Felt is a wonderfully versatile crafting material, lending itself to a charming array of projects. Today, we're diving into the delightful world of felt crafting to create adorable cherry-themed earrings and a matching keychain. These sweet little accessories are perfect for adding a touch of playful whimsy to your everyday style, or make a delightful handmade gift for a friend. Their vibrant red and green hues, combined with the soft texture of felt, create a truly irresistible charm. The process is surprisingly simple, even for beginners, utilizing readily available materials and basic crafting techniques.
Forget expensive store-bought accessories – let's unleash your creativity and make these charming cherry decorations yourself! This step-by-step guide will walk you through every stage of creating your own pair of felt ball cherry earrings and a coordinating keychain, from preparing your materials to adding the finishing touches. Prepare to be amazed at how easily you can craft these beautiful and unique pieces.
Preparation and Safety Guidelines
- Fern colored felt
- Green embroidery floss (color 471)
- Felt balls (1cm pomegranate, 2cm coral)
- Gold earring hooks
- Gold jump rings
- Gold keychain hook
- Embroidery needles
- Needle nose pliers
- Scissors
- Fringe clip (optional)
- Always supervise children if they are involved in any part of the crafting process, especially when using sharp objects like scissors or needles.
- Ensure adequate ventilation when working with felt and any adhesives, as some may release fumes.
- If using jewelry findings with small parts, keep these out of reach of young children to prevent choking hazards.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Earring Stems
- Prepare the embroidery floss for the earring stems. Cut the floss in half, creating two pieces of equal length.
- Thread the floss onto a large embroidery needle, tie a knot at the end, and trim the excess close to the knot.
Prepare Earring Stems Attach Stems to Earring Cherries
- Insert the needle through the center of a felt ball (earring cherry), ensuring it's straight.
- Pull the needle through and use needle-nose pliers to tighten the knot. Repeat for the second earring cherry.
Attach Stems to Earring Cherries Braid and Trim Earring Stems
- Braid the floss stems tightly. Consider using a fringe clip to secure the floss while braiding.
- Trim the braid to your desired length, tie a knot, and secure tightly. Trim excess floss.
Braid and Trim Earring Stems Attach Jump Rings to Earring Cherries
- Attach the jump rings to the earring cherries. You can stitch the jump rings through the knot or hook them onto the braid.
Make and Attach Felt Leaves to Earrings
- Cut out felt leaf shapes. Use a running stitch to attach the leaves to the cherries, using embroidery floss that matches the felt color.
- Attach the leaves to the cherries by stitching around the jump ring, securing it in place. Add a tiny dot of glue for extra security (optional).
Make and Attach Felt Leaves to Earrings Complete Earrings
- Attach the earring hooks to complete the earrings.
Complete Earrings Prepare Keychain Stem
- Thread the floss onto a large embroidery needle, tie a knot at the end, and trim the excess close to the knot.
- Repeat steps 2-10 for the keychain, using three strands of floss for a thicker stem.
Prepare Keychain Stem Attach Stem to Keychain Cherry
- Insert the needle through the center of a felt ball (earring cherry), ensuring it's straight.
- Pull the needle through and use needle-nose pliers to tighten the knot. Repeat for the second earring cherry.
- Repeat steps 2-10 for the keychain, using three strands of floss for a thicker stem.
Attach Stem to Keychain Cherry Attach Jump Ring to Keychain Cherry
- For the keychain, insert the jump ring between the floss strands before tightening the knot.
Attach Jump Ring to Keychain Cherry Braid and Trim Keychain Stem
- Braid the floss stems tightly. Consider using a fringe clip to secure the floss while braiding.
- Trim the braid to your desired length, tie a knot, and secure tightly. Trim excess floss.
- Repeat steps 2-10 for the keychain, using three strands of floss for a thicker stem.
Braid and Trim Keychain Stem Make and Attach Felt Leaves to Keychain
- Attach the leaves to the keychain using the same method as the earrings.
Make and Attach Felt Leaves to Keychain Complete Keychain
- Attach the keychain hook to complete the keychain.
Complete Keychain
Read more: Twisted Wire Spiral Earrings: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Use a fringe clip to help braid the floss tightly.
- Use needle-nose pliers to easily manipulate the floss and tighten knots.
- Add a small amount of clear glue to the knots for extra security.