Le Hoots

Recently, my long time friend and felting queen, Becca Jo, made these adorable owl ornaments. Of course I immediately saw them as having learning tool potential, so I emailed her for a tutorial which she graciously provided here.

I should note that I ended up modifying the design a bit (using felt backing instead of paper, using buttons, sequins and brads for eyes, and omitting the ornament aspect), but the patterns are generally the same. Here are my lovely Le Hoots:

I'm SO happy with how they turned out and I plan on making several more. I'm glad to have finished them in time for Christmas and I'll add them to the rest of my homemade gifts.

I also had the best time making these last week... each night after James fell asleep I threw a log on the fireplace, turned on some Christmas tunes, and with a warm kitty sleeping next to me and the twinkling glow of the Christmas tree, I sewed to my hearts content into the wee hours of the morning.

I plan on using these cuties for all sorts of learning activities. They are really easy to make and if you decide to create some of your own, please link back to this post.

{Why Le Hoot? Well, in 2001 I went on a Euro study in Ireland and it was there I was nicknamed Le Hoot by my goofy (and much-missed) friend, Shannon. Ever since then whenever I see an owl, I think of her. :)}

Update: click here to see how I ended up using these for a learning activity.