guests.

5. Wine Bag - Under the Table and Dreaming

Pinking shears and stitch witchery make this project very simple to complete.

6. Ruffle Garland - My Blessed Life

A needle and twine are all you need to work your felt strips into ruffles.

7. Felt Gift Bows - Prudent Baby

Nine strips of felt are twisted into loops and glued on top of each other to shape this lasting bow.

8. Cake Topper - Wedding Chicks

Felt makes a great cake topper, this embellished heart uses fabric glue and a few stitches.

9. Modern Colorful Mobiles - Project Wedding

Replace the paper in this tutorial with felt, add some stiffening spray, and stitch them into a row.

Jen Van Oosbree is a stay-at-home mom with two daughters and enjoys spending the summer at the local library. She brings monthly DIY selections to the colorful world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Magnetism

Crazy strong, ultra attractive and super magnetic. The only magnets made by Benzie.

These wool felt covered domes are 1 1/2 inches wide -making it functional and beautiful wherever they stick. And get this: they can hold well over 15 sheets of paper. Really, truly! Eight different color combos, three magnets to a pack and attached to a shiny card.

Now that's magnetism.
Currently available in the shop.

Shop Exchange

Several months ago I participated in a shop exchange sponsored by Oh, Hello Friend -we were paired according to similar shop aesthetic. Check out what I sent:

A custom ordered neapolitan garland and a matching set of magnets.
And what did this lucky girl get?

A beautiful ceramic lunch tray! Handmade by In Her Words -seriously lovely and perfect for lunch. But let's not set limits -I use it as a jewelry organizer!

This was my first exchange ever -and so worth it! Oh, Hello Friend is currently hosting a Lovely Packaging exchange -don't miss your chance!

Felt like a Tutorial: Wreaths

Is there a more classic decoration than the wreath? Whether it greats your guests at the front door, hangs above the fireplace, or graces a wall in your home, the wreath is a timeless form of creative expression. Wreaths are very popular these days as people free themselves from the traditional and explore bolder adaptations.

Historically wreaths have symbolized many things; by being displayed at a funeral or memorial service, they represent the circle of life. When they are made of dried grains and flowers and put out in the Fall they celebrate harvest time. In ancient Greece and Rome they were even used to show an occupation or rank. Amazingly, the wreath is still just as familiar today as it has been throughout history.

When deciding whether to hang a wreath in my own home, I find the circle of life meaning to be what the wreath represents for me. But these days, the more fashionable the wreath – the better! You can jazz them up with felt in many ways and there’s no end to the possibilities. I hope you find these wreath selections inspiring!

1.       Autumn Wreath – from Withywindle

Change the colors to fit the season with this 1 hr. creation.

2.       Leaves & Lace Felt Wreath – from burlap & blue

Create texture with overlapping layers of curled felt.

3.       College Colors Argyle Yarn Wreath – from Spirals & Spatulas

Support your favorite team while decorating!

4.       Felt Flower Wreath – from Twig & Thistle

Floral elements pop from this jazzed up wreath.

5.       Leafy Felt Wreath – from mollee sullivan

Change this wreath to match the season, swapping out the daisies for red berries.

6.       A Pretty Rosie Wreath – from the pretty poppy

Contrast elegant felt roses with textured twigs.

7.       Ruffles & Yarn Wreath – from Six Sisters’ Stuff

Simple and fun, add as many ruffles as you please!

8.       Nonna Wreath – from Jones Design Company

Bunch and scrunch the felt around this wreath to create texture.

9.       Scalloped Felt Wreath – from a bit of sunshine when skies are grey

Choose your favorite colors to make this wreath pop! 

 

Jen Van Oosbree enjoys the versatility of Benzie felt, the awesomeness of graphic design and the fun of Girl Scouts. She brings monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Felt like a Tutorial: Celebrating Easter

My youngest daughter asked me the other day if the Easter Bunny was the only bunny that lays eggs! I am always amazed at how kids hold onto their belief in something like a big white bunny hopping around the yard leaving plastic eggs filled with candy and coins. If we tell them it’s true, it must be, right? But who can resist the wonder and awe Easter egg hunts bring to the holiday; fun traditions and memory makers for kids and adults alike.

I recently read through the book, “Moonwalking With Einstein” by Joshua Foer, which talks about how to create more lasting memories. Getting out of our daily routine helps our brain retain memories more readily. Doing something unexpected, taking time for a vacation, or changing up our daily rhythm are all examples of how to incorporate this concept.

Life goes by too fast for us to not take advantage of times such as holidays and seasonal changes to do something special to commemorate the event. I am challenging myself to do something different this spring, to make the house feel like the season has arrived inside as well as outside.

These felt finds for Spring/Easter are sure to be memorable for you and your family this season.

1. Felt Egg Design Book - from Chez Beeper Bebe

Kids can decorate the eggs again and again with this quiet book.

2. Easter Chick Card - from incy wincy stitches

Sweet chick greetings on this Easter card.

3.Bunny Ears – from Martha Stewart

Homemade bunny ears for the little bunnies in your life.

4.Easter Egg Hunt Bags – from the Purl Bee

Treasure bags for a hunt or Easter morning goodies. 

5. Finger Puppets – from Fiskars

Spring animals couldn't be cuter!

6. Bunny Finger Puppets – from the Purl Bee

Encourage play with these Easter basket fillers.

7.Felt Chick Egg Warmer – from Craftideas.info

Wake up to a bright Felt Chick keeping your morning egg warm.

8. Felt Peeps Bunnies – from Mommy Savers

These are even better than the edible variety, they will last much longer!

9. Carrot Goodie Bags – from betz white

So simple and practical, jelly beans would fit perfectly inside.

Jen Van Oosbree enjoys the versatility of Benzie felt and the awesomeness of graphic design. She brings monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Felt like a tutorial: Be Mine, Valentine

His name was Russell. My third grade crush. He had spiked blond hair and I thought he was the cutest boy in the whole class. I would always put his thumb down for the game Heads up Seven up, and he always knew it was me who had done it. After our class Valentine exchange that year when we were lined up to leave for the day, I gave him a very special Valentine, an Iowa Hawkeyes watch! He accepted it and that was that. I was sure he understood how at that moment, with the gift of the watch, just how much I liked him.

I will never forget the excitement of my third grade Valentine exchange. It was so important that certain people received the simple cards, and others got ones with lots of hearts drawn on for extra emphasis! And who could forget Nathan’s mom with her cookie sheet of homemade sugar cookies with each student’s name frosted on one of them. It was not a holiday at school without one of those cookies!

The magic of Valentine’s Day is truly made better with homemade gifts. These felt finds for February are sure to give you a spark or a start on your way to making the day exceptional for those closest to you.

1. Fortune Cookies – from Martha Stewart

Felt fortune cookies stuffed with your own fun sayings.

2. Felt Rosette Ball – from Frankly Speaking Too

Decorate in style with this burst of color and texture.

3. Be My Bluebird – from Sew, Mama, Sew!

Make a valentine that will last from year to year.

4. Heart Garland – from My Pile of Sugar

A creative way to make heart shapes that will hold.

5. Valentine Pins – from The Purl Bee

These Valentine pins would be great to hand out to classmates.

6. Arrows and Hearts – from Katie Did

Let the kids use their own scissors to make these bracelet Valentines.

7. Felt Heart Pockets – from All In One Day’s Time

Stuff these darling creations with whatever candy you please.

8. Arrow Cupcake Toppers – from The Sweetest Occasion

Felt arrows to push into heart shaped treats.

9. Felt Valentines & Envelopes – from Everyday Celebrate

Fun for the kids to play with, and even more fun to giveaway. 

Jen Van Oosbree has lots of love for Benzie felt, graphic arts and anything Girl Scouts. She will be bringing monthly DIY selections to the world of Benzie Felt Fanfare.

Felt Art by Castle

Have you seen the artwork by Castle? Felt cutouts embroidered on linen. Fun and Funky and totally inspiring. A visit to Castle's shop is definitely in order.