Add some homespun charm to any room with these simple DIY projects

A heartFELT Christmas

Add some homespun charm to any room with these simple, affordable DIY projects

All Spruced Up

Give your guests the warmest of welcomes with a handmade wreath (opposite) that’s truly evergreen thanks to its quick-cut felt sprigs and pom-pom berries. On the tree, woolly pinecones, twisty icicles, a ruffled two-tone garland and a scalloped tree skirt—all made of felt!— complement lushly hued spheres and metallic orbs that multiply the twinkle from string lights.

In a season often known for sparkly excess, we’ve fallen hard for felt: Bright, nubby and touchable, it exudes the low-tech appeal of a gift from Grandma. Here, we make it modern with clever ideas in fresh, unexpected colors so you can cozy up your home from the front door to beneath the tree. Not crafty? No worries: This material is amazingly simple to work with, and these projects are every bit as easy as they are impressive.

Into the Woods

Turn your table into a winter wonderland with cut-out felt trees glued onto candleholders filled with faux snow. Place settings in a palette of white, green and silver make the scene as serene as the snowdrifts outdoors.

Michael Partenio. For templates and detailed instructions, go to goodhousekeeping.com/felt-crafts.

It’s a wrap!

So much more than a bow, a flower made of snipped and folded felt is not just a gift topper, but also a keepsake. It can later find new life as a tree ornament or a child’s hair bauble.

Not all felts are the same. Pure-wool felt is like a sweater — it will shrink when washed — so save it for ornaments and candleholders. For items that may need some cleaning (e.g., pillows and stockings), a felt that’s a wool-rayon blend or an acrylic is a better choice.

Sweet Dreams

Cue the visions of sugarplums! Pillows with snipped-out and glued-on holly leaves and letters (far left) provide holiday cheer at bedtime. Using offbeat shades like mauve, rust and ocher gives classic red and white a fresh twist.

Christmas Countdown

With all the staring outside that happens now (searching for snow or flying reindeer), why not give a prominent window some attention too? Dress it up (near left) with an Advent calendar of muslin bags filled with treats; drape a garland of leaves cut with pinking shears along its frame.

Stocking Feat

Folksy and whimsical, these embellished booties with blanket-stitched edges are just begging to be filled by Santa. Among the chic yet simple felt flourishes: pinwheels, faux foliage, stripes and more.