Erin FoxTis the season to wear holly! December is here and it’s time to get out the festive clothing. A sprig of holly will add some festive cheer to any item of clothing. As festive as it may look, the prickles can be a nuisance so create your own Christmassy corsage. These felt holly leaves are much softer than the real deal and with different shades and patterns, they are even brighter than a prickly sprig.
For the holly leaves you will need green and red felt, green and red embroidery thread, pins, embroidery needle, scissors, card, pencil, buttons and beads.
Draw the shape of a holly leaf onto some card. Place a real holly leaf in front of you to use as a guide. Cut this out and place to the side. Take a piece of felt, fold it in half and pin the holly template to this. Cut around and remove the pins. Loop the embroidery thread through the needle and tie a knot at the end. Take one of the leaves and insert the needle and thread from the back. Sew a running stitch from the stalk to the top of the holly leaf. Tie off and trim the thread. To sew the rest of the markings, begin from the centre at the stalk and sew a running stich to each prick. Sew on some buttons or beads at the very end of the stalk to make holly berries.
Take the other leaf and sew a safety pin to the back of this. Sew or glue the two leaves together and allow to dry. You can stuff them with a little kapok if you wish. Pin the badge to your hat, coat or jumper. You can always make a few to wear on each item of clothing. Add more leaves to the holly badge if you wish.
Make a dozen to 15 leaves and sew onto some ribbon or string for a colourful garland. Better yet, omit the safety pins, find a plain coloured jumper and sew several of the leaves and berries all over the front and back of the jumper. Choose a colour that will make the holly pop against it.
These holly leaves also make a great present topper. Wrap up your presents, tie with ribbon and pin the holly leaf to the centre of the bow.