{create} felt wreath

Happy Monday friends! I hope you all had a great weekend!

Remember last week when I said my goal this year was to make a wreath? Well, I actually made two wreaths. I know, overachiever. Besides my yarn wreath, I also made a felt wreath.

Do you read the Purl Bee blog? If not, please go check it out (after this post, of course!), because it is loaded with inspiration and fun diy projects. They posted this wreath last January, and I was completely smitten. I even mentioned it here and I immediately bookmarked it into my *projects I must make* file. All this year I kept wondering when was too early to start making it!

Since I've never embroidered, much less hand embroidered, I decided to start back in November, just to be on the safe side. The nice part about starting so early was that I could work on it here and there when I had time. I never felt stressed or pressured, which is huge for me this time of year :).

This turned out to be a really fun and informative project. The instructions on the Purl Bee's website are super detailed, but it's a project that relies on your own creativity. There were days I was really sick of hand embroidering, but then I just put it aside. I learned a few really cool stitches (see above), and techniques for cutting felt that create depth and texture. I could also see this being a great template for a spring wreath in fun pastel colors.

In all honesty, it was supposed to be a birthday gift! But, as it was coming together I realized it was not at all the recipients style. I didn't want them to feel like they had to like and display it because I made it, so I kept it. I think subconsciously I just really wanted it in my house. :)

And here's the wreath + a sneak peak of my Christmas decor:

We're no where near done decorating (does it take anyone else this long to decorate their house!?), but I did get the fireplace and mantle all set up. This is our first year with stockings :).

** Update: I'm adding this wreath to Centsational Girl's Christmas Craft Party. Pop over here to check out all the great holiday crafts! :)

** I also added to Krafty Kat's holiday craft party (so many parties right now! :). Check it out here.

** Update, 12/14: Krafty Kat featured me on her Holiday Hookup Roundup. Go here to check out all the great projects I'm featured with. THANKS KAT!

How is your decorating coming along?