Let's Make Owl Ornaments

I made some simple little owl ornaments today, and I made a quick tutorial just in case you might want to play along.

What you'll need:

-Scissors

-X-acto knife

-Muslin

-Cotton batting

-Embroidery floss

-Acrylic craft paints (whatever colors you like, plus burnt umber)

First, print and cut out this template-

Then make a fabric "sandwich" (muslin on the bottom, cotton batting in the middle, muslin on top) and trace your template onto it. Sew along the outside lines.

Cut just outside your sewn lines. Trace the eyes. Draw the wing and beak. Then paint inside each shape, trying to avoid getting paint on lines. What color will your owl be? Then you can paint the backs if you want.

After the paint is thoroughly dry, lightly sand the entire piece with fine grit sandpaper. Mix your burnt umber paint with a little water. Paint this mixture quickly over the entire piece, then wipe it off just as quickly with a paper towel. Let it dry again. Then thread a piece of embroidery floss through the top, like so-

Then lightly sand it again, and decorate however you like. I kept mine pretty simple, but you could go all out with beads and buttons and embroidery or whatever else tickles your fancy.

Besides cute little ornaments I think they'd make great Valentines, or maybe gift tags.