This Advent calendar is a work in progress (I still have about 20 more birds to make YIKES). There is something about those branches in my entry, I hate to see them go. I thought the branches could stay for another holiday if they had some birds swinging from them.
If you want to make some little birdies here is the template I used
Little Birdie Advent Calendar Template
Cut out the bird and trace around on two pieces of felt. This is your stitching line and not your cutting line, so use disappearing marking pen or tracing pencil. I could also see these birds made from beautiful scrapbooking papers.
Cut out the embellishments. I have drawn on the template what I used but when making so many it is just easier to freehand some shapes. If I had not waited to the last minute and had more time these birds would be over the top with embroidered embellishments.
Stitch the shapes to the top piece of felt. I made an eye by embroidering a French knot (not shown in picture). For the numbers I used little beads. You can sew them on the heart now, or string them on the holder later. I had hoped to find "number" brads. The numbers could also be embroidered.
Pin two pieces of felt together and stitch around the bird leaving an opening at the top (wider than what you want when finished because you will add your hanger in later). As you stitch around place the beak on top and catch it in your stitching. Don't forget to add your eye and numbers like I did. It is much more difficult to add them later.
Cut around the bird. Slip a piece of ribbon, cord ,string or elastic gold thread in at each end of your opening and stitch back and forth at each end. You could do this in the previous step if it is easier. It is easier and one less step but, I kept clipping off the hanger when I cut the bird out.
Fill with chocolates and let the holidays begin!
You might also be interested in these Advent Calendar Ideas:
Thanks for taking the time to visit me today!
Another cute one!! LOVE it!
Cute, cute, cute, cute, cute! This is one of the best ideas I’ve seen for an advent calendar, for sure!
Just darling! You are so clever!!
oh my! they are too, too adorable. I could see these a tiny bit larger holding a gift card for a teacher, or another little trinket for small gifts. thanks for sharing!
These are so cute! I wouldn’t do 24 of them, but they would also make a lovely decoration! Thanks for sharing.
so so so cute.
i am going to try this, and expand the pattern 200% or so.
this is an adorable gift card holder (just like trishia said) and my best friend is obsessed with vintage birds!!!
Awww, this is too cute!! I think I may have to leave those christmas balls in the closet and make these birds for my ornaments!! Thanks for the pattern and idea!
These look wonderful and I’m sure the branches will look great with all 24 birds
Sweet!
They are very sweet, love the colours!
gorgeous…. I heart these big time. well done.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks for this great tutorial! I loved the first 2 advent calendars, but this is now my favorite. There is so much that could be done w/ these birds!
boy are thay so ever cute
very cute! i’m about 20 days behind on finishing my advent calendar too!
Love it! Can’t wait to see it finished!
The birds are beautiful! I LOVE this idea for an advent calendar — how does your mind think of these great ideas? Just darling, can’t wait to see it when it is finished. FABULOUS!!
[...] Little Birdie Advent from Skip to my Lou (pictured above) [...]
Thanks so much for this, what a great idea! I’ve been looking for something that I could put together in short order so the kiddos don’t end up with another store-bought advent calendar.
I love sewing with felt,These birds are absolutely adorable!
hugs ginger
Those are adorable – I’ve recently been bit by the craft bug and have truly been inspired by your blog. Thank you.
Super cute! I love them! What a great idea!!
What a great idea – I love them.
[...] Things I’m going to make one day – Little Birdie Advent Calendar By Calypso Look at these – they’re so cute: calendar/Little Birdie Advent Calendar [...]
these have to be the cutest things ever! Thanks for sharing
I TOTALLY LOVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL FELT BIRDS! And what a clever idea for an advent calendar. Have you finished them yet????
Oh,,I Love any thing Birdish,,Thanks so much for posting this!!!
Beth
These are so sweet. Thanks for the pattern.
So sweet! Will be making lots of little birds for packages this year!
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Okay, that is the cutest thing EVER! LOVE it! Love the little hearts on the birdies. They would coordinate with Valentine’s Day too!
Corinna http://www.myscrapbooklife.com
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I linked to your picture and tutorial. Hope you don’t mind
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I So wish I could sew. These are absolutely adorable! I posted this link on my FaceBook page today!
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